Ali’s adventuring returns with WHILL powerchair
Alison ‘Ali’ Underhill loves exploring new places. Whether that’s abroad, on the coast or closer to home, her sense of adventure is alive.
Incurable cancer has meant early retirement at 46 and a new life that she strives to fill with joyful experiences. A life that is not all about unavoidable hospital trips and treatment, instead, time spent building memories with her husband, family and friends. Being able to walk far is no longer an option and she can’t self-propel, so a powered wheelchair is what’s needed. Using a powerchair to keep mobile is one thing, but being able to take it on a train or in the car is another. So, choosing the right product is a must. Not only for travel flexibility from her home in Bath, but to ensure she stays stable and comfortable, whatever terrain comes her way. Ali’s way was choosing the WHILL C2 from TGA.
When she stopped being a Project Manager for the Open University and managing her condition became the priority, Ali needed ‘the right tools for the job’ as she puts it. She did get her first powered wheelchair, but it let her down as she begins to explain: “I bought a collapsible powerchair, but it was not stable. I also had a few incidences where it swerved me into the road as its front castors were unpredictable. So, I started looking at wheelchair user reviews on YouTube and came across WHILL owners talking about how good their product was and its differences. I saw these people going around London and as I like to do that, it seemed the right one for me. I thought if it could cope with London, then it would cope with any city. I’m really grateful to these people for sharing their stories.”
Ali spotted an approved used WHILL C2 on the TGA website so made an enquiry. Unfortunately, that one had just been sold however ‘all credit to Samantha’ as Ali says, TGA were able to find another one quickly. A TGA Assessor visited her in March to check whether a WHILL was ideal for her needs, which it was, and she was able to buy it there and then. Ali’s world suddenly got a whole lot bigger.
“I really feel freedom in my WHILL. I’ve called her ‘Whillow,’” continues Ali. I’ve only had her six weeks and in that time, I’ve been able to do so much stuff I would not have been able to do before. She lets me do the things I want to do in my life like meeting friends for lunch, going out in nature, walks along the river, days out and travel abroad, it can do it all.”
“One of the best things about my WHILL is her dimensions as they fit the regulations for train travel. I’ve already taken her to London, on the Eurostar, explored Paris and caught a train to Barcelona – she’s got the right kind of power and stability to do this. Catching the train from Gare de Lyon to Barcelona was really interesting as they have duplex trains with an upstairs and downstairs. You get onboard with ramps and the floor lowers and raises between decks for wheelchair access, it’s really cool! And if you have a disability, you get a free upgrade on TGV trains and Eurostar trains with a premium departure lounge onEurostar.”
“On my travels ‘Whillow’s’ front wheels always attract a lot of attention. I hear people saying they ‘move like magic’. My WHILL has a really clean looking design which I love. When you are investing in a powerchair, you want to be proud of it. One feature I love is the mouse controller as unlike others I’ve tried, doesn’t aggravate my hand so can use it all day.“
“Back at home it’s the simple things that I love doing on my own. Like going to Sainsbury’s and being able to pick my own fresh fruit and veg. Sounds silly but it is massive not having to rely on someone to do this for you. I can get to the shops and don’t need my hubby to give me a lift as we only have one car. When we do take the car, it’s so easy taking ‘Whillow’ apart and putting her back together again, it’s just click, click, click. She fits in our Mini Clubman and we just take her battery in the house for charging.”
As Ali continues to live life to the full, she’s already planned her next adventures. She wraps up by adding: “I didn’t expect to be fighting for my life at 46 so have decided to live the most rich and joyful existence. A big part of this is having ‘Whillow’ to go where I want. I’ll be going to Greenwich, Avon Beach and returning to Paris soon this time with my mum. ‘Whillow’ has given me back my sense of adventure which is such an important part of me. My heart is all about exploring and travelling and my WHILL has made this happen.”
