Story
My health has put a stop to adventures including leaving the house..The NHS will only provide a small contribution to the prescribed wheelchair.
I'm raising £4,500, for a NHS prescribed specialist wheelchair and power add on device to get me out and about and living again...
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My Dilemma
I have several medical conditions that are worsening over time including Axial and Peripheral Spondyloarthritis, it’s a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis. Mainly affecting the spine but it affects many other joints, tendons and ligaments. I also have Osteoarthritis in many joints, and other comorbidities. The combination of these conditions also causes me immense fatigue.
https://nass.co.uk/about-as/what-is-axialspa/
The current standard NHS style basic wheelchair I have on loan is heavy with solid tyres that slide on the wheels dangerously when I go down hill, and the seating is very uncomfortable, causing immense pain on my joints. Pushing this weighty chair is exhausting.
I have spent the last few years more and more house bound and would like to return to getting out and about. This summer I have sadly had to cancel volunteering at the summer events, and days out with family and friends, I am becoming isolated. I go to several hospital appointments per week, and even these are now becoming more and more difficult to access. A better wheelchair combo would also allow me to return to work again. Something that I sorely miss.
My Plan of Action!
I have been prescribed a custom specialist NHS wheelchair, however in Cambridgeshire it is a ONE YEAR wait for this wheelchair. The Quickie Nitrum wheelchair I have had specced for me, with the specialist wheels, push rims for my arthritic hands and thumbs, seat pad and back rest comes to over £3100. I can obtain it sooner if I choose to accept a voucher from the NHS for £1300 and fund the rest myself. https://www.sunrisemedical.co.uk/wheelchairs/quickie/lightweight-wheelchairs/nitrum
In order to be able to mobilise myself around, any slight inclines on tarmac footpaths, grass fields, eg at festivals, and pushing beyond around a small supermarket without exhausting myself I require a power assist add on unit, and for one that is not from a Chinese selling site and likely to spontaneously combust, these cost in the region of £4000. There is also insurance, accessories, servicing, and occupational therapist reports to factor in over a 5 year cycle.
How I can help you!
Back in 2012 I was incredibly lucky to have a career break and embark upon a multi continent trip by motorcycle, travelling from the UK to Nepal, solo, overland, via the Silk Road, Iran, Central Asia, China, Pakisan, and India, and then onto New Zealand for several years. It gave me a unique insight as a solo motorcycle traveller as a woman, and one of the last Brits to travel through Iran without a guide. I have written about my travels in magazines, books, and have presented talks at festivals and for groups around the UK and abroad.
If you would like me to present to a group you know, about my travels, or navigation tutorials, please get in touch at fernhume@gmail.com I really do emphasise the great words of the great Dave Martin, to GetOutDoStuff when you can.. as you never know when health may stop you.. and the last few years have shown me that..
How you can help me!
I would be immensely grateful for any donation provided no matter how small.. And if you can't at this time, please share this cause via social media, this will also be appreciated.
Thank you for reading this far, it is appreciated!
