Help Fund an Adapted Car for Amputee Tariq

Devastatingly a recent PIP review has deemed that amputee Tariq (who lost his leg in an horrific train accident) isn't disabled enough to qualify for the enhanced mobility element of PIP- meaning that the adapted Motability car that has been essential to his independence will be taken away from him. This leaves Tariq stranded at home, with no way to get to work and therefore no income to support himself.

We'd like to ask you to donate what you can to help us raise enough money to purchase an adapted car for Tariq enabling him to live with dignity and independence.

Being able to get around independently is obviously massively important in it's own right - but it also plays a huge part in Tariq's self respect, self worth and mental well being as it does with us all.

Tariq's family and friends simply cannot understand the decision to revoke his PIP and will be supporting him in making an appeal to get the decision overturned. We recognise that this can be a lengthy process with no guarantee of success so we appreciate your support. If you can't donate yourself please help by sharing this fundraising page on your socials.

Please read more about Tariq and how his disability impacts his life below:

The accident

Tariq lost his leg just below the hip and severely injured his arm in an horrific freak accident in 2001 when he was ran over by a train. He was dragged a third of a mile down the track. His leg was crushed and amputated at scene. His arm and hand was badly damaged with several fingers being lost as they were beyond repair. Surgeons managed to reconstruct what was left of his hand to give Tariq some limited function. (See photo)

Tariq was in a coma for more than 3 weeks after the accident and then faced a lengthy program of physical rehabilitation and mental readjustment to his "life-changing injuries".

"Walking"

Tariq uses crutches to "walk" -meaning his hands and arms essentially become his legs and carry his full weight. An immense amount of pressure goes through his hands - often leaving him with blisters and sores - especially on his reconstructed hand where the grafted skin is more fragile. Tariq has had multiple falls on the crutches - wet weather, uneven floor surfaces, and rough ground all provide crutch users with the risk of injury and Tariq is no stranger to this.

Constant walking on crutches puts additional pressure onto Tariq's joints meaning that walking any distance is difficult as is standing for any length of time. He experiences constant pain from this on top of the phantom limb pain that often plague amputees as well.

Day-to-Day tasks at home

Being reliant on crutches means that Tariq can't walk and carry things at the same time. So tasks as simple as carrying a cup of Coffee from the kitchen to the sofa are impossible for Tariq. Cups of coffee are drank at the kitchen counter. Dinner is eaten standing by the microwave. Meals need to be of the variety you can make without needing to carry a pan of boiling water to the sink, or carry a baking tray to the oven as this simply isn't possible when your hands are busy being your legs.

Basic tasks such as washing clothes and dishes are done hopping around on one leg - which obviously puts increased pressure onto Tariq's remaining leg and poses a risk of injury each time.

Positive Outlook

Tariq's injuries obviously were, and are devastating. But Tariq is a proud and determined man so since his accident he's always tried to be as independent as possible, working full time, supporting his son, trying to work out how he can accomplish tasks independently and take care of himself. He's also been actively involved in charity fundraising and local community events in Slough.

We (his friends and family) are incredibly proud of Tariq - he wants to live a normal independent life as we all do. His Motability car was his life-line that allowed him to do that, and we are all devastated for him that it's been taken away. We hope that the appeals process will enable this essential mobility aid to be returned to him, but in the meantime we are eternal grateful for any donation you can make to support his journey.