2025 may be well underway but New Year’s resolutions are still at the forefront of many minds; in this issue we encourage you to try something new with stories from Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and Open Country.
If you’re thinking about a new wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) this year, we have you covered with information on things to consider when choosing the perfect car.
Hear from the Morrisons as they tell us why they chose Ford Freedom™ and find out how Jayne Dalee "got her life back" with Ford Independence™
Finally, we're also super excited to share our latest prize draw winners along with some feel-good news and sports stories. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy and happy reading!
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Award Winning Teen’s Podcast
‘An Incredible Journey’
From her school drama classroom, 15-year-old Evie Roberts hosts 'Talking in the Dark', a disability awareness podcast to help people overcome adversity.
Born blind, Evie has interviewed 67 guests including Stephen Fry, Chris McCausland and Ferne Cotton.
"What I find special about the podcast is that I have spoken to people from all walks of life and there is something to be learnt from all of my guests.”
The award-winning teenager described the podcast as “an incredible journey” and can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.
NEW INITIATIVE WORKS
TOWARDS
A TRULY INCLUSIVE RAILWAY
In light of new evidence revealing that a large number of disabled people face barriers when using rail travel, Community Rail Network, a not-forprofit organisation that supports communities to make the most of railways and stations, will be ramping up its work to empower disabled people to travel with confidence. Working with local inclusion and disability partners, the organisation hopes to engage 1,500 disabled people with diverse needs and lived experiences to help inform decisionmakers at local and national level on how to shape a more inclusive railway.
The Morrisons Unlock FORD
Having recently taken delivery of their Ford Freedom™, we paid Lana Morrison and her dad Paul, from Newtownards in Northern Ireland, a visit to find out how they’re getting on with their brand-new WAV.
Where to Start
Born with cerebral palsy and incontinentia pigmenti, a rare genetic condition, Lana is a fulltime wheelchair user. Dad and driver Paul felt it was
time they upgraded Lana’s WAV but was at a loss on where to start.
Paul tells us, “I was very
unsure as to what vehicles were available and found it quite difficult to find the right one until we got in touch with Allied Mobility.”
Finding Lana’s New WAV
One thing that was important in Lana and Paul’s WAV search was the seating layout.
“We needed a set up so that Lana could be sitting in the middle beside her sister because she's more comfortable sitting next to someone,” Paul explains.
Having listened to Lana and Paul’s needs, their dedicated mobility consultant, Ryan, talked the father and daughter duo through all their options.
“Lana was very clear as to which one she preferred, which was the important choice!”, laughs Paul.
Favourite Features
One of their favourite Freedom™ features is the electric-assist winch which comes as standard in all our WAVs and serves to guide the wheelchair user in and out of the vehicle, making entry and exit much easier.
Paul also gives special mention to Freedom’s™ built-in Sat Nav and
compliments the vehicle’s SpaceLite™ ramp, “it’s so much easier to use!”.
Why Choose Allied Mobility?
Having previously struggled to find a vehicle that suited Lana's needs, Paul reflects on their journey to finding the perfect WAV since discovering Allied Mobility: “I would recommend Allied Mobility to anybody because the customer service has been superb and the range available is very good.”
They were very easy to deal with, very straight forward, good communication.
He continues, “They were very easy to deal with. Straightforward and good communication."
Ford Freedom™ is available exclusively from Allied Mobility to purchase, hire or lease via the Motability Scheme. You can call one of our mobility advisors or go to our website to find out more.
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Charity Focus
Step into Nature with OPEN COUNTRY
If getting out in nature more often is one of your new year resolutions, then Open Country may just be the charity to help you achieve your outdoorsy goals!
Established in 1990, Open Country run an average of 26 accessible outdoor activities per week and have produced a wealth of information to help disabled people access the countryside.
Knowing how difficult it can be for people with disabilities and their carers to obtain information about visiting the countryside, the charity has produced a series of directories to help you discover accessible
places in Yorkshire, Teesside, County Durham, Lancashire and Wakefield. They've also developed guides known as “Breakfree Trails”. These guides have been developed with wheelchair users in mind and include
inspiration and information on great places to walk, roll and cycle.
If your mobility makes it especially hard to get out, Open Country also offers audio walks, allowing you to take a virtual stroll from the comfort of your own home.
To the Labs!
We recently took to the labs to catch up with Dr Hamied Haroon, a research fellow and scientist at the University of Manchester. Hamied was
born with the genetic condition, Charcot-MarieTooth syndrome, which affects his body’s peripheral nerves.
Hamied’s work involves
using the physics of MRI scanners to measure the structure, function, perfusion and chemical make-up of the body.
When Hamied isn’t jetsetting to conferences in places like Hawaii and the South of France (which he assures us is for science!) or working with neurosurgeons on stroke and traumatic brain injury projects, his everyday responsibilities include programming, coding and analysing data.
Reflecting on the impact his experiences of disability have had on his career journey, Hamied says that being disabled definitely put a barrier between him and getting into medicine, but “sometimes failure and rejection are actually a gamechanger and can open doors you wouldn’t have otherwise opened.”
To other disabled people interested in a career in science, Hamied urges: “Don’t let anything hold you back, push forward. Live your dreams.”
FINDING YOUR PATH
We spoke with Dr Hamied Haroon, Miss Jacqui and Hannah Bucys as they reflect on how their experience of disability has impacted their careers and what advice they'd give to other disabled people who want to get involved in their chosen field.
Finding the Melody
Sharing her experience of a career in music as a disabled woman, we had the privilege of sitting down and chatting to the super talented Miss Jacqui.
Based in East London, Miss Jacqui is a full-time powerchair user who makes thoughtful and powerful music that incorporates spoken word poetry.
Thinking about the ways in which her experience of disability has impacted her career journey, Miss Jacqui tells us:
“I think I’ve been impacted by other people’s prejudices and their attitudes of what they think disabled people are, or could be, or not be. So, I think it has impacted my career, but I also think that’s a societal thing and how people see disabled people.”
Despite the challenges she has faced within the industry, Miss Jacqui continues to put out music with her latest EP 'Notes to Self' fully independent and self-funded. She notes this achievement, and her authenticity, as a great source of pride.
To those interested in a music career, Miss Jacqui’s advice is simple; “Just start.”
Miss Jacqui
FINDING YOUR PATH
Hannah Bucys
Taking to the Court
Based in Hull, 22-year-old wheelchair user Hannah is a high pointer for West Coast Wheelchair Rugby Club and has represented Great Britain as part of the Women’s World Cup Team.
Wheelchair rugby is a fullcontact, action-packed sport often associated with hard hits, but behind the physicality is tactical gameplay and impressive teamwork.
Thinking about how her experience of disability has impacted her sporting career, Hannah tells us that sport has always been a massive part of her life. Following her injury she wondered whether she would find a sport that she could do and would be interested in.
“I’m very grateful and very lucky that I’ve found wheelchair rugby and I’m able to play it. I don’t think I would ever have got involved and met the people that I’ve met if it wasn’t for my injury. I’ve made friends for life.”
She continues, “I think my disability has enabled me to build confidence, independence and communication skills all through sport.”
When asked what advice she’d give to other disabled people, especially women and girls interested in playing wheelchair rugby, Hannah shared some simple advice:
“Just go for it!”
GETTING TO KNOW
MONIQUE
Mobility consultant, Monique, is still quite a new face here at Allied Mobility having joined us in August 2024 following a move to the UK from South Africa.
You may have already encountered Monique’s friendly and positive attitude during a free home demonstration.
Job Satisfaction
Explaining what her role involves and why she loves it, Monique says:
“It's very special. I go out
and see our customers, demonstrate the vehicle to them and find out what their needs are.”
Life Outside of Allied
Outside of work Monique has many hobbies including: gardening, playing golf, watching rugby with her husband and attending concerts.
“Oh and I love dogs! We brought our dogs from South Africa. We’ve got two Dachshunds and a Yorkshire Terrier. They’re not as well behaved as the British dogs though”, Monique laughs.
Things to Consider When Choosing a WAV
As well as thinking about the colour, features and transmission, there are some additional things to consider when choosing the right wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) for you.
To help you in your search, we've compiled some things to think about.
Seated Height
It's important to measure your seated height when you're in your wheelchair or powerchair. This will determine how much entry height and internal headroom you need in your new WAV.
As
Wheelchair Measurements
Measure the width, length and height of your wheelchair or powerchair to ensure you have space to enter the vehicle via the ramp and then room inside to travel safely and comfortably.
Seating
Think about how many people you need your WAV to carry and where you would like your wheelchair travelling position to be.
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COMPETITION WINNERS
Doubling up the prize.
Each year, we run a prize draw competition where you have the chance of winning £1,000 by entering at one of our events across the UK.
Last year we were delighted to offer the prize to not just one lucky couple, but two! We caught up with the winners to find out their reaction to the surprise.
Dave and Christine
Dave and his wife Christine, from Wirral, won £1,000 from entering the prize draw at our North West Mobility Day at the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester Airport.
The couple used some of their winnings on Christmas presents and plan to use the rest towards the advanced payment of a new WAV!
Debbie and Adrian
Debbie and her husband
Adrian entered the competition at our South Mobility Day at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge.
Debbie tells us, “It couldn’t have come at a better time as I have been diagnosed with heart failure, so we plan to use the money to make some
memories with the children and grandchildren.”
A Wonderful End to 2024
Congratulations to 2024’s prize draw winners! We look forward to welcoming faces old and new to our 2025 events where you can also be in with a chance of winning £1,000!
GIVE WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
A GO IN 2025
Thinking about trying something new in 2025? Then why not give wheelchair rugby a go? Whether to play, volunteer or simply spectate, it’s an actionpacked sport with something for everyone!
Play
We caught up with Northampton Saints and Stoke Mandeville Maulers wheelchair rugby player, Kascie Higgins, to find out why he plays and how you can get involved.
As one of the only full contact team sports disabled people can play, Kascie tells us, “I really love that I can still play a full contact sport and the fact I can play a team sport makes it even better for me.”
As well as playing for
enjoyment, the sport has increased Kascie’s confidence and opened doors to new opportunities. “When I first started, I was one of the quietest people you'd meet, barely spoke to anyone and now I don't stop talking and I’m
travelling the world playing wheelchair rugby!”
For those keen to give the sport a go, Kascie says, “100% do it! It’s changed my life completely.”
Kascie
PLAY | VOLUNTEER | WATCH
Volunteer
You don’t have to play wheelchair rugby to get involved, you can volunteer in roles such as a mechanic or table official.
Trainee mechanic, Claire, tells us her role is mainly to change flat tyres and although she had no prior experience, she shares how easy it was to learn:
“The other mechanics will show you how to do it. I'm right in there now and can change the tyres in a couple of minutes!”
She concludes, “My advice to anybody coming into wheelchair rugby is have a go and don't be afraid, it's a lot of fun.”
Claire
Fellow volunteer Kate, is a table official. “My job involves score keeping, time keeping, 40 seconds shot clock and penalty bin.”
As to why she volunteers in this role, Kate tells us, “It’s extremely inclusive, great fun and a fantastic community.”
And to those thinking about volunteering, Kate says, “Just give it a go, you’re going to love it!”
Watch
It’s not only a fun sport to play and volunteer in, but also great to watch! With free entry to the majority of GBWR games, why not find a local game near you?
Kate
JAYNE GETS HER LIFE BACK WITH FORD INDEPENDENCE ™
For Jayne Dalee, from Hull, her new Ford Independence™ WAV certainly lived up to its title.
Life Before a WAV
Prior to the delivery of her Independence™, Jayne often missed out on family gatherings and the chance to go to the shops and pick out her own things. Her daughter, Leona, tell us:
“For the last four years she’s been stuck in the bedroom, she’s not been able to go anywhere.”
Allied Experience
Reflecting on her experience with Allied Mobility, Jayne tells us her
mobility consultant, Des, was a huge help during her free home demonstration: "Des showed us how to get into the car safely and how to secure my powechair. I've got so much freedom now."
Life of the Party
Talking about how her new WAV has impacted her life Jayne tells us that not only can she travel with all her family now, she’s also able to socialise more:
“We went out for a family dinner for the first time in 10 years, we wouldn’t have been able to without the WAV.”
Independence™ is the perfect option for big Find out more: phone 0800 587 9640 envelope info@alliedmobility.com globe alliedmobility.com/ independence
Jayne continues, “For my son’s birthday, I couldn’t even go to the party because I couldn’t get a taxi but now, I could go to any party, so that’s good, isn’t it?!”
families and those with larger wheelchairs and powerchairs.
I’ve Got My Life Back
Discussing how Independence™ has provided Jayne with a new sense of freedom, Leona says, “Now she’s got this vehicle, it’s given her access to be able to do some shopping. It’s given her independence to actually pick her own things instead of having to ask the carers to go for her. This vehicle has really helped her in many ways. It’s given her more life.
“It’s just given her more opportunities to be able to
...I’ve got so much freedom now.
go out and do things and feel more human again and have fun,” Leona adds.
“I’m happy now I can get out, I’ve got my life back,” Jayne concludes with a smile.
Ford Independence™ is available exclusively from Allied Mobility to purchase, hire or lease via the Motability Scheme. You can call one of our mobility advisors or go to our website to find out more.
› Drive from wheelchair or upfront passenger
› One-touch automatic tailgate & ramp action
› 10” colour touchscreen
› Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
› Heated leather steering wheel
› Rear parking sensors & 180° reversing camera
› 16” alloy wheels
› Bluetooth®
Buy Your Used WAV
Hire a WAV
As the UK’s leading WAV manufacturer, buying a second-hand disability car direct from us means you will get: Did you know you can also rent a WAV on a short or long-term basis with Allied Mobility? Benefits include:
SPORTS UPDATE \\\
camera imagecommsParalympicsGB/ David Pearce
SUCCESSFUL ROUND UP FOR PARALYMPICS GB
A huge congratulations to Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most decorated athlete, who was nominated along some tough competition for the top award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. She was in great company with Para swimmer William Ellard who made his debut at Paris 2024 and was nominated for Young Sports Personality of the Year.
In the King’s New Year Honours, it was a royal
celebration for athletes Penny Briscoe and Hannah Cockroft, both earning CBEs for their incredible contributions to Paralympic sport. Lauren Rowles and Sammi Kinghorn took home OBEs for their Paralympic prowess. And let’s not forget the MBEs awarded to the incredible Stephen McGuire and Sophie Unwin.
At the Sports Journalist’ Association Awards, the Bill McGowran Trophy for Para Atheletes of the
year was awarded to Dave Ellis and his guide Luke Pollard after dominating in Para triathlon and Jodie Grinham who won individual bronze in Para archery (while seven months pregnant!) in Paris. Meanwhile Para swimmer Poppy Maskill made waves as the joint winner of the Peter Wilson Trophy for breakthrough performance alongside darts superstar Luke Littler.
All in all, a great year for paralympic sports!
Funding Boost for Wolves FC Charity
New Lottery funding has paved the way for Wolves Foundation to introduce an exciting project to encourage young people with disabilities to get involved in sport. The official charity of Wolves Football Club already runs a hugely popular disability football team but the additional funding will see this expanded into different sporting opportunities for 11-25 year olds. Head of programmes, Rachel Smith, said: “The Disability football set-up will remain a key part of our overall community sport provision, but, thanks to this new funding, we can expand our offer to incorporate multi-sport delivery in across several different hubs within Wolverhampton and across the Black Country.”
New Year’ Honours for Disability Sports Coach
Recognised for his services to disabled people and the community, Colin Woodford, who runs the North East Lincolnshire Disability Sports Forum, started 2025 in style as the worthy recipient of a British Empire Medal.
Of his brilliant recognition, Colin told Lincolnshire Live: "I was shocked when I received the letter in the post, obviously I never even considered it or even thought about it, it was a big surprise. It is nice to be recognised for all of the voluntary work I do within the disability sports."
"I don't do it for awards or acclaim, I do it
because I love promoting sport and table tennis. I've made many friends through the sport and visited various countries, and at my age, it's what keeps me going."
