Transform Leah's life with a custom wheelchair ♿️

Hi I'm Leah,

I'm a 21 year old with an assistance dog in training (Mabel). Mabel is 5 months old and it will take around 2 years to fully training her. She has already learnt to detect my seizures and make sure I get into a safe place before it happens. I first became a wheelchair user when I was 17 and prior to this my mobility was not affected.

I was originally planning to study Business Managent at university after my Business course at college, had been offered a place at university. Which ended up being delayed. This is when my health was deteriorating. This is when i decided to work in administration. I plan to go to University in the future.

Until the previous 6 months I had been working in administration however I had to leave as no reasonable adjustments where put into place, in a 2 year time frame. (Even when they where aprroved) My health dramatically deteriorated due to this.

I have multiple medical conditions affecting my daily life. However Functional Neurological Disorder impacts my mobility the most. Functional Neurological Disorder, is a neurological condition that affects all aspects of my mobility. My brain sends the wrong messages to my nervous system. Some of my symptoms include- Non epileptic seizures, temporarily paralysis, functional tics and weakness in all of my body. My Functional Neurological Disorder is a lifelong condition.

Like many wheelchair users, I initially assumed I would be given a wheelchair suitable for my needs via the NHS. Unfortunately this is not currently the case as they are hugely underfunded, understaffed and over subscribed.I have been stuck on their waiting list for a suitable custom wheelchair for over 3 years. It doesn't look like they will provide me with one for potentially over a year/ multiple years. As in April they are changing supplier which will increase the wait. I have previously purchased my own custom chair (Via a bank loan I'm still paying) however this is no longer fit for my needs. Unfortunately I do not have the funds to purchase this myself as it would take me years to save up. Due to the fact I am still paying of the previous chair and will be for a few years.

After thorough research and professional advice, fiting and meaurements taken. I have decided that the Ki mobility Rouge 2 would be the most beneficial option and fit my needs best. The Rouge 2 is a custom active chair meaning it is good for everyday full time use and is also fit for my needs.

The Rouge 2 fits my needs in the following ways:

-The backrest will provide lateral support, meaning it holds my body properly by curving round the side of my body, therfore holding me up properly when I'm unable to do so as i have a weak core. This is typically daily. If I do not have this support I'm unable to sit in a wheelchair properly, as my body falls to the side.

-The push rims (the bit you self propell with) would also be curved to enable me to hold them better. I'm unable to hold standard push rims due to my grip from my cubital tunnel syndrome.

-The chair is light weight meaning so it is easier to self propell in.

-It will have removable armrest for additional support, however they do come off as due to my Cubital tunnel syndrome I'm only able to lean on arm rests some of the time. As this makes the condition worse. I am also trying to delay having an operation for this. As my consultant had said once I start having these operations I will have to have them every 5 years.

-The anti tip will provide me safety during my siezures as it will stop the wheelchair tipping back.

-This wheelchair will allow me to take my assistance dog in training out independently which simply isn't possible with my current chair. It would also allow me to enter and leave the home independently as I would be able to get the wheelchair I'm and out of the property.

Not only will this wheelchair provide new found independence and comfort, but it will also completely transform my quality of life by enabling me to increase my social life. It would also help with training my assistance dog (ADIT) as I will be able to navigate day to day life alot better. It would dramatically decrease my pain.

The only downside is the cost. This means donations both big and small would be gratefully received. It would also be much appreciated if you could share this page to help spread the word.

Thanks,

Leah and Mabel

All funds will go towards the wheelchair.