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I have just returned from  four weeks in England--a trip full of
memories.  Spring is beautiful over there----the countryside is lush and
green, the fruit trees are in full bloom and the smallest front garden is
ablaze with colour.
 
As a 15 year  parkinsonian I found the trip  hard work but possible. Oh,
I did have moments of misery, and even fear,  but I survived with help
from my husband  and my new set of 'WHEELS' (named 'Wheelies' by the family).
 
Last February I bought the walker  reccomended by my physiotherapist.
Wheelies is a four wheeled walker with hand-brakes, a seat and excellent
manouverability. Designed in Sweden but not quite as expensive as a
Volvo, Wheelies enabled me to  visit museums, pubs, shops, cathedrals and
best of all English gardens. For the overseas flight my wheels were
checked with my suitcase.  They also traveled by train and car and in
London by underground and taxi.
 
My Wheelies give me a feeling of confidence and independance. I know I
can sit whenever I need to rest and the seat doubles as a tray to carry
lunch to my favourite chair. The handy basket holds my purse and jacket
when out of the house and my pills and cordless telephone at home.
 
When asked if I find it depressing to need a walker I reply  "My wheels
have given me freedom to go. I can walk at my own speed, carry my own
parcels and sit down without asking for help.  This is not depressing."
 
Anne Rutherford
Back in Foggy Newfoundland