Disability Newsfeed for Disabled People, Parents, Carers, Occupational Therapists and AHPs

Eric Greenyer, 92 from Selsey and retired RAF flight mechanic, has regained his freedom thanks to the same model of  TGA Breeze S4  that won BBC TV’s Top Gear extreme mobility scooter challenge. Originally born in London in 1923, Eric signed up to the RAF in 1941 during the height of the Second World War when aged only 18. With a keen interest in mechanics he was trained to help maintain Britain’s squadron of Spitfires and Hurricanes based at West Malling Air Base in Kent. Eric’s work was vital in keeping these planes operational so they could repel the Nazi bombers that were relentlessly attacking England at that time. Eric became highly knowledgeable about Rolls Royce Merlin engines that powered the Spitfires and hence was called up to support the RAF during the North Africa-to-Italy offensive. This dangerous and huge operation involved 800 ships many of which were sunk by German U-boats however Eric survived and was able to continue active service stationed in Italy. By ...

Despite walking difficulties and diabetes, Roy Hughes, 88 from Exmouth, continues to live an active life thanks to a TGA mobility scooter with off road capabilities, made famous on the BBC Top Gear TV programme. Roy joined the Royal Air Force when he was 17 with the intention of becoming a fighter pilot. However his military training was cut short when he was diagnosed with diabetes which forced him to take a different career path. Despite this major set back in Roy's life, he went onto fulfill a successful 35-year career as a Chartered Surveyor and Senior Land Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture. Roy thoroughly enjoyed his time advising farms in terms of building design and was also a key member of the teaching staff at the Royal Agricultural University.  Outside of his busy career, Roy was a dedicated swimming coach for children and is proud to have taught huge numbers of students to swim. However following retirement, Roy's ability to drive a car or walk lo...

Andy McIntosh, 42 from Strathaven near Glasgow, is a disabled Army Corporal who is currently attempting, on a TGA Breeze mobility scooter,  to beat the world record for the ‘Fastest journey from John-O’-Groats to Land’s End on an Electric Mobility Vehicle (individual)’.   Originally from Manchester, Andy retired from the Army fully fit to pursue a new career, however in 2008 he discovered he had a very rare and inoperable vascular condition. This means his circulation and mobility is severely restricted, resulting in day-to-day difficulties with independence. Hence Andy and his young family have been supported by several military charity – this world record attempt is raising donations to say thank you for their invaluable assistance. Beginning on the 5th May 2015, Andy is raising awareness and funds for  Poppy Scotland , SSAFA ,  ABF The Soldiers’ Charity ,  Erskine  and  Soldiers off the Streets .  Andy is currently driving a TGA Breeze the leng...

Steven Foot on his new donated TGA Breeze S4 GT mobility scooter with Ian Bennett, HSP Support Group Chairman. Despite living with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, Steven Foot from Marnhull, Dorset, has been able to regain independence outdoors and re-live his passion for cross-country point-to-point horseracing, thanks to a community-donated TGA Breeze with off-road capabilities. Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) is a rare neurological condition that affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 people. It causes severe mobility difficulties from the waist down, similar to the affects of Multiple Sclerosis and there is no known cure. Before his condition became too severe, Steven owned a successful equestrian transportation business that fulfilled his love of the outdoors and animals. Following the reluctant sale of his business, Steven was forced to spend considerably more time indoors with restrictions on his outdoor independence - this has just changed thanks to the support of hi...