I have left sided Hemiplegia (a form of Cerebral Palsy or CP). Most people who have the same condition are not as affected as me. Other people can walk with a small splint or independently, which I used to be able to do, now I cannot walk at all. I use a powered wheelchair, which gets me where I need to be, but I am not exercising.

Regular exercise is very difficult for me because I have a permanently dislocated hip and my left leg is around 10cm shorter than my right. I cannot use my left leg at all, even to stand. I try to swim as much as possible and practice yoga. I do have physiotherapy at school, although I am not sure how much this helps me individually; yoga feels more beneficial.

I know that weight-bearing is very important for my bones and I also know I could do more with the right support. At the moment I am restricted. I would like to have an Innowalk:

https://www.madeformovement.com/innowalk

It’s similar to a cross trainer but offers extra support for disabled people like me with CP.

I have trailed one at my school (they had it for six weeks) and during that time I felt I was improving, which I don’t feel very often. I also noticed that I could use it for longer the more times I used it, so my stamina increased. When I start to use the Innowalk my left leg is tight but after a few minutes it relaxes and I can start to stand on it. In the Innowalk, you start sitting and you increase the gradient to move up to a standing position, and adjust the speed. I feel safe and secure when I use it. Not only that, I feel more normal, just like any other teenager my age, using a cross trainer at the gym.

I would like an Innowalk because I cannot put any weight through my left side which means I cannot use both legs, but I can with the support of the Innowalk, I can use both sides at the same time to exercise. With the Innowalk, my right leg can also receive a benefit, which it doesn't at the moment because I cannot use my left leg.

If I had an Innowalk at home I could use it whenever and as much as I like.

I really want to be fit and healthy, despite my limitations.

Please can you support this equipment for me? It will improve my physical and mental health and wellbeing. You may not understand how difficult moving is for me, and the Innowalk would literally change my world.

Poppy Garton

(aged 18)

Quickview of why you could support me:

1) I am unable to walk unsupported. I cannot use my left side at all.

2) I can use the Innowalk (trailed at school). I can use both sides of my body at the same time, which I cannot do in any other piece of equipment, whilst in an upright position. I felt I was making progress.

3) The Innowalk is not funded by the NHS (in Norway where they make it, someone like me with Cerebral Palsy would get one for FREE).

4) I have stopped growing so I won't need a bigger one.

5) Standing/exercising on both legs supports bone health. Exercise also promotes a healthy mind. I want to be healthy.

6) My school physiotherapist supports my use of this equipment and has written a letter of support that I have used for charity applications.

7) Usual NHS options are not working for me (surgery, medication, splints).

When I have an Innowalk I will have TWO things I can do from home, not just ONE.