The Ayrshire Hospice recently took delivery of two new specialised wheelchairs that provide extra postural support and comfort to support patients with symptoms that may include pain, swollen limbs, fatigue and a lack of good sitting balance.

The Ladies Lunch (South Group), who meet at the Horizon Hotel in Ayr once a month, purchased two new specialised wheelchairs to support patients with MND.

Heather Hardie, Ayrshire Hospice Lead Practitioner Community and Living Well said: “I want to thank the Ladies Lunch Club for purchasing these chairs for use in the Hospice, they’ll be a massive benefit to our patients.

“These chairs can have a considerable benefit for someone living with MND who may otherwise be restricted to a bed or recliner chair and have allowed people to get outside, to shops and to family events when they otherwise would not be able to.”

Susan Kendall, Ladies Lunch Club (South Group), Committee Chair, added: “When we heard that two MND chairs were on the Hospice wish list we were pleased to be able to fund them - this is the reason the club exists, to help with extras which will help the patients and their families.

“The committee was delighted to learn the new chairs were supplied so quickly and we are sure that they will be of great benefit to patients in the Hospice.”

These chairs provide a lot more support for people than a standard wheelchair. They recline and tilt and the leg supports can also be raised which, all in, allows people who do not have good sitting balance, have pain, swollen limbs or are fatigued to still enjoy being up and able to move about.

Irvine resident Ian Welsh is the first patient to benefit from the new wheelchair. He said: “It made a whole difference to my day, being able to sit up and be pushed around.

“It’s very comfortable and allowed me to have dinner at the table with my family which was something I was no longer able to do.”

Heather added finally: “We as a team are extremely grateful for the generous donation which allows us to fulfil our commitment to making today matter for all.”

If you would like to find out more about the Ladies Lunch Club and how to attend you can visit www.ayrshirehospice.org for further details.