Get Patrick Moving
Donation protected
I need your help to get behind the wheel of a drive-from-wheelchair car ... and truly change my life!
I’m Patrick. I’m a 28-year-old high school teacher working on the Sunshine Coast and I have cerebral palsy. I love my job and it's my dream to drive myself to and from work.
I need to take my electric wheelchair everywhere I go and rely on people (mostly mum) to drive me around in our family wagon. Weighing 80 kilos, it can’t be lifted, so mum wheels it manually up on ramps – which is hard work, although she’s a master at it.
There is a solution: put me in the driving seat. But there’s a hitch ... the $175k pricetag for my first car.
While some people’s first cars can cost as little as $500, mine is going to cost in excess of $175k. It needs to be a van to fit the wheelchair (a big expense already!), and it needs about 6 months worth of modifications (another big expense). Even with some help from government disability funding & my own savings, I'm still short about $115k.
I’ve taken the first steps: got my learners license, found a company (based in Melbourne) that can convert the van for my needs, had the fittings, and got the quotes.
That’s where I need your help, to raise money for a converted vehicle that I can drive solo.
Like everyone knows – a car can make a real difference to your ability to be mobile. If I can drive myself, then I can not only go places but finally be able to do it by myself.
Every little bit helps & offline donations are also welcome. I might take you for a spin if you’re lucky. But NO BACKSEAT DRIVERS!
What does the car look like?
Converting a VW Multivan allows me to drive without getting out of my wheelchair. The van will be fitted with an electronic rear access tailgate (with a ramp I can operate myself), hand controls and a mechanism for my wheelchair to lock into the driver’s position automatically before starting the engine.
My first car will mean I can …
- drive myself to and from work (that's 200km a week!)
- get involved with other activities at the Sunshine Coast University, networking groups and professional development
- help with the grocery shopping – watch out MKR!
- visit friends and go to the movies, without asking someone to drive me.
I appreciate your support and will keep you updated as I get moving!
Thank you, Patrick! Toot toot.
I’m Patrick. I’m a 28-year-old high school teacher working on the Sunshine Coast and I have cerebral palsy. I love my job and it's my dream to drive myself to and from work.
I need to take my electric wheelchair everywhere I go and rely on people (mostly mum) to drive me around in our family wagon. Weighing 80 kilos, it can’t be lifted, so mum wheels it manually up on ramps – which is hard work, although she’s a master at it.
There is a solution: put me in the driving seat. But there’s a hitch ... the $175k pricetag for my first car.
While some people’s first cars can cost as little as $500, mine is going to cost in excess of $175k. It needs to be a van to fit the wheelchair (a big expense already!), and it needs about 6 months worth of modifications (another big expense). Even with some help from government disability funding & my own savings, I'm still short about $115k.
I’ve taken the first steps: got my learners license, found a company (based in Melbourne) that can convert the van for my needs, had the fittings, and got the quotes.
That’s where I need your help, to raise money for a converted vehicle that I can drive solo.
Like everyone knows – a car can make a real difference to your ability to be mobile. If I can drive myself, then I can not only go places but finally be able to do it by myself.
Every little bit helps & offline donations are also welcome. I might take you for a spin if you’re lucky. But NO BACKSEAT DRIVERS!
What does the car look like?
Converting a VW Multivan allows me to drive without getting out of my wheelchair. The van will be fitted with an electronic rear access tailgate (with a ramp I can operate myself), hand controls and a mechanism for my wheelchair to lock into the driver’s position automatically before starting the engine.
My first car will mean I can …
- drive myself to and from work (that's 200km a week!)
- get involved with other activities at the Sunshine Coast University, networking groups and professional development
- help with the grocery shopping – watch out MKR!
- visit friends and go to the movies, without asking someone to drive me.
I appreciate your support and will keep you updated as I get moving!
Thank you, Patrick! Toot toot.
Organizer
Patrick Walden
Organizer
Diddillibah QLD
