My name is Mark.

My parents have always encouraged and promoted me to be independent. They provided me with the tools to give me the determination and drive from an early age, to overcome the obstacles. Although, I was born with my condition and my limbs displaced in all kinds of wonderful and strange positions. My knees were positioned at a 90 degree angle towards my chest. There was no possibility of me being able to walk in any shape or form, being in this position. Therefore, I had to endure many corrective surgeries and physio therapy sessions. However, with the support and encouragement from my family; I did overcome many challenges. I, even, began to walk around on my knees indoors. From that day forward, I have never forgotten the tools that my parents gave to me.

Back in the 1970s I attended, what was then labelled a 'special school', for children with physical and mental impairments. I hated being segregated. So I fought to get into a local mainstream school, then went into further education at college and university. From then on I strived to become as independent as possible and achieve as much as possible.

My partner Maria Teresa wanted to write a brief description of me and my difficulties:

"My partner Mark Holmes. He is funny, outgoing, positive and courageous; someone to admire. Despite of his severe disability, he has always got a smile on his face but a year ago, something changed. He started to feel really uncomfortable in his powerchair, the belt is not as fitted, as it should be and the way he sits and drives from his powerchair, is not as good, as it should be and he starts to feel down, as the pain, that he gets in his back and hips don't allow him to sit, for as many hours, as he used to and he can't do as many things, as he used to now. He is not as independent as he used to be, as he can't cope with being in his powerchair for long periods of time. His powerchair is more than 5 years old and more than ready for a replacement."

A new powerchair for me is important because it would provide me with greater comfort, the ability to socialise and interact with friends. It would enable me to be able to take my partner out to show her the beautiful places of the UK, as she is not originally from this country. Driving at present, is, limited for me, as I get so uncomfortable in my current chair.

Can you please help us to regain his comfort and independence? I just want to see my partner happy again. Thank you for taking the time to read this.