I am a 20 year old with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and, as a result I am a full time wheelchair user. I am currently studying biomedical science at University with my ultimate goal being to become a doctor in order to say 'thank you' to the NHS. This will mean my time at university will be 10 years. However, to be able to achieve my dream I am in need of a new power chair which comes at a cost.

Since the age of 12, I have undergone 10 major orthopaedic surgeries to both my legs which has unfortunately resulted in multiple complications including loosing my ability to walk and stand and suffering with chronic pain amongst other things. Despite what I have been through, I have been inspired to become a doctor and am determined not to let my wheelchair stop me.

My current NHS chair no longer meets me current needs or the needs of my career path and, at not even 2 years old, is broken. I am constantly fighting wheelchair services to meet my needs, however, things have to be classed as a 'postural need' for things to be granted and even then it's not straightforward. I am also struggling as, in moving to university, I have moved out of area which means they will know longer come out to me when the chair is broken. For these reasons, I have decided the best thing for me is to have a private power chair but its not cheap.

My new chair will have many functions which will be very helpful during my studies including active reach technology, leg raisers to help with chronic pain, a better tilt in space and rise mechanism and lie flat. All these functions will help with pain, muscle tone and posture, practical work throughout my 10 years of study and generally feel more included, being at eye level with everybody else.

I will be incredibly grateful for every pound that is raised as it will be one step closer to my dream and showing Cerebral Palsy who's boss.

If you'd like to follow my journey, I have a blog (becomingadoctorwithcp), an instagram (izzies_fight_against_cp) and a facebook page ( Becoming a doctor with Cerebral Palsy)

Thank you,

Izzie x