Erin’s ‘Party Bus’

Helen Sadler and her daughter Erin’s new wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) from Allied Mobility is hard to miss.  That’s because their black Ford Tourneo Custom Independence™ is festooned with bright pink decorations, including butterflies and fairies trailing the length of the WAV.  This eye-catching new addition has transformed family life, allowing Erin freedom and ensuring flexibility so precious memories can be made.

Pushchair to Powerchair

The new WAV has been a welcome surprise for Helen, who only recently discovered the world of mobility vehicles.  She lives in Colchester with her father and seven-year-old Erin.  Erin has a range of complex and progressive life limiting conditions so Helen knew she would eventually swap her standard vehicle to adapt to Erin’s changing needs.  When Erin was a young child, she used a specialist pushchair which Helen would have to fold and store in the boot after lifting her daughter into the car.  As she got older, Erin upgraded to a powered wheelchair and Helen started searching for a wheelchair accessible car which meant no more transferring for Erin or heavy lifting for Helen.

Expert Advice

Helen visited a Facebook group for parents and carers of disabled children and its members recommended Allied Mobility.  Helen got in touch and wasted no time in arranging a free home demonstration with her mobility consultant Karen.

Helen recalls: “Karen was available to talk everything through prior to her visit.  That support and understanding was so appreciated as I was a little overwhelmed, being new to it all.  On the day of the home demonstration, it was a thumbs up from everyone and by the time Karen left we were so excited about the car and the freedom that would come with it.”

A Speedy Service

Just a few weeks later, the Sadler’s new WAV rolled up for delivery.  Their Allied Mobility delivery driver refreshed them on the accessibility features of their new wheelchair accessible car and helped with last-minute questions.  Then, it was time to hit the road!  Thanks to the size of Independence™ Erin can safely travel in her wheelchair and any equipment she needs can comfortably be at hand.  The wheelchair ramp is lightweight and allows for quick and easy access.  Helen can keep an eye on Erin throughout the journey and if she’s needed, she can help her quickly and easily.  Since taking delivery travelling far has been impacted by Erin’s health, but the new WAV makes every journey, however short, comfortable and enjoyable for the whole family.

Helen enthuses: “Erin loves the radio so you can hear us before you see us – we call our Independence™ the Party Bus!  I whole heartedly would recommend Allied Mobility.  The whole experience has been first class.  We have the biggest smiles thanks to our Party Bus!”

Ford Tourneo Custom Independence™ is available exclusively from Allied Mobility.  Independence™ is available to buy, rent or via the Motability Scheme.  For more information about Ford Independence™ or Allied’s range of wheelchair accessible vehicles, call our team of mobility advisors on the number at the top of the page or click here to enquire online.