David Barton, 47, from Leeds spent over 2 decades working in the wheelchair industry educating mobility companies and technicians all over the world on the benefits that a uniquely fitted wheelchair makes to a person’s life.

David, a keen rugby and cricket fan lead a rich and active life supporting others and travelling the world on cruises stopping off to visit many cities and countries along the way. He spent a large portion of his adult life working for wheelchair manufacturer Ottobock in the custom seating division, where he helped countless people maintain or regain their freedom of movement.

In 2020, at the start of the first lockdown, David’s life took a shuddering turn after he suffered a left hemisphere stroke, affecting the right side of his body including his right arm, leg and foot. In the initial weeks following his stroke, David was told that he would need to spend a year in hospital working on his rehabilitation and that he would most probably never walk again.

Determined to get back to his home, David’s tenacity shone through and after a great deal of hard work rehabilitating, he took those first few precious steps over short distances, improving his motor skills and was able to go home within six months.

Once at home, David was eager to regain independence and wanted a powered wheelchair that was both easy to use and comfortable. Having worked with the product previously, and knowing its quality, the Ottobock Wingus was an easy choice for him.

The Wingus is a sit-and-drive power wheelchair with a rear wheel drive that is equally suited for indoor and outdoor use. This compact, manoeuvrable, entry-level model combines reliable functionality with an appealing, minimalist design.

“As soon as I got the Wingus I had more confidence to go out”, said David.” It was so easy to use, I could get around town and enjoy being out of the house again. My parents live at the top of a hill so going to see them could have been a real struggle. Now I have my chair I am usually waiting at the top of the hill for my companions to catch up!", David continued.

Now two years after his stoke, David returned to watch his beloved Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the first time. “Being able to go back to the stadium was such a great moment for me” David said. “Regaining my independence so that I can do the things I did before my stroke was a big achievement, I’ve also been able to get back on the cruise ships.”

David’s rehabilitation continues to be a priority for him but he’s certainly making the most out of life in the meantime. His dedication to his recovery and rehab has given him these opportunities and he is an inspiration to anyone facing adversity and challenges in life.

There are never enough hours in the day for Harald. He's on the go from morning to night. Each morning, he gets up and begins his day by refuelling with a decent breakfast, then he feeds the cats, who also need to be petted and stroked, of course.

Harald served as a soldier and later survived leukaemia. Both have left lasting marks on his life. He isn't able to walk for long distances on foot anymore, so he's always glad to take a seat in his Wingus. Back pain, neck pain, a number of herniated discs and calcified shoulders place various constraints on him in every day.

Harald is supported by his wife, Hannelore, they go shopping together, visit museums and enjoy taking a break in local cafe's. Harald also likes technical challenges, he enjoys taking things apart and repairing them - computers in particular. "Some people call me a nerd," he laughs "but that's always in fun. Most people just call me Harald."

Lisa was born with a rare combination of three different genetic defects that affect all the muscles in her body. She is the only person in the world known to have this particular combination of genetic defects. Her entire muscular system tires easily, and her organs are slow and not fully functional. If Lisa overexerts herself, she damages her muscles.

"I have to accept the fact that I need longer for everyday tasks. And that it's better to ask for help with some things, like getting a saucepan out of a cupboard, because otherwise I use up all my energy very quickly," Lisa explains. Lisa would like to handle everyday situations like this by herself, but she is only partially able to.

Lisa is all the more grateful for her Wingus wheelchair, which allows her to go out for a spin with her dog, Luke. Lisa has established her own small business which she is able to manage on her own. She loves sharing her hobby of drifting with her boyfriend, who is a great support to her. She tries to complete as many tasks as she can by herself and doesn't like asking for help. The Wingus is ideal for Lisa and her active day-to-day life because it's so nimble and fast.