AN Islander living with achondroplasia and serious spinal problems is appealing for help to regain the independence of having her own adapted vehicle.
In the absence of a UK-style Motability scheme in Jersey – which enables eligible disabled people to use their mobility allowance towards the cost of a vehicle – Caroline Fry is fundraising to buy a wheelchair-accessible vehicle which will allow her to drive independently once again.
Caroline was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, and more recently was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Despite the challenges she has faced, she has never allowed her disabilities to stop her from trying to live a full and active life.
In 2003, Caroline featured in a BBC programme from the One Life documentary series, Size Doesn’t Matter.
At the time, Caroline was 28 and, despite having travelled the world after graduating from university, had never met another person with achondroplasia.
The documentary followed her as she travelled to meet other people with dwarfism, first at the Dwarf Athletics Association and then to the USA to attend the Little People of America annual convention in Boston.
Fast-forward 23 years and Caroline’s zest for life has not dwindled, despite the ups and downs she has experienced. However, she now faces a new challenge.
Caroline said: “When I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis a few years ago, it resulted in me having back surgery to decompress my spinal cord and nerves. Unfortunately, my mobility deteriorated further following the operations.
“Before the surgery, I could walk a little, and I could drive a normal automatic vehicle, with no adaptations needed. Unfortunately, my mobility has deteriorated so much that I now use my mobility scooter to get around my flat, get to work and travel short distances around town, which can be challenging if the weather is bad.
“I used to drive a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, but it was 20 years old and had reached the end of its useful life. I loved the independence of having my own car, which was perfect for me. It was my Postman Pat van!”
She added: “I really miss having a car to drive. At the moment, I rely on the help of friends or, if I am stuck, I take a taxi to the shops, appointments and physiotherapy, or to pick up my 14-year-old son.
“I’m not used to relying on others. My brother’s disability prevents him from driving, and my father also uses a mobility scooter. I would love to be able to drive them around again.
“Unfortunately, Jersey does not have a similar Motability scheme to the UK to meet the needs of a disabled person who is capable of driving, so this is why I need help.”
Caroline said her current employer Grant Thornton had been hugely supportive in creating a welcoming workplace, as had her previous employers Appleby and Affinity Private Wealth.
She has now found a suitable second-hand wheelchair-accessible vehicle for sale in England. Thanks to generous support from local charities, as well as donations to her crowdfunding campaign, she has already raised more than £12,000 towards the £16,000 purchase price.
However, she still needs to raise a little more to complete the purchase and ship the vehicle to Jersey and get back on the road in her own vehicle.
“Having my own adapted vehicle would give me back a huge amount of independence,” she said.
“I would be able to get to work, appointments and the shops without having to rely on other people, and I would also be able to take my son, my father and my brother out again.”
Anyone who would like to help Caroline reach her £6,000 target can donate through her crowdfunding page on JerseyGiving.
Donations can be made at:
https://jerseygiving.je/sponsor/activity/get-caroline-back-on-the-road/caroline-fry
