Help Me Rebuild My Life with an Electric Wheelchair

For many years, I’ve struggled with mobility due to a congenital defect in my spine. The pathways where my nerves pass through the bones are narrowed, causing chronic pain and limiting movement. On top of that, a botched epidural during surgery while I was pregnant 25 years ago left lasting damage. Over time, walking has become more and more difficult, and now I rarely leave my home.

Living on the first floor makes it even harder—managing the stairs takes so much out of me that by the time I get out, I don’t have the strength to go far. Because of this, I’ve missed out on everyday life: visiting family, seeing friends, even something as simple as going to the park.

Recently, I had a glimpse of what life could be like. I went on a short trip with a friend and her grandson to visit my mum (who I hadn’t seen since 2022). At a horse sanctuary, they had self-propelled wheelchairs to borrow. For the first time in years, I was able to join in properly instead of sitting on the sidelines. That borrowed wheelchair gave me freedom and independence I’d almost forgotten were possible.

But it also showed me the limits. Propelling myself was exhausting, and my friend—who is tiny, works as a carer, and is the main caregiver for her grandson—tried to help, but pushing me around was too much for her. If she injured herself, she wouldn’t be able to care for her grandson or keep working. That’s why an electric wheelchair isn’t just a preference for me—it’s the only realistic, safe, and sustainable option.

Unfortunately, going through the NHS isn’t a solution. Because I live in an upstairs apartment with no lift, they would almost certainly only provide a manual wheelchair. I simply don’t have the upper body strength to propel one long-term, which leaves me stuck.

An electric wheelchair would change everything. It would give me the independence to visit my mum more often, go to the park, and rejoin everyday life. It would also help me rebuild my confidence and reduce the anxiety that has built up after being isolated at home for so long.

I’m trying to raise £2,700 to buy this wheelchair and regain the freedom I’ve been missing for years. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to this goal. Even just sharing this fundraiser would mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for your support.