My name is Phoebe, I’m 26 and I live in the South West. I’m raising funds to buy a specialist defensive rugby wheelchair, which costs around £6820. This chair would allow me to take part safely and fully in a sport I’ve wanted to play for most of my life.

I have cerebral palsy with right-sided hemiplegia, which means the whole right side of my body is weaker and harder to control. I have limited strength and coordination in my right arm and leg, so I rely heavily on my left side. I also have lymphoedema, which causes swelling of my limbs, fatigue, is very painful and affects my recovery. I use a motorised wheelchair day to day and need extra support and stability when doing physical activity.

I currently attend and train with the West Country Hawks wheelchair rugby club. I show up, I learn, and I join in where I can, but I’m unable to participate properly or safely without a correctly fitted rugby wheelchair. Standard rugby chairs don’t support my body or protect my weaker side, which means I can’t train fully or take part in matches.

Wheelchair rugby means a lot to me. I first discovered it at secondary school, but I was held back by the same barriers I face now: lack of the right equipment. As an adult, I’ve returned to the sport because I still love it. It gives me motivation, confidence, and a sense of belonging. It also supports my mental health, helping me stay focused, active and connected.

The chair I need would be adapted specifically for me. It would:

• Support and stabilise my weaker right side

• Allow me to move and turn safely using my stronger left arm

• Let me train properly and build strength

• Give me a real chance to progress and compete in competitive tournaments

• It will also improve my lymphedema and weight loss being physically active

I’m applying for grants, but funding is limited as I am over the age the 25, I don’t fit in many of the criteria to obtain the funding that I require to achieve my dream and it is competitive. Any contribution, no matter how small, would help me get closer to my goal. If you can’t donate, sharing this page would also mean a lot.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me to access sport on equal terms.