Advertisement
News

Longford paralympian left 'gutted' after wheelchair damaged en-route to Tokyo

Aug 14, 2021 14:45 By Shannonside News
Longford paralympian left 'gutted' after wheelchair damaged en-route to Tokyo
Share this article

A Longford Paralympian has had to secure a replacement wheelchair after his was badly damaged in transit on his journey to Tokyo.

Para-swimmer Patrick Flanagan said he was “gutted” to discover his wheelchair had been “destroyed” when travelling from Ireland to Heathrow on the first leg of his trip to the Paralympics in Japan.

The Longford athlete said the wheels had been damaged and the frame of the chair had sustained a lot of other dents and scrapes.

Advertisement

The ShannonSide athlete wrote on Twitter that his chair was destroyed.

Advertisement

“My chair is my independence and to be left in an over-sized airport chair is degrading.”

While the staff in Heathrow were "extremely apologetic" he said an apology "does very little."

“I was given an over-sized airport wheelchair, filled out a claim form and sent on my way".

Advertisement

"I can barely push myself in this chair and simple tasks like getting around my hotel room are extremely tough". 

“This is not something that can happen to wheelchair users. It’s unacceptable. Both airlines and baggage handlers need to pay attention to chairs".

“My chair is my independence and takes months to be fitted and ordered. Mine is specifically sized to support my back, is lightweight so I can lift it in to the car, and is extremely sturdy. It would not be damaged easily".

Advertisement

The Longford man said he was "gutted" to have to start out his paralympic journey in this way.

 

The swimmer later posted that he was getting a spare chair flown out to him.

Advertisement

 

 

Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement

Shannonside Newsletter

Sign up now to keep up to date with the latest news.

Processing your request...

You are subscribed now! please check your email to confirm your subscription.

Copyright © 2024 Shannonside FM. Developed by Square1 and Powered by PublisherPlus