Lucy Gatward campaigns to change NHS wheelchair eligibility rules

Lucy Gatward, a former trainee paramedic from Surrey, is campaigning for the NHS to reform its wheelchair eligibility rules. After contracting Covid while working on the frontline during the pandemic, Gatward developed ME/CFS, POTS, and irreversible small fibre dysfunction, which forced her to abandon her career.

Gatward is currently seeking to raise funds for a powered wheelchair, as she does not qualify for one through NHS services due to her ability to walk short distances. She argues that the NHS should base eligibility on clinical need, functional ability, and safety rather than the mere presence of some walking ability. Her campaign follows an incident where she was targeted by scammers impersonating a mobility company while attempting to fundraise for equipment.