I had hoped to write this almost as soon as we returned from our Adventures in Yorkshire…but life took hold and wouldn’t let go!

Those who are following may recall I was dreading our visit to both the Harrogate Flower Show and RHS Harlow Carr because I would be using my mobility scooter at both. And I have had some very unpleasant experience while using my scooter.

To put everyone out of their misery immediately; my fears were unfounded. There was only one minor incident; my scooter grounded as it tried to negotiate a grassy area beside a stall. Some people beside me tutted as I could not get out of their way and were then shocked when I got out of the scooter and hauled it around a bit. That was as bad as it got; so pretty good, yes?

Then the following day we went to RHS Harlow Carr. The scooter battery had been on charge overnight, but it wasn’t strong enough for all I put it through and it was only by careful coaxing I managed to get it back up a surprisingly steep path to the shop and exit. The steep path from the shop to the car was a challenge too; but I got there in one piece.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are life-savers for so many of us and yet their designs have not fundamentally changed since their inception. Neither are ‘sprung’. Both react strongly to steep paths. Both react strongly to kerbs, slight drops, cambers and potholes. They jerk us around is ways which are not good. And we are supposed to be grateful. The poor souls who have to push us find they have strained necks, shoulders and knees as the wheelchairs twist and fight back as the poor pusher tires to keep us on an even keel.

Some of us have had to be in wheelchairs since birth; and quite honestly, deserve better. Some, like me, have had to use them following surgery or accidents…or just through increased age and infirmity. We deserve better, too.

At the Flower Show, I encountered many other mobility scooter users; we acknowledged each other with wry smiles and sometimes with thumbs up….a few of us high-5’ed each other. We all were coping, but it was a struggle for us all. Finding somewhere to park up, out of the way while some lunch was consumed; the food stalls all had large queues; I sent my patient Civil Partner away and waited in line to be served. That was a plus over able-bodied who were wilting as they waited; I had somewhere to sit! But having bought and paid for the food, the question next was how to transport it without spillage to wherever my CP had found to sit! I piled it into the small basket on the front of the scooter, and hoped for the best!

It could have been worse. I’m glad we did it. Now I’m glad to be home. 

CMM

A Moodscope member