Researchers at the Medical AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) are working with a former soldier to develop a mobility aid that could change the lives of millions of disabled people.
Corporal Phil Eaglesham contracted Q Fever — also known as Helmand Fever — during active service in Afghanistan and is forced to increasingly rely on mobility devices as his condition deteriorates.
Along with wife Julie and businessman Brian Meaden (the father of a mobility-device user), he set up the firm Conquering Horizons to try and create a device with none of the drawbacks of conventional wheelchairs and scooters.
The company asked the Medical AMRC to assess whether the concept was feasible and create the initial design for the new device — called Victor. Phil identified six key failings affecting current mobility devices.
Victor incorporates an adjustable device that can raise users to a ‘social height’, enabling them to look people in the eye and sit at the right height to eat or work.
It is designed to tackle difficult terrain, mount kerbs, fit through standard doorways and manoeuvre easily, thanks to multi-directional wheels that give it a turning circle just slightly larger than its wheel base.
Marcus Crossley from the Medical AMRC said: “Victor has a modern appearance that is far removed from the institutionalised image of existing mobility devices. Our aim has been to create a device that able-bodied people would want to be seen on. The aim is for Victor to cost no more than £10,000.”
Julie said: “Having this device will enable Phil and millions like him to lead a more active and involved life. For Phil, in his role as the father of three lively boys, the ability to travel on most surfaces or terrains and the support, comfort and control of a device that he has complete confidence in, will be revolutionary.”