Help Sarah to get out and about with her family with a wheelchair friendly vehicle

When Sarah was 2 years old she suffered a seizure which at the time Dr's at Starship hospital said that she wouldn't recover from, and gave her 2 weeks to live, that was in 2003, Sarah is now 15.

Life went through some major changes since 2003, Sarah suffered major brain damage, and is now confined to a wheel chair. She has very limited mobility, she has some leg movement and a little bit of arm movement, but she cannot support herself. Sarah is tube fed, and has limited verbal communication, but very much a valued member of our family and community.

In the past Sarah has sat in a toddler style car seat, with her wheelchair lifted into the back of the car, which has made for an uncomfortable journey for her, we are lucky if we can get to the local shops without her being in distress, which has meant Sarah has been unable to visit family and friends too far away. mum has also recently hurt her shoulder lifting the wheelchair into the car, and is now unable to lift it in or out, meaning Sarah is unable to go anywhere unless dad is home.

Sarah recently went on a school camp where she was in a wheelchair van and traveled for over 2 hours with out any problem, so we know that by getting a wheelchair van Sarah will be able to share more experiences with her family and friends.

Sarah does not receive any ACC payments, as her brain injury was the result of a medical event, and while we are grateful for the things we do get assistance with, finances around special needs items is always tight.

we have received some money towards a vehicle from the Lotteries for individuals with Disabilities, but it is not enough to get the type of vehicle and modifications that are required.

(vehicles must be under a certain age, and big enough to take the family, and a wheelchair, and a hoist, and preferably still fit in my garage so that Sarah can get in the vehicle in all weathers)