The recent upheaval due to the global pandemic has been a testing time for many of us. Despite this, the Branton family has safely taken delivery of their brand new wheelchair accessible vehicle – the Ford Tourneo Custom Independence™. While they may have to wait a little while longer for a trip out to the cinema together, the Independence™ has offered the family the freedom and flexibility they need.
Kindred Spirits
Leeann Branton and her husband, Leigh, live in York with their three children, including 20-year-old Lucy. Lucy lives with a series of complex medical conditions, including full body Cerebral Palsy and a gastrostomy. Lucy uses a wheelchair full time so a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is essential as she would be housebound without it. Since Lucy was young, the family has had specific requirements for a wheelchair car with space for the whole family, along with Lucy’s wheelchair. In fact, Allied Mobility has known the Branton family for a number of years, as suppliers of their previous WAV, the Peugeot Spirit™.
Leeann explains: “We had our very first WAV from another supplier and it was not a very good experience. We found Allied Mobility were not only competitive but knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. After the Spirit, we chose to stay with Allied because the customer service is outstanding.”
Smaller Vehicle, Bigger Independence
When the time came to change their vehicle, the family booked a home
demonstration of the Ford Independence™ and knew they were on to a winner right away. Its flexible layout allows plenty of room for Lucy’s wheelchair to comfortably sit next to her siblings during journeys. Critically, its EasyFold™ ramp, built-in electric winch and four-point restraint system makes it quick and safe for Lucy to enter and exit the vehicle. Aside from its top-notch accessibility, the Branton’s love
the Independence’s modern features, including Bluetooth®, mobile phone synching and eight-inch colour touchscreen.
Leeann enthuses: “Lucy loves the Bluetooth! The separate air-con and heating controls in the rear are another bonus as Lucy cannot control her body temperature so this feature is great. We found that other companies added it as an extra but the Independence came with it as standard. This meant no hidden extra costs.”
Socially Distant Delivery
After a successful home demonstration conducted by their local Allied Mobility advisor, Des, the family placed their order. The delivery of their new vehicle happened to be during the pandemic so the delivery team at Allied Mobility planned a safe and socially distant handover. Several weeks after taking ownership of their new wheelchair accessible car the Branton family is eager to get out and explore, once it’s safe to do so. Until then, they’re happy enough enjoying the comfort of the Independence™, even if it’s only on a trip around the block!
Leeann concludes: “We felt very safe the whole time and the delivery and handover was very professional, not rushed and remained of the high standard we have come to expect from Allied.”
Ford Tourneo Custom Independence™ is available exclusively from Allied Mobility. Independence™ is available to buy, rent or via the Motability Scheme. For more information about the Ford Independence™ or Allied’s range of disabled cars, call our team of mobility advisors on the number at the top of the page.
