TGA Mobility supports Kennedy’s Disease UK with donations and product discounts
Mobility scooter provider TGA Mobility has partnered with the charity Kennedy’s Disease UK so it can raise donations for the charity and enable people with the condition to more easily benefit from its mobility scooters, wheelchairs and powerchairs.
Kennedy’s Disease is a rare inherited condition similar to Motor Neurone Disease. One in every 40,000 people are estimated to have the condition with many undiagnosed until later life. Having Kennedy’s Disease makes coordination harder and harder as it progresses so owning a scooter enables outdoor mobility even if walking becomes difficult over time.
Kim Slowe, Chair and Trustee of Kennedy’s Disease UK (KD-UK), has the condition and contacted TGA about getting a Breeze S4 with canopy. As a retired Royal Navy Frigate Captain and helicopter pilot, Kim wanted to remain free outdoors as driving a car was no longer possible. Following a home assessment, it was agreed a Breeze was right for him. Buying this scooter led to further conversations with Kim about how TGA could help the charity.
Set up by Kate Hopps whose husband has the condition, Kennedy’s Disease UK is the only UK-based charity of its kind. It is run by volunteers and people with the disease with the aim of raising awareness and funds to help find a cure. The team also provides guidance and support to individuals with Kennedy’s Disease. Kim, who lives near Dorchester, was diagnosed in 2018 and his commitment to the cause has led to this new partnership with TGA.
TGA Mobility already works with several charities including Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society. These partnerships provide a 10 per cent discount on new and used mobility scooters, powerchairs and wheelchair powerpacks for everyone with these conditions.
Each discounted sale also generates a donation from TGA back to the charities. The same relationship has now started with KD-UK to the delight of Kim as he says: “The relationship with TGA will be of great benefit to the Kennedy Disease community.
“A Kennedy Disease diagnosis brings with it many financial challenges and it is refreshing that TGA are able to provide such meaningful support to people living with Kennedy Disease. A big thank you from us all, as rare diseases are far too often ignored by the mobility equipment suppliers.”
On a daily basis Kim’s scooter gives him more flexibility than owning a car. He is able to travel to and from Dorchester without the worry about parking, especially at the hospital.
Daniel Stone, Managing Director of TGA Mobility, concludes: “We are proud to be partnering with charity, Kennedy’s Disease UK. We knew little about Kennedy’s Disease prior to this partnership so it’s great to learn more about this condition and how we can help those with it.
“We are keen to raise awareness and help the charity however we can. Since 1985 our products have offered a way to remain connected with friends, family and the outside world. Now for people with Kennedy’s Disease this has become easier through discounts on our product range plus every sale generates a donation back to the charity from us.”
