Helen, who lost her hands and legs following a late diagnosis of meningitis at the age of 22, is working with the mobility specialists BAS, to raise awareness of their recently launched BAS Push Pull hand controls.

Helen trained as a journalist with ITV Anglia News before becoming a transport campaigner. She was awarded an MBE in 2015 for the work she did on behalf of disabled motorists. Helen now works as an independent Mobility consultant and frequently writes articles for the Motability website as well as other publications. She also chairs the personal mobility working group at the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), is a member of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) consumer panel and chairs her local Driving Mobility board, East Anglian Driveability.

Helen Dolphin said:

“Like many disabled drivers I have had pretty much the same hand controls since my very first vehicle and I’m now on my fifth car. I have always stuck with the same controls as I never saw any reason to change – but now I do! The Push Pull controls launched by BAS earlier this year have been designed to allow for full movement of the steering wheel. This means that with these controls anyone driving can set the wheel at the best and safest driving position for them. This is one of the complaints my husband has about driving my car, as my steering wheel is clearly set up in the best position for me, which puts it in completely the wrong position for him.”

The newly launched hand controls come with a range of handles and handle bars which makes them suit most customers whatever their unique requirements. The design of these controls also means that the vehicle’s airbags do not have to be removed or interfered with when they are fitted so the driver’s safety is not compromised in any way. These hand controls are on the Motability scheme with nil customer contribution.

An added bonus of this design is that on 95% of vehicles, there is no cutting or reshaping of the vehicle’s trim or components when fitting. This means they are really easy to remove, which is important if you are a private owner wishing to sell.

Bill Bradley, Owner and MD of BAS said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Helen as the new brand ambassador for BAS. Helen is such an inspirational lady and what better person to be an advocate for our brand new Push/Pull Brake/Accelerator. It is so important to us to have someone representing BAS who truly believes in our products and we can’t wait to begin this journey with Helen!”

For more information about BAS please visit https://basnw.co.uk/

For further information on Helen please contact:

Helen Dolphin MBE
Email: helensmith799@hotmail.com
Twitter: @mrsflipper1001