A 26-year-old man living with cerebral palsy says he is being prevented from going back to work by the “exorbitant” cost of a special wheelchair that would make it possible.
Dylan Wainman, of Kingswood, has always lived independently, driving, managing his own home, and working full-time, “even through the pandemic”, but he began experiencing debilitating numbness and severe pain in his leg and hip in May 2022. “By September, the pain was so severe that I had to give up both work and education, often being unable to get out of bed for days,” he said.
“While successful hip dysplasia surgery in January 2024 has largely alleviated the pain, my current wheelchair no longer meets my clinical needs. This physical limitation makes holding down a full-time job impossible.
“It’s not a lack of desire on my part – I am eager to contribute to society and regain my financial independence; I’m willing to put in the graft. However, my current equipment is a direct barrier to achieving this.”
Dylan, a web developer and broadcast technician, has identified a specific wheelchair, the Sunrise Medical Q700 UP, that would “fundamentally transform my life” and occupational therapists, who have trialled one with Dylan, have agreed it would be suitable for his needs, he said. “Its standing function would be revolutionary, allowing me to alleviate chronic stiffness, improve muscle tone and bone density, and proactively manage my condition throughout the day.
“This means I could participate in daily activities like cooking and cleaning with greater ease, engage more effectively in physiotherapy, and most importantly, sustain a full working day by alternating between sitting and standing.” At present, Dylan cannot sit for more than four or five hours without experiencing hamstring and hip stiffness that can become so severe, he is forced to lie in bed.
While he is able to get partial funding of £4,000 for the transformative wheelchair, through an NHS contribution, Dylan needs to find an “exorbitant” £16,000 towards it. “As I am currently unable to work and rely on benefits due to my mobility limitations, this figure is simply impossible for me to raise,” he said.
(Image: Dylan Wainman)
He has launched a JustGiving page, where he has managed to crowdfund nearly £3,000 towards the target. “I still have a long way to go,” he said, adding how frustrated he felt at having a physical block on his ambitions.
“I want to be able to do more with my life and to give back to other people. I don’t want to have to take from the state.
“I just want to rebuild my life. I truly don’t know what else to do, I’m nearly 27 and I feel like my life is on hold.
“We only get one shot at it and I just want my independence back and the chance to contribute to society fully.”