Help Me Get the Wheelchair That Will Give Me My Life Back!

Hi, I’m Aoife. I’m 20 years old, and just a few months ago, I was happy, active, and outgoing. I loved moving, being independent, and skateboarding. But within the last two months, my life has completely changed.

It started suddenly, I developed PNES seizures, and then, out of nowhere, I lost my ability to walk. My legs just stopped working. When I try to stand, I collapse to the ground, there’s no balance, no control, nothing.

I went from walking, running, skating, seeing friends and living freely to being completely reliant on a wheelchair overnight.

What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

I have Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition where the brain struggles to send and receive signals properly. It affects movement, sensation, and even cognitive functions. Unlike other neurological conditions, FND does not show up on standard medical tests, which makes it widely misunderstood but it is very real and incredibly disabling.

For me, FND has taken away my ability to walk. My brain can no longer control my legs properly, which means when I try to stand or move, I simply fall to the ground. I have no balance, no coordination, and no way to walk safely, so I rely entirely on a wheelchair to get around.

This condition has completely changed my life. Losing my mobility so suddenly has been heart breaking. I never thought I’d go from being independent and active to struggling just to get through the day.

Why I Need This Wheelchair

Right now, I have a secondhand wheelchair, and while I’m grateful to have it, it’s not designed for me. It’s heavy, difficult to move, and constantly limits where I can go. Instead of helping me regain my freedom, it’s holding me back.

I just turned 20, and I don’t want to feel stuck anymore. I want to be able to move freely, regain my independence, and truly live my life again.

A custom, lightweight wheelchair will allow me to:

✔️ Move independently instead of struggling with a chair that isn’t built for me

✔️ Navigate the cobblestones and rough streets of Bruges without getting stuck

✔️ Do the things I love again, like going outside, spending time with my family and friends, and maybe even trying adaptive sports

✔️ Feel like myself again. Not just someone struggling to get by, but someone who is actually living

The FreeWheel attachment will also be a game changer, allowing me to go over rough terrain, curbs, and gravel without getting stuck every few meters.

Why I Need Your Help

The custom wheelchair, FreeWheel and SmartDrive I need cost €13000, me and my family can sadly not afford this.

This wheelchair isn’t just about mobility, it’s about getting my life back. If you’re able to donate even just a few euros it would mean the world to me. And if you can’t donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help spread the word.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness, support, and generosity will help me regain the independence I lost.