Freedom 2024

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Your exclusive TGA newsletter

FREEDOM

Meet TGA brand ambassador, Jenni, who is taking the world of social media by storm

Introducing our brand new, award-winning scooter changing the face of mobilty: WHILL R

Your stories: David Fordham tells us how he stays gardening thanks to his Vita E

FEEL MOVED

Welcome to the latest edition of our Freedom newsletter

We’ve been lucky to talk to so many of you about how your products have enabled you to do and see more.

Over the past year, we’ve heard many wonderful stories from you about how our mobility scooters and powerchairs have made a difference in your lives. Whether it’s a story about being able to visit friends and family, enjoy a day out, or simply gain the confidence to move freely. Each story highlights the importance of independence, which you can find on page 12.

On page 7, you can see that we’ve also been working with some of our fantastic charity partners, Parkinson’s UK, MS Society and Event Mobility. Together, we’ve

been able to support more people and communities, allowing them to live life to the fullest .We’ve delivered scooters to different national trusts and parks, including the Highlands Wildlife Park. This allows more visitors to explore the zoo and see everything it has to offer.

We’re also thrilled to launch our newest scooter model, WHILL R on page 10. It’s packed with the latest technology and designed to be a modern, portable scooter unlike anything else available.

We chat with one of our brand ambassadors, Jenni, on page 8, who shares our passion for mobility and independence. We are proud to be working

with Jenni and believe her voice will resonate with many of you. As always, we hope you enjoy reading our latest edition of Freedom and have a lovely summer.

Best wishes,

Award winning gardener beats Stroke

with Vita E

"People are amazed how far I am going these days and I feel that I am saving the planet by using an electric scooter. "

Award-winning gardener David Fordham, 78 from Bury St. Edmunds, is reaping more rewards from life since replacing his car with his Vita E mobility scooter.

David gardens a lot. You will always find him planting and pruning to make his outdoor spaces the best they can be. In fact, his passion has earnt him best front garden by the Bury in Bloom Society. David’s back garden is just as pretty – full of wildlife and a charming sun shelter that’s all lit up at night. However, David finds walking and bending difficult these days after a stroke. His balance is also not what it used to be. Son of the borough librarian and museum curator, David was a brick making manager by trade.

Retirement at 55 meant more time in the garden during summertime and making model railways in the winter. All good for the soul but moving around has become the stumbling block, especially when he had to give up his driving licence. On the way to 80 and with his wife having ME, the loss of his car was a big blow day-today. That was until he called us TGA.

He’d dealt with the TGA Mobility showroom in Sudbury for years as we’d got him a wheelchair and Powerpack so he could push his wife. As a tall chap, we suggested a bigger scooter to get him out in the countryside and around the garden. And it needed plenty of space onboard for loading up the weekly shop. His Vita E hasn’t disappointed: “The

scooter has opened up my life. I go out every day exploring new paths and looking at people’s garden. One of my favourite places is Moreton Hall which I can get to on footpaths. People are amazed how far I am going these days and I feel that I am saving the planet by using an electric scooter. We did have a blue badge but don’t feel like we are missing out on anything and going out is cheaper.”

Back at home, it’s even better. David’s garden is in full bloom, helped by his scooter to carry things around. “As I can’t kneel anymore, I have planted tall things like lupins, delphiniums and hollyhocks which come up every year. I can weed then without having to bend over. I walk at home as best I can. I still want to use my legs, I just don’t want to wear them out. That’s why I have a scooter. Suffolk County Council have looked after me as they have fitted a ramp up to my house so I can drive my scooter indoors and store it in a bedroom. I’ve also got TV screens in this room with a live feed of my garden so I can watch the wildlife when working on my train layout.”

Being able to carry on with beloved hobbies can be heaven, but still having the ability to do practical things is just as rewarding. In David’s case, it’s going shopping and on long walks. “Getting to the supermarket on my scooter is vital for me. Now I put my shopping in big bags so I can stack them up on the scooter’s floor well. I couldn’t carry the bags on the bus as I use a stick and need my other hand to grab onto things.”

David wraps up: “My wife and I have met more people since we’ve stopped driving. We’ve been on more walks together and hope to do more. However much we love sitting in our garden, sunny days away picnicking with sandwiches are back for good.”

Supporting Parkinsons UK at London Pride

We have teamed up with Parkinson’s UK to help charity guests with Parkinson’s attend the Pride in London parade.

At TGA, we are proud partners with charity, Parkinson’s UK. This relationship led to Parkinson’s UK asking if we could help two charity members attend the Parkinson’s community to join Pride in London.

Ian Temple, was one of the recipients able to take part in the official Pride parade. “I loved the Vita E; it was incredibly comfortable with cushioning right up behind my back and easy to drive. I have advanced Parkinson’s which means I walk slowly and stiffly. I simply would not have been able to participate in the march without this help. ”

Emma Tegala, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Parkinson’s UK, was just as thankful: “Pride in London is an excellent opportunity to show that we stand proudly with our LGBTQIA+ staff, community and allies. TGA’s input was essential in making sure that members of the community who were not able to walk the full route could fully participate in the day and we are so thankful for all of their support.”

At TGA, we continue to partner with Parkinson’s UK, and support the wider Parkinson’s community, with a 10% discount on all mobility scooter, powerchair and wheelchair purchases, with an extra 10% donation being made to the charity with every discounted purchase.

Join us at the Motability The Big Event programme this year

Come and see us at the Motability The Big Event programme all over the country throughout the year.

Motability is a government backed scheme that assists those with a higher disability living allowance to access mobility scooters and powerchairs.

As an accredited Motability dealer, we have a range of products available through the Motability scheme. We loved seeing so many of you at the Birmingham Big Event in May. If you didn’t catch us, we’ll also be at the following shows - you can find out more here: www.motabilitythebigevent.co.uk

Exeter: 28th and 29th June

Harrogate: 9th and 10th August Edinburgh: 13 and 14th September

10% off scooters and powerchairs for charity partner, MS Society

We’re partnered with MS Society which means those with MS receive 10% discount on scooters and powerchairs.

We worked together earlier this year to run a social media giveaway, which meant lucky winner, Sharron, won a brand new Vita E! Sharron (pictured) said “The scooter couldn’t have come at a better time for me and the TGA customer service has been brilliant.”

As an MS Society partner, we offer a 10% discount on new and approved use scooters, powerchairs, and wheelchair powerpacks for MS Society supporters. Each discounted sale also generates an extra 10% donation from us back to the charity.

Keep moving at events nationwide with charity, Event

Mobility

At TGA, we are proud to sponsor Event Mobility, a charity providing access and mobility at events nationwide.

Event Mobility provide hundreds of scooters and wheelchairs which are available for loan at events all around the country throughout the year including Glastonbury Festival, Badminton Horse Trials and Genesis Golf Open.

Make sure your reserve your mobility scooter (£35 donation per event) or wheelchair (£15 donation per event) online to avoid disappointment.

To view all available events which will be running until the end of the year and to book your loan product, please visit www.eventmobility.org.uk

Meet TGA ambassador, Jenni

We sat down to chat to TGA ambassador Jenni - a content creator and model changing perceptions around mobility

@chronicallyjenni

Jenni is a disabled content creator. She shares vlogs, hacks and tips that help people with mobility difficulties.

From accessible places to the best assistive products, she shares her opinions to make life a little easier for anyone with a disability. That’s not all, Jenni campaigns, volunteers for charities, speaks in public and models professionally – all whilst living with Chronic pain and Fatigue. She’s on a mission at 28 to celebrate diversity irrespective of peoples’ abilities. As she says, she was never given a handbook on how to thrive with disability, like everyone else who joins the community. That’s why she’s helping where she can, with her

story for all to see on social media.

Jenni’s now a proud TGA Ambassador. She has been able to use a TGA WHILL F, WHILL C2 and Scoozy to get around so that her crusading can continue. Add to this an Access to Work grant, her career’s back on track. “The WHILL’s TGA have given me are brilliant. I’ve made several videos which directly compare them. Both are such great powerchairs but they are good for different kinds of things. With the Scoozy, I can walk Coco confidently as a woman on my own. She’s a Labradoodle x Cockapoo who’s nearly two. The excellent thing is that I’ve had a WHILL since she was little, so she’s grown up around powerchairs

and walks beautifully next to me; she’s not fazed at all. I find the C2 good on rougher terrain with its suspension and it’s more comfortable if you’re going out for longer.”

“The other hobby these powerchairs have allowed me to do is join a choir. Getting back on stage is something I would never have been able to do without my wheelchair. Don’t get me wrong, theatres aren’t generally the most accessible places in the world, but my WHILL does allow me to perform and raise awareness about the need for inclusion.

I sing at Chelmsford Musical Theatre Choir which is run by Sing Space. We’ve now got three wheelchair users in our choir of about 80 people. I was the only one for a little while and then two newbies joined. Singing with others is so good for your mental health. I wouldn’t be able to do this without my WHILL as it gives me the freedom to go and practise once a week. And I can perform. Like last year I joined Gareth Malone on his UK tour and sang a solo in front of thousands of people. I belong to such a beautiful community; they’re so accepting of everyone.”

Whether out or back at home, Jenni’s getting around more. Support workers and her WHILL’s are there to help. She crafts and plays video games when her busy schedule allows.

Growing in confidence every day, she wraps up by saying: “I’ve got my freedom and independence back. And I’m doing the things I love and just ‘being me’. I hope my work helps people take pride in their own disability. We’re all on a different journey so it’s nice for us all to share and relate to similar experiences. My WHILL’s have made this happen.”

Introducing the brand new

WHILL R

Bringing fresh thinking and looks to mobility scooters

The first thing we loved about WHILL R…..it simply doesn’t look like any other mobility scooter. With a look, feel and fresh thinking to bring mobility scooter travel into the modern world.

WHILL R doesn’t just look great, it’s practical and clever too, with simple controls at your fingertips and information you need, always available at a glance. Your belongings can be tucked safely and securely behind your feet in the large basket. Thoughtful and modern design allows for quick disassembly and transportation, pop it in the boot of the car and take it wherever you go.

Make incredibly precise turns on the spot with dual motors which can rotate in opposite directions. A steering sensor automatically adjusts your speed during turns for safe driving. Independent suspension and an integrated stabiliser

combine to provide unmatched stability and an incredibly smooth ride over kerbs and uneven terrain.

A lightweight lithium battery developed in partnership with LG simply clicks in and out for easy transportation and charging. The battery provides 12 miles of driving range and takes just 5 hours to fully recharge. For those who want more information and control including aspects such as maintenance schedules, there’s even an App for your smartphone, offering more function and information at your fingertips.

Available now in 3 or 4-wheel versions, with a choice of 5 different colours.

Available on the Motability scheme or with TGA 0% finance.

For more information or to book a free home demonstration, please call us on 0800 540 4343 or email us at info@tgamobility.co.uk

Disassembles into five manageable pieces

WHILL R comfortably covers kerbs and terrain

Wide LED display for clear visibility
Lightweight and compact to fit in a car boot

Robert Ness

I find my new Supersport more comfortable to ride and I can now tackle parts of the countryside I’ve never done before.

Harry from TGA came out and was very, very helpful. He bent over backwards to meet my needs and answer my questions. I’ve had old second hand scooters for many years but felt it was time to upgrade.

Without a scooter I’d be a prisoner in my own home. It’s quite rural where I live as I’m on the edge of Blairadam Forest. The countryside around here is very accessible. I mainly go to Lochore Meadows Country Park. What I normally do is go there along footpaths and drive around the loch. It’s about seven miles and I tend to be out for a few hours. I get halfway round and stop at the café. And then I go around the other side of the loch, so I have done a full circle.

After 11 long years I feel that I am “living” again. It’s an incredible feeling. Thank you TGA Mobility for giving me my life back!

My scooter has made such a difference to my mental and physical health. I was always worried about my physical health deteriorating further but I didn’t realise was how much my mental health was being affected by not being able to go out. The Minimo allows me to pace and manage my health better. TGA were amazing.

The folding ‘compactability’ of the Minimo was the big selling point for me as I could take it on buses, trains and planes whilst also being able to fit it into the boot of a car. It’s very lightweight plus the battery pack can be removed from the scooter to charge or you can charge it on board. It was the best feeling in the world when I first trialled my Minimo. To feel the wind in my hair was amazing.

Diane Perlmutter

Glen Jackson

We walked into the showroom and saw the Breeze S4 and my son immediately said ‘Pop, that’s just the one you want’.

My first impression of the Breeze was that it looked good. I inspected the wheels and they were very large. I thought ‘that’s stability’. The controls were straightforward and onboard, I had space to sit comfortably as I’m 6’4”. I took it for a whizz around the car park and found the turning circle and steering marvellous. I go to the supermarket, about 6 miles there and back, and find it surprising how much shopping I can get in its box and on the footwell.

My scooter means I still have a choice. I’m glad I bought the Breeze that’s for sure. It’s wonderful. You get what you pay for. You want a good scooter you’ve got to pay for it. I don’t miss my car one bit.

Glen Jackson, Breeze S4

Maddy Moore

My Zest is easy to control and nobody has to push my wheelchair! We can go out and have a conversation side by side.

I can now go out on my own to walk my dog, Bowie. It’s priceless. I’d thought ‘how was I going to hold her lead and drive?’. So my daughter gave me one of her climbing karabiner clips which I hook to the handlebars. Bowie walks in front or by my side and my partner, Duncan, doesn’t have to push me. We can go on longer walks and there is room for Bowie to sit on the scooter which is brilliant. We went to a dog walking event recently with over a 100 other Dachshunds, it was such fun.

We can get up to the north coast of Wales from here on the train. I’m planning to take my Zest so I can see the sea. I’ve missed it for so long. I can’t wait, just being by the sea makes me feel so much better.

Moore, Zest

Introducing our new Rollator range

Rollbuddy

The stylish solution for indoor mobility.

A design you will be pleased to have around the home, with features to match. Lightweight and effortless to manoeuvre with a braking system which provides security, stability and confidence to the user.

A removable, anti-slip, easy to clean tray sits over the soft drawer made to keep your essentials safe and to hand. Adjustable height and available in matt black, silver or copper finishes to blend into any interior.

SEATA

The only rollator with a full size seat (19” wide) and ergonomic backrest for unmatched comfort and support.

For both indoor and outdoor use with large 9” front wheels and 12” at the rear, lightweight aluminium frame, foldable for transportation.

Designed for safety, control and promotion of a stable, upright walking position whilst allowing users to take a break on a seat which provides proper postural support. Complete with removable underseat bag.

Contact us for a free walking aids brochure. Rollbuddy is available instore and online at: www.tgamobility.co.uk

Your stories: Leslie

Harkes

Talented crafter and dog lover, Leslie, is back to walkies and weaving.

Talented crafter and dog lover Leslie Harkes, 58 from Dunbar with Multiple Sclerosis, is no longer being held back from her passions in life thanks to her WHILL C2 powerchair.

Leslie has two loves in life – her dog and crafting. Iggy the chihuahua is her perfect cuddly companion for days by the fire knitting. Living in remote East Lothian, all the roads and paths are gravel. Harry from TGA Mobility came out with one to try as she explains: “When the Whill C2 arrived Harry adjusted it to fit me, gave me lessons on how to use it and helped me connect the app.”

On her test drive Leslie could not only tackle bumpy tracks, she could also get around her home without any problems.

Suddenly life had got a little bit easier with MS.

“On a day-to-day basis I use my powerchair to walk my dog. He trots alongside me and has a ride onboard when we are in shops. Oh my goodness it’s amazing. You don’t feel like you’re in the way as it’s so manoeuvrable. My sister has been gobsmacked at how easy it is to get around. Before, we’d go out and within 20 minutes I’d be so exhausted. Now with the WHILL C2 I can last all afternoon and keep up with her. Plus, I’ve already been on several buses which was easy, both to get on and manoeuvre. I knew the WHILL C2 would make a difference but I couldn’t have imagined just how much of a positive difference it would make.”

Scottish zoo becomes accessible for all

Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a wildlife conservation charity, the Highland Wildlife Park in the Cairngorms, Scotland has chosen two all-terrain TGA Breeze S4 mobility scooters to make the zoo more accessible for people with walking difficulties.

The Highland Wildlife Park is home to amazing animals from polar bears and Amur tigers to wildcats and wolves. The park is spread over 100 hectares with many boardwalks, gravelly paths and bumpy slopes.

Helen Wink, Visitor Experience Assistant Manager, said: “The feedback we’ve had about the Breeze scooters has been amazing. An ex-Army amputee said he’d used lots of scooters before but found the Breeze to be the best yet. He said he felt so safe and comfortable. Another visitor, an elderly lady, who had never used a scooter before and had come for the day with her family. She was a bit apprehensive at first but by the end she was loving it! It is great to see the delight on people’s faces when they get to see animals like the reindeer which is only possible with the scooters.”

Accessibility is a priority for the park as Helen wraps up: “Our new scooters have come just at the right time as we’re building a new, inclusive discovery centre and toilets. Making nature more accessible is fundamental because people protect and value what they love and understand – and the Breezes help us do that.”

We have the perfect scooter to suit every need and budget

When it comes to finding the right scooter, there is so much to consider. Buying a mobility scooter isn’t an everyday experience, and if you’re just starting to investigate it, we know it can feel overwhelming. What do you need it for? Where will you take it? What level of comfort are you after? These are just a few questions that will guide you to your ideal choice.

Compact, foldable scooters are transportable and easy to store. They have lightweight, removable batteries for easy charging like the Minimo and WHILL range. You can also fit them in the car boot, take them on a trip to the shops or even away with you on holiday.

Mid-size scooters offer more comfort and a longer range. The Breeze Midi range, for instance, offers all-round suspension and a front and rear lockable box as standard –perfect for storing shopping. The Maximo, meanwhile, is unique in this category in that it is foldable but has the comfort and leg room of a bigger scooter.

Finally, our large scooters offer the most advanced comfort and with the most amount of space. These models are just as much at home on rough terrain as they are on the open road. You can even add a solid canopy for extra weather protection as well as many other options and accessories to tailor the scooter to your needs.

To find out more about any of our range, give our advisors a call on 0800 540 4343

Full range available at tgamobility.co.uk

WHILL F

• Max weight 18 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 12 miles

Explore your world with greater independence with the modern and foldable WHILL F powerchair.

Minimo Autofold

• Max weight 18 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 10 miles

Minimo Autofold is the perfect fit, folding itself in one simple automated action, ready to load on a plane, train or car.

Breeze Midi 4

• Max weight 23.5 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 34 miles

The Breeze Midi brings you a host of features including all-round suspension and a fully adjustable, rotating seat.

WHILL C2

• Max weight 21.5 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 11 miles

With intuitive controls, award-winning features and compact design, the WHILL C2 is the perfect everyday powerchair.

Zest Plus

• Max weight 25 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 20 miles

A perfect portable companion with excellent suspension. It easily disassembles into manageable sections.

Breeze S3 and S4

• Max weight 31 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 34 miles

The award-winning Breeze S brings you the ultimate in advanced comfort, performance and looks. Available in 3 or 4 wheel versions.

WHILL R

• Max weight 23 stone

• Max speed 4 mph

• Range 12 miles

WHILL R is portable, lightweight and agile, with capable suspension. Available in 3 or 4 wheel versions.

Vita Lite

• Max weight 21 stone

• Max speed 6 mph

• Range 20 miles

The smallest and most compact of the Vita range, ideal for getting around town.

Scoozy

• Max weight 23.5 stone

• Max speed 8 mph

• Range 60 miles

Scoozy is a unique, modern take on the mobility scooter and powered wheelchair combined that can tackle a variety of terrains both on and off road.

off the complete Minimo range

The Minimo is your travel companion, from the local high street to far flung getaways. A truly compact and transportable design that folds in one simple movement so you can take it anywhere. We are offering £400 off with any new Minimo scooter purchased before September 17th 2024.

• 0% finance*

• Free home delivery

• 30-day money back guarantee

• 2 year warranty

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