Meet Aiden
Lightweight wheelchair
12-year-old Aiden’s lightweight wheelchair has given him newfound independence and is helping him to exercise his upper body.
Aiden – who his mum describes as someone who always finds the positives – was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) just before his fifth birthday.
His mum Nicki, says:
“In April 2017 our world changed forever when our youngest son, Aiden, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We went from thinking that Aiden may need some physiotherapy to help with his ‘tiptoe walking’ to realising he had a life-changing condition.”
Now in his second year at secondary school, Aiden is unable to walk independently due to the progressive degenerative nature of DMD and uses an electric wheelchair at school. However, like all other young people his age, Aiden is keen to maintain his independence and remain as active as possible, which is why he urgently needed a lightweight wheelchair that he can self-propel and give him greater access to get around.
Nicki, continues:
“Aiden’s electric wheelchair is vital for him to get around school easily, but his condition means he needs to keep as active as he can. It’s particularly important that he exercises his upper body, as his leg muscles are already significantly weakened due to the DMD.
“Having this lightweight wheelchair has already had a big impact on Aiden’s quality of life. Although the electric wheelchair is essential for Aiden’s day-to-day life, with it come a lot of limitations. Simply being able to get through doors and over thresholds into family and friends’ homes, without a ramp, is impossible for Aiden to manage independently. Likewise, going out for the day with extended family or friends can be a challenge, as his powered wheelchair requires a specialist vehicle.”
This lightweight wheelchair means that Aiden can spend time with his friends and family more easily, while crucially getting the exercise he needs.
Aiden with his family
Nicki adds:
“Despite the challenges Aiden faces, he continues to show us all what life is all about. While DMD may make Aiden’s muscles weak, he has the strongest and most compassionate heart a person could wish for.
“Aiden is the sort of person who lights up a room. He has endeared himself to many nurses, doctors and teachers alike over the years. Though he himself needs much support, he is always looking out for others and is acutely interested in other people and their well-being. It’s been great to see how having the lightweight wheelchair has given him the freedom and independence he deserves.”
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