Hi! Thank you so much for visiting my GoFundMe page. My name is Lily Alford, I am 25 years old, and living in Geelong, Victoria. The dog you see above is my Seeing Eye Dog Prince. He is 6 years old, and a beautiful boy who works very hard.

For those who don't know me, I am a fiercely independent and adaptable individual. I currently am a Gordon TAFE Diploma of Community Services student, and I am absolutely loving it. I have been fortunate enough to be nominated and shortlisted for a Gordon award of excellence in Community Services and Health for my dedication in 2025.

I am passionate about helping vulnerable members of our community, and have furthered my studies by beginning a double diploma in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) and mental health. I currently volunteer my time to Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, where I speak to puppy raisers and carers and am an active advocate for people with mobility impairments and vision impairments. I have recently had my petition for the NDIS to change the guidelines in relation to people experiencing blindness and mobility impairments to have access to guide dogs reach parliament, and do the odd media coverage from time to time. I am absolutely excited to start my career when my course concludes in May 2026.. But I need your help.

For those who don't know me, I was born premature at 27 weeks. This lead me to become legally blind due to a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity. In 2021, I received my seeing eye dog Prince and we have been a great team ever since. Unfortunately, also in 2021, I became unwell with what we now know was a neurological disorder and became mobility impaired. I require a wheelchair full time, experience debilitating at times symptoms and rely on catheterisation. I do not let this hold me back though, and have fought tooth and nail to get from bed bound to the function I have today. Overall, I have been rejected from the NDIS (and SWEP) 6 times over the last 5 years, including for a custom wheelchair - something that is very important for the posture and health of a full-time wheelchair user. I currently have a self funded non-custom wheelchair, that is unsuitable for my needs. It causes me pain, and is unsuitable for my lifestyle. It is also a very old chair, that they no longer make parts and replacements for. I require a wheelchair that is scripted, able to both be electric and manuel (so that I am able to use my guide dog safely, effectively as well as navigate my home and other areas where I do not require my dog guide). As well as folded, so that I am able to be driven in a car to work, and rurally to my family and friends without compromising on my independence using my dog guide.

Going into placement and the workplace very soon in the future, it has become necessary for me to ask for help. Currently, I am working on an application to the NDIS, but due to my condition changing, all of the previous treatments I have undertaken in the last 5 years cannot be used as evidence for the current application. I am currently undertaking treatment, but this will not be ready for 15 - 24 months, it also can take up to 12 months after application to be approved, and that is simply just too long for me to be waiting around. My mental and physical health has taken a beating from the constant rejections. I am very grateful for the NDIS and the supports it has given me (my guide dog and wonderful support workers) but I cannot continue to be independent and live my life without your help.

I have found a secondhand (basically brand new) wheelchair that is scripted the same as the chair I require for $7000, in my size, in my state. I would be absolutely grateful if anyone could donate, or share. I would be willing to pay back anyone who supports me in the future too if you wish. I have applied for loans (I can pay up to $250 per fortnight) but unfortunately being on the DSP, for most I am ineligible and a higher NILS loan does not cover, and is not eligible for a secondhand wheelchair. To receive this wheelchair would be incredible for me, and would take an incredible load off me physically and mentally. I will no longer have to stress about not being able to go and see my family or friends, and I would not have to worry about workplaces being inaccessible to me due to the compactness of this chair. I also would not have the ever looming anxiety that I will be unable to attend class, and need to withdraw, due to the uncertainty of my current chair.

Thankyou so much for taking the time to read this, and I thank you so much for donating or sharing. I hope to see you in the community soon!

Love, Lily & Prince. xox