Hi, my name is Mat, and I’m fundraising to help raise the money for a specialist, lightweight wheelchair that will give me back some independence in my daily life.

I have suffered with seizures for the past 5 years and, in May 2024, I was finally given the diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). As well as causing seizures, FND blocks neuropathic pathways which, in my case, has caused severe weakness in my left leg. I have been unable to walk unaided for the past year. This means that I often miss out on quality time with my family due to not having the correct mobility aids to help me - especially for days out etc…

Alongside this, I also live with Fibromyalgia, which leaves me in constant pain - especially in my legs. Since my diagnosis, I’ve relied on a crutch, a standard wheelchair and, on occasion, a mobility scooter to get around.

Whilst I’m grateful to have access to equipment provided by the NHS, unfortunately a standard wheelchair is heavy, difficult to manoeuvre, and doesn’t give me the freedom I need. Walking with just a crutch often feels unsafe because of my seizures and unsteadiness, while the mobility scooter doesn’t allow me to stay active.

A lightweight, active wheelchair would be life-changing. It would give me a much greater degree of safety and independence, allow me to get outdoors more often, and give me the chance to exercise by self-propelling—something that would benefit both my physical and mental health.

However, these are not cheap - hence the reason for this page.  The base price for a typical wheelchair is around £3000 plus another £500-£1000 for the customisation of it so that it is adapted specifically for me. 

Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to me. It would help me take back some control over my life, improve my quality of living, and give me the confidence to get out and enjoy the world again. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for any help you can give.