Lit Smith from Worcestershire has recently attended a family wedding thanks to her FreeWheel all terrain add-on from Gerald Simonds.
Lit has a rare condition called SCA 1 which is an inherited form of cerebellar ataxia (similar to MS) which affects her speech and coordination resulting in frequent falls. Despite this, Lit has forged a successful career as a ceramic artist www.litsmith.com
Lit’s daughter got married this summer in a marquee in a field which belongs to the family home and it was during the wedding preparations that Lit knew she would need help getting her manual wheelchair across the rough terrain as she explains:
“Just because I have a disability I was determined to be part of my daughter’s big day as mother of the bride!! Pushing my wheelchair on grass had always been extremely hard work for myself and whoever was pushing me and just getting to the marquee as the build-up got underway was exhausting. I didn’t want to have to keep asking people to help push me during the wedding so I decide to see what solutions were out there which would help me and my family carers”.
After researching online, Lit came across the FreeWheel from Gerald Simonds. The FreeWheel attaches to the front of a manual wheelchair and lifts the front castors off the ground, therefore turning a standard wheelchair into a sturdy three-wheeler which can tackle almost any type of terrain such as grass, kerbs and rough uneven roads. The large front wheel has less resistance than small castors therefore making it easier to roll on any surface, whether the user is alone, or with a companion.
“The FreeWheel is just brilliant. As soon as we had fitted the adaptor to my wheelchair and then attached the FreeWheel off I went towards the marquee to see how everything was progressing. The day itself was amazing and thanks to the FreeWheel I did not miss out on any of the celebrations”.
Following her daughter’s wedding, Lit is now confident of enjoying her son’s wedding in July next year which will also take place on the family farm. She has also enjoyed several trips to National Trust properties with her husband and they have planned a trip to their favourite Scottish beaches. “In the past visiting such places was a total nightmare for me and for whoever was pushing my wheelchair but thanks to the FreeWheel I can enjoy days out as much as everyone else. The FreeWheel has made a huge difference and I would certainly recommend it to other wheelchair users who struggle when travelling over rougher terrain” concluded Lit.
Established in 1983, Gerald Simonds is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high-quality lightweight manual, powered and standing wheelchairs, power drives, seating and pressure care products. For more information on the full range of solutions available or to book a no-obligation demonstration call 01296 380200, email: webenquiry@gerald-simonds.co.uk or visit: www.gerald-simonds.co.uk
