Hi everyone,

This isn’t something I ever imagined doing and it’s not easy to ask for help. But sometimes pride has to take a step back your independence comes into question.

A few months ago, a lovely colleague and her local church gifted me a mobility scooter that opened my world—popping to the shops, meeting friends, getting outdoors on my own terms. It’s now reached the end of its life and isn’t safe to use, so I’m asking for help to keep that independence going.

I’ve tried every formal route. I was told I’m not “disabled enough” to qualify for support. I was denied a wheelchair because I don’t use one indoors. My application for a wet-room grant—to shower independently instead of needing my partner’s help—was refused because I’m in full-time work. Getting it done privately was quoted at £15,000, which just isn’t possible.

I also applied for a disabled parking bay outside my home on 15 March 2024. It was approved, but as of 8 October 2025 I’m still waiting—572 days—for a simple bay to be painted, despite escalating it with my council and the Mayor.

It leaves me wondering why the very independence my work gives me seems to count against me. I love my income because it’s tied to my job—and my job gives me purpose, strength, independence, and a sense of belonging. I love what I do, I contribute, and I pay taxes; I’m simply asking to access the same support we all pay into when I genuinely need it—why choosing to work and stay independent seems to put help further out of reach.

Being disabled is expensive by default: taxis when public transport isn’t accessible, higher costs for accessible cabs, repairs for mobility aids, specialist footwear and orthotics, occasional private physio when waiting lists are too long, higher utilities for charging equipment and extra laundry, and sometimes paying for deliveries because I can’t get shoes on independently when my partner’s at work. Everyday things many take for granted.

I’m hoping to raise £1,000 for a safe, good-spec mobility scooter so I can:

• Go shopping independently

• Run errands and manage daily life without pain and strain

• Do my job effectively

• Pop into town on my lunch break

• Use public transport and enjoy day trips

Both my partner and I work full-time, but we can’t afford this right now. I know times are tough, and I truly don’t want to come across as entitled—I have no expectation that anyone should donate. If you’re able to help in any way—by donating any amount or simply sharing this page to raise awareness—it would mean the world to me.

Thank you for reading and for anything you can do.

Lots of love

H xx