Memory Wheelchairs

Memory Wheelchairs started 6 years ago when a dear friend passed away suddenly while in the prime of her life, sadly leaving behind teenage children and a loving husband. She was a kind and quiet person so, I wanted something to represent her. I thought of a wheelchair. So, Helen’s chair became our first. Quietly helping others just like she always did… The focus of supporting accident, injury or rehabilitation without any costs to the people who need. Soon, word spread around Kendal and Helen’s chair went to Sedbergh to help in an end of life care situation. (Sadly, if the NHS do order the person a wheelchair it can take on average 20 weeks in our area) the family made lasting memories and were so grateful they asked if they could buy a wheelchair in the same way and call it Babs. Now 6 years on we now have 124 wheelchairs and other aids. Each item is named after someone special, another way that special person continues to be remembered. We work alongside Morecambe Bay Hospital Trust, GP Practices’, Palliative Care, Occupational Therapy, Age Concern, Citizens Advise and many more. We can loan items for short term use, completely free. The wheelchairs vary from paediatric to adult’s, sizes and manufacturers. Ranging from attendant/push or self propelled wheelchairs, plus we have some electric wheelchairs, rollators and other walking aids and mobility equipment. Sadly, we support a huge amount of end of life care (not realising when I start this that there is such a void in support). If it’s an end of life care situation we do not put a time limit on the item so the family can just focus of the here and now. I did some fund raising and have managed to purchase some wheelchair bags, cosy toes and waterproofs so the end of life care families have everything they need to just enjoy the precious time they have remaining. We are based at Kendal Town Football Club, Kendal who have supported this free community project with open hands. We have a detailed charity constitution: We are a Small unregistered charity that does not employ staff, own a building or raises £5000 or more a year. Copies of our constitution are available on request. We have a Facebook Book page and Website but, if I can help with any other information about Memory Wheelchairs please feel free to ask. Sarah Gaskarth

If you know anyone who we can help or wish to follow our page and know more about us please ask them to contact our Facebook page:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=105390389129665&id=100089761120740

It goes without saying that we could not offer this completely free service to support end of life care, accident or injury without the support of friends, family and Kendal Town FC who assist us with storage when our wheelchairs are in stock.

Thank you in advance for all your support, please spread the word. Xx