My ByACRE Rollator changed my life
A Frightening Fall
A few years ago I had a fall while out walking with my cockapoo, absolutely not her fault as she was off lead at the time, BUT it was a cold January afternoon and it had just started to rain. I slipped on wet leaves and immediately knew I was in trouble. There was no mobile signal and I was found by a fellow dog walker who I'd never met before. She stayed with me for over two hours while we waited for an ambulance, during which time I became hyperthermic. She called the fire brigade to come and assist as the ambulance was still unavailable. I had a dislocated arm, a fractured shoulder and hyperthermia.
The Invisible Aftermath
I'm giving all the details above so you can appreciate how traumatic the fall was and how it became responsible for my fear of falling. After doing as instructed by the physio I made a full physical recovery but I had, and still have, this debilitating fear of falling. I had talking therapy sessions but this didn't help my personal situation. I am in my late sixties and live on my own so felt quite vulnerable. My poor little cockapoo had to have a dog walker one day a week, the other days she had to play in the garden.
The Search for Independence
Eventually I felt I needed to get out and about again. I started looking at walkers and rollators to see if they would be suitable and help in my situation. The pictures online were depressing! I have always had a modern outlook and couldn't see myself as a little white-haired old lady pushing a walker or rollator with bicycle brakes and a tartan shopping bag! Desperate measures took hold and when I saw a bright red one, even though it looked like a modified wheelchair, I ordered it with some with some hesitation. It arrived and I used it for a very short time, hoping I wouldn't meet anyone I knew! It was SO heavy and took up the whole of the back seat of my car.
The Game-Changing Discovery
Additional research was needed to see if there was anything more stylish out there! THEN this additional research found byACRE and what a 'find' that has turned out to be! I quickly chose the byACRE Carbon Ultralight. It arrived the next day and it was ready assembled. Loading it in my little Toyota Aygo was a dream. It fits easily in the boot with the parcel shelf removed so that's where it now travels, no more muddy wheels on the back seat for me. Now I have four seats fully available and nobody has to squeeze in beside it. It's lightweight, easy to fold, and looks more like a very stylish shopper when we're out walking. So happy was I that I went on to order the grocery bag, weekend bag and travel bag! This walker is staying!
Adventures Return with the Nordic Pioneer
Going back to my dog walking, we walk on a 'warren' which is a sandy wooded area with a well maintained path alongside. I saw the Nordic pioneer, with bigger wheels, advertised and ordered it in Glacier Green. This has been such a fantastic aid which allows us to walk daily where the ground is more uneven. So many people comment on how modern it looks and ask who the manufacturer is. it carries the lead, poo bags (very important), water bottle for Daisy, water bottle/coffee for me, additional coat or coat removed if its too warm, treats and anything else we need. The walker folds with the bag attached which is a bonus when we get back to the car.
Spreading the Word
Three people who were strangers to me now have byACRE walkers after seeing mine. My 83 year old neighbour has treated herself because the natural upright walking position is easier for her to maintain. I walk tall, feel safe, meet people and live life more fully since my internet search found byACRE. t may seem extravagant to have both the Ultralight and the Nordic pioneer but one is my dog walking aid and one is my shopping or 'going out' aid!
Thoughtful Accessories Make All the Difference
The grocery bag holds a lot and has a draw string to keep things safely in. My second bag is more secure as it has a zip surround making it more secure when shopping in town. The travel bag encases the whole walker so no scratching it in the airplane hold or train locker. Incidentally you can now get touch up paints - how thoughtful is this if you want to keep it looking nice.
An Unbeatable Solution
I know this article may all be about the 'pros' and no 'cons' but i can't actually identify any changes i would make. I normally don't give full marks to any surveys as I feel there is always room for improvement and 10/10 is rarely achievable. I'm sure byACRE will discover their own improvements and continue to make their quality products readily available to people like me.... and of course Daisy!
About the Author
Sylvia Wattam
Sylvia is a vibrant dog lover who refuses to let age or a past injury define her lifestyle. After overcoming a traumatic fall, she's become an enthusiastic advocate for modern mobility solutions that combine practicality with style.