Melissa lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Behcet's Syndrome, which limit her ability to walk. She experiences significant joint pain and fatigue every day and since starting to attend the University of Warwick in October, she has used a mobility scooter to get around. Although this has been a massive help and has seen her through her first year, it has become apparent that Melissa needs a wheelchair for indoor use and ease of travel to allow her to continue her studies to the best of her ability.

A lightweight, powered wheelchair would enable Melissa to become more independent. She is eager to be fully involved in her local communities both at university and at home in Pembrokeshire, where she regularly volunteers to help others, especially other disabled students. She has been elected Disabled Students' Officer at Warwick Students Union for the academic year 2017/18 and is looking forward to her new responsibilities when she returns to university in October. She is passionate about never letting her disability limit her in any way and the wheelchair would be a substantial step towards achieving this.

We have been advised that a wheelchair that would meet Melissa's needs will cost approximately £8,000 to £10,000. The wheelchair will be custom built to Melissa's personal features from lightweight aluminium and will have a unique folding system that will allow it to be stored in places as small as an overhead locker on a plane. It will include a power assist system, reducing the amount of effort and energy she will need to push the chair, allowing her to travel further.

We would appreciate any donations, no matter how small, to allow this intelligent young woman to meet her full potential and live a happy and independent life.

https://www.facebook.com/melissaswheelchairfund/