Perthshire couple creates social enterprise to help wheelchair users and wider society
A Perthshire couple have created a crowdfunding venture they believe can change the lives of millions of disabled people who use wheelchairs.
Paul Lawson from Alyth, Perthshire, whose partner Diana uses a wheelchair has patented the Grippoz– a wheelchair pushrim cover that enables users to more easily propel themselves.
The plan is for the invention to go into full production, with the push-rim covers made from colourful, durable silicone.
A social enterprise has been set up to market the product and to sell Grippoz online - with profits being used to help other small businesses and new products in the area.
Diana said: “I always had to wait for Paul to come and push me.
"When I first I went out with my Grippoz on, I realised I didn’t have to wait for him and went off myself into the hospital for my appointment.
“For the first time people saw me and were speaking to me in my chair and not the person pushing me. It was just wonderful.”
The initial funding needed for the injection moulds is being raised through the established crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter.
The campaign will run online until 8 December and aims to raise at least £22,500.
