Louise gains new freedom with her lightweight wheelchair!
Louise formally owned a kite surfing business and loved being out in the sea but after having her amputation she felt like she had lost her independence until she found Positive Bones.
Unable to wear a prosthetic regularly due to burns scars from a past accident she relied heavily on her NHS wheelchair however she found it heavy, unwieldy and she struggled getting it into her car independently meaning trips down to the beach and to walk her dog relied on friends or family. She applied to Positive Bones for funding for a new wheelchair and was delighted when it was approved.
Since getting her new wheelchair she has been revelling in her returned freedom; walking her dog, getting back into the sea, and taking up a new sport; wheelchair tennis!
An excerpt from her social media page:
“Buzzing from wheelchair tennis again! 🎾
Having issues with my new prosthetic socket, as there’s too much pressure in a few areas, but thankfully I was monitoring carefully, caught it early, and there’s only a tiny bit of damage to the skin.
I was feeling really deflated, but being able to wheel in to Tennis Heron and take my frustration out on the tennis balls, has really helped! Saves me taking it out on Timothy McOvens too 😘
Heading back to Dorset Orthopaedic tomorrow for more adjustments. I am finding it easier to adapt from walking to wheeling now, as my Cyclone Mobility, Aria Wheels funded by Positive Bones are so much lighter and more manoeuvrable than the NHS chair. I’m just desperate to keep the skin intact as any breakages take so long to heal due to the burns.
Thank you Burtie for another great lesson 👍 Looking forward to trying the tennis-specific chair next week.”
Louise talks with PB founder and amputee, Josephine Bridges, as they discuss life as amputees and what the new wheelchair means for Louise.
Amputee Louise McOvens enjoys wheelchair tennis with her new wheelchair, funded by Positive Bones!
