Hi my name is Natalie, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder in 2018 after a fall at a swimming pool. It has resulted in on set body and speech paralysis, non epileptic seizures and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. I never know from one day to the next whether the right side of my body will work from moving my legs, to simply being able to pick up a cup.

I now rely on my powered wheelchair for my independence. Independence is something we all take for granted from going to the shops, visiting family to creating new memories.

However, on 1st October 2024 my independence was taken away by an uber driver.

I requested an uber in my local town centre, I always message the drivers in advance to let them know I have a foldable wheelchair. The driver agreed the ride. Unfortunately, when the driver arrived the scenario was different.

They placed my wheelchair in the car without maneuvering it to fit the space of the boot. They then slammed my wheelchair onto the ground which resulted in the wheels and the mechanism locking. This was then followed by them refusing to take me to my requested location.

He then proceeded to drive off and leave me in my local town centre with a broken chair.

I have contacted Uber on numerous occasions to which they have advised me that they are not taking any liability, nor is the uber driver and there is nothing else they can do and they simply hang up.

I am struggling coming to terms with the fact that Uber simply state that they "understand my frustrations" and that their safety team is the highest team I can contact. Also, that they will note the incident to ensure it will not happen again. However, when mentioning the repairs needed for my wheelchair to work, they hang up and say " We have took up a lot of your time already"

My current wheelchair was over £2000, of which I paid myself out of money I planned to use to travel around America before coming ill.

I am currently unable to work due to my ongoing health conditions.

I understand in today's economy everyone is finding it hard day to day but if you could find it in your heart to help me get back to my life of being able to go out the front door and having independence again. Honestly, it would mean the world!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.