I sustained a complete spinal cord injury at T12 in 1999, at the age of 31, due to a ruptured tumour in my spine. Before my injury I worked as a secretary in the family business and was always on the go. I enjoyed fitness classes and being active. At the time I had a very young family that relied on me.

My injury happened while I was giving birth to my youngest daughter. I had a spinal block for a Caesarean and it caused a bleed in my spinal cord.  For the first few days they weren’t sure at first whether the bleeding would stop and all I could think was that my children were never going to know me.

A few days later I was told the bittersweet news that I’d survive, but I would never walk again. At the time, I couldn’t quite accept it as I hadn’t done anything risky, no accidents or extreme sports. I really thought they must be wrong. That said, with four children including a newborn at home I just wanted to get into and through rehab straight away and I ultimately completed rehab in three months!

Ever since my injury I’ve used a standard NHS wheelchair. I didn’t know any better and assumed they were as good as it got. I never really paid it much thought until the last few years.

After spending so long in a chair you really get to know what you need, and unfortunately I’d never found anything that truly worked for me. One of my feet turns inward to the left and often slips off the footplate, and most wheelchairs just didn’t accommodate that properly.

I’m not particularly online or part of many groups so I hadn’t even heard about the grants available through Aspire until my youngest found out while helping me research options. That’s why it’s so important to spread the word - support like this can change lives, but only if people know it exists.

After I’d tried a few different chairs, I came across the Wolturnus Tukan SL wheelchair. I knew it was what I needed but it felt unreachable as it was beyond my price range. Without Aspire’s help, I simply wouldn’t have been able to afford it. I’d have had to just keep going with my old chair, plodding along. The difference has been unbelievable. For the first time, I’ve had real input into how the chair fits me.

It’s the most comfortable I’ve ever been, and it feels like it’s half the weight of my old one! But it’s not just about comfort - it’s so much more than just a wheelchair. It’s given me back my independence, and with that, my life.

Since getting the chair, I’ve even started a new hobby: handcycling. I feel like a new person. I’m getting out more, meeting friends, and going further without needing help, and I’ve even started getting fitter again. I’m making plans, and most importantly - I’ve got a smile on my face. Thank you Aspire!

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