Wheely Good Cause – Life as a Wheelchair User

Rory Catton, a 21 year old medical student studying at Plymouth University, will spend a week in a wheelchair to raise awareness and funds for charity.

Braking Bad 

Rory broke both his arms whilst on holiday in Austria last year. The medical student mistook the back break for the front and came off his bike landing him with casts on both arms.

Rory explained: “In Austria they put their brakes the opposite way to this country”

Whilst both arms were in casts and later slings, the soon to be doctor experienced the difficulties of daily life without the use of his arms.

He exclaimed “Just sitting up in bed was tricky”

He plans to film the experience and produce a short video at the end to raise awareness of disabilities

Setting the Wheels in Motion

The predicament led Rory to consider life without the use of his other faculties and he’s keen to get others to give it more consideration too.

With this in mind, Rory set himself a challenge – to experience life from the perspective of a wheelchair user. He has been donated a wheelchair by the occupational health department at Derriford Hospital and plans to spend a week going about his daily life in it.

Rory plans to film the experience and produce a short video to share an insight into his experience and to raise awareness of disabilities.

“I think the first day will be okay because it will be new and then I think it will challenge me because I’m a really active person,” said Rory.

The charity benefiting from Rory’s efforts is Scope. The UK based disability charity provide support, information and advice to disabled people and their families

High Sports at the Plymouth Life Centre has also offered to let Rory attempt a charity climb for free which will see him lifted up on a hoist.

To help Rory in his fundraising efforts for Scope, visit his just giving page here.