In 2004, my husband Michael had an emergency operation for Crohn’s disease. Sadly, the surgery didn’t go as planned, and what followed was a long and difficult recovery. Michael spent eight months in hospital, and when he finally came home, our lives had changed dramatically.
Michael had lost his independence and mobility. He was suddenly confined to the house, and as you can imagine, this had a huge emotional impact on both of us. We were overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of where to turn next.
Thankfully, with the support of our GP, the local carers’ organisation, and Citizens Advice, we started to find our way through. One of the most important turning points came when we realised that getting Michael out of the house was key to restoring his freedom.
The First Step: A Portable Mobility Scooter
We began with a portable scooter, which was a game-changer. For the first time in months, Michael was able to go outside on his own. The freedom this gave him was invaluable—and a huge step forward in restoring his confidence.
But as time went on, we realised that a more powerful scooter would give him even greater independence. So, we invested in an 8mph road-legal scooter.
Suddenly, Michael could go into town on his own, meet friends, run errands—and just feel like himself again. I no longer had to be at home constantly, and for the first time in a long time, I was able to return to work part time.
Finding Support Through Work and Community
I was incredibly lucky to find a part-time job at Active Mobility, where I quickly discovered just how powerful the right equipment can be. Working here not only allowed me to help others, but also gave me the tools and knowledge to support Michael at home more effectively.
One area where Michael continued to struggle was getting comfortable in an ordinary armchair. He experienced poor circulation and often found it difficult to get up. Before working at Active Mobility, we’d bought a couple of chairs from high street furniture stores—but while they seemed okay at first, they weren’t truly suitable for his needs.
A Custom Rise & Recline Chair Made the Difference
At Active Mobility, I learned about rise and recline chairs—many of which can be made to fit your measurements, weight, and height. We decided to invest in a made-to-measure chair, and the difference it made to Michael’s comfort and quality of life was remarkable.
He could now adjust the back and leg positions throughout the day, which helped relieve some of the pain he experiences. On tougher days, the rise function gave him the extra support he needed to stand—without struggle or risk.
Getting a Better Night’s Sleep with an Adjustable Bed
Michael also had trouble getting comfortable at night. We’d previously tried adjustable beds from big-name bed shops, but none of them gave him the support he truly needed.
Through Active Mobility, we found specialist adjustable beds—with mattresses designed to support your body based on your weight and needs. These beds are robust, comfortable, and fully customisable, giving Michael the support he needs to rest properly.
Being able to adjust the bed’s position so he isn’t lying flat has made a huge difference to his sleep—and his overall health.
Why the Right Advice Matters
Finding the right advice and equipment at the right time has completely transformed our lives.
At Active Mobility, we genuinely care about making a difference. We’re here to help you explore what options are available—even if you’re not ready to buy anything just yet.
If you’re facing similar challenges, or simply want to talk to someone who understands, give us a call on 01789 298182. Sometimes, just knowing what’s available can be the first step toward a better life.
A Life Enriched by Mobility—and Two Labradors!
Today, Michael enjoys long walks with our two beautiful black Labradors, Sophie and Jessie, riding alongside them on his scooter. Their companionship has brought so much joy into our lives—but it all started with making that first decision to get a mobility scooter.
Back then, we never imagined how much those steps would change our lives. But here we are—living life with more freedom, independence, and happiness, all thanks to finding the right products and the right support.
If sharing our story helps even one person take that first step, then it’s worth every word.
With love,
Tracy and Michael
