Hi I am Michelle and would like to explain why I need an automatic car ASAP.

I have a rare bone disease in my feet called Kohler's Disease. If you look it up it's described as a childhood disease. I'm the exceptional case where it came back in my 30's. Lots of ankle fusion surgery later and the associated arthritis is causing my joints to crumble. No further surgery is possible as my bones and circulation aren't strong enough.

I've recently found out I have a pyramid-shaped bit of bone broke off from the joint and I can't have surgery. My balance is so bad, I have stepped into roads off kerbs and cars have glanced off me.

I have a mobility scooter, wheelchair, walking stick and various adaptions in my home.

Unfortunately I live on a steep bank and have many steps to the front path and roadside. I have been turned down twice for a ramp as the gradient is too steep so can't use the scooter or wheelchair. Farcical I know.

I receive higher rate mobility DLA and have recently passed my test and after much research chose the car suitable to my requirements and asked for hand controls.

At that point the DWP cancelled the car application and asked me to apply for PIP. This will take months and I have little or no confidence in them awarding PIP based on what I've heard and read recently. Even if they do, it can be cancelled after a year and I would be devastated and stuck in my house again.

My family and friends are amazing but can't be with me all the time. I am only 52 and can't envisage a life stuck in.

When I am 55 I will be able to cash in part of my pension or release equity but until then, I can't envisage getting around without a car.

Basically I need a car I can rely on all of the time without the DWP taking it off me, my feet won't get better.

The cost is a rough estimation as automatics are always more expensive and there's point in getting the cheapest one and my wheelchair not fitting in the boot. Hand controls can cost £500 to be fitted.