The Right Chair Changed Everything
I first contacted Unique Mobility after seeing them on TikTok, shortly after having my wheelchair assessment with the NHS. The NHS didn’t have any chairs available for me to try, and knowing that this next chair would likely be mine for at least five years, I felt it was so important to understand what I was getting.
My current NHS chair was too big and far too heavy for me. It was causing significant back and shoulder pain, to the point where I needed daily pain relief. I couldn’t sit in it for long without discomfort, and my shoulder pain limited how far I could push. Transferring it in and out of my car was becoming increasingly difficult because of the weight and the strain on my shoulders. It was limiting my independence and my life.
I emailed to ask about viewing the chairs the NHS had suggested, and Tim replied quickly to arrange a phone call so he could understand what I was looking for and what my goals were. That conversation made such a difference, he really listened.
The following day, I visited the Exeter showroom, and Tim had the chairs I’d expressed interest in ready and waiting. He encouraged me to take them outside for a proper test run, which was invaluable. During our conversations, he talked me through the benefits of each chair, asked about my budget, and most importantly, what I wanted my life in a chair to look like. He recognised that every disability is unique and that what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another.
Before becoming an amputee, I was a marathon runner. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to use a prosthesis, and I’ve deeply missed race days and the running community. I told him my dream would be to do parkruns again, maybe even a marathon one day, but this time in a chair.
He truly heard me.
Tim helped me see how the right chair could remove the barriers I’ve been facing for the past six years in ill-fitting equipment. He made me believe that with the right setup, anything could be possible. There was never any pressure to buy, only guidance, advice, and support tailored to my circumstances.
Within 10 days of collecting my new chair, I pushed myself 10k, doubling the initial goal I’d set myself. For the first time, I genuinely believe a marathon is possible again. I’ve since ordered a new backrest to improve my push efficiency and pelvic positioning to prevent back pain from Unique Mobility and know that will be set up to my specific needs. However, since having my new chair I haven’t needed any back pain relief so life is already so much better.
I’m so glad I sent that first email. I think I put it off for a long time because I didn’t want to feel pressured into buying something that might not meet my needs. But with Unique Mobility, and with Tim, I felt heard, respected, and supported every step of the way.
For any future mobility equipment or servicing, I won’t hesitate to return. They’ve gained a lifelong customer, and helped me get my life back.