MND Plea! Help Scott Sinden get better Mobility!!
Donation protected
Scott Sinden is an award winning photographer who is also EnduringMND... (check out his Facebook pages for some stunning images...)
MND/Kennedys has robbed him of most of the mobility he used to have and he had to retire on health grounds...now his condition seriously restricts what he can do.
As Scott previously served the UK in both Military and Police, I've nothing but utter admiration for how he's coped with this challenge. COVID and Lockdown has added to the challenges. Scott relies on specialist equipment for movement and breathing aid. His current scooter can only cope with flat surfaces. He's been shielding now for a year, gone no-where at all, had to have all medical appointments over the phone & live with the threat of COVID as a potential killer biohazard with every doorstep delivery.
I'm hoping this fundraiser might get some contributions toward a mobility scooter that can cope with a bit of terrain. The TerrainHopper Overlander we are looking at would allow Scott back out into his beloved countryside to live again, to carry on with the photography that has become his passion (and sanity saver).
It would be amazing if we can also get some assistance from some connected charities, but those applications take a long time, and they rarely cover all of what's needed. Please...Can you help a hero?
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12/03/21
I asked Scott to write out a mini biographical piece and he’s sent over the following... having read it I’m personally more determined than ever that he deserves all the help we can give and hope you might agree.
Scotts Story:
I left school and joined a local printing company and qualified as a Pre-Press Originator based in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
I was 24 years old when in 1993 I joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as a Special Constable, stationed at Stroud Police Station until 1996.
In 1996 I enlisted with the Royal Air Force and passed out of RAF Holton, RAF Police Training school as an Acting Corporal. My first posting was the former RAF Manston, now MOD FSCE a former RAF training school for firefighters. Kent was some distance from home in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. During my posting at Manston I met my wife Geraldine. We have been married 20 years.
In 2001, I completed a detachment in Kuwait (Op. Resinate South) stationed at Ali Al Salem air base. My final posting was at RAF Brize Norton before leaving the RAF to join the Prison Service.
I joined the Prison Service and worked at HMP Belmarsh before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 2005. I passed out from Hendon and posted to the former Bexley Borough, RY. I worked on response team and eventually with Safer Neighbourhood Team at Sidcup.
I transferred to Kent Police after approximately a year I transferred back to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to deliver the Department of Information (DOI) rollout of the PDA project. The handheld devices transformed frontline officers’ ability to access PNC, Stop and Search records and produce PND’s on the street.
I returned to frontline duties based at Bexley working with Brampton SNT. In 2012 I was diagnosed with Kennedy’s disease. I was a Trainer at Marlowe House, Sidcup before deciding to retire under medical grounds in 2014.
During the course of my service I was awarded the GSM (clasp), Diamond and Golden Jubilee medals.
I took up photography after my retirement. It quickly progressed from a hobby and welcome distraction from my diagnosis and the hospital appointments. I started a BA Photography degree with the Open College of Arts (OCA). During this time I gained my Licentiateship – LDPS with the Disabled Photographers’ Society and a Diploma in Photography with Open University.
At this stage in my photography journey my work had gained significant success and I had gained a number of awards and won a national photographic competition and subsequently published images with Digital Camera magazine.
I am a member of the local MS Centre where I use Oxygen Therapy to help manage fatigue and some of the symptoms of MND. I photographed the second to last flight of the Vulcan XH558, “The Spirit of Great Britain” as it flew over Reculver Towers. The local press ‘Whistable Times’, used my image which led to a local retired Flt Lt who flew the Vulcan to contact me. A signed copy of the photograph by Flt Lt (Retd.) Martin Withers was auctioned by the MS Centre, Canterbury raising over £250.
For those who do not know who he is Martin Withers was a Flight Lieutenant at the time of Black Buck 1, the first of seven Vulcan bomber missions which effectively marked the beginning of the conflict. The 16-hour flight from Ascension Island to Port Stanley and back on April 30 and May 1, 1982 was also the longest non-stop bombing mission in history.
My work was sold to raise funds for both the MNDA and the MS Society. Over time BBC SouthEast selected a number of my wildlife and landscape photos for Picture of the Day.
They also launched BBC Weather Watchers using a number of my photographs which was presented by Rachel Mackley on BBC SouthEast News. They (BBC) followed this up with an in-depth interview on location at Reculver. I was one of a handful of photographers’ in a short series called ‘Behind the Lens’.
As my condition has continued to deteriorate it has become much more difficult to get out and about. I was forced to change my manual wheelchair because I could no longer self propel. The MNDA recommended my power wheelchair and partly funded some specific adaptations.
My current power chair is designed for places that are predominantly limited to flat surfaces. It is not suitable for rough terrain or uneven surfaces, gravel, sand or muddy paths. This limits my ability to access the landscapes and nature reserves.
I am a member of the RSPB, The Hawk and Owl Trust and Elmley Nature Reserve.
As my condition has changed over time I have adapted with my photography and used disabled accessible photo studios to pursue projects with ballet dancers and create bespoke headdress from paper for models to wear. Some of these have been created and fitted specifically to the model.
My portrait work has featured on the front cover of the Disabled Photographers’ Society Magazine, Spring 2018.
In December of 2019, I completed my final studio project collaborating with a local tattoo studio, Clockwork Ink tattoo studio, Faversham. Molly, the owner and I complied some of her clients to document the tattoos for one of my university assignments within the module of Context & Narrative. This is an ongoing project and was intended to be pursued, however, that was all paused by COVID.
Before the start of the first lockdown my wife Ged and I decided to commence shielding and we have done so since the 7th March 2020. I am pleased that we have had the vaccine and due our second in a weeks time. I hope that I can then leave the home and get out again in a Covid secure way. The continuous shielding has impacted on my mental health and lack of socialisation.
I have essentially been in my home for a year, Ged was made redundant after 14 years working for BOC. Ged is a qualified reflexologist and intended to turn her part-time business to a full-time occupation. Unfortunately, like so many she was forced to close at each lockdown due to the COVID restrictions. Ged did not qualify for any grants or assistance. The MNDA continued to support us during the pandemic and funded a Quality of Life Grant to maintain social contact using an iPad.
In July 2012, I was diagnosed with TypeII Respiratory Failure. This is serious if left unmanaged it would ultimately cause my death due to the complications. I now rely on Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), this is the same equipment used to treat COVID patients in ICU. I use a combination of NIV and Mouth Piece Ventilation (MPV) depending on what activity I am doing. I have to use a cough assist machine to clear secretions because my muscles cannot cough effectively.
My mobility has affected me and the ability to be independent as possible. I require personal care assistants for my day to day care and overnight care. However, due to the shortages of PPE and FFP3 masks this placed a massive strain on us.
Ged is the sole carer due to the complexity of my condition and risk of exposure to COVID compounded by the lack of available PPE. I am desperate to get back out into the countryside and start to photograph the landscapes, sunsets and sunrises and the wildlife of Kent and beyond. I am also an experienced beekeeper with several hives which I still tend to with the support of my friend and fellow beekeeper. There is nothing more relaxing and mesmerising than watching a beehive in Summer!
I love nature, it’s a privilege to capture some of its beauty, and to get to share that with other people, it’s a connection to the world & something I can still do to make a difference, raising awareness of MND & Kennedy’s Disease. The disease does not define me the photography does!
What is missing is a capable all terrain power wheelchair that would enable me to get back out safely to the countryside with my camera and be independent once again.
MND/Kennedys has robbed him of most of the mobility he used to have and he had to retire on health grounds...now his condition seriously restricts what he can do.
As Scott previously served the UK in both Military and Police, I've nothing but utter admiration for how he's coped with this challenge. COVID and Lockdown has added to the challenges. Scott relies on specialist equipment for movement and breathing aid. His current scooter can only cope with flat surfaces. He's been shielding now for a year, gone no-where at all, had to have all medical appointments over the phone & live with the threat of COVID as a potential killer biohazard with every doorstep delivery.
I'm hoping this fundraiser might get some contributions toward a mobility scooter that can cope with a bit of terrain. The TerrainHopper Overlander we are looking at would allow Scott back out into his beloved countryside to live again, to carry on with the photography that has become his passion (and sanity saver).
It would be amazing if we can also get some assistance from some connected charities, but those applications take a long time, and they rarely cover all of what's needed. Please...Can you help a hero?
—————————————————————
12/03/21
I asked Scott to write out a mini biographical piece and he’s sent over the following... having read it I’m personally more determined than ever that he deserves all the help we can give and hope you might agree.
Scotts Story:
I left school and joined a local printing company and qualified as a Pre-Press Originator based in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
I was 24 years old when in 1993 I joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as a Special Constable, stationed at Stroud Police Station until 1996.
In 1996 I enlisted with the Royal Air Force and passed out of RAF Holton, RAF Police Training school as an Acting Corporal. My first posting was the former RAF Manston, now MOD FSCE a former RAF training school for firefighters. Kent was some distance from home in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. During my posting at Manston I met my wife Geraldine. We have been married 20 years.
In 2001, I completed a detachment in Kuwait (Op. Resinate South) stationed at Ali Al Salem air base. My final posting was at RAF Brize Norton before leaving the RAF to join the Prison Service.
I joined the Prison Service and worked at HMP Belmarsh before joining the Metropolitan Police Service in 2005. I passed out from Hendon and posted to the former Bexley Borough, RY. I worked on response team and eventually with Safer Neighbourhood Team at Sidcup.
I transferred to Kent Police after approximately a year I transferred back to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to deliver the Department of Information (DOI) rollout of the PDA project. The handheld devices transformed frontline officers’ ability to access PNC, Stop and Search records and produce PND’s on the street.
I returned to frontline duties based at Bexley working with Brampton SNT. In 2012 I was diagnosed with Kennedy’s disease. I was a Trainer at Marlowe House, Sidcup before deciding to retire under medical grounds in 2014.
During the course of my service I was awarded the GSM (clasp), Diamond and Golden Jubilee medals.
I took up photography after my retirement. It quickly progressed from a hobby and welcome distraction from my diagnosis and the hospital appointments. I started a BA Photography degree with the Open College of Arts (OCA). During this time I gained my Licentiateship – LDPS with the Disabled Photographers’ Society and a Diploma in Photography with Open University.
At this stage in my photography journey my work had gained significant success and I had gained a number of awards and won a national photographic competition and subsequently published images with Digital Camera magazine.
I am a member of the local MS Centre where I use Oxygen Therapy to help manage fatigue and some of the symptoms of MND. I photographed the second to last flight of the Vulcan XH558, “The Spirit of Great Britain” as it flew over Reculver Towers. The local press ‘Whistable Times’, used my image which led to a local retired Flt Lt who flew the Vulcan to contact me. A signed copy of the photograph by Flt Lt (Retd.) Martin Withers was auctioned by the MS Centre, Canterbury raising over £250.
For those who do not know who he is Martin Withers was a Flight Lieutenant at the time of Black Buck 1, the first of seven Vulcan bomber missions which effectively marked the beginning of the conflict. The 16-hour flight from Ascension Island to Port Stanley and back on April 30 and May 1, 1982 was also the longest non-stop bombing mission in history.
My work was sold to raise funds for both the MNDA and the MS Society. Over time BBC SouthEast selected a number of my wildlife and landscape photos for Picture of the Day.
They also launched BBC Weather Watchers using a number of my photographs which was presented by Rachel Mackley on BBC SouthEast News. They (BBC) followed this up with an in-depth interview on location at Reculver. I was one of a handful of photographers’ in a short series called ‘Behind the Lens’.
As my condition has continued to deteriorate it has become much more difficult to get out and about. I was forced to change my manual wheelchair because I could no longer self propel. The MNDA recommended my power wheelchair and partly funded some specific adaptations.
My current power chair is designed for places that are predominantly limited to flat surfaces. It is not suitable for rough terrain or uneven surfaces, gravel, sand or muddy paths. This limits my ability to access the landscapes and nature reserves.
I am a member of the RSPB, The Hawk and Owl Trust and Elmley Nature Reserve.
As my condition has changed over time I have adapted with my photography and used disabled accessible photo studios to pursue projects with ballet dancers and create bespoke headdress from paper for models to wear. Some of these have been created and fitted specifically to the model.
My portrait work has featured on the front cover of the Disabled Photographers’ Society Magazine, Spring 2018.
In December of 2019, I completed my final studio project collaborating with a local tattoo studio, Clockwork Ink tattoo studio, Faversham. Molly, the owner and I complied some of her clients to document the tattoos for one of my university assignments within the module of Context & Narrative. This is an ongoing project and was intended to be pursued, however, that was all paused by COVID.
Before the start of the first lockdown my wife Ged and I decided to commence shielding and we have done so since the 7th March 2020. I am pleased that we have had the vaccine and due our second in a weeks time. I hope that I can then leave the home and get out again in a Covid secure way. The continuous shielding has impacted on my mental health and lack of socialisation.
I have essentially been in my home for a year, Ged was made redundant after 14 years working for BOC. Ged is a qualified reflexologist and intended to turn her part-time business to a full-time occupation. Unfortunately, like so many she was forced to close at each lockdown due to the COVID restrictions. Ged did not qualify for any grants or assistance. The MNDA continued to support us during the pandemic and funded a Quality of Life Grant to maintain social contact using an iPad.
In July 2012, I was diagnosed with TypeII Respiratory Failure. This is serious if left unmanaged it would ultimately cause my death due to the complications. I now rely on Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), this is the same equipment used to treat COVID patients in ICU. I use a combination of NIV and Mouth Piece Ventilation (MPV) depending on what activity I am doing. I have to use a cough assist machine to clear secretions because my muscles cannot cough effectively.
My mobility has affected me and the ability to be independent as possible. I require personal care assistants for my day to day care and overnight care. However, due to the shortages of PPE and FFP3 masks this placed a massive strain on us.
Ged is the sole carer due to the complexity of my condition and risk of exposure to COVID compounded by the lack of available PPE. I am desperate to get back out into the countryside and start to photograph the landscapes, sunsets and sunrises and the wildlife of Kent and beyond. I am also an experienced beekeeper with several hives which I still tend to with the support of my friend and fellow beekeeper. There is nothing more relaxing and mesmerising than watching a beehive in Summer!
I love nature, it’s a privilege to capture some of its beauty, and to get to share that with other people, it’s a connection to the world & something I can still do to make a difference, raising awareness of MND & Kennedy’s Disease. The disease does not define me the photography does!
What is missing is a capable all terrain power wheelchair that would enable me to get back out safely to the countryside with my camera and be independent once again.
Co-organizers (3)
Mostly Sparkles
Organizer
England
Geraldine Lockyer-Sinden
Co-organizer
Scott Sinden
Co-organizer