A new year has arrived which means new opportunities for adventure, travel and fun. To help you get on the road and enjoy everything 2026 has to offer, this issue of details accessible road trip destinations, tips for travelling in your WAV with an assistance dog and Allied Mobility customers, Neil and Belle, note the benefits Mobile Service.
Plus, £1,000 prize draw winners June and Moses, tell us how they plan on spending
Find all of this, customer stories, information on our fantastic range of WAVs and much more in this packed edition of Access All Areas!
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From Stunts to Stories: Disabled Harry Potter Stuntman Cast in Audiobook
David Holmes, a former Harry Potter stunt double, was paralysed after an accident during filming rehearsals for Deathly Hallows Part 1. After facing a decade of recovery, David recently returned to the wizarding world as Stan Shunpike in the new Prisoner of Azkaban audiobook.
“I was honoured when they asked me to audition and it's really cool to be back in the wizarding world.”
David is proud of the role he played in telling a story that has connected with millions, “I will always be proud and I don’t regret it.”
Now looking ahead, David hopes to do more voice acting, write a children’s book and host an inclusive festival for disabled people.
Tennis Coach Serves Style in Vogue
Alice Dyer, a 20-year-old tennis coach, from Nottinghamshire, lives with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare genetic condition causing joint pain and fatigue.
When she isn’t coaching children to be the next tennis stars, Alice models for brands like Wimbledon and Zalando.
Her most recent feature was in a Vogue Philippines portfolio celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
“Not everybody gets into Vogue,” she says, calling the experience “surreal”.
Despite her modelling success, Alice says she never wants to give up coaching tennis.
"Kids don't expect to have a disabled coach and they might not have met a wheelchair user before, so I am very grateful that I can introduce kids to that,” she says.
camera Alice Dyer featured in "Diversity Captured Through the Lenses of Shaira Luna and David PD Hyde" in Vogue Philippines
camera David PD Hyde
Disabled Student has Petition Debated in Parliament
Lucas, a 17-year-old with cerebral palsy, described having his fire safety petition debated in Parliament as “surreal”.
After being left alone upstairs during a fire at his secondary school, Lucas launched the #NoStudentLeftBehind campaign, calling for
evacuation chairs to be compulsory in all schools.
Over 100,000 people signed his petition, prompting a parliamentary debate and a commitment from the Schools Minister to meet him.
"I'm just a disabled kid
from Manchester and I am possibly changing the legislation. It's amazing," said Lucas.
Lucas now works with the Emergency Group to raise awareness, saying, “No student should be left behind. They should feel safe.”
EXPERTS ‘CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC’ ABOUT NEW MND DRUG
Belfast actor Michael Campbell, celebrated for his acclaimed performance as Richard III, is finding hope through a groundbreaking clinical trial for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Diagnosed in 2023, Michael began the trial drug in late 2024 and has already regained some sensation in his feet – wiggling his toes for the first time in two years.
"It was such a relief that the drug is doing something," he said.
The international Fusion clinical trial, sponsored by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, offers renewed hope for patients worldwide, with experts cautiously optimistic about its potential to slow MND progression.
camera Johnny Frazer
HomeStay™ Mobile Service, exclusively available to Allied Mobility customers, ensures that your mobility car remains safe and reliable, without you having to leave the comfort of your home.
Having recently had their Peugeot Rifter Horizon™ WAV serviced at their home in Doncaster, Neil Chipping and his wife Belle, share their experience of a HomeStay™ Mobile Service.
Getting Started
Previously, the couple had their WAV serviced at a Peugeot garage, but after learning about the convenience of HomeStay™, they decided to give it a try. Our servicing team organised everything –reminding them when their service was due to arrange a date and time for a trained mobile mechanic to service their WAV right
on their doorstep.
On the Day
On the day, automotive technician, Paul, arrived at the Chipping’s house to inspect their Horizon’s™ brakes and tyres, engine oil and vital lubricants and attend to a full list of checks designed to keep everything running smoothly.
Available UK-wide, our mobile service vans are fully equipped with specialist tools to inspect all of the mechanical and electrical components of your WAV as you would have them checked at a regular service centre.
Speaking about their experience, Belle says, “Having the WAV serviced at home was a breeze. Paul was on time and clear about what he was doing. I found him very informative and pleasant – he just got on with the job!”
Discussing the benefits of having their disability car serviced at home, Belle points out how fast, convenient and trustworthy HomeStay™ Mobile Service is, saying: “We find it easy to have our WAV serviced at home. It's quicker, we can see
NEIL AND BELLE ON WHY HOMESTAY
MOBILE SERVICE IS A BREEZE
what's being done and we know and trust the person servicing the WAV.”
She continues, “I would definitely recommend a HomeStay™ Mobile Service to other Allied Mobility customers.
Paul kept my husband updated along the way, which we both greatly appreciated.”
Travelling Safely with Your Assistance Dog
Assistance dogs provide more than companionship, they help disabled people maintain independence, confidence and quality of life by supporting everyday tasks.
Ensuring you can safely travel in your wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) with your furry friend is vital.
Community care nurse Chloe Hammond, who relies on her WAV and assistance dog, Ocho, says:
“My WAV and my assistance dog don’t just help me travel – they give me freedom, independence and confidence. Together, they make the world more accessible and less intimidating.”
Whether you’re heading to the shops, work, or on a road trip, Chloe shares her key tips for safe travel.
Securing Your Dog
The Highway Code requires dogs be restrained in the backseat or rear of the vehicle to avoid distracting
the driver. Chloe suggests:
dot Crash-tested harness – attaches to seat-belt fittings; ideal for smaller WAVs.
dot Booster seat – great for small dogs; helps reduce motion sickness.
dot Crash-tested crate –suitable for larger WAVs if space allows.
Other Considerations
dot Temperature – use cooling mats or crate fans; never leave your dog alone in the car.
dot Plan ahead – stop about once an hour to keep your dog calm and comfortable with toilet breaks, food, water and exercise.
Accessible Road Trips
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a crosscountry adventure, a road trip in a wheelchair accessible vehicle makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Find inspiration for your next accessible road trip below!
Inverness and Loch Ness, Scotland
Explore the historic city of Inverness before paying Nessie a visit amongst the rolling hills and scenic beauty of Loch Ness. With several attractions offering wheelchair accessibility such as The Loch Ness Centre and Inverness Castle, Inverness and Loch Ness are great accessible road trip destinations to consider!
Bath, England
90% of the Roman Baths, the city’s most iconic attraction, are accessible to wheelchair
users and with plenty of wide and fairly even paths across the city centre, exploring this historic city is made possible.
Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
Boasting a dazzling coastline, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in West Wales is a must visit. Drive your WAV to one of the many accessible viewpoints for
stunning views of the coast and countryside. Or park your WAV and roll along a variety of accessible walks.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
With a fully accessible trail and an award-winning visitor centre, behold the drama of the Giant’s Causeway. Prefer to stay in the comfort of your WAV? Be sure to stop at Portaneevy viewpoint for a spectacular view of several nearby islands.
Inverness & Loch Ness
Pembrokeshire Coast
Giant's Causeway Bath
GETTING TO KNOW
GERRY Meet the Allied Family
Meet Gerry Dalrymple, one of Allied Mobility’s trusted mobility advisors.
For nearly seven years, he’s been helping customers find the perfect wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) to suit their lifestyle and budget. If you’ve ever called us for advice, chances are you’ve already spoken to Gerry!
We recently caught up with him to learn what makes his job so rewarding and what he enjoys when
he’s off the clock.
Passion and Perspective
A wheelchair user himself, Gerry has spina bifida and finds his own disability gives him a unique insight into the needs of the customers he helps each day.
“I sometimes mention to customers that I’m a wheelchair user too and it puts them at ease because a lot of customers are firsttime users of the Motability Scheme so it can be a bit
daunting for them”.
He continues with a smile, “Having a WAV is a lifesaver for a lot of people and from that perspective I just love what I do! I really put a lot of passion into my job because I know how difficult it is to get out and about.”
Outside of Work
When Gerry isn’t at work, he enjoys a scenic drive along the Scottish West coast or watching a good mafia movie!
camera Meeting Princess Anne
SAFETY BENEFITS OF A WAV
Designed with a wheelchair user’s safety in mind, a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) can make everyday journeys safer and easier.
Safer Entry and Exit
Compared to a standard car, entering and exiting an Allied Mobility WAV is made quick and simple thanks to a range of accessibility considerations such as a lowered floor, lightweight, easy-use ramp and an electric-assist winch.
The lowered floor means there's ample headroom to
travel comfortably inside the WAV. It also ensures that the access ramp sits at a low gradient so when you are travelling up and down the ramp in your wheelchair or powerchair, you don’t have to exert too much energy.
To make using the accessible ramp even easier, all of our passenger WAVs come equipped with an electric-assist winch. This guides and supports getting in and out of the vehicle, reducing physical effort for you and your companion or carer.
Reduced Risk of Injury
For many wheelchair users, transferring to a standard car seat can be physically demanding. This can also prove true for carers of disabled people who don’t have the strength required to assist their loved ones from their wheelchair to the car.
Likewise, for families with a disabled child, a WAV is a safe option for road travel as it removes the struggle of transferring a growing child from their wheelchair to their passenger seat.
The convenience of avoiding
transfers is one of the main reasons customers choose a WAV.
Hear From the Hawcrofts
For Chris and Joanne Hawcroft, their WAV became vital in ensuring Joanne could help her husband, Chris, into the car safely.
Reflecting on their previous experience with a standard car, Joanne shared, “It was getting to the point where it could be dangerous because he’s not light. If I stood him up and he lost his balance, he could fall to the floor. Then we're struggling.”
Thanks to their Ford Independence™, the couple can now travel without fear.
“The WAV, it’s life changing”, Chris tells us.
Similarly, Ian Bowler, from Armagh, loves how easy and safe a WAV makes travel not only for himself as a wheelchair user, but for his wife and carer:
“It’s made things easier on my wife, Sandra and my
carer because the electricassist winch pulls me in.”
Safe and Secure in the
Vehicle
Our WAVs are built to the highest safety standards and also include wheelchair specific safety features like Q’Straint restraints and a three-point seatbelt. With free UK-wide home demonstrations, you can see for yourself the difference a WAV can make.
Lightweight
MEET OUR PRIZE DRAW WINNERS!
Every year, Allied Mobility customers can enter our annual prize draw at Allied Mobility Days, Motability Scheme events and Kidz to Adultz exhibitions across the UK.
For 2025, we were thrilled to award £1,000 to two lucky winners, June and Moses.
June’s Winning Experience at Twycross Zoo
June joined us at our Midlands Mobility Day at Twycross Zoo in Atherstone, where she enjoyed a free day out, explored our full range of wheelchair
accessible vehicles (WAVs), and best of all, won £1,000!
Describing how she felt upon hearing the news she told us, “I was very surprised and happy at the same time!”
Accessible Travel Made Simple
Since taking delivery of her Peugeot Horizon™, June has been loving the freedom and reassurance her Horizon™ RE offers:
“If you need a vehicle and are disabled, a WAV takes away all the worry as everything's been adapted for your needs. My husband can drive it as well; we just have to put fuel in and go - it’s the best thing we ever did!”.
Turning £1,000 into Comfort and Memories
June already has a few ideas
on how she will spend her winnings:
“I will spend the money on a new bathroom seat for our shower and a nice weekend away.”
A Surprise Win for Moses
Our second winner, Moses, lives in Croydon with his wife Jacqueline. The couple entered the draw at our South East Mobility Day, held at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham. While there, they enjoyed browsing our entire range of WAVs with a free hot beverage and a slice of cake in hand.
Jacqueline shares how Moses reacted to hearing he won £1,000:
“He was very surprised and happy. It brought a big smile to his face!”
Meeting customers like June and Moses is why we love hosting and attending events across the UK.
We can’t wait to welcome even more of you to our FREE 2026 Allied Mobility Days, where you’ll have the chance to:
Enjoy free entry to an attraction, free parking and free refreshments.
Explore our full WAV range.
Enter the 2026 prize draw for a chance to win £1,000 by filling in a card and handing it back to a team member.
TONY’S WAV
IS MADE FOR WHEELCHAIR
RUGBY
By day, Tony Williams is a member of Nottinghamshire police staff; by night he’s tearing up the wheelchair rugby court.
The 55-year-old, from Nottingham, tells us how his Peugeot Horizon™ WAV is made for more than the everyday, it’s made so he can continue to pursue his sporting passions.
Discovering Wheelchair Rugby
Born with cerebral palsy, Tony is an ambulant wheelchair user who discovered accessible sport through the police.
“Over the last year I’ve
represented the force and Police UK Disability Sport (PUKDS) in various wheelchair rugby competitions located throughout the country,” Tony tells us proudly.
As well as a deep passion for the game itself, it’s the people he has met through
the sport that Tony loves most:
“The best part is you’re getting out of the house; you’re meeting people and as soon as you get to practice you’ve got two common interests with everybody there –you’ve all got a disability
Find the WAV that's Made for You!
Find the WAV Made for You
phone 0800 587 9640
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and you all like your sport. The friendships you make because you’ve automatically got something in common with everyone is brilliant.”
Before wheelchair rugby, Tony’s wife, Jenni, was the social butterfly. Now, thanks to the friendships Tony has built through wheelchair rugby, things have completely changed.
“It’s my phone that's always going now”, he laughs.
“From a sporting point of view, wheelchair rugby has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Being in a powerchair or a scooter from my point of view, shouldn’t restrict you.
Made for Independence
From travelling around the country for rugby tournaments to his everyday commute and road trips with his wife, Jenni, who is also a wheelchair user, and their dog, Billy, Tony says his WAV allows him to travel independently and makes life generally more accessible for both him and his wife.
“Having the WAV also enables Jenni and I to go shopping and visit family. There’s enough room in the vehicle to transport all that we need. Some of our family live in the far North
of Scotland but having the WAV has enabled us to visit them on several occasions.”
Life Without Restrictions
Reflecting on the impact his Peugeot Horizon™ WAV has had on his ability to travel freely and independently to the places and things that matter to him, Tony tells us,
“Being in a powerchair or a scooter from my point of view, shouldn’t restrict you. What I recommend people do is contact Allied Mobility and explain what your requirements are and I’m certain that you will be accommodated.”
Used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
150 Used WAVs in Stock
Arlene is ‘Over the Moon ’ with her Peugeot Horizon™
Sharing her experience of finding her first WAV with Allied Mobility, Arlene Hutchinson, from Pontyclun in Wales, tells us the difference her Peugeot Horizon™ has made to her life.
Why Go for a WAV?
Arlene explains that she faced physical difficulty getting in and out of her standard car:
“My carer had to pick me up and get me into the car which wasn’t very easy to do.”
Looking for a better way to travel, that wouldn’t be so physically straining for
her and her carer, Arlene turned to us to find the perfect WAV.
A Free Home Demonstration
Arlene was put in touch with her dedicated mobility consultant, John, who brought Horizon™ to
Reflecting on her experience, Arlene says, “The home demonstration was very useful to me. John showed me the vehicle, made sure that I was alright with it and I was over the moon!”
At Allied Mobility we want to make sure that the WAV you’re most interested in is definitely the best choice for you and your needs.
Your dedicated mobility consultant will always bring the vehicle to your home to ensure your wheelchair or powerchair fits inside the
vehicle comfortably and that you, and those you travel with, are confident using all of the wheelchair accessible features of the car such as the ramp and the electric-assist winch (which comes as standard with all of our passenger WAVs).
Made for Ease
Since taking delivery of her brand-new Horizon™, Arlene has been on lots of adventures around Wales.
“Once I had the vehicle you couldn’t stop me! I can drive my powerchair into the WAV really comfortably and then bring myself back out – I think the world of it!”
Delighted with how easy it is to roll into her disability car and go, Arlene concludes,
“Whoever wants one of these cars should go for it because it’s the best thing that they could do in their life.”
...Once I had the vehicle you couldn’t stop me!
Why Choose Allied Mobility?
If you’re considering a wheelchair accessible car, Arlene recommends you contact us for help and advice:
“I found Allied Mobility very helpful. If you call them, they come out straight away. They show you the vehicle, in every aspect that you can think of and it is exceptional.”
Peugeot Horizon™ 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.
Charity Focus JUMBULANCE
Accessible Group Travel Made Possible
Proudly supported by Allied Mobility
The Jumbulance Trust makes group travel across the UK and Europe accessible for everyone from sensory impairments to physical and mental disabilities.
How it Works
Their custom-built buses, called “Jumbulances”, feature wheelchair lifts, spacious interiors for wheelchairs or beds, an accessible toilet and a galley kitchen.
Why it Matters
Each trip is supported by experienced drivers and volunteers, ensuring comfort and care throughout. Whether it’s a day out or a European adventure, Jumbulance opens the door to independence and inclusion.
You can learn more or support their work by visiting www.jumbulance.org.uk.
Peugeot Rifter
2-5 Seats
SPORTS UPDATE \\\
ROLL INTO ACTION: WHEELCHAIR
RUGBY EXPANDS IN 2026
It was another actionpacked year for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) with lots of nailbiting tournaments up and down the country. The sporting organisation, which Allied Mobility is very proud to sponsor, is kicking off 2026 with some exciting announcements that will continue to grow the sport on and off the court.
New Junior Regional Academies Launched
In a bid to provide more playing and training opportunities for young athletes in both Paralympic wheelchair rugby and wheelchair rugby fives, GBWR has launched Junior Regional Academies.
Is 2026 your year to join the action?
Whether to watch, play or volunteer, there are lots of opportunities to get in on the wheelchair rugby action. Visit gbwr.org.uk to learn more.
The academies will welcome newcomers who aren’t yet part of local clubs, helping to build a vibrant junior
community.
One enthusiastic nineyear-old from the North Academy said, “I can’t wait to play with other kids like me! It’s gonna be so fun making new friends and learning new stuff together.”
Women & Girls Programme Expansion
GBWR’s Women and Girls Talent Programme is also growing with an increased capacity to deliver training camps, outreach projects and mentorship opportunities from grassroot initiatives to elite competitions, providing more pathways for women and girls to thrive within the sport.
UK Athletes Ready for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics
In anticipation of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place in Italy from 6th to 15th March, ParalympicsGB has confirmed the first athletes set to compete.
Para-alpine skier, Neil Simpson, was the first British male athlete to win gold on the snow and is looking to defend his Super-G gold and Super Combined bronze medals at this year’s games.
Scott Meenagh, will also return to compete in his third and final Paralympics in the Para Nordic competition.
Rounding out the initial snow sports selections are para-snowboarders James Barnes-Miller and Ollie Hill, with additional athletes expected to be named in February.
This year's Games mark the 50th anniversary of the first Winter Paralympics and will be broadcast live on Channel 4.
UK Hosts Wheelchair Basketball
World Cup
In August of this year, the UK will host the first-ever Masters Wheelchair Basketball World Cup. Marking a historic milestone for adaptive basketball, the event will welcome international teams at the fully accessible, Sports Scotland’s National Training Centre in Largs. Learn more: fimba-gb.com
