Help Michael Reclaim His Independence

UPDATE 04/07/25: Michaels chair has now completly stopped and he is reliant on manual chair that he can not use himself, so further independence lost.

(First fundraising event by myself will be travelling 13 miles in a manual wheelchair from my Gym in Blyth to Whitley Bay caravan park and back to raise funds and awareness)

We're raising funds to help Michael replace his wheelchair—something that’s far more than a way to get from A to B. For Michael, who has cerebral palsy, his chair is his independence, his confidence, and his access to the world.

Michael’s current wheelchair used to allow him to rise up and even stand—life-changing features that made daily tasks easier and gave him a sense of dignity. Being able to lift himself to eye level helped him feel seen, not smaller or “less than.” It gave him the freedom to reach things in shops, the ability to transfer more easily to beds or seats, and the simple joy of stretching out after a long day sitting.

From a physiological point of view, the ability to stand isn’t just about freedom—it’s vital to Michael’s health. Not being able to stand regularly has a knock-on effect on his bone density, joint health, and even digestion. His body isn’t designed to be seated all day, and his old chair allowed him to safely stretch out and support key bodily functions.

But now, that chair is breaking down.

The lift and standing functions no longer work.

The front headlight is missing.

The tyres are worn and unsafe.

The computer system often crashes, and I’ve personally seen it shut down completely while Michael was out in public—leaving him stranded, unable to move. The chair has no handles and weighs a ton. It’s not just broken—it’s dangerous.

To make things worse, Michael now struggles with curbs and access routes. His chair used to be able to raise up and mantle them, giving him far more freedom of movement. But now, he has to rely on drop curbs—which are few and far between and often blocked by parked cars. He’s forced to navigate a world that’s suddenly become far less accessible.

Michael has been on the NHS wheelchair services waiting list for over 18 months. Even when he gets a new chair, it won’t include the essential features that supported his physical and mental health. The kind of chair that truly gives him freedom isn’t an option through the standard system.

Despite these challenges, Michael is one of the most determined people I know. He trains with me twice a week, proudly sharing his progress on social media to inspire others. He also attends an accessible gym, plays badminton and boccia, goes bowling—and even takes part in horse-riding, which gives him a sense of freedom few activities can match.

Michael also volunteers at Lakes & Dales Shopping Market, a role that gives him purpose and connection to the community. But he relies on his chair’s lift and standing functions to do his tasks properly and independently—without them, even small jobs become impossible.

A suitable replacement chair in the UK would cost around £30,000—completely out of reach. But we’ve found an alternative from a trusted supplier in the USA that offers similar features for £13,000, and that’s what we’re aiming to raise.

Michael doesn’t want sympathy—he just wants to keep doing the things he loves, independently and confidently. Your donation will directly help him reclaim his mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

Every contribution, no matter how small, gets us closer to that goal.

Thank you for helping Michael stand tall again.