When it started getting difficult for me to walk, I wish I had taken the plunge and got help sooner. I carried on struggling for too long. I suppose I thought that things would get better. I didn’t realise that I was just making things harder for myself.

I found that I wasn’t going out as often. I definitely wasn’t going as far as I used to. I wasn’t getting the same joy from life that I used to. It was only when I started feeling trapped in my own home that I knew I had to do something to help me get out of the house more.

I could walk, but not far. I felt a scooter was the best option for me. I didn’t want one though. It felt like giving in and I didn’t want my disability and age to win. It is only now that I realise that it is me who has won. My disability is no longer in control of me. It doesn’t stop me getting out of the house. In fact I think I go out more now, as it is so easy. Much easier than before.

At first using my mobility scooter was strange. I have never been a car driver, so it felt like I was travelling at a million miles an hour! I wasn’t though. It could go a maximum of 4mph, and people can walk that fast. Once I got used to the controls it was easy. I had a practice in my road. It is a cul-de-sac and nice and quiet. I very quickly mastered going backwards, forwards, turning round and braking. I learned about the indicators, lights, and importantly found where the horn was and how to use it.

My husband said he would drive in the car and meet me at the local library. It was only about 2 miles away, and I loved that first journey on my scooter. I knew exactly what route I was going to take, checked everything on my scooter – and drove off. Once I got used to feeling like I was going too fast, I felt exhilarated to be mobile and free. I was driving on the pavement, but found it easy to navigate up and down kerbs and around people.

Before long, I was there. My husband was grinning from ear to ear. He knew I could do it, and was so pleased that my first trip had been such a success. We stopped for a coffee, and then I made my way back.

Nowadays, I go to all sorts of places on my scooter. It really has changed my life. I am in control again.