Meet Nicole

Meet Nicole

Manual wheelchair

For 20-year-old Nicole, receiving the correct manual wheelchair with supportive seating has been life-changing, opening up opportunities that were previously out of reach and restoring a sense of independence, inclusion and freedom.

Born three months premature, Nicole has Spastic Dystonic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, which affects her head, trunk control and all four limbs. Her parents were told she’d never walk or talk, but Nicole has defied all odds.  

Her mum, Nikki, says:

“Nicole is a fighter – always has been! But despite regular therapy, she’s unable to walk independently and uses a powered wheelchair most of the time. Her new manual wheelchair now allows her to access places and activities that were difficult or impossible before.”

Nicole also has scoliosis – curvature of the spine – so having the right seating support is vital. Her new manual wheelchair not only provide a comfortable and supportive space, but enables Nicole to visit family and friends whose homes have steps, something she had been unable to do for a long time. Nicole explains:

“My Nanna, Grandma and many of my friends live in homes with steps, and before receiving my wheelchair I couldn’t visit them. Now I can spend time with the people I love and enjoy the quality time together that so many people take for granted.”

The wheelchair has also enabled Nicole to enjoy meals out with friends, visit relatives in their own homes and take part in activities that had become inaccessible. It has even allowed her to return to Cornwall, one of her favourite places, for a holiday she simply couldn’t have managed in her powered wheelchair alone.

“I’ve even been able to enjoy a holiday in Cornwall – one of my favourite places – and for the first time in four years enjoy watching the most incredible sunset with my mum and brother. Without this wheelchair that wasn’t possible!”

Having the right manual wheelchair has also opened up career opportunities for Nicole, giving her a much-needed boost to her mental health and self-esteem. Nicole comments:

“I’ve previously worked as a television extra but when my previous manual wheelchair was no longer suitable, accessing television sets became impossible. This new chair means I can start saying ‘yes’ to these opportunities again, which gives me a huge sense of self-worth.

It’s hard being a young woman with a disability. There are lots of things I can’t do for myself, but I think sometimes people don’t realise how much disabled people crave independence and freedom, just like anyone else in their twenties. This chair has given me opportunities I thought I had lost.” 

Nikki adds:

“As a parent, you never want to see your child feeling isolated or unable to participate in everyday life. We’ve had to fight for Nicole to have the life she deserves from day one, and getting this wheelchair was another battle we had to overcome, but it’s been worth it.

“The impact on Nicole’s quality of life has been incredible. She has more confidence, more opportunities and more freedom to spend time with the people she loves. That’s something every young person deserves.”

Grateful for the support from Children Today, Nicole, a keen artist, recently created a piece of artwork for Children Today’s silent auction at its Lunch & Laugh event helping to raise vital funds for more young people like herself. Nicole says:

“Creating art is something that brings me great joy whilst  enabling me to express myself. Due to my condition, it is extremely hard for me to paint, however my passion and determination always give me the strength to keep going. I spent around 50 hours creating this piece, which I named Coastal Whispers. It was inspired by my recent trip to Cornwall – a holiday that wouldn’t have been possible without my manual wheelchair.”

 

Can you help us help more young people, like Nicole, who want to be more independent and included?

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