Michael has spent much of his life helping others.

Through his charity work and support for people living with dementia and their families, he has dedicated countless hours to improving the lives of those around him. Being active in his community and continuing to help others has always given him a strong sense of purpose.

Unfortunately, over the last six weeks, Michael's condition has deteriorated rapidly.

Michael lives with Young Onset Dementia, specifically Dysexecutive Alzheimer's disease. Over time, the condition has affected far more than his memory and thinking. It has increasingly impacted his mobility, resulting in gait apraxia, a neurological condition that makes it difficult for the brain to coordinate the movements needed for walking safely.

Over the last six weeks, Michael has gone from managing short distances to being unable to walk unaided. He now relies on a walking stick around the house and needs a powered mobility chair to remain active, attend appointments and continue taking part in the community and charity work that means so much to him.

The speed of this decline has been incredibly difficult for both Michael and our family, and preserving as much of his independence as possible has become more important than ever.

Michael is a tall man and underwent knee replacement surgery a few years ago. This means he cannot fully bend his knee and needs equipment suitable for his height, comfort, and safety. Finding the right powerchair is therefore essential if he is to remain mobile, comfortable, and engaged in the activities that matter most to him.

We have explored every avenue available to us, including NHS services and charitable grant funding. Unfortunately, the rapid progression of Michael's condition means that these routes are unlikely to provide support quickly enough. NHS assessment waiting times can be lengthy, often taking many months, while some grant providers either have extended decision times or eligibility criteria that do not apply in Michael's circumstances.

As a result, we have found ourselves needing to raise the money ourselves so that Michael can access the equipment he now urgently needs.

We hope to raise £2,000 towards the cost of a suitable powerchair, an additional battery, and a few practical accessories, including a phone holder and cup holder. We are currently assessing several suitable models, with prices ranging from approximately £1,700 to £2,500, to ensure Michael receives the chair that best meets his mobility, comfort and safety needs.

This is about much more than simply purchasing a chair.

It is about preserving Michael's dignity, quality of life and ability to remain connected to the world around him.

A suitable powerchair would allow him to continue attending medical appointments, visiting family and friends, taking part in community activities and continuing the charity work that means so much to him. Being able to remain connected to the people and causes he cares about is incredibly important to his wellbeing and sense of purpose.

For Michael, this chair represents freedom: the freedom to continue contributing to the causes he is passionate about, to spend time with the people he loves, and to remain an active part of the community despite the challenges he now faces.

If you are able to contribute, no matter how small the amount, it would mean the world to us. Every donation will bring us one step closer to helping Michael stay active, connected and engaged in the life he values so deeply.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page with friends, family and your wider networks would be just as appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read Michael's story and for any support you can offer during this difficult time.

With heartfelt thanks,

Aline & Michael