Lesley’s Story
If we could capture even a glimpse of Lesley’s wonderfully positive personality and show you just how transformative the WHILL C2 has been for her, the impact is huge. Not just giving her more independence, but a real boost in confidence, too. Hearing Lesley talk about the things she can now do, and seeing how much it means to her is inspiring.
Life can feel different from one day to the next for Lesley.
Living with a functional neurological disorder means she has good days and bad days, with intermittent difficulties that can affect her speech and sight. This hasn’t stopped her from enjoying the things that she enjoys: building Lego, reading, meeting friends for breakfast and coffee, and getting out and about.
Having the right mobility equipment has been an important part of maintaining that independence. Discovering the WHILL C2 has changed what Lesley feels able to do. “Honestly, the WHILL C2 has really changed my life, everything is so much better.”
Finding the Right Mobility Support
Lesley has always used a mobility scooter. When she was no longer able to drive, she decided to explore the Motability Scheme and visited the TGA Mobility Sudbury showroom too.
“My experience there was amazing from the word go.”
At first, Lesley was sure that she wanted a mobility scooter. She had previously had some poor experiences elsewhere and was keen to return to TGA, a brand she knew and trusted. “I knew that it was a well made product and the team were helpful.” After surgery, Lesley returned to the showroom and explained what she needed. At our Sudbury location, Annabel began helping her explore her options. “I had it in my head that I wanted a mobility scooter. Annabel was so incredibly helpful and helped me to think differently about powerchairs to find the right one for me.”
“I Thought a Powerchair Would Be Clunky and Big”
Before seeing the WHILL C2, Lesley had a very different idea of what a powerchair would be like.
“I thought that a powerchair was clunky, big.” Annabel showed her the WHILL C2 in our Sudbury Showroom. “It looked a lot different to what I had imagined.” Lesley was shown how the controls worked and talked through the chair’s features, including the app. She immediately found it easy to use and was drawn to its modern design. “It’s modern and funky.” But the real test came when Lesley had the opportunity to try it for herself.
She went outside, travelled over different surfaces and took the C2 across the car park and grass verges. Annabel encouraged her to really put it through its paces and gave her the confidence to discover what it could do. “I felt so safe. It was easy to control and felt comfortable.”
A Powerchair That Works Around Her Home
At home, Lesley also uses a self-propelled wheelchair because her paralysis can affect different parts of her body, including her left or right arm, the ability to manoeuvre independently is particularly important.
The WHILL C2 surprised her here, too. She found that it fitted easily through her bungalow and felt small and manageable enough to move around her home. Its tight turning circle made navigating her surroundings much easier, while the lack of a large footplate was another practical advantage.
“It’s so much easier to manage within my home.”
Having the Chance to Try It in Real Life
One of the things that made a real difference to Lesley was being given a week to try the WHILL C2 in her own environment. Rather than making her decision based solely on a showroom demonstration, she could use it as part of her everyday life. Annabel encouraged her to take the chair home and see whether it genuinely worked for her. That trial gave Lesley the opportunity to discover just how much it could change her day-to-day independence. During that week, she took the C2 to the hairdressers and went food shopping. Previously, these activities could require much more planning and energy. She would normally need to get off her mobility scooter, use crutches and have someone with her. This time, she did it herself.
She went shopping, got what she needed and returned home without having to use additional energy to manage the journey.
“It brought a new sense of freedom.”
The confidence she gained went beyond simply getting from A to B. On one occasion, a driver had blocked a dropped kerb. Lesley found herself confident enough to ask the driver to move. “I’d never have done this before.”
The Great Yarmouth Trip
Perhaps the moment that brought home just how much the WHILL C2 had changed Lesley’s life came during a holiday in Great Yarmouth. Lesley and her family were considering taking the road train into Yarmouth. As more and more people gathered at the station, Lesley looked at the journey ahead.
It was around two miles, the weather was beautiful and, importantly, she checked the C2’s battery level.
She realised she could make the journey herself. “So I decided to go in my chair instead.”
Her mum wasn’t immediately convinced. “Oh no you’re not.” But Lesley did it.
She set off in her WHILL C2 and made the journey. And when she arrived, her mum could see the difference in her. “Her face is glowing!” For Lesley, it was a feeling she hadn’t expected.
“I felt free.”She repeated the journey several times during her stay in Great Yarmouth and was even able to make the trip independently.
More Independence Without Using Up Her Energy
Lesley’s previous mobility scooter had given her independence, but it also came with restrictions.
The WHILL C2 has given her a different kind of freedom. She can move around while conserving her energy, meaning she can take part in outings and occasions without worrying that simply getting there will leave her exhausted. “I can still go to outings and occasions and not let anyone down.”
The clear battery percentage display is one of her favourite features. Knowing exactly how much battery she has left gives her peace of mind when planning where she can go. She also loves the design details, including the rose-gold side-panel arms.
But perhaps the biggest compliment she can give the C2 is how people respond to it. Lesley says that, compared with her previous mobility scooter, she feels people now see her as a person rather than simply seeing her mobility support. People often comment on the chair’s design, making the WHILL C2 a natural conversation starter. “It’s a conversation starter and gives me freedom and a real buzz.”
Looking back, Lesley is incredibly glad that Annabel encouraged her to consider something different from the mobility scooter she had originally gone into the showroom expecting to choose. The WHILL C2 has given her more than a new way of getting around. It has given her confidence, saved her energy and opened up possibilities she hadn’t expected.
Her advice to anyone considering a WHILL Powerchair is: “Go and try one and see for yourself.”
For Lesley, trying the C2 changed her mind about what a powerchair could be – and, more importantly, changed what she felt able to do.
“I’m so glad Annabel got me to try it. It’s made such a difference and such a fantastic impact on my life.”
Photography: Lesley Webster
