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Posts tagged mobility scooter
TGA MOBILITY SCOOTER GIVES ARTISTIC FREEDOM BACK TO DISABLED WAR VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHER
Jun 22nd
Ernie Taylor from Hackney North London is a disabled war veteran and ex-professional photographer who has been able to continue his passion for photography thanks to the assistance of a rugged TGA Breeze 4 mobility scooter.
Ernie Taylor from Hackney North London is a disabled war veteran and ex-professional photographer who has been able to continue his passion for photography thanks to the assistance of a rugged TGA Breeze 4 mobility scooter.
Ernie was injured back in 1974 when a milk churn bomb detonated near his patrol whilst serving in Northern Ireland as a member of the 3rd Battalion The Light Infantry. This terrible experience and resultant injuries were compounded by the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and shell shock, which unfortunately resulted in Ernie retiring with honours from the armed forces. Military bravery had always run in Ernie’s family with his Great Grandfather being awarded two George Medals, one in each of the World Wars and was to continue in the future with his Nephew, Steven Campbell being tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2010 whilst serving in the 2nd Battalion The Rifles. With early discharge from the army, Ernie faced a crossroads in his life and decided that he would pursue his life-long passion for photography as a full-time job. Ernie’s resultant photographic career gave him the opportunity to shoot all across the world including the majority of Europe and countries such as Sweden, Morocco and Sierra Leone. However with the devastating news that he had a tumour on his brainstem that led to a stroke in 2007, Ernie was left wondering whether he would ever be able to capture life from behind the lens ever again.
Now living with PTSD, restricted mobility and unable to work, Ernie desperately needed to find the means to venture outside of home so he could continue fulfilling his life as much as possible. Being house bound for now well over a year and with the terrible news that his Nephew had been lost in active service, Ernie felt he had to find some way of leaving home and paying his respects at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday 2010. Through Motability and TGA Mobility pulling out all the stops, they managed to fast track a scooter to him in a matter of days so that he could attend the march with fellow veterans and remember fallen comrades. This day represented a new beginning for Ernie as freedom had returned to his life and his passion for photography could begin again.
When asked about why he enjoys photography so much Ernie replies: “Even since I decided to stop smoking and use the money to purchase my first camera I have been hooked on photography. I get an immense buzz from seeing my compositions and everyday I know, whatever the weather, there are pictures out there waiting for me. Being able to experience the fresh air is so important for me these days and photography helps me stay positive and healthy which has only been possible thanks to my TGA Breeze 4. This fantastic, rugged piece of kit has no problems with negotiating the off-road terrain I like to drive on so I can achieve my dramatic rural shots. It has an impressive 30-mile radius on one charge and is so easy to control even though I have no movement down my left side. I totally depend on my Breeze for independence outside the home and its proven reliability and performance gives me total peace of mind. Since living with restricted mobility, I have shot over 20,000 images and now I have the wheels to do even more thanks to TGA.”
Ernie currently uses two cameras for his work, a Fuji Finepix S100FS for speed and a HS20EXR for slower images with greater definition and quality. Both of these cameras have a flip-up screen, as Ernie can’t keep a steady eye on the viewfinder anymore. Favourite photo-shoot locations around the world for Ernie have included a waterfall near Dephi in Greece, The Pillars of Hercules in Morocco and Gibraltar, Kasteel Terworm in Holland, Gamla stan in Stockholm and the jungles of Sierra Leone. The latter Ernie says were by far the most rewarding but also extremely challenging especially when encountering so many snakes! He has exhibited his work at the Off Broadway Gallery, Broadway Market, London and following such impressive reviews, he is currently looking for other opportunities to display his work.
REVOLUTIONARY JEWISH LAW COMPLIANT SHABBAT MOBILITY SCOOTER DELIVERS FREEDOM TO 92-YR-OLD ALBERT
Jun 8th
92-year-old Albert Rosenberg from North West London is a remarkable character whose life has been transformed since owning a new Halachically authorised TGA Mobility scooter that can be driven during Shabbat and Jewish holidays
92-year-old Albert Rosenberg from North West London is a remarkable character whose life has been transformed since owning a new Halachically authorised mobility scooter that can be driven during Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
Albert is amazing for his age however he still unfortunately lives with restrictive mobility and needed a scooter to help him visit his local Synagogue. Nevertheless, due to Jewish law he was not allowed to use a mobility scooter until he discovered the Shabbat controller from TGA. Many of TGA Mobility’s models including Albert’s Superlight, are engineered in Israel by the leading specialist – Afikim Electric Vehicles. Operating from within a Kibbutz since 1987, the quality of its products is renowned worldwide and the Shabbat controller reflects its ethos for innovation, technical excellence and ultimately hassle-free independence for the end user.
Halachically authorised and certified by Zomet, scooters with the Shabbat controller are the only electronically powered mobility products permitted to be driven by elderly and disabled Jewish individuals on Shabbat and holidays. When Albert activates his Shabbat controller it utilises a separate circuit board, which results in steady acceleration with no throttle lever activation required by the user. This initial process is considered an ‘indirect action’ and because the motor relay circuit was changed whilst in Shabbat mode, varying the voltage to the motor by the throttle lever and hence altering speed during motion, is not considered a violation of the Shabbat principle. The Shabbat controller is also used for turning the scooter on or off and for changing direction.
Albert enjoys life so much more now as he has improved independence and the ability to visit the Synagogue. He comments: “I think this Shabbat controller is fantastic and I would recommend it all fellow people in the Jewish community who need assistance with mobility. Being able to venture outside my home is so important especially with peace of mind both in terms of my faith and scooter reliability and I would like to thank TGA for helping me in both respect.”
Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director comments: “TGA and our Israeli partners Afikim have invested extensive R&D in the Shabbat controller to ensure it complies with Orthodox Jewish Law. Albert is one of numerous individuals who have benefited from the Shabbat controller since its launch last year and we are pleased to have satisfied Halacha whilst continuing to meet the growing need for independence.”
The new Shabbat Mobility Scooters from TGA were featured in the Jewish Chronicle: http://tinyurl.com/2vgk8qa
Woman, 71, injured after Fiat Punto collides with TGA mobility scooter on A141
Jun 7th
Emergency services at the scene of the collision between a car and a TGA Breeze 4 on the Wimblington bypass near to King Street.
A WOMAN riding a TGA mobility scooter was today injured in a collision with a car on a busy Fenland road – leaving a councillor to direct traffic.
The woman, 71, was crossing the A141 at Wimblington, at the junction of King Street, just after 4pm when she was involved in a collision with a Fiat Punto.
Councillor Rob Skoulding and another passer by took control of the vehicles travelling on the A141 near Wimblington whilst paramedics attended to the woman, from Hook, who suffered an ankle injury.
Cllr Skoulding was travelling home from Ely at the time of the incident. He said: “I was three cars back, around 400 yards away, when I saw the brake lights and a cloud of smoke and we all came to a halt.
“When I got out to see what had happened to see if I could help, there were nearly some more accidents. There were some near misses so myself and another gentleman decided to sort out the traffic until the police got to the scene.
“It just shows that we have a strong community spirit round here.”
An East Of England Ambulance Trust spokesman said: “The woman has been taken to hospital after suffering non-life threatening injuries.” An off-duty police officer also helped out on the scene.
The robust TGA Breeze 4 seemed still intact. Unfortunately this is a common incident whereby wearing high visibility clothing may have helped, especially on such a busy road. www.tgamobility.co.uk
TGA Mobility to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Royal British Legion and MS war hero Simon Angel MBE at 2011 Mobility Roadshow
Jun 3rd
Ready for action. Simon Angel MBE (on scooter, from Pembury Kent) with Tim Ross from TGA Mobility (Sudbury, Suffolk, right) and members of Simon's support team Mick Weaving (left) and Stephen Bartlett (centre right).
Following TGA’s recent support of Simon Angel MBE on his 900-mile ‘Rally for Remembrance’ £10k fundraiser from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a TGA Mobility scooter, TGA are delighted to announce they will be once again supporting him and the Royal British Legion stand (OS39) at this year’s Mobility Roadshow (30th June, 1st and 2nd July, East of England Showground, Peterborough).
Simon Angel, aged 46 from Pembury, was a member of the Royal Engineers for 22 years and has served all around the world with front line experience in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War, which lead to an MBE from The Queen in 2000. During a period of convalescence at Tyrwhitt House where he was treated for Combat Stress, he conceived the idea of his ‘Rally for Remembrance’ whilst talking to fellow ex-military personnel. Simon now lives with severe MS triggered by his wartime traumas however his medical condition did not hold him back from completing this remarkable achievement. During April this year, he travelled the complete length of Britain on a mobility scooter kindly loaned by TGA Mobility and raised nearly £10k for fellow injured servicemen and women. Simon completed this remarkable journey ahead of schedule and managed to travel the whole distance in just 30 days with the assistance of many members of the general public along the way.
Simon explains: “The Rally for Remembrance was absolutely unbelievable for Mick (support crew) and me. The Royal British Legion (RBL) network was fantastic throughout our journey and I would like to thank all those individuals who supported me especially the RBL Bikers. The TGA Breeze 4 performed magnificently throughout the voyage and did not let me down once – an amazing piece of kit. We had no reliability issues and it kept me comfortable all the way down which is brilliant when you consider the distance travelled and the varied weather we encountered. I am delighted that TGA are once again supporting the RBL and have invited me to The Mobility Roadshow. This will be my first time at the event and I am looking forward to experiencing all it has to offer. With my donations currently just shy of £10k, I hope to collect further funds whilst in Peterborough so fellow injured servicemen and women can enjoy a better quality of life.”
Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director comments: “As the work of The RBL is so commendable and the achievement of Simon so admirable, TGA felt it was essential for us once again to help raise donations for our valued veterans. It is planned that Simon Angel will be with us on Stand OS39 for the second and third day relaying his epic voyage to visitors whilst members of the Peterborough RBL will be collecting and discussing their charity work on all three days. We will also have a selection of TGA products on display including the revolutionary wheelchair NuDrive propulsion system and the latest version of the renowned mobility scooter that helped Simon complete his 900-mile challenge without any reliability problems – the TGA Breeze 4.”
Judith Armstrong, RBL Eastern Regional Fundraising Manager concludes: “It never ceases to amaze me how people like Simon come up with these wonderful ideas to raise money for the Royal British Legion. It really is amazing that with health problems of his own, he is still prepared to spend time and a great deal of effort raising funds that will be used to support many of those returning from Afghanistan that request help from the Royal British Legion.”
Disabled woman crashes in East End street as Quingo mobility scooter splits in two
May 26th
Disabled woman crashes in East End street as Quingo mobility scooter splits in two
A disabled woman has had a narrow escape after her mobility scooter suddenly split in two and crashed into a wall while she was driving along the street.
Coral Hope, 37, who has had MS since she was 21, was furious over the £3,000 machine she says is still under guarantee. The steering column buckled once before when she careered into a passing van, injuring her arm. This time, Coral was unhurt after her Quingo scooter hit the wall in St Stephen’s Road, Old Ford, on Sunday.
She was on her way back from her weekly therapy session at Ability Bow gymnasium when she says it collapsed under her feet. “The steering handles suddenly came off while I was driving,” she told the Advertiser. “I tried pulling the steering column back to avoid crashing when it just snapped off. All that was holding the machine together was a cable.”
She was travelling alongside her mother Joan, 64, who also uses a mobility scooter, and the two managed to get a taxi to take Coral and the stricken machine back to their home in Hawthorn Avenue, off Old Ford Road. Joan had previously been in touch with lawyers after the steering column buckled when her daughter was on her way for an appointment at Mile End Hospital last July—soon after buying the machine.
Joan revealed: “We stopped payments last time and the company came and fixed the steering. “But now the machine has split in two—my daughter could have been hurt. Last time she was badly cut and bruised.”
She added: “The company promised to replace it—but who’s to say it won’t happen again?”
If only Coral had chosen a reliable mobility scooter such as those from TGA Mobility! www.tgamobility.co.uk
MS war hero Simon Angel MBE to appear at 2011 Mobility Roadshow following 900-mile £10k mobility scooter fundraiser
May 24th
Simon Angel celebrates St. George's Day in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire on his Rally for Remembrance. Pictured (from left to right): Chris Parnham (local RBL Chairman), Seb Hargreaves (County Manager), Rose Mallet (aged 9), Victor Webb (RBL), Joe Carter (local RBL president), Richard Smith (RBL), Simon Angel MBE (centre front), Rex Hancock (local RBL Treasurer), Steve Walker (RBL) George Mallet (aged 13), Mike Weaving (Simon's support crew), Tracey Lester (RBL) and Jon Nock (representing the mobility scooter company - TGA).
Following recent completion of his epic ‘Rally for Remembrance’ fundraiser from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a TGA Mobility Scooter for Help for Heroes and the British Legion, Simon Angel MBE will be appearing on the TGA stand at this year’s Mobility Roadshow – 1 July. (Stand B19, East of England Showground, Peterborough).
Simon Angel from Pembury was a member of the Royal Engineers for 22 years and has served all around the world with front line experience in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War, which lead to an MBE from The Queen in 2000. During a period of convalescence at Tyrwhitt House where he was treated for Combat Stress, he conceived the idea of his ‘Rally for Remembrance’ whilst talking to fellow ex-military personnel. Simon now lives with severe MS triggered by his wartime traumas however his medical condition did not hold him back from completing this remarkable achievement. He travelled the complete length of Britain on a mobility scooter kindly loaned by TGA Mobility in Suffolk, with assistance from Mick Weaving who drove the support vehicle which was provided by Sun Rent of Tunbridge Wells.
Simon completed this remarkable journey ahead of schedule and managed to travel the whole distance in just 30 days with the assistance of many members of the general public along the way. Simon explains: “The Rally for Remembrance was absolutely unbelievable for Mick and me. We met so many supportive and kind people en route who helped us in all respects from accommodation, free tent pitches to meals and donations. The Royal British Legion network was fantastic throughout our journey and I would like to thank all those individuals who supported me especially the RBL Bikers. The TGA Breeze 4 performed magnificently throughout the voyage and did not let me down once – an amazing piece of kit. We had no reliability issues and it kept me comfortable all the way down which is brilliant when you consider the distance travelled and the varied weather we encountered.”
Simon continues: “There are simply too many highlights for me to mention about this recent journey however driving over the dramatic Cairngorms, paying my respects at the National Memorial Arboretum, passing through Wootten Bassett and obviously reaching Land’s End really made an impact. To think the Rally for Remembrance may never have happened, as my other support guy Stephen Bartlett had to unfortunately return home on the first day, as his Father was taken seriously ill. April this year was one of the most memorable months of my whole life. I am delighted to have been invited to The Mobility Roadshow by TGA as this will be my first time at the event and I am looking forward to experiencing all it has to offer. With my donations currently just shy of £10,000, I hope to collect further funds whilst in Peterborough so fellow injured servicemen and women can enjoy a better quality of life.”
Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director concludes: “The whole TGA team and I really admire Simon for his achievement and congratulate him on raising these donations to help injured troops. He is a remarkable individual and has been a real Gentleman to deal with throughout the Rally for Remembrance. We are delighted that he will be appearing with us for the whole middle day of this year’s Roadshow so he can relay his incredible story to visitors whilst increasing donations further.”
To donate, please visit: www.rallyforremembrance.co.uk
MS War Hero Simon Angel MBE completes incredible 874-mile £10,000 fundraiser on TGA Mobility Scooter
May 18th
Simon Angel MBE on a TGA Mobility scooter and his support vehicle driver Mick Weaving, complete The Rally for Remembrance at Land’s End ahead of schedule after 30 days and 874 miles travelling the length of Britain in aid of Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion
Travelling on a TGA Mobility scooter for over 30 days, 46-year-old war veteran with MS Simon Angel MBE from Kent, has completed his remarkable 874-mile ‘Rally for Remembrance’ ahead of schedule from John O’Groats to Land’s End and has raised nearly £10,000 in aid of Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion.
Simon Angel from Pembury was a member of the Royal Engineers for 22 years and has served all around the world with front line experience in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War, which lead to an MBE in 2000. During a period of convalescence at Tyrwhitt House where he was treated for Combat Stress, he conceived the idea of this challenge whilst talking to fellow ex-military personnel. Simon now lives with severe MS triggered by his wartime traumas however his medical condition did not hold him back from completing this remarkable achievement. He travelled the complete length of Britain on a mobility scooter kindly loaned by TGA Mobility in Suffolk, with assistance from Mick Weaving who drove the support vehicle which was provided by Sun Rent of Tunbridge Wells.
Simon explains: “The last 30 days have been absolutely unbelievable for Mick and me. We have met many supportive and kind people along the way who have helped us in all respects from accommodation, free tent pitches to meals and donations. The Royal British Legion network has been fantastic throughout our journey and I would like to thank all those individuals who supported me especially the RBL Bikers. The TGA Breeze 4 has performed magnificently throughout the voyage and did not let me down once – an amazing piece of kit. We had no reliability issues and it kept me comfortable all the way down which is brilliant when you consider the distance travelled and the varied weather we encountered.”
Simon concludes: “There are simply too many highlights for me to mention on this journey however driving over the dramatic Cairngorms, paying my respects at the National Memorial Arboretum, passing through Wooten Bassett and obviously reaching Land’s End really made an impact. To think the Rally for Remembrance may never have happened, as my other support guy Stephen Bartlett had to unfortunately return home on the first day, as his Father was taken seriously ill. Hence with all the logistics to manage by himself, Mick has been like a ‘rock’ for me on this challenge and I couldn’t have achieved it without him. This past month has been one of the most memorable for me in my whole life and the final donations which hopefully should top £10k, will help fellow injured servicemen and woman who are the true heroes in this story.”
Tim Ross, TGA Sales Manager concludes, “The whole TGA team and I really admire Simon for his achievement and congratulate him on raising these donations to help injured troops. Throughout the whole time we have been in contact with Simon, he has always remained positive and focused on the purpose of this fundraiser – he is a remarkable individual. In terms of our support, TGA has been delighted to be involved and the fact that our Breeze 4 mobility scooter delivered 100% reliability throughout the 874-mile journey was no surprise.”
To raise the Rally for Remembrance donations further for Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion, visit:
Renting Mobility Scooter from Forbes is Totally Secure and Safe
Jun 10th
Have you ever considered purchasing a mobility scooter because of mobility impairment? If so, then cost is possibly the biggest hurdle to overcome. No pun intended.
It’s not just the upfront cost of the vehicle, however – some of the big costs come with maintenance, servicing and insurance. Servicing costs in particular can be quite daunting, especially as mobility scooters start to deteriorate after a few years.
Did you know, for instance, that fixing a simple puncture on the specially made wheels of a mobility scooter can cost more than £40? If you opt for an annual servicing plan, then the cost may be reduced somewhat, but you will still have to pay anything between £80 and £150. This may be even higher in some cases, depending on how many conditions are covered in the service plan.
For this reason, quite sensibly, many people consider renting a mobility scooter. This is certainly a viable option if the scooters were always perfect.
But they’re not!
Most are second hand scooters, which have been returned because of some kind of mechanical failure during the warranty period. The manufacturers often fix up these scooters and rent them out to people looking for mobility scooters. The result is sub-standard equipment and defective vehicles that have a higher chance of breaking down. Not only that, the chance of accidents is also quite high in these vehicles, due to the defective conditions from the outset.
This might be alarmist, and in some cases it is unwarranted – there are reputable manufacturers who ensure their scooters are always in Grade A condition – but suspicions remain that many rented vehicles are substandard, defective or re-conditioned in some way. Hardly ideal.
This is why Forbes Mobility has such a high industry reputation. Forbes takes care of the scooters for the entire rental period. They take the financial risk by offering you a warranty on the scooter, which covers a wide range of clauses including most kinds of servicing. The best part is that the company offers a 10 day home trial for free, so that you can try out the scooter and decide whether it would be the right one for you. If it isn’t, you can change it.
At Mobility Compare, the UK’s leading comparison website for mobility aids, I am in a unique position to hear industry gossip from a wide range of manufacturers and mobility specialists. Time after time I hear on the industry grapevine of other industry insiders who rate Forbes highly. What was the key word? Integrity.
Typical prices? Take the Cadiz model above. You’d expect to pay approx £86.62 a month (VAT free price) over an eighteen month contract. That’s not bad. If you want to get in touch with Forbes Mobility click here or call 0800 834 115. You could do a lot worse…..and that’s the ‘insiders’ speaking.
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