Sid Desperately Needs A Light-Weight Wheelchair

Hi,

I’m Sid.

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis(MS) in 2013 and my active lifestyle collapsed. As a teenager I was into long distance and cross country running, badminton, and squash. After my studies, my interests moved into martial arts, and cycling; where I cycled, for charity, from Oxford to Cambridge. 

My MS progressed rather quickly, which meant I started using crutches to get about. But since 2014, I also had to rely on a wheelchair for my mobility needs. My local NHS Wheelchair Services, gave me a power chair, which was fine, with a manual wheelchair as a backup. But the manual chair was totally unsuitable for my needs. It, may have folded, but was just too heavy and clumsy for me to lift into the car. You couldn’t even take the wheels off. When collaborating with the Wheelchair Service, I was informed, that it was the only type and model of wheelchair supplied as a backup to a primary power chair. I had no choice, but to get my own manual chair. 

It is now over ten years since I was diagnosed, and my manual wheelchair is on its last legs, (or should that be, last wheels? lol ). I approached my local NHS Wheelchair Services again, and still they are prescribing inappropriate backup wheelchairs. 

So, I am in need of a new wheelchair. One that is compact and light in weight; as my MS has progressed, leading to my sense of balance being affected; and the right side of my body has now weakened. So handling heavy objects is now an issue. Therefore, I am desperately in need of a light-weight wheelchair. 

The RGK OctaneFX wheelchair would be ideal, weighing in at 5.5kg and made-to-measure, so it could come in lighter in weight. Being a bespoke, made-to-measure chair, the cost is astronomical, especially now as I am no longer working due to my MS. 

After much research, I found the following wheelchair to meet my current and future needs. 

I currently play Wheelchair Rugby, which involves a lot of travel, to both training events and tournaments. It would mean so much to me, knowing I can get about easily loading an unloading my day chair, and not to worry about my mobility.

It will not only allow me to pursue my current activities, but also give me the potential to pursue new activities. Your donation would be gratefully received and I would like to thank you for reading this to the end.

One last request, please click the ‘Share’ button and share with friends, to help me reach my goal.

Thank you.

Sid