I was able to travel all over my universities city with my new power assisted wheelchair and I could walk side by side with my peers & friends, rather them pushing my manual wheelchair and me being dependent on them. This charity gave me my independence back & was so empowering. Mind Body EDS are changing lives with their wonderful support & they made my life so much better. Georgina - Specialised wheelchair grant

The grant allowed me to start working with Jeannie Di Bon, who is an expert movement therapist (that has EDS herself!). Since I began working with her I've learnt so much more about my own body and the special needs of hypermobile bodies in general. I've managed to learn how to breathe better, corrected the position of my pelvis that has always been very tilted, I became aware that I've been moving my arms incorrectly my whole life and learnt how to use them without having them hanging off the sockets which had a huge impact on my neck and head. Now after going through the worst year of my life and overcoming some tremendous health problems (or rather still being in the process of) I know that if anything like that happens again I will be able to pick myself up and improve once more and that is truly invaluable. Olga - Specialist physiotherapy grant

Heartening - I was unable to get lifesaving neurosurgery in the U.K. and had to fundraise vast amounts of money to pay for specialist surgery, accommodation and air ambulance/flights, in Barcelona. This was to prevent my skull neck and spine dislocating and compressing my brainstem & spinal cord. There are no other EDS charities that give grants to those in need, so Mind Body EDS have been a total lifeline for me! It’s humbling and heartening to receive help from someone who truly “gets it” and has lived this journey herself. It’s inspired me to want to fundraise myself for the charity as soon as I’m able and well enough too. Melanie - Lifesaving neurosurgery grant

Mind Body EDS was gracious enough to offer me a grant to be able to access genetic testing for the type of EDS I have and whether my son has inherited it. I am pleased to say that the genetic testing has been completed and initially it was suspected that I had hypermobile EDS, it has since been confirmed that I have classical EDS. Although a shock initially, understanding the variant of EDS I have has enabled me to undertake further relevant research about my condition. It has also, thankfully, been evidence that I have now submitted to my healthcare providers and as a consequence have been offered additional support and diagnostic testing. Including an echocardiogram to check for any heart valve issues or prolapses. Mind Body EDS are a light after a very dark tunnel, they represent hope and possibility. My experience has been nothing but positive and knowing that a charity has been set up to help those with our conditions is both validating and reassuring. I would encourage people to both apply and donate where they can. Hayley - Genetic testing and prolotherapy grant

I was finding it increasing difficult to leave the house at all, and hadn’t been able to go out independently for 8 months. This was because I was struggling with my mobility and fatigue. Since receiving the grant from Mind Body EDS, I have been able to purchase the powerchair and hoist for my car, which have been a HUGE help to me! Being able to control the chair myself is so great, and makes me feel much more independent. I can’t thank you enough! Georgina - Specialised wheelchair grant