FOLLOWING help from two charitable organisations, a Woodley woman says she has regained her mobility and confidence.
Elaine was unable to travel alone until Wokingham United Charities, and Woodley and Earley Lions Club, made it possible for her to buy the mobility scooter she needed to be able to visit the shops by herself.
WUC’s mission is to relieve poverty, and enhance the lives of people in need in the borough.
As well as providing almshouse accommodation for older people, the organisation gives grants to charities and community groups supporting services and Wokingham Borough residents.
It also helps individuals and families to buy essential items that they cannot afford to purchase themselves, such as Elaine’s scooter.
Woodley and Earley Lions is a borough fundraising club, whose members’ mission, like that of WUC, is to help local groups and individuals in need.
Following a stroke, Elaine was left with speech difficulties, and unable to use her right arm.
At home she walks with a stick, and needs help from her son, her main carer, to go outdoors.
Her specialist neuro occupational therapist Naomi Gibbins felt that a mobility scooter would improve Elaine’s quality of life, and give her the freedom to go outside by herself to visit Woodley and the shops.
A trip to Wokingham’s Mobility Your Way enabled store manager Dolly Edwards to help Elaine choose a scooter that she could manage safely, an Apex model costing £1,299.
As she was not able to afford to pay for it herself, Ms Edwards advised her to contact Woodley and Earley Lions Club, who agreed to contribute £466.
They also suggested she contact Wokingham United Charites, who then granted the remaining £833, enabling Elaine to buy the scooter.
She says it has changed her life.
“ I didn’t realise the difference it would make to my independence, and my confidence,” she said.
“My anxiety about leaving my home has gone.
“It’s lovely to be out with someone to chat with at your side, not behind you.
“It makes me feel more included.”
Naomi Gibbins said: “I am so grateful to the Lions Club and Wokingham United Charities, who have worked together to provide this scooter for Elaine.
“Mobility Your Way, in Wokingham, was very helpful, too.
“Their store manager, Dolly, allowed Elaine to trial the scooter, to make sure she was safe, could use the controls, and that it would meet her needs.
“Elaine wasn’t able to go outside on her own after her stroke, but the scooter will give her the freedom to go into the community on her own.
“It also fits into a car, so she can go out for the day without having to be pushed in a wheelchair.
“This will make such a difference to her quality of life.”
Both contributing charities are very pleased to have been able to help.
Glenda Kennedy, a member of Woodley and Earley Lions, said: “We are delighted to have collaborated with Wokingham United Charities to provide Elaine with a mobility scooter to help her gain more independence and freedom.
“To quote Lions Club International ‘where there is a need there is a Lion’.”
Susanna Jennings from Wokingham United Charities, said: “We were so pleased to be able to collaborate with the Woodley and Earley Lions to purchase a mobility scooter for Elaine.
“It was wonderful to meet with her once she had received the scooter, and to see what a huge benefit it will make to her life. “
For information about WUC, visit: www.wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk for Woodley and Earley Lions, log onto: www.e-clubhouse.org or search for their Facebook page, and for the Wokingham mobility store, visit: www.mobilityyourway.co.uk
