Specialist Wheelchair to help Tilly explore the world again

Hi my name is Tilly and I am fundraising to help me purchase an amazing all terrain wheelchair that will help give me more freedom and independence.

I’ve always loved being outdoors and going on adventures - especially muddy ones! My parents will tell you that as a child they would pick the driest locations for trips and holidays but I would always be able to find that one muddy puddle and roll in it!

Due to my condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I am now reliant on mobility aids which has greatly affected my quality of life and ability to engage in leisure activities. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a progressive connective tissue disorder which causes me to frequently dislocate, affects my balance, causes pain and fatigue and impacts many of my organs and bodily functions.

My current wheelchair is unable to tackle any kind of rough terrain or mud meaning that I’m really limited in where I can go and what activities I can enjoy. I also really struggle to get round my village because of the terrain, lack of dropped curbs and pavements. This means that simple things like walking my dog or popping to the shops are difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks which I struggle to do without help.

As a musician, I perform at lots of festivals which brings me so much joy but is also extremely difficult as festival terrain is tough to navigate in standard wheelchairs. I also live on a boat which is really important to me. My boat is my home and the community have become my second family. Due to my mobility, boat life has become increasingly difficult however this wheelchair would make a huge difference.

The Mybility wheelchair would be life changing for me because it would mean I could enjoy so much more of the world without access barriers. It can climb curbs, tackle hills, mud, sand and snow. I would be able to go on hill walks with my family and trips to the beach again. It would allow me to navigate my local area more safely and would give me back so much more independence. My world can feel quite small because I am limited by where I can go and what I can do but this chair would open it up again. The Mybility chair also has a rising seat which would take me to the same height as standing. This would be amazing for when I’m conducting and help me shop more independently as I would be able to reach high shelves. The chair would be custom built to properly support my body and also reclines so that I can lie down if my blood pressure is low.

Any donations would be hugely appreciated. I will be doing a fundraising event with circus performances, street food, dog show and live music at the Riverside inn in Saltford on the 22nd of June.