Hi, I'm Saskia, and I'm raising money for a wheelchair. I feel incredibly awkward about doing this, but I can't afford to fund this equipment on my own. Unfortunately, I'm not eligible for a *suitable* wheelchair from the NHS because I will be an ambulatory wheelchair user and the criteria for a wheelchair via the NHS are incredibly strict, and I don’t meet them.

As anyone with a disability will tell you, our needs can change over time—we require different aids for different days. It’s like needing a raincoat during a downpour. I never expected to be in this position, but my health has deteriorated due to Rheumatoid Arthritis in both of my knees, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder. These conditions have made it increasingly difficult to manage daily activities, especially on bad days when I pass out frequently or have seizures. I can’t keep smacking my head.

To maintain my independence and improve my quality of life, I need a wheelchair. This wheelchair would allow me to conserve energy, exercise and work safely, and manage my symptoms more effectively, especially on days when my knees are flaring up or my other conditions are acting up. Without this, I'm at a high risk of falls and further injury, which could lead to more severe complications.

I've had great input from healthcare teams, but now the hard work has to come from me. Despite brainstorming with fellow disabled friends, this seems to be the most accessible and safest way for me to regain strength and maintain my mobility—unfortunately, it’s also costly. I'm fully committed to finding a way to take back some control over my life and take positive steps forward.

The truth is, this journey has been exhausting and incredibly tough for both me and my loved ones. Every time I think I'm finding some balance, something happens to set me back. I have a lot of life ahead of me, and I want to live it to the fullest—I just need some help to do that.

I’ve found the perfect chair for a decent price, but I also need a skin-protective cushion, hand rims, etc, the total is around £600. I can add some of my own income as well as PIP and my student finance money towards it but I can’t get there on my own.

I know times are incredibly difficult for everyone right now, and I feel an immense amount of guilt about asking for help. I don’t expect to raise the full amount, but even if you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser would be just as helpful and sincerely appreciated.