What is Q Fever and how did it affect Phil Eaglesham?

Q Fever is a disease Phil Eaglesham contracted in Afghanistan, which left him unable to walk and requiring 24-hour care.

What is the Omni wheelchair?

The Omni is an all-terrain elevating wheelchair designed by former Royal Marine Phil Eaglesham to improve inclusivity and personal connections.

Where did Phil Eaglesham serve in the Royal Marines?

Phil Eaglesham served at 40 Commando in Taunton, Somerset, before contracting Q Fever during a tour in Afghanistan.

Home / Technology / Marine's invention transforms life after injury

Marine's invention transforms life after injury

15 Jan

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Summary

Former Royal Marine Phil Eaglesham invented an all-terrain wheelchair.
He developed the Omni wheelchair after contracting Q Fever in Afghanistan.
The chair allows him to connect with his wife and family more easily.

Marine's invention transforms life after injury

Phil Eaglesham, a 44-year-old former Royal Marine, has designed an all-terrain elevating wheelchair following a debilitating illness. Eaglesham contracted Q Fever in 2010 while serving in Afghanistan, an event that ultimately led to his inability to walk and required constant care. This experience inspired him to create the Omni wheelchair, a unique mobility device intended to enhance inclusivity for its users.

The Omni wheelchair is engineered to navigate varied terrains, offering a new level of freedom. Eaglesham stated that developing this chair has profoundly impacted his personal life, enabling him to connect with his family in ways that were previously challenging. He specifically mentioned the ability to hold his wife's hand while walking, a simple act that signifies a significant improvement in his quality of life.

Eaglesham's service included a posting at 40 Commando in Taunton, Somerset. His journey from active military duty to developing a life-changing assistive technology highlights his resilience and innovative spirit. The Omni wheelchair represents not just a personal triumph but a potential advancement in inclusive design for individuals with mobility challenges.