Home / Health / Paramedic's Covid Battle: Wheelchair Appeal for Independence
Paramedic's Covid Battle: Wheelchair Appeal for Independence
7 Sep
Summary
- Trainee paramedic contracted Covid while working during the pandemic.
- She now suffers severe fatigue and POTS, needing a £4,000 powered wheelchair.
- Lucy Gatward is fundraising for mobility aid after NHS refusal.
A former trainee paramedic, Lucy Gatward, 33, contracted Covid-19 during her frontline work saving lives. This infection has led to ongoing, debilitating health complications including POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and small fibre dysfunction, leaving her with severe fatigue. As a result, Lucy now requires a £4,000 powered wheelchair to regain independence, a need the NHS has not met.
Lucy, who was just 15 hours from completing her training, experienced breathing difficulties and dizziness. Her symptoms persisted, leading to a diagnosis of POTS and other severe issues like temperature regulation problems and bladder dysfunction. Despite the irreversible nature of some conditions, Lucy is pursuing an MSc in Psychology and aims to help others. She has also petitioned Parliament to change wheelchair eligibility rules, with her MP's support.
