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A woman who has lost the use of her legs waited five months for an NHS wheelchair...only for it to be taken away from her after two days.
Becky Racey, 27, of St Mary's Bay, Romney Marsh has been housebound since returning home from a month-long stay in the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford in February.
She had been rushed in on New Year's Day after a disc ruptured in her spine, causing extreme pain, followed by numbness in her legs.
Scans, tests and surgery followed, as well as the diagnosis of Caude Equina Syndrome, a rare condition which results when something compresses on the spinal nerve roots.
Now, Becky says she has very limited mobility, having loss feeling and use of her legs, bladder and bowel, and is assisted by carers twice a day who help do chores.
She says she was assessed by the Wheelchair Service team during her stay in hospital, who deemed her eligible for an electronic wheelchair, which was provided in May.
However, the foot plate broke twice in two days, and when a team came out to fix it, she says they took the chair off her as she was able to lean on her walking frame.
Becky explains: "They turned up to look at the chair and said they would have to take it away for investigation as I had broke the hanger for the footplate twice in two days.
"When the lady that did the assessment came in she said that she didn't know I could 'walk' inside and that they only fund chairs for people who need them inside and outside.
"She then said I wouldn't be eligible so I won't be getting the chair back."
Becky, who lives alone, has now launched a Go Fund Me page to raise cash for her own powered wheelchair.
She said: "It took three months from having the assessment to getting the chair, and then it was taken away after two days.
"What I don't understand is that I was using the frame in the hospital so the original referral would of stated this.
"I can't lift my legs, I can't walk. The frame I use I put my arms on and push my way forward and my legs follow.
'An electronic wheelchair will make a huge difference to me. I can get my life back on track.' - Becky Racey
"But I am housebound - the only time I go out is with the patient transport team to go to appointments."
Becky's goal is to raise £3,000, with donations of £250 already being pledged.
She hopes the aid of the wheelchair will see the return of her freedom - meaning she can spend more time with friends and family, return to her course at Folkestone College and generally be more independent.
The former Folkestone School for Girls student said: "An electronic wheelchair will make a huge difference to me. I can get my life back on track.
"I am doing my best to save as much as I can, and selling a lot of my things to also try to raise funds.
"I feel embarrassed to ask for help, I just know that with some support, I may be able to reach my goal quicker, rather than missing more months of my life go by.
"I suffer with bipolar and anxiety and my mental health has deteriorated so much during these past few months.
"Not only am I living at home stuck facing the same four walls, but I am having to adapt to live with carers twice a day and the inability to use my legs."
Becky also wants to raise awareness of Caude Equina Syndrome: "I had never heard of it before. It is a very rare condition but it can happen to anyone.
"You need to be treated for it as soon as you can. Main symptoms include numbness, not being able to move legs and not be able to go to the toilet."
To donate to Becky's appeal, visit here.
The NHS has been approached for a comment.
