Independence shouldn’t have a price tag, but mine does

Imagine wearing a pair of shoes that don’t fit you.

Not for an hour.

Not for a day.

But for 12-hour shifts, errands, training, and everything in between.

A bad wheelchair affects everything — your posture, your mobility, your energy, your health, and even your mood.

That’s the reality I’m living.

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Who I Am

Hi, I’m Elle.

I was born with cerebral palsy caused by a brain bleed (a stroke) during my mum’s pregnancy. All I’ve ever known is life in a wheelchair — it’s my whole body’s mobility.

Despite every challenge, I’m driven by independence. I learned to live life completely independently, even though it wasn’t always like this. I fought through years of mental health struggles, physical limitations, and setbacks that could have stopped me — but didn’t.

Now I spend my life rebuilding my strength, my confidence, and my independence day by day.

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What I Do:

I work proudly for the NHS, and I create content for nearly 45,000 people across TikTok and Instagram. I show wheelchair users that their life is still worth living that independence, self-belief, and joy are possible.

My mission is to inspire, educate, and empower, and my wheelchair is the foundation of all of that.

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The Problem:

My current wheelchair simply isn’t meeting my needs anymore.

It’s heavy (around 12kg)

It’s difficult to push

It keeps breaking

It causes pressure sores and blisters

It holds me back instead of supporting me

I’m now fundraising for a new lightweight wheelchair that is:

• around 4kg

• built to my exact measurements

• easier to push

• better for my posture and body

• able to support my lifestyle, my job, and my goals

This type of chair is private, not provided through the NHS, and comes with a very high price tag — but it’s essential for my long-term independence.

This chair isn’t a luxury.

It’s freedom.

It’s independence.

It’s my mobility.

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What I’m Doing to Raise the Money

1️⃣ Hyrox Race

Hyrox is an international fitness event filled with heavy functional fitness stations and long pushing segments.

Some weights — like the sled push — are around 78kg.It’s one of the toughest challenges for wheelchair athletes.

2️⃣ A 10K Wheel

A full 10 kilometres in my chair.

3️⃣ A 5-Mile Swim

One of my biggest physical challenges yet.

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How You Can Help:

Any donation — small or big — brings me closer to a wheelchair that will genuinely change my daily life.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this page makes a massive difference.

Follow my journey here:

Instagram: @ellexdempsey

TikTok: @wheelwithelle

Thank you for helping me fight for independence and keep moving forward.

This wheelchair will change everything — and I’m so grateful for anyone who helps me get there.