Wheelchair brings student new lease of life

Dan Walsh is a student on Leeds City College’s Step-up programme, studying psychology, science and maths. As a sufferer of cerebral palsy, he recently faced some challenges with getting around due to difficulties with his old wheelchair.

Luckily, Leeds City College stepped in, and thanks to their support along with PsychCap, Dan has now received a brand new wheelchair that has changed his life. We caught up with him to find out more about his studies and how he’s getting on.

What are you enjoying at college?

I am particularly enjoying psychology, it’s very enlightening to learn how the mind works; I’ve also found a new passion for science.

What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully I’d like to pursue psychology and be able to do A levels in the next two years.

Tell us about your disability

I have cerebral palsy. This caused me to have a crack in my spinal cord and two slipped discs. I had an operation over a year ago to correct this by putting steel bolts in my spine.

What are the challenges you faced with your wheelchair?

There were many delays trying to get a new one and the cost was too much for my family to afford.

It was incredibly heavy, which made it hard to move and put strain on my back. Thanks to Leeds City College and charity PhysCap, I have new lightweight wheelchair that’s given me so much more freedom and puts less strain on my family with pushing.

It’s also given me so much more confidence, allowing me to contribute more in class discussions.