I was 26 and working as a TESOL teacher at the time of my injury. I had been living in China for four years, teaching English. I liked to travel, and I enjoyed swimming and exercising. I was in hospital in Bali for a month followed by Salford General Hospital and finally Southport Spinal Injury Centre.

Then I moved back home to Cumbria and felt a bit lost. I had to think about what to do with my life. I had nowhere to live because I had to sell my house to pay my medical bills abroad and flight home, so I had to move to a town away from everyone I knew.

I found out about Aspire when I spoke with their Independent Living Advisor at Southport and they told me about all the ways Aspire support people with spinal cord injuries.  in 2017 I received an Aspire Grant towards for my first wheelchair.  This time I applied for a TiLite ZR wheelchair and the Grants process was awesome, very easy and clear to understand and more helpful than I hoped for. I was very happy when I found out I’d got the funding.

If Aspire hadn’t helped me, I would have to save but it would have taken me a couple of years. My old wheelchair was difficult to get in and out of the car and was giving me shoulder problems.

It’s much easier to get around the house now, and so much easier to get into the car so I feel more confident to get out more. This chair is lighter and more manageable and makes everything easier. My shoulders aren’t so sore, my seating position is better and I’m less tired.

Since I’ve had the new chair, I’ve got a job working two days a week in a school for people with learning difficulties and it’s madness! It’s great fun, and I like getting out of the house and having a purpose again. 

We are very grateful to the Medicash Foundation for awarding Aspire a grant towards our Services in the North-West of England. Their funding will enable us to continue our work supporting people with spinal cord injuries to have opportunity, choice and independence. 

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