Having read my story, you can understand it is hard for me to go out with my friends and do the normal things we used to, travel by train, go shopping up the west end, go clubbing, to the gym etc because everything I now do takes planning. I have to find out if there are seats, where the toilets are situated, if they have disability access, how much walking will be involved and how I can cut the walking down to less steps, if travelling by car where can we park near, does the place/shop have wheelchair access. You will be surprised as to how many DON’T or if they class themselves as ‘disability friendly’ most have obviously not trailed it or consult a disabled person.

One clothes shop I went into with my fiancé had 3 small steps up to the next level up and A LOT of steps to the lower level down a narrow stair case, no ramp up and no lift down! Unfortunately for me because of the amount of walking to and from shop from the car, I was using my wheelchair. Only having a borrowed attendants wheelchair (lent to me by my neighbour) I asked my fiancé to park me up in the corner whilst he’ll look around. The shop assistants were really helpful and one guy insisted in lifting me up to the higher level…with me in the wheelchair. Before I could say “no I’m ok thank you” he had started to lift me up by the arm rests which came away in his hand (as they would do, it is how you dismantle the wheelchair) very embarrassed and apologetic he gave them back to me. No harm was caused.

I tend not to go out much because of the hassle and constant embarrassment. I am sad to say, it is more enjoyable to stay at home.