We caught up with racing driver Ally Chalmers and his mum to hear about his recovery from major spinal surgery, and how his Motability Scheme vehicle has helped.
Ally’s story
When Ally Chalmers talks about freedom, he really means it. Earlier this year he had major surgery to straighten his spine, a huge step towards living without pain, but one that’s meant months of recovery.
If Ally’s name sounds familiar, you might remember his story as Scotland’s first wheelchair-using racing driver.
Now, with his trademark optimism, and help from his mum and his Scheme car, he’s sharing how he’s been doing.
While Ally focuses on his recovery, his family have been able to help him. When you join the Scheme, you have the option to add up to three named drivers who can use the car for your benefit – these can be family members, friends or carers, to keep you connected. Find out more.
A message from Ally’s Mum
Ally’s mum Carole has been behind the wheel while he recovers, and says the car has made a real difference to their daily life.
“Even though Ally cannot drive his Scheme car at the moment, I’ve been using it for his benefit, and it’s made such a difference,” Carole said.
“I have been able to get his prescriptions and medical supplies. That would not normally be a big deal, but after Ally’s surgery and with his restrictions, it’s been such a help not to have to worry about all that on top of everything else.
“Although the car is Ally’s and it’s for his independence, at this difficult time it’s absolutely helped me help him. And for Ally, knowing that as soon as he’s able he can just go out again, that’s so important. When you’re recovering from something major, having something to look forward to means everything.
“And when I use his car, I get a list: ‘do not crash it, do not kerb my alloys, do not park it somewhere stupid that’ll get it clamped.’ Despite 30 years of driving, he does not seem to think I’m very competent on the roads!”
Ally’s life-changing operation
As his recovery continues, Ally’s been reflecting on the operation that changed everything.
“In August I had a surgery called a spinal fusion to correct a 55.9-degree bend in my spine. It was causing me a lot of pain and made it hard to sit straight, so this was a big step towards getting my freedom back,” he said.
“When I got to the hospital, I was really excited to see that my room was number 11, that’s the number on my Mini Cooper Cup racing car, so I saw it as a good sign.
“After about ten days, I was given the all-clear to go home. But I’ve had a lot of restrictions. I cannot get out of bed by myself yet, I need to be hoisted. I’ve got a body brace and a special wheelchair that keeps me reclined. I’m not allowed to push it on my own.”
Racing from home
“The Minimax team had organised for me to meet some of the British Touring Car Championship racers, but I could not go because I cannot get into a car at the moment. The boys took a life-size cardboard cut-out of me instead, which was brilliant.
“At home, I’ve been spending time building Lego, I’m working on a V8 model replica engine, and doing my Higher Maths for S6, which I’ve had to continue from home.
“My simulator broke one of its steering pins, so it had to go away for repair, but it’s back now and I’m back on track.
“I’ve also loved hanging out with Ryan, our brown Cockapoo. He’s nearly four, great company but really badly behaved!”
Relishing the prospect of driving again
“I will soon have an X-ray to check that my bones have healed as they should. The wound itself looks good. Then I should be able to stop using the hoist, go back to my normal wheelchair and start the process of getting back to normal.
“After that, I’ll start physio to get back to everything I was doing before, but most importantly, driving.”
Find out if you can join the Scheme
For Ally and his family, the Motability Scheme has been there through every step of recovery, supporting them to stay mobile and keep everyday life running smoothly.
