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KAREN Foxton, a Middlesbrough College staff member who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was able to drive down the aisle and get married thanks to MD mobility scooters.

Karen, 39, from Guisborough, began teaching hairdressing skills at Middlebrough College 11 years ago. She recently changed roles to become a safeguarding and welfare officer.

She thoroughly enjoys her role and despite mobility challenges she is able to easily access the campus with a TGA WHILL Model C – a pioneering powerchair.

Previously she owned a TGA Zest mobility scooter to remain mobile, however with changing needs, a powered wheelchair now gives her more independence inside and out.

These products were supplied by family-run MD Mobility, also based in Guisborough, who have supported Karen over many years. Proprietors Alan and Carol Garner have a longstanding rapport with Karen and when she mentioned she was getting married, they offered help in terms of mobility at her wedding.

MD Mobility operates showrooms in Guisborough and Northallerton which provide a range of products for independent living, including TGA mobility scooters.

Karen had already part-exchanged her mobility scooter for a WHILL however there was no way she could hold her flowers driving down the aisle.

Alan gave Karen her scooter back for an extended loan so she could tie her flowers to the front basket and greet her husband-to-be, Roy, exactly as she wanted.

Karen said: "We got married in Redcar and Cleveland registry office and had such a memorable day, made so much easier with my TGA scooter and powerchair. Alan at MD Mobility was so amazing giving me my scooter back for the ceremony and then I could transfer into my WHILL for the wedding reception. My WHILL has white trim which matched my dress, so many guests commented on how wonderful it was, it generated so much interest. I was able to move around independently in the tightest of spaces mingling with guests at the pub which wouldn't have been possible without assistance. Roy and I even had a bit of fun racing against each other at the wedding on our scooter and powerchair, we definitely entertained everyone during the day."

Since getting married Karen has continued to use her WHILL for work. It dismantles and fits in the boot of her car so she can be driven to college by Roy.

She said: "The best thing about my WHILL is the way it moves, it turns on the spot. It's the perfect product for negotiating chairs and desks. . I can access offices and teaching areas, getting into the tightest of spaces without hassle"