I'm a 42 year old married mother of one. In 2015 I was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic condition, one of several 'heritable disorders of connective tissue'. I suddenly declined in 2012 with an onslaught of various symptoms which led to various diagnoses (alongside EDS) such as FND, CFS, Osteoarthritis and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

I noticed my mobility being affected whilst walking the mile to my child's school but especially on the second mile home. A stick progressed to one and then two Smartcrutches but the thing that saved my energy and reduced pain most was a second-hand mobility scooter that I nicknamed 'Serenity'.

Sadly, my scooter did not return from its last service. What I thought was just a dying battery turned out to be an irrepairable fault in the controls.

My condition is variable and though I do work from home, my income is very limited. I applied for PIP twice and appealed twice but still unsuccessful because I can do things such as walk a certain distance sometimes, though never without the consequences of pain and fatigue. A mobility scooter helps me to walk my child to school and be able to do things when I get home. It gets me to the local town when there is no bus service and to see friends and family.

I have found a relatively inexpensive new model at Careco - the Abilize Strider Sport - which would suit my needs perfectly. Since the current government won't offer their help, I've decided to ask for yours.

It has been a tough diagnostic journey and a rough ride becoming disabled in my 40's whilst parenting and I am aware that there are many worse off. The charity EDS UK (reg. 1157027) have helped me immensely and if by any chance the target is exceeded, any extra funds will be forwarded to them.

My sincerest thanks,
Sally-Ann