16-year-old Callum is a wheelchair racer and has been on the Motability Scheme since 2008. He lives with his parents and two brothers, Ewan and Jamie, in Fife, Scotland.
When it came to choosing a car there was a lot to consider; with three growing boys, and all of Callum’s equipment, the family needed a car with plenty of space. Before settling on a SEAT Alhambra, the family went on a test drive and took Callum’s racing wheelchair with them to ensure that it would fit in the boot; in fact, they even used their Scheme car to drive to Callum’s first wheelchair race in London!
Watch the video below where Callum, and his mum Gail, explain the positive impact the Motability Scheme has had on their whole family.
Gail explains how the Motability Scheme has positively benefited the whole family:
‘The Motability Scheme has impacted all of us. It allows us to have a car that suits Callum’s needs and the family’s needs… we have a car that’s reliable, it’s safe, if anything happens they [the Scheme] look after you, they sort the servicing… there are a lot of things you have to manage when you have a child with a disability, but this is one less thing to worry about.’
Now, Callum is just starting to learn how to drive; so, the family are looking at new cars to find a vehicle that would best suit Callum. Callum has a spinal cord injury, and is paralysed from the chest down, so when considering his new Scheme car, he’ll also have to consider adaptations that will allow him to drive without using his legs. Gail can’t wait for Callum to start driving: ‘The freedom, the independence it’ll give him, it’ll make such a difference…it can be isolating to have a disability but having his own car will make a huge difference to his live’
Callum shares his mum’s enthusiasm and says that once he gets his license he plans to drive to Edinburgh with his friends: ‘I’m definitely looking forward to driving and my parents not having to take me everywhere; I can just go myself, which will be good!’
About the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme helps you to get mobile by exchanging your mobility allowance to lease a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair, all of which come with our fully inclusive lease package, so you can get on the road and enjoy everyday freedom: it’s simple, affordable, reliable.
If you’d like to find out more about the Scheme, request an information pack below and we’ll send you all the information that you need to make the right choice.
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