A 20-year-old hopes to walk her dog and visit the shops on her own with the help of a wheelchair.
Millie Lockhart, from Highbridge, is determined to regain her independence and manage daily life despite living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
The connective tissue disorder causes frequent joint dislocations, chronic pain, severe dizziness, and falls.
Without a suitable wheelchair, even short journeys are currently painful.
Millie said: "EDS is a connective tissue disorder, it can cause GI issues, dislocations and falling over, affects everything.
"I can’t open things myself. I am constantly in chronic pain, don’t have a wheelchair at the moment.
"My mum has fibromyalgia so she wouldn’t be able to push me, so we need a powered wheelchair."
She is raising funds for a custom manual wheelchair, a joystick-operated power add-on, and a detachable front wheel to help her navigate off-road terrain.
She explained how transformative the equipment would be.
She said: "Having a wheelchair would make a lot of difference.
"I would be able to walk my dog by myself and go to the shops by myself and have independence and freedom.
"Instead of cancelling plans, I will be able to go when I am in pain or tired.
"Any donation is appreciated whether it is small or big."
Read more
Cheddar man, 86, becomes oldest cancer charity event participant
Young karting prospect from Burnham congratulated by MP
Public health leader encourages Somerset residents to get NHS check
Her condition began at age 13 when her knee first dislocated during a martial arts warm-up. Since then, it has dislocated 30 times.
Her mother, June Lockhart, said: "It will get worse over the years hence why she will need to use a wheelchair as at the moment she can’t get about very well. It affects mobility - it affects her whole life. The hospital said they would only give the basic NHS wheelchair which isn’t suitable for Millie."
The funds raised will cover the cost of a wheelchair, which will help to reduce dislocations, manage her symptoms, and allow her to live without severe pain and fatigue.
Millie has set up a GoFundMe page, and you can donate here: Fundraiser by Millie Lockhart : Help me move, live, and be independent again ❤️
Access Your Life, who are supporting Millie with her wheelchair, said: “Access Your Life was founded on a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, their families, and carers.
"Our disabled-led team empowers individuals to achieve greater independence through a range of support services, including our Equipment Request Scheme.
"This service helps people find mobility equipment tailored to their needs by connecting them with trusted professionals, offering access to exclusive discounts, and helping secure funding through our Grant Assistance Scheme or supported crowdfunding campaigns.
"To date, we have helped more than 200 users access suitable wheelchairs and powered attachments, securing over £750,000 in funding.”
Share