A simple outing had, until recently, posed a challenge for Derek Russell from Forfar in Scotland.  As a wheelchair user, a journey in the car wasn’t the carefree experience he and his wife, Irene craved.

Instead, the couple relied on Irene loading Derek’s heavy wheelchair into their standard car or have her drive.  But Derek’s now back in the driving seat with the arrival of his new internal transfer wheelchair accessible vehicle, the Ford Tourneo Custom Dream™ from Allied Mobility.

Dare to Dream

Derek uses a powerchair at home which of course wasn’t suitable for the standard car he shared with Irene, so it meant taking a manual wheelchair on trips. Eventually, the frequent lifting of the wheelchair in and out of the car started causing Irene strain.

Derek says: “It’s fine if you’re in a powerchair in the house but then when you want to go out you have to take the wheelchair with you wherever you go and that was quite laborious.  I decided there has to be a better type of car.”

Derek knew he needed a wheelchair accessible vehicle so he could enter the car in his powerchair but he also wanted to drive himself as opposed to being a passenger so he would need an internal transfer car.  During his search he came across Allied Mobility.

Independence is Just a Click Away

Derek noticed an advert online for the brand-new internal transfer WAV Ford Dream™ from Allied Mobility and was instantly impressed.  Its handy remote-controlled automatic tailgate and ramp meant that he could now take solo trips and his powerchair wasn’t a hindrance.  The six-way electronically adjustable seat meant Derek could transfer easily from his powerchair (which is quickly and easily secured) to the driver’s seat inside the comfort of the vehicle.  Most importantly however, Dream™ could adapt to Derek’s needs, instead of him having to work around the limitations of his previous car.

Support from Beginning to End

Choosing a vehicle for your needs as a disabled person can be a big decision.  Derek wanted to make sure Dream™ was just right for him.  His dedicated Allied Mobility advisor, Marcus, brought the car to his home for a free demonstration and a closer look.  After a test drive Derek wasted no time in placing his order.

He says of the home demonstration: “As far as I’m concerned, everything was perfect.”

Driving Like a Dream!

Just a few weeks after ordering, Derek’s new Dream™ was delivered and his life has been transformed.  Now Derek is in control and can travel when it suits him.  He no longer relies on assistance from Irene and solo outings are a breeze knowing that he can be fully independent.  Thanks to his internal transfer car, Derek has been able to realise some dreams of his own. And for him, his advice to others is simple:

“If I had to give advice to anybody wondering about a mobility car, I’d tell them to get in touch with Allied Mobility.”

Ford Tourneo Custom Dream™  is available exclusively from Allied Mobility.  Dream™ is available to buy or via the Motability Scheme.  For more information about Ford Dream™ or Allied’s range of disabled cars, call our team of mobility advisors on 0800 587 9665.

For more information about Allied Mobility visit: www.alliedmobility.com