My current car no longer meets my changing needs, and if I sell it, I won’t even have enough to buy a car I can actually drive. My disability is progressing, but I’m still able to look after myself most of the time. I’m a mum of two children on a very tight budget, as I receive AAH and, for my youngest, AEEH, but of course these benefits aren’t enough to live on decently. We are, of course, not entitled to benefits such as CMU-C, transport assistance, etc... even the school grant isn’t at the maximum level. It’s not so much what we receive but the money going out of the household. Everything has become horribly expensive. What’s more, with the adult disability allowance, I’m not eligible for any car finance, for example. Even if I had an affordable monthly repayment. But in my area, a car is essential and public transport is too difficult for me to use. Not to mention how much it costs!

I need a car with more driving aids than the one I have at the moment, just so I’m less tired and can cover longer distances. And a car for the city. Because I don’t go on holiday often due to my health.

And another problem has arisen: hospitals are in Low Emission Zones! My current car is in category 3! I’ve already had countless parking fines despite having a disabled parking permit, which I’m forced to pay and never get reimbursed for! (Reimbursed just once in a small town)

It is therefore urgent that I find a newer car, which costs more. And one with plenty of driver-assistance features: automatic gearbox, parking assist, cruise control, etc...

Soon I won’t even be able to get to hospital! And it’s far too far away for me to travel there by public transport! The National Health Service reimburses the fare but doesn’t take multiple disabilities into account. And you have to imagine what it’s like if you’re on an empty stomach and perhaps with a bladder full to bursting for an examination, for example… Transport is already difficult for an able-bodied person, so what about someone who’s ill?

It’s quite difficult to summarise the simple need for a car, which isn’t a whim but absolutely vital in my region. Healthcare is far away; you have to travel towards Paris, but I live a long way from the capital! For me, nearly 100km is the end of the world.

Thank you for reading this, and I hope I’ve touched the hearts of those who can afford to make a small gesture. Little by little, perhaps I’ll raise a bit more than the sale of my car would bring in and get closer to my goal.

I haven’t gone into too much detail about my health or talked much about finances, but you can imagine that daily life must be very difficult. And I’m not asking for money for any potential treatment. I’m already on the latest one, which is ineffective, and many operations aren’t an option for me. I’m holding on for my children—that’s the main thing. I manage to get by, even if it’s not easy every day, and in that respect, it’s better to stay positive than to let myself go.