Mobility can be a difficult area to talk about, and many of those who face the associated problems may struggle to find help. With the right people to enable you, it is possible to do more than you might have imagined.
This is the story of Lachezar Minev (Lars), who despite facing challenges due to Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) type 2, refused to let his dreams of driving fade away. Lars shared his journey with us, offering insightful thoughts that highlight his resilience and optimism.
Lars’ journey began when he was told that he would never be able to drive (by the driving agency of his home country in Eastern Europe). However, upon moving to the UK, he decided to give it another go. Lars applied for a provisional driver’s license, believing he would just be rejected. The application was more out of hope than expectation.
“What really motivated me was the chance to try something new, to see if there was a way I could make driving work for me,” Lars recalls.
Lars was referred to several assessment centers, but none of them were feasible for him to travel to, as they were far from where he lives (Bournemouth). Things went quiet until he received a letter from Southampton Mobility Centre (part of QEF). The letter said they were opening the new center and asked if Lars would be interested in attending a driving assessment. He accepted and booked himself in.
“I travelled on the train with my brother, still with not much expectation on being able to drive”. To his surprise, after clearing the initial assessments, Lars was taken to a vehicle and sat behind the wheel of a car for the first time in his life. “It was an incredible feeling, I never thought I would be able to do this”
Lars said the staff at Southampton mobility were welcoming and helped put his mind at ease. “With their guidance, I discovered adaptive driving technologies that I didn’t even know existed,” Lars explains. “They listened to my concerns and tailored their recommendations to fit my specific needs.”
Reflecting on his experience, Lars emphasizes the importance of taking that first step and seeking help. “It was daunting at first, but I realized that I had nothing to lose by trying,” he says. “And now, I’m so glad I did.”
Lars’ story serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with mobility limitations, reminding them that with determination and support, anything is possible.
“As I prepare to begin driving lessons and adapt my vehicle, I feel a sense of excitement” Lars shares. “It’s incredible to think that something I once thought was impossible is now very possible.”
At the Queen Elizabeth Foundation’s Mobility Center, stories like Lars’ are not just anecdotes; they’re testaments to the commitment to enabling peoples potential. With every assessment and every individual supported, the center continues to pave the way for a more accessible world.
Lars’ closing words to those who may be in similar scenario to him were “Just give things a try, it doesn’t matter if they don’t work out, but at least you can say you gave it a go. If I hadn’t just ‘tried’ then I would have never sat behind the wheel of a car”.
