The Hawcrofts Find Their Independence with Their New WAV

Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) are specially engineered disability cars featuring a wheelchair ramp located at the rear of each vehicle. These ramps ensure that wheelchair users can easily and safely enter and travel in the vehicle from the comfort of their wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter.

Due to their ease, WAVs have proven to be life-changing for wheelchair users, their family, friends and carers by granting more independence and freedom to get out and about.

Two Allied Mobility customers who have come to know this well are Chris Hawcroft and his wife, Joanne. Having never had a WAV before, the Gainsborough couple sat down with us to share the life-changing impact of their new Ford Tourneo Custom Independence™.

How it Began

Following his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2008, Chris had always used a standard Motability vehicle. However as time went on, Joanne began to struggle helping Chris get safely in and out of their car. Reflecting on her concerns she shares:

“It was getting to the point where it could be dangerous because he’s not light, you know, I mean, if I stood him up and he lost his balance and he’s on the floor, then, you’re struggling.”

As Chris and Joanne’s need for a disability car with safe and easy access became more apparent, the couple decided it was time to get to a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Finding Independence™ with Allied

After a quick phone call with Allied Mobility, a date was arranged for a free home demonstration of Ford Independence™.

At the Hawcroft’s home, mobility consultant Des demonstrated the accessible features of Independence™ such as the low gradient, lightweight EasyGo™ ramp, which has one of the shortest and widest ramps on the market, alongside the electric-assist winch (which comes as standard with our WAVs) and makes access in and out of the vehicle just that bit easier.

Joanne shares how she found the home demonstration to be a “really good and thorough” experience, adding, “Des let me have a drive and he got Chris in and he showed us what the car does.”

And so, with all the information they needed from their home demonstration with Des, the Hawcrofts decided on Ford Independence™ as their first WAV.

Continued Allied Support

After a few weeks of driving the car, a familiarisation check was arranged as part of our Allied Aftercare service where the Hawcrofts had the chance to ask Des any questions that may have come up since delivery, while Des double-checked key elements of the vehicle were all working as they should.

Joanne expresses her appreciation of Allied Aftercare: “Des came back to check everything was in order, making sure we were doing things right.”

Renewed Independence

Since getting their Independence™ the pair haven’t looked back. “It’s changed our lives pretty much. We can get out a lot more because it’s less stressful,” notes Joanne.

With incredible space, a range of seating options on offer and Ford Titanium spec, which includes alloy wheels, a colour reversing camera and smart phone connectivity, Independence™ has so much to offer.

“Before I would probably just nip somewhere and leave Chris at home, where now, I can say ‘oh come on, we’ll just have a ride’. We even take the dog with us now, and if Chris starts moaning, I just turn the radio up!” laughs Joanne.

“Yeah, she’s got full control,” smiles Chris.

Thinking About an Allied WAV?

Summing up their experience with Allied Mobility and the impact of their new Independence™, Chris says:

“It’s life changing.”

“Well, it has been hasn’t it really? I can’t recommend Allied Mobility enough.” adds Joanne.

Independence™ is available to buy, hire or lease on the Motability Scheme. You can find out more here, book your free home demonstration or call our friendly mobility advisors using the number above.

Read more customer stories