Hello and welcome to C.H.A.I.R - a campaign to raise enough money to buy a life-changing wheelchair and gain my independence! C.H.A.I.R stands for ‘Collectively Helping Acheive Independence for Ru’

My name is Ru, I’m 25 and I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that affects all of my ligaments and soft tissues, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and frequent dislocations. This makes it very difficult - almost impossible really - for me to get around without some kind of mobility aid.

I have been a wheelchair user for around 8 years now, and for half that time I have used electric wheels. These are fantastic as they allow for me to maneuver myself without someone having to push me. However, as time goes on it is becoming clearer that an electric chair is far too heavy for me to have true independence.

Currently my wheelchair weighs approximately 20kg - which is difficult for my non-disabled family members to lift in and out of the car, let alone me. This means I am unable to leave the house on my own if I need to go somewhere with my wheelchair, because there is no way for me to get it in and out of the car. I am also unable to use it inside my flat due to it being too bulky.

The wheelchair I am raising money for weighs approximately 7.8kg in total, with the option to easily remove the wheels to make it even lighter. This means I would be able to leave the house independently, without having to choose between forcing myself to walk, or not going out at all. The K Series would also be appropriate for me to use around my flat, meaning things like cooking, cleaning and bathing would all be much easier. This model is self-propelled, which means I would still have the independence of steering myself, and in the future there is also the possibility of purchasing electric wheels for this model to use on days in which I am unable to self-propel.

I find it incredibly difficult to ask for this help, especially because I already have a wheelchair. However, there isn’t a time I leave the house lately that I haven’t thought, “a lighter wheelchair would really make things so much easier.” The total costs of the chair will come to around £2,500 with all the necessary adaptations. For someone with a disability who is only able to work part time, this is totally out of my price range currently. If you have anything to spare then it would mean the world to me if you would consider donating. I am so grateful to you for even reading this far! Thank you so much for supporting me and I am so excited to finally get that independence!story