Helen Bull is the world’s first wheelchair user to achieve the National Pool Lifeguard qualification and ensuring she can carry out her training courses on a daily basis is a Rehasense Icon 60 manual wheelchair.

As a youngster, Helen was a national level swimmer and prior to becoming a wheelchair user in 2018 worked at Disney Florida as a lifeguard before moving to guest relations manager and then transferring to Disneyland Paris and then to the London office. This was followed by 11 years working for P&O during which time Helen became ill and was subsequently left as a full-time wheelchair.  It was at this point that Helen decided to take a career break.

“I was unsure what to do to be honest, friends kept saying how much I used to love the water and after much persuasion I gave it a try and fell in love with the water all over again and started teaching!  Some parents commented about the fact I was in a wheelchair, so I thought I will show you and trained to be the world’s first fully qualified wheelchair bound lifeguard instructor” commented Helen. 

Helen now travels all over the UK training lifeguards and is the first to admit, having the right wheelchair is vital.  “My condition means that I am unable to walk or hold myself up so having the correct wheelchair which is easy to manouvre around the poolside when I am training lifeguards is so important. My previous model just did not tick all the boxes, so I went to see Micky at Mobility & Comfort and explained my situation” continued Helen.  Micky suggested that Helen try the Rehasense Icon 60 for an initial loan period to ensure it met all her requirements.

“Within minutes of sitting in the Icon 60 I knew it was the chair for me.  It is so light and much easier to self-propel and manouvre than any wheelchair I have ever used. I also love the fact there are so many options available so I can tailor it to my exact needs such as the silicon push rims which are amazing – I used to get blisters all the time but not anymore”. When Helen returned the loan model, she immediately placed her order and took delivery of her new Icon 60 at the end of last year.

“Buying my Icon 60 was without doubt the best money I have ever spent, it has changed my life and given me back my independence as I hated people having to sometimes push me.  For example, my local train station is approximately 15 minutes from my home, previously I would have to get a lift or take a taxi but thanks to the Icon 60 I can get there myself independently. I also recently completed the Bognor Regis 10k which would have been impossible in my old wheelchair. I cannot thank Micky at Mobility & Comfort and Rehasense enough as they have literally changed my life, and I would not hesitate in recommending them and the Icon 60 to any other wheelchair user” concluded Helen.

Hearing such great feedback about the Icon 60 and Mobility & Comfort is fantastic.  We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality mobility solutions and only working with dealers that share our principles and hearing Helen’s comments is incredibly rewarding for myself and the rest of the team here at Rehasense UK” commented Jordan Day, UK Sales Manager.

The ICON 60 from Rehasense is one of the most adjustable wheelchairs currently available and features a lightweight rigid 7000 Series aluminium alloy frame and carbon fibre side panels. The frame length and seat angle are adjustable and for maximum comfort, the backrest can be adjusted forward by up to 20˚ or backwards by up to 10˚. The seat height can also be easily adjusted which changes the centre of gravity to make the chair a more ‘active’ model. With a maximum user capacity of 120kg and a choice of side guards, colour finishes and several wheel, tyre and push rim options available, the ICON 60 can be tailored to meet the requirements of the individual.

For more information on the full range of mobility solutions available from Rehasense call 0333 220 0704 email [email protected] or visit www.rehasense.co.uk