One new chair for Bourne teenager Izzy and three cheers for community
A community has rallied to buy a teenager a special wheelchair that will give her more freedom.
Izzy Tilley (18), lives in Bourne with her mum, Laura, and attends Willoughby Academy, in the town’s South Road.
When she was four, Izzy was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder which affects her mentally and physically.
As she grew older further diagnoses were made, with doctors realising that her brain pushes on her spinal cord, causing spells lasting several days during which she is unable to speak, eat or walk without help.
Mum Laura said: “Each time she becomes weaker because she is unable to eat or drink and it effects her mental health.
“It has been a really tough few years and definitely a learning curve.
“Trying to do things as a family was almost impossible.”
Izzy, who was given a formal diagnosis of Malan syndrome last year, enjoys dancing and worked at McDonald’s in Bourne, before the pandemic.
Izzy’s occupational therapist recommended a ‘Freedom Chair’ wheelchair and put Laura in touch with Grantham-based company Prime Comfort.
Having tried out the chair, which costs £3,300, Izzy decided it was the one for her and the company set one aside, suggesting they set up a GoFundMe page.
Having done so by February 9, Laura was astounded by the response.
“By the next morning the page had received more than our £3,000 target,” said Laura. “It is mind-blowing. I honestly can not believe it.”
Laura called Prime Comfort the same day who came to deliver the wheelchair and covered it in balloons.
Rather than relying on someone pushing her old wheelchair, she can now get about independently and the ‘Freedom Chair’ enables the family to go for walks, with it being designed for outdoor use.
“It is helping her to be more independent, giving her freedom and just making her feel safe in her own body,” said Laura.
With the fundraising page now close to £5,000, Laura is looking to put the additional money towards an assistance dog to help Izzy with her anxiety.
Go to: tinyurl.com/IzzysFreedom