A horrific rugby accident five years ago left Leicestershire resident Matt Hampson paralysed from the neck down, confining him to a wheelchair. movemanSKG installed a Prestige platform lift in Matt's newly renovated house, which allows him to reach its upper floor.
Matt took up rugby at the tender age of five. Over the years he played for local teams such as the Leicester Tigers, and progressed swiftly through the junior national levels. His outstanding performances impressed the England under 21 team's managers, who immediately selected him for the squad.
In March 2005 came the moment the changed Matt's life. While preparing for an England Six Nations match against Scotland, a scrum collapsed dislocating his neck and leaving him quadriplegic. Matt now divides his time between raising money for a charity called Special Effect, the Matt Hampson Trust, and spinal care and research. He also attends physiotherapy sessions, coaches Rugby to youngsters, writes monthly columns for Rugby World magazine, and runs an internet-based sports memorabilia business.
Matt now requires a substantial level of care. The rugby community has supported him tremendously since his accident by holding various fundraising events. Matt feels the game has looked after him – he still goes to see Leicester Tigers play and feels part of the Rugby family!
The building's first floor commands an excellent view of Rutland's beautiful countryside, which Matt can enjoy thanks to movemanSKG. The customised Prestige disabled lift has an extended 1100 x 1800mm platform that accommodates Matt plus his assistant, and carries up to 800kg (twice the load capacity of a standard Prestige). This is necessary because Matt's wheelchair is motorised and carries equipment, making it very heavy.
Mounted in a shallow pit, the lift has stainless steel doors that look great in the newly renovated building. Through entry means Matt can move between levels swiftly, simply, and safely.
Matt is delighted with his new Prestige; “I decided on a platform lift over a conventional passenger lift because they take up less space and represent better value for money. movemanSKG's Sales Engineer Carl Bartlam was very professional and quickly came up with design that suited my bespoke requirements. The lift is comfortable to ride in and operates reliably.”
Prestige is freestanding; it requires no wall or supporting structure. This minimises building work and associated expenses. Controlled acceleration and deceleration eliminates jolting at landings, and doors lock automatically while the platform is between landings for safety. Prestige is available in a variety of colours and finishes, which makes for its swift integration into any environment.
Supplying lifts for homes is a new venture for movemanSKG. Sales Manager Boyd Porter explains; “Our wheelchair lifts are ideal for domestic use - especially models that have a customisable appearance like Prestige. The home lifts market is new to us, but one we are looking to target in 2010. I am looking forward to presenting our products to a new group of potential customers!”
