scooter appeal

Neuromuscular Network

South of England Specialised Commissioning Group

South West Team (Exeter Office) South West Neuromuscular Network

Regus Business Centre 1 Emperor Way Exeter Business Park Exeter Devon, EX1 3QS

Tel: 01392 314649 / Mobile: 0786 0400246

Fax: 0117 330 2702 E-mail: [email protected]

http://www swscq.nhs uk/networks/Neuromuscular/Neuromuscular htm

07/02/2013

To whom it may concern:

Re. Robert Almond, Plymouth, Devon

tel 07568093066

I write at the request of Robert who would like to ask for help towards the cost of a powered scooter. Robert has Emery Dreiffus Muscular Dystrophy. He is unable to walk or stand and relies on a scooter for independent mobility.

I have visited Robert at home and have seen the scooter he hopes to purchase. Robert is currently renting the same model of scooter at a cost of £160 a month but can not continue to do this as he is taking delivery of a Motability van which will mean the mobility component of his DLA will be used for this instead. Robert can not drive so the van whilst important for longer trips will not give Robert independent mobility.

The scooter is a robust, 4 wheeler with high set handles that suit Robert’s restricted arm movements. Robert has found this model of scooter to be ideally suited to his needs as it is comfortable to sit on for long periods of time and copes with journeys of 6 or 7 miles meaning he can go out with his dog on tracks and not have to stick to pavements. He is able to do a sideways transfer onto the scooter without assistance and the seat height facilitates this transfer.

Robert has tried four other scooters in the past and non were reliable enough. He has rented this one for some months and trusts it.

We discussed if a powered wheelchair would better suit Robert’s needs but he did not feel it would. He would be unable to transfer in/out independently and he would not be able to have his dog on his lap or carry shopping etc. As you know scooters can not be provided by NHS wheelchair services.

The scooter Robert would like to purchase costs £7,525 from Horizon Mobility. Hire purchase is not available as an option but we may see if the company would sell him the one he is currently using at a discount. any donations need to be directed to www.horizonmobility.com and ref part payment towards Robert almonds scooter please.

the company can accept various payment methods and are more than happy to help with any enquiries from potential sponsors. your support in Roberts case is very much appreciated and will dramatically improve his quality of life.

South of England Specialised Commissioning Group is a joint sub committee of the 30 Primary Care

Trusts across the South of England.