Keep Hannah Dancing with a New Wheelchair

Hi! I'm Hannah, I'm trying to fund a new dance wheelchair so that I can progress as a professional performer and keep doing the job I love.

Dance and acting have always been my passion and whilst training, I became ill overnight which meant I needed to start using a wheelchair 11 years ago. Since then, I have worked on getting my independence back and getting back into the performance industry. I’ve had some incredible experiences lately working with FKA Twigs, BBC, Candoco Dance Company and training with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Dance Company, among others. I also work as a community dance artist specialising in advanced inclusive dance and working with companies to make their workplace more accessible.

It has been incredible, but it has been very noticeable the only thing holding me back now is my current wheelchair, as it’s not suitable for my dancing needs. There are many elements that make it difficult to manoeuvre quickly and have freedom to move. The main ones are the heaviness of the chair, the tall backrest and the overall size of the chair. My wheelchair is like a pair of shoes- trying to move and dance in ones that don’t fit and aren’t suitable for the activity you are doing means you are already starting at a disadvantage.

Unfortunately though, specialised dance wheelchairs are extremely expensive. I have been saving and applying for funding, but it is an area where there is little support.

I currently need to raise £4000. Whilst I hate asking for money, I am in a situation where this essential cost is currently unattainable for me to reach on my own within a reasonable timescale.

If anybody was able to put anything towards this cost, no matter how small, I would be incredibly grateful and it would make a world of difference.

Thank you so much for your time,

Hannah Raynor