Hi, my name is Shaun.

I have Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy type 2B (Dysferlinopathy), a progressive, incurable neuromuscular condition that causes increasing weakness in both my arms and legs and a gradual loss of mobility. My condition has now progressed to the point where I am a full-time wheelchair user, as it is no longer safe for me to stand or walk. When I need to stand in order to transfer or move very short distances, I am at high risk of falling, and in the past, I have suffered severe bruising and facial injuries as a result.

I currently use a fully manual wheelchair. Because the condition also affects my arms and shoulders, I have lost a significant amount of upper-body strength. This means I can only move myself very short distances on flat, smooth ground. Slopes, uneven pavements, or anything beyond a brief trip are not manageable. As a result, I cannot get out independently.

At the moment, I am effectively housebound and have been for around six months. This is likely to continue unless I can obtain suitable equipment that allows me to get out on my own.

My fiancée is pregnant, and as my mobility has declined and her pregnancy has progressed, she is no longer able to push my wheelchair. The physical demands of pregnancy and caring for a baby mean this is unsafe and cannot be relied upon going forward. This has made my lack of independent propulsion even more limiting, as I am increasingly unable to rely on others to move me safely. A powered attachment would allow me to manage my own movement again, rather than depending on someone else’s physical capacity.

I have an 8-year-old son and a baby on the way, and like any parent, I want to be able to do ordinary, everyday things with them — getting out of the house, going to the park, or simply being present in their lives. I am also trying to stay engaged in volunteering and training, with the hope of eventually returning to work if my health allows. At the moment, my lack of independent mobility makes even basic appointments and activities extremely difficult, if not impossible.

I am trying to raise funds for a Klaxon 14” electric power attachment for my wheelchair, which costs around £5,000. This detachable powered front wheel converts a manual wheelchair into a small electric trike.

A fully motorised wheelchair is not suitable for me. I do not have the space to store or charge one, I cannot transport one in a car, and I still need a lightweight manual chair to move around my home and indoor spaces. My current wheelchair can be easily dismantled and transported, which is essential for daily life. The powered attachment would complement this by allowing me to manage outdoor distances, slopes, and uneven ground — things that currently prevent me from leaving the house — while still keeping my wheelchair practical and usable indoors.

This attachment would make a very real, practical difference. It would allow me to:

• Leave the house independently

• Travel further without injuring my shoulders

• Manage slopes and uneven surfaces safely

• Get to appointments, everyday activities, and family outings on my own

• Reduce my reliance on family and carers

• Regain a basic level of independence and dignity

This won’t cure my condition or remove my need for care. But it would give me back a level of freedom and mobility that I currently don’t have.

Like many disabled people, I live on disability benefits. I have no savings and no spare income, and equipment like this is simply not affordable for me without help. I have explored charitable grants and support schemes, but so far have been unable to secure funding through those routes.

If you’re able to donate, even a small amount, you’ll be helping me be more present in my children’s lives and take part in the world beyond my front door. If you can’t donate, sharing this would also mean a great deal.

Thank you very much for reading and for any support you can offer.