Hi everyone.

Most of you who have clicked the link will know me and my medical background, but for those who don’t I’ll do an introduction and a rundown of the last 5 years.

My name is Sophie and at age 19 I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (also known as PoTs). I was in and out of work and the hospital with fainting episodes, dizziness, high heart rates and so many other symptoms before receiving my diagnosis. For the last 5 years I have lived with PoTs and feel I have adapted well, I bought a standard wheelchair that gets me from place to place and have managed to travel and stay as mobile as possible.

Unfortunately, around 3 years ago I developed some symptoms which did not align with my diagnosis of PoTs. These symptoms included motor and vocal tics, dissociative episodes, seizures and more. It was a very scary time when we had no idea what was going on.

Now, 3 years on I have just received my diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is the cause for all of these new symptoms. This new diagnosis, along with my PoTs, have caused me so many new challenges and things to face. I have seizures almost daily, episodes of dystonia (locked limbs), tremors and temporary paralysis, as well as dissociative seizures, fatigue and the other symptoms such as vocal and motor tics that come and go.

Now, you’re likely thinking- this girl already has a wheelchair, why is she fundraising for another? And that is a very good question. Unfortunately, at the time I bought my current wheelchair, I had hope that I would be able to one day use it less or not at all, however with this diagnosis of FND and the symptoms it causes, I now need a wheelchair more than ever to get around, particularly on the days where my paralysis kicks in. A new, custom wheelchair would allow me to be more comfortable, be used in the house and make me feel more like me. At the moment my wheelchair feels like something I have to use, rather than something I feel proud to own. A new wheelchair would truly change my life, allow me to feel like me and make me more comfortable.

Medical aids are unfortunately not very accessible for those with lower incomes and the NHS waiting lists show a long road ahead. There is also no guarantee I would receive a wheelchair from the NHS as I am ambulatory at times.

I thank you for reading this and for all the support everyone has given me, whether it be with a donation, a share or a kind message. Your support means the world, always.

-Sophie