Diane and Colin Daughtry's lives have been devoted to their son Jake, 31. In their words, Jake has "this power when he goes in a room. It lifts and everybody smiles when they meet him."
Jake lives with Oliver McFarlane syndrome, which involves learning disabilities, blindness and partial hypopituitarism (a hormonal deficiency). His mobility issues, caused by peripheral neuropathy, necessitate the use of a wheelchair. Getting a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) through the Motability Scheme has transformed this family's lives for the better.
For more than two decades, as members of the Scheme, Jake was lifted into a standard car. However, in recent years Jake has grown heavier and broader because of treatment, meaning he required a larger, non-collapsible wheelchair. As a result, travelling became too difficult, and Jake became increasingly housebound. This negatively impacted his overall mental health.
Ample space
Last spring, Jake's parents sought a WAV that could accommodate his needs. With the assistance of GowringsVersa, they found the Vauxhall Movano WAV was the perfect fit, especially given the height of Jake's wheelchair, which can't be reclined because of his severe dysphagia. "GowringsVersa are fantastic," says Colin.
"They came out, did a demo, and Jake absolutely loved it," recalls Diane. Their Movano WAV is equipped with features designed to eliminate the physical and mental stresses of travel: privacy glass, an interior blue light for comfortable night travel, a taillift with lighting, a rearward heater, electric steps and grab rails.
The Movano is one of the largest WAVs available to Scheme customers. Diane was worried about driving it, having never driven anything so big before, but found it brilliant after getting a feel for it. The Daughtrys praise the Movano for its comfort, high driving position and large windows and mirrors. "It's higher up and you can see everything around. You haven't got to worry about what's coming because you can see everything," says Diane.
"[Driving] is not as tiring for us any more either," she adds. "Getting Jake in and out of the WAV and then doing some shopping with him is so much easier than it was before. It's hassle free and it's quicker as well."
Jake is secured in his wheelchair in the second row, with a carer's seat next to him, used by his sister, Samantha, who is his paid carer. The Movano's size provides ample space and headroom, enough for the family to stand up, and there is also room in the rear for shopping and travel necessities.
Going further afield
The Movano has reignited Jake's spark. By removing the front central headrest, Jake, with his limited vision, can see as much as possible, and the WAV has turned him into a travel lover. The Daughtrys now take trips far and wide to places like Berwick, Penrith, Kendal and Edinburgh. Jake, an avid shopper, has seen his mental health improve significantly, with the WAV allowing him to go out whenever he wishes, including a tour of garden centres this past Christmas.
Jake and his family are now eagerly anticipating spring day trips - activities that were impossible before the Movano. "You know, it's given him another life," his parents say. "It's total freedom for him."
Photos: Stephen Williams
