A Special Car for a Special Girl

27/11/2008

There is no one who understands the importance of having wheelchair accessible transport available than the Copeland family, from Crewe in Cheshire.

Like thousands of people throughout the UK, Mark and Samantha Copeland have a  family that includes a child with a disability.  Their daughter Elisabeth (Beth for short), aged 3, has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.  This severely restricts her mobility, meaning her only way of getting about is to travel in her wheelchair.

Difficulties

The family of five also includes mum Sam, dad Mark, Beth’s brother David and her sister Laura. However getting out and about was getting difficult with their old car, which was not wheelchair accessible.

Samantha, explains: “We used to have a seven seater car with no adaptation so we were constantly having to lift Beth in and out of her wheelchair, which was so difficult.  We had to lift the wheelchair into the boot too.”

“The car would constantly break down and we had to rely on my Mark’s car, which was too small for us and we kept banging Beth’s head on the doorway!”

Beth’s condition requires her to carry lots of luggage with her wherever she goes and the old family car could not accommodate her needs.  “We have big bags for nappy changing and spare clothes wherever we go so we needed a car with lots of room.”

The family decided it was time for a change.

A Great Discovery

The Copelands started researching their travel options.  They discovered Allied Vehicles at one of the many mobility shows they exhibit at every year and were introduced to the new Independence Premier.  Built in association with Peugeot, Allied’s innovative people carrier can accommodate driver, wheelchair passenger and up to five seated passengers and provides optimum accessibility with a lightweight folding ramp, low floor and lowering suspension. 

“We first saw the Premier at the Kidz Up North show and loved it", explained Sam.  "It’s roomy with plenty of storage, as well with space for Beth’s wheelchair - ideal!

“As well as the fantastic storage, the car’s easy to drive, has great visibility and is comfortable for the whole family, which is really important for us especially on long journeys.  The ramp is so easy to use and Beth even helps to push herself up the ramp and put her wheelchair seatbelt on!”, she continued.

“Goldie”

The Copelands love to get out and about as a family and regularly pile into the Premier, or “Goldie” as Beth likes to call her, to go shopping in Hanley.

“Elisabeth is quite a favourite in the Disney shop in Hanley where she has won an award for the best dressed wheelchair.  She also loves visiting the Potteries Shopping Centre where she keeps the staff entertained”, said Sam.

Beth’s Adventures

The family also make regular trips to Llandudno for their holidays and they will be returning in December this year.  Although this time it will be so much easier with the help of Goldie!

Recently Sam, Mark and their children went on a camping trip to St Austell in Cornwall.

“Our trip was fantastic we went shopping, swimming and visited the Doctor Who experience at Land’s End.  Unfortunately it rained all week so we spent a lot of time traveling in the Premier and it was great to travel in style and comfort. 

"We tested the car to it’s limits with the amount we packed but the Independence had no trouble fitting all of us in, including Beth and her wheelchair, all of our luggage and our newest member of the family, our son-in-law, Jason!”, exclaimed Sam.

Dedicated Service

“We cannot thank Allied enough.  All of the people involved have helped so much and have been so friendly.  We highly recommend the Independence to anyone with a large family, especially one that needs as much space as us!”

For more information on the new Peugeot Independence call today on 0800 916 3018, email info@alliedvehicles.co.uk or click here.

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