New wheelchair gives RAF veteran new lease of life

Mandy Wilkinson, 58, joined the RAF in 1985 as an aircraft engineer. Sadly, she had to leave ten years later after injuring her back lifting part of an engine.

The years of service have taken their toll on Mandy, who has arthritis in most of her joints. She also has multiple sclerosis, which leaves her in constant pain.

“The arthritis is quite bad in my hands, knees and hips. Along with the MS, which causes pain and numbness, particularly down my right side, it makes walking very difficult,” said Mandy, who works as a volunteer supporting veterans in crisis.

Despite her physical challenges, Mandy is fiercely independent and determined to get out and enjoy life, which includes exploring the stunning Northumbrian landscape she calls home.

“I’ve always been an outdoorsy person. And I’ve still got the fire in me. The body might not, the body might complain, but inside I’ve still got the fire in me,”

What Mandy needed was a wheelchair, but not just any wheelchair. A specialist offroad wheelchair would give her the independence she craved. But such a thing would cost thousands of pounds, far more than Mandy could pay herself. It was then that she reached out to the RAF Association for help.

The highly-trained casework team answered the call and, after spending time getting to know Mandy and understanding her unique needs, they were able to provide the financial assistance Mandy needed to buy the specialist wheelchair. Now, her life is transformed.

“It’s given me the chance of still living and doing things. I use the wheelchair to go shopping but I live a mile away from a beach and nature reserve. I’m able to leave my house and just go straight there. Before I would have had to drive, and I wouldn’t be able to explore like I can now if I used a regular wheelchair.”