See the world on wheels

Neil Bradley explains how he won’t let his mobility issues get in the way of his love of travel. Here he shares what he’s learned so far

I was diagnosed seven years ago with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). I initially had pins and needles in my arms, hands, legs, and feet, and numbness in my lower abdomen. I also noticed my right foot appeared to be dropped.

On occasions I would fall straight down, but with no warning or injuries. It was like being a balloon blown up and then deflated. I was then diagnosed with MS. The consultant neurologist said it was remarkable I was still able to walk due to the number of lesions in my brain and spine.

I was given a booklet on treatment options, told to read it and consider the different types of treatments available. I was told I would be contacted for review but two months later I took a major relapse. I was admitted to hospital. For the first three weeks I was in a wheelchair unable to stand or walk.

I then completed three weeks of intensive physiotherapy, and left walking with a crutch. This progressed to a pair, a mobility scooter, and I am now using a power chair fulltime. I do try to walk a few steps each day with Zimmer frame.

My left side is much weaker. I’m unable to lift my leg or use my hand to hold cutlery properly. I have brain fog, cognitive decline, fatigue, increased anxiety, depression, and increased sensitivity to noise. I experience bladder and bowel issues. I’m unable to button items of clothing and complete cleaning tasks around my home. In the last few months, I have started to experience stabbing periods of pain in my left ear, which may be trigeminal neuralgia. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances on a nightly basis.

I continue to have constant tingling of pins and needles and numbness throughout my body despite medication. I started a Tysabri infusion every four weeks for just over six years until August 2023. Due to progression of symptoms and further new lesions on my brain and spine, my treatment was changed to Ocrevus. I had a washout period prior to my first treatment and my first lumbar puncture.

The travel bug

Despite my symptoms, I still love to travel! It is one of my passions and has been since I was young. I will not let having MS get in my way of travelling, although I have encountered accessibility barriers when taking trips.

Travelling can be extremely stressful for anyone, and adding MS to the mix, along with accompanying anxiety, takes it to another level.

My advice

When booking a package holiday or even just a flight, you are entitled to opt for assistance at any airport. Whether you need help at the check in desk with your luggage, through security, at the boarding gate, or getting onto the aircraft, help is there and do not be worried about booking assistance. It is free of charge and makes your journey that bit easier.

When booking assistance, information is required regarding your wheelchair, battery size and other specifications. When you arrive at the airport, this information has to be given again to check in staff and assistance staff. A good idea is to carry a mobility device manual, or have details written down.

Whether you’re able to walk unaided, use a walking stick, crutches, rollator, mobility scooter, power chair or wheelchair, we all want to remain as independent as possible. The walks to and through security, to the boarding gate, passing immigration and baggage reclaim all vary in length. This is also not forgetting all airlines call for boarding way in advance, therefore you could be stood for as long 45 minutes before boarding commences. Then there is a chance of the flight being delayed which results in further waiting.

You can request assistance for just at the boarding gate if you prefer, whether you opt for boarding by foot or by Ambulift whether that is with your carer, travelling companion, or by yourself, that is your choice.

Issues can happen

When I’ve been flying from the UK, Ireland, Poland, Spain and the Canary Islands, the assistance I have received has been fantastic. Having travelled on numerous flights with mobility scooters and the past year with a power chair, I have encountered one issue travelling from Madrid to Heathrow. Unfortunately, my power chair was damaged beyond repair, but it has been since replaced by the airline. It’s worth noting UK airlines generally cover around £1,300 for any damage to mobility equipment, therefore it’s essential you have additional insurance in place.

In-depth research before you travel is necessary to highlight any areas that may be unsuitable for wheelchairs. Hotels may not have accessible toilets in public areas, or they may be situated downstairs in holiday accommodation.

Contact tour operators and hotels prior to booking to confirm if accommodation is suitable. Ask for photographic proof as well regarding accessibility for wheelchairs. I say this because on three occasions in the past year, I have been let down, despite recorded calls detailing my specific needs to tour operators. This included no access to any toilet apart from my room, a poorly adapted bathroom, a step-in shower, insufficient grab rails, and an inaccessible sink.

I’ve also encountered lifts which were unsuitable because the doors were too narrow for my wheelchair, plus a dining room table too narrow to allow my wheelchair access. As I said, in-depth research is needed before you book.

My top three hotels for accessibility which I continue to return to are Lopesan Costa Meloneras Resort & Spa (www.lopesan.com), Kumara Serenoa by Lopesan Hotels, and Sercotel Parque (www.sercotelhoteles.com), all of which are in Gran Canaria.