Laura's wheelchair fund

Hello! My name is Laura and I am a 28 years old.  I am looking to raise funds for a new electric wheelchair, my current one has served its mistress well for nearly 10 years and has finally had enough.  It no longer supports me and has finally become very uncomfortable to sit in due to the seating and back support not being suitable anymore.  I have got a quote for the most suitable wheelchair, the Quickie Jive Hybrid.  The cost is £13,000.  It includes a specialist moulded back support and seating, tilt, raiser and reclines to allow me to change body pressure. Having the functions of tilt, raiser and recline have a hugely positive impact on my day-to-day life.  To be independent enough to reach shelves in shops, cook my meals, to peering over people’s shoulders at music events (my absolute passion)!  The recline feature will bring much relief for me as sitting in a wheelchair for so long means muscles get stiff and cause a lot of pain.  The reclining feature will allow me to stretch out and ease my muscles and pain.  Although the functions would be greatly beneficial to me, it is not something the NHS deems ‘necessary’ and they will only fund a basic wheelchair that I feel doesn’t fit my needs.

So far I have managed to get a NHS voucher of £2,500 and a grant from the Joseph Patrick trust of £2,500. I am looking to raise £7,800 so that I can finally get my new wheelchair and be comfortable and independent.

So what would it mean to have a new wheelchair?  It would enable me to continue leading a very active and busy life which I enjoy thoroughly.  I work part-time as an After School Club Supervisor at a local primary school running different activities with the kids.  I have been involved with the local Rainbows and Brownies for over four years, which is immense fun, and training to be a leader.  I am a correspondent and editor for a local magazine, keeping my fellow villagers up-to-date with the going-ons of our surrounding areas; plenty of fetes and events a-happening, who knew?!   I am also an ambassador for Whizz-Kidz, Helen and Douglas House Hospice and Muscular Dystrophy UK’s young campaigner’s network ‘Trailblazers’. 



In my down-time I chill out, enjoy baking sweet treats and travelling.  Having an electric wheelchair has enabled me to enjoy the simple things of life and also have brilliant adventures.  From travelling to countries I never thought possible, Japan and South Africa, to enjoying live performances with my twin sister.  We’re both avid music and musical lovers!!




All-in-all it keeps me occupied and gets me out of the house.  I am looking at getting my wheelchair before the year is out, New Year’s resolution, and also due to the fact I am having more discomfort being in my wheelchair, which is obviously problematic as I am in it full time. 

Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated to get me on my way to being comfortable in a new wheelchair and to enjoying life fully.  Many thanks for reading and feel free to spread the word!