“The WHILL Model C is very impressive, particularly the tight turning circle” Georgina Layton
Georgina Layton, aged 24 from Chesterfield and specialist blogger, has successfully trialled the revolutionary WHILL Model C powerchair whilst reporting on venue accessibility around the UK.
Educated at Durham University, Georgina began blogging 18 months ago following a successful stint as a Business Development Manager for a large engineering firm. However due to the onset of spinal and nerve damage initially caused by gastroparesis, she decided to change her career. Now living with sensitivity to movement, Georgina is able to visit and investigate various locations around the UK thanks to the stability and comfort of the WHILL Model C powered wheelchair.
Over 14,000 unique users follow Georgina’s blog and social media feeds @disabledtravelwithgeorgina which detail accessibility at a variety of locations such as national attractions, stately homes, hotels andrestaurants. She decided to set up ‘Disabled Travel with Georgina’ following personal experience of visiting venues that displayed incomplete and inaccurate information regarding wheelchair access. Her blog strives to ‘bridge that gap’ so fellow wheelchair and powerchair users can travel to specific destinations with peace of mind and reduced forward planning. Georgina reports on accommodation, toilets and parking to name a few. In addition to her blogs and vlogs, she provides consultancy services for companies seeking advice on accessibility such as hotel and restaurant chains. English Heritage have leveraged many of her findings and Georgina recently completed a review of Disneyland Paris.
With the introduction of the innovative WHILL Model C, Georgina is working with TGA to illustrate the many benefits of this next generation electric wheelchair. The WHILL Model C from TGA is a new type of powerchair that incorporates advanced technology, aesthetics and performance so levels of inclusion are higher than ever before. No other powered wheelchair provides such a complete solution for disabled users with less complex seating requirements.
WHILL Model C can be quickly dismantled into three manageable components for easy lifting and storage in a car boot. This ensures independence locally and further afield for individuals such as Georgina seeking greater lifestyle flexibility.
Georgina comments: “The WHILL Model C is very impressive, particularly the tight turning circle. I’ve never seen a powerchair as manoeuvrable and transportable as the WHILL. It is nippy and compact around the shops yet sturdy enough to walk my dog Milo around the local reservoir and park. When I am driving around in my WHILL I’m glad of the stability and support it provides as jolts and bangs cause me pain. It has a smooth ride and as there are no castors I can wear a long dress without the worry of it getting caught under the wheel. At home it is even more beneficial, especially when we are entertaining. We recently hosted a Halloween party and even with lots of tables and chairs set up inside and out, I could negotiate around them with ease.”
Georgina adds: “A huge plus for me is the numerical battery gauge which gives me peace of mind. You know exactly how much power you have left whereas other products have ‘bars’ to represent remaining charge which leaves you feeling unsure. Another major benefit is the basket which sits under the seat. This means I do not have to hang a rucksack over the back of the seat and worry about my possessions being stolen. By using a WHILL I have been able to take my powerchair with me in the car for the first time as we only have a car with limited adaptations. It’s even been in my friend’s car which was fantastic. It’s so flexible – it fitted in the boot easily. My partner dismantles it without hassle especially as there are no fiddly wires to attach or the need for special tools. Freedom just got a whole load simpler.”
Georgina concludes: “I am thoroughly enjoying my adventures in WHILL Model C as it is helping me build up a more comprehensive library of real life accessibility advice for disabled travellers. I intend to continue sharing my experiences and I know it would be ideal for those enjoying festival season in the summer. I’ve volunteered in the past for a charity called Attitude is Everything which is an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation. They work with the music industry, audiences and artists to improve deaf and disabled people’s access to live music. By having the WHILL to tackle large crowds in comfort and with such attractive styling, I know it would be ideal for those attending music events.”
