From Burial Mounds to Bears, Capybaras to Canaletto with my byACRE Overland rollator
The Beginning of My Journey
My journey with mobility aids began around three years ago. I was planning a day out in London with my daughter for her birthday and was very conscious of my propensity to trip over my right foot (what I now know to be 'foot drop'). I decided to buy a cheap folding stick to try and ensure that I did not fall over and spoil our day, either with an impromptu visit to A&E or ripped trousers! The stick gave me confidence – that I always had two points of contact with the ground and I felt much more stable.
Discovering the Need for a Rollator
My condition and mobility continued to decline over time and I noticed that I felt much better when shopping at the supermarket as I was using a small trolley each time. It was then that the idea of a rollator began to come to the forefront of my mind. But would it be worth it? I knew that the types of rollator I favoured were, let's be honest, expensive. I wasn't sure how much I would use one, or if I really needed one. Then one of my neighbours was throwing out an old rollator for a relative as the brakes were unreliable. I asked if I could take it to use as a trial to see how I got on. The difference was amazing. I felt taller, steadier, more confident. But I hated the look of the rollator. It was what I considered as typical 'old person' aid, with a padded lift-up seat and a basket underneath. It was heavy, bulky and rattled along the pavement making my hands and wrists hurt. Don't get me wrong, I was so grateful to have it - it made an appearance on a school trip (I am a Teaching Assistant) and several shopping trips.
Finding Bernard
At Lanzarote Airport of all places, I saw a byACRE rollator and knew that this was the more modern style that I was looking for. At 50 I am not ready for the little old lady club just yet! After investigating further, I decided that the all-terrain Overland would be the best machine for me. Although slightly heavier, the added shock-absorption given by the air-filled tyres would be better for my wrists and hands and would make it easier to access different types of ground. I added stick and cup holders as I always like to have a stick available for anywhere with tight access and who doesn't need a drink handy, whatever your poison!
Our First Adventures
Which brings me neatly back to the title of this piece. Once 'Bernard' was delivered – fully assembled which made me very happy, we started to plan where we would like to go first. A local zoo trip was helpful to get the handle height in a comfortable place, get used to the steering, turning circle and brakes, as well as the best way to arrange him in the boot of the car. And then we were off! We brainstormed a list of places that we had been wanting to see for a while and decided to start from the beginning. So far Bernard has been to:
Sutton Hoo, where we saw the filming of a Time Team special, looked at amazing finds from the burial mounds there and walked across the fields to the mounds themselves.
Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park where we saw brown bears, polar bears, capybaras and all of the amazing animals he has there now. Bernard handled the woodland walks with ease; tree roots and gravel paths were no obstacle! I was thrilled to be able to see the whole park and to be able to sit and rest while observing the animals made the day so much easier for me.
Audley End House is an amazing stately home, with beautiful architecture, artworks and antiquities set in acres of parkland. The flagstone floors were absolutely no problem for Bernard and he was able to easily transition between all the different types of flooring around. I felt stable and supported – essential when you are moving around valuable antique furniture and porcelain!
Looking Forward
Luckily for us our adventures are not limited to this country. Later this year we are planning to take Bernard on his first trip abroad. Thankfully he will not need either a passport or a rabies shot, but I am hoping he will have many more years of adventuring to come.
A New Perspective on Life
Since being diagnosed with SPMS I have struggled with feeling useless and inadequate. Obviously a rollator is not a cure or a magic bullet but being able to confidently get out and about has helped me to see that life as I know it doesn't have to end, it just needs to change a bit. The things I want to see are still there, the places I want to go to I still can. Having Bernard has helped me to see that the world is still my oyster, it just needs exploring in a slightly different way.
Keen to learn more about Bernard?
About the Author
Trudi Ely
Trudi is a 50-year-old Teaching Assistant who was diagnosed with SPMS (Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis), which causes mobility challenges including foot drop. She has transformed her life by embracing mobility aids, particularly her byACRE Overland rollator named "Bernard,".