Help Laura live a little - Wheelchair Fundraiser

Hi everyone!

My name is Laura, some people call me El.

I have a neurological condition that affects my ability to walk safely. I’m fundraising for a new wheelchair to allow me more freedom.

I currently have an electric wheelchair which has served me well, but it’s now breaking down frequently and becoming unsafe to use. I'm risking being stranded with a broken chair anytime I use it.

I am due to be moving in the next few months, and it has been recommended that I have a smaller, lighter manual chair ready for when I move. The wheelchair I need is a Quickie Nitrum, a custom fitted, lightweight and manoeuvrable chair. I’ll be able to feel secure out and about and not have to worry about breakdowns. It will be light and small enough to fit comfortably in a car, furthering my freedom. I’ll be able to enjoy days out with my loved ones with far less anxiety in regards to my chair.

I have been dealing with ill health for most of my life. I have never really been truly 'well'. Between severe asthma trying to kill me, chronic pain that has left me writhing on the floor and the neurological condition that has left me sometimes stuck in my home, things have been hard.

My conditions result in a really wide set of symptoms, but my numbness and weakness in my legs is the primary symptom, it's the symptom most obvious to others, but there are other symptoms people don’t see. I had meningitis as a child which caused some changes in my brain that resulted in an Epilepsy diagnosis years and years later.

I have a carer who visits two or three times a week. We complete high stress tasks that I couldn’t do on my own, such as food shopping, cooking, housework, phone calls, appointments etc.

Setting up this fundraiser was a really really tough decision, I don’t like to ask for anything. Accepting the help of my carers, and seeing how much my quality of life has improved, has made me accept the fact that asking for help, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me feel, is okay.

I’ve been assessed for a Quickie Nitrum and have settled that it is the right chair for me, one that will keep me safe, keep me comfortable, reduce my pain, but most importantly get me on the move.

If you are able to give anything, small or large to help me get this life changing chair I would be beyond grateful. Even if you can’t offer anything, even just sharing this would be very helpful for this cause. Thank you for taking your time to read my page and consider helping.

TLDR - I have a neurological condition that means I need a wheelchair. My current wheelchair is

breaking and unsafe. A new wheelchair, the Quickie Nitrum, will be life changing and will result

in more freedom, less pain and anxiety. Any donation is greatly appreciated.