Member Article

Helen Dolphin MBE, Autochair’s new brand ambassador

Alfreton-based vehicle adaptation specialist, Autochair, is working with independent mobility consultant, disability rights campaigner and quadruple amputee, Helen Dolphin MBE, on a new UK-wide education campaign.

Helen, 42, who lost her hands and legs following a late diagnosis of meningitis at the age of 22, is working with the mobility specialists to raise awareness of the freedom, flexibility and functionality of travel available for disabled drivers and passengers. Helen’s own determination to resume independence following her devastating illness saw her use an Autochair hoist to first get back behind the wheel in 1999.

The campaign will combine Autochair’s manufacturing excellence with Helen’s disability lifestyle awareness to highlight the broader issues surrounding mobility and educate on the scale of solutions available.

Helen Dolphin MBE, said: Helen said: “It was because of Autochair’s technology that I was able to become more mobile all those years ago – which makes this a perfect partnership for me because I know the difference their products make to people with disabilities who want to establish or maintain their independence.

“I’m looking forward to offering my advice and expertise to the Autochair team whose desire to really make a difference comes from their founder’s own experience of living with a disability – and his innovative solution which launched the Autochair hoists we see today. Our plans include increasing awareness of the challenges and solutions available to those living with disability on a daily basis which is something I can add real value to.”

She added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of the next chapter in this exciting and important Autochair story.”

Autochair is a supplier and manufacturer of vehicle adapation products established in 1983 by David Walker, whose own disability and determination to live an independent life resulted in creating hoists to make car travel easy and accessible for disabled drivers or passengers.

Jules Allen, Autochair sales and marketing director, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Helen on a long term basis. This is our first step in working more closely with the wider mobility community through partnerships, training and a number of special events.”

The Autochair range includes UK-manufactured wheelchair and scooter hoists with a capacity of up to 200kg, person lifts which can transfer people from wheelchair to car seat for use at home, work and on holiday and an innovative transfer plate that gives passengers and drivers a stable transfer platform.

For more information on becoming Autochair visit www.autochair.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Approach PR .