Why would anyone need a wheelchair if they can walk? 

There are many reasons to need a wheelchair. Some people use them full time, some part time, and some just occasionally. If you see a wheelchair user move their legs or stand up don't assume they're faking, many wheelchair users can stand or walk in some capacity.

My disabilities do not cause walking difficulties, but they do cause standing difficulties. When I stop walking my blood pressure drops due to my heart condition. This causes me to become very light-headed and often triggers a fainting episode. I therefore cannot stand (stationary) for long periods, but can walk for several miles!

When I visit places such as museums, zoos, clothing shops etc on foot, I can only pause briefly to look at each item/exhibit as I need to keep moving to maintain my blood pressure. I'm often then too dizzy from walking to see very much anyway! If I instead use my wheelchair I am able to stop and look at things for longer. I also don't experience the same visual vertigo/dizziness when seated which means that I am able to see so much more too! I still have tunnel vision, but my remaining sight is much more useful when not spinning around in a blurry mess.

Despite being very aware of how beneficial my wheelchair would be in certain situations, historically I have avoided using it very much. This is largely due to a lack of confidence and fitness, and so in order to increase my upper body strength I have decided to train for a 10K wheelchair push! I hope that this will give me more confidence in using my wheelchair on the occasions where I need it.

I will be doing the 10K with my Assistance Dog Rowley in support of Dog A.I.D (Assistance In Disability), at the Wier Archer Athletics and Fitness Centre. 

A wheelchair is not a bad thing. It doesn't make me any more or less disabled than when I am on foot (but it does help me to better manage my symptoms). It's a mobility aid, and for many people it's a positive thing in their life.

If you would like to sponsor Rowley and I in our 10k wheelchair push for Dog A.I.D please visit our just giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/10kwheelchairpush

Thank you as always for your support!