I've been disabled for just over 9 years now, I have an incurable disability causing chronic pain, chronic fatigue and weakness, with other medical conditions complicating matters. I am registered disabled and recieve PIP, but due to my requirements, I am unable to find ANY wheelchair through motability which meets my needs so have no option but to buy it myself. I barely have any income so need all the help I can get.

I have fibromyalgia, chondromalacia patella, PCOS and PTSD. Fibro is a neurological condition causing degeneration of the nervous system with knock on effects of constant pain and fatigue. I lack the physical strength to self propel a manual wheelchair so would need to be pushed everywhere and would need someone to help me 24/7. An electric wheelchair would give me back my freedom.

For a few years I have been using a mobility scooter but it no longer meets my needs as my condition is deteriorating, and has limitations as to where I can access with it, so more and more often I've been left housebound as a result. If I get an electric wheelchair I would be able to access public transport - busses, trains etc and finally get some freedom without always having to ask people to drive me places, and being limited to when my boyfriend or friends aren't at work. I would also be able to access the Slough community transport service, which doesn't accept mobility scooters, only wheelchairs.

I needed an electric wheelchair which is rated to a higher weight, has plenty of range to get me out and about, to the doctors, dentists, shops etc, and most importantly, one that FOLDS UP or comes apart to fit in a car, rather than needing a van to transport as most do. This way when we do need to drive somewhere, it doesn't matter who gives me a lift, I can have my wheelchair in the boot or on the back seat or similar. Finally rather than just an indoor chair that can only deal with getting around inside buildings or level paths with perfect dropped kerbs (which are few and far between!) I needed one with a bit more capability to deal with uneven surfaces, gravel paths, grass etc, all of which my current mobility scooter can't deal with, and leaves me stranded very often.

The Freedom Chair A08L is the ONLY wheelchair I've been able to find which ticks ALL of these boxes and more, it really is perfect for my needs in every way. It folds up small for transport, has a 27 mile range, is rated well above my weight so has plenty of power, and capable on uneven ground (although not true all terrain, it is the best compromise between weight saving/size and ability).

Having bought cheap second hand mobility scooters in the past with unknown history, which have been unreliable, I need to get a brand new wheelchair so that I can have it fully covered by warranty and extended warranty for any issues, that I can insure and be confident of for reliability. In the long run, a new chair is a safer option than unknown costs of maintaining and repairing a used one which may not have been properly maintained in the past.

This chair would mean I'm no longer a prisoner in my own home, can do more for myself, actually get out and meet people, make new friends, visit friends and family, use public transport and not have to ask people for help so often.

Thank you so much for considering donating - every penny helps. Even if you can only afford £1 it really will help towards the goal. Some wheelchairs for specialist needs can cost over £10,000 but this one is just over £3,000 which is more affordable.