Susan Collinge, an MS sufferer with lifelong hip problems has won a healthcare wetroom courtesy of wetroom pioneers, Impey Showers.
The former secondary school teacher, 57, from Hanwell was entered by her son into the national Impey Cares competition to win a £5,000 wetroom for people with mobility issues.
Susan was randomly selected from hundreds of entrants across the country. Her son nominated her because she has received no previous support for her medical conditions which leave her so weak that she cannot get in and out of the bath. Susan is also the main carer for her elderly mother who she looks after every morning.
Susan’s bathroom was small, a difficult shape and it was no longer suitable for her needs. Impey Showers worked with an occupational therapist and London’s Aquaneed to ensure the mobility showering products offered the best solutions for her requirements. Her old bathroom was revamped and a brand new £5k wetroom was installed along with new tiling, replacement windows and doors, a wetfloor, lifting shower doors, a shower seat, a low level toilet and a new wash basin.
Winner, Susan Collinge, said: “I still cannot believe it. I never win anything. Before this wetroom was installed I’d only be able to shower once a month as it was so difficult stepping in and out of the bath as it meant that I had to raise my bad leg. It means so much to me to be able to shower independently once again. I love water and I’ve really missed the sensation and the therapeutic benefits it brings.”
Mrs Collinge was born with dislocated hips and has undergone numerous operations and replacement joints. In addition to her hip problems, four years ago Susan was diagnosed with MS following an unusually slow recovery from a hip operation.
Darren Blewitt, Impey Showers’ London area sales manager, who is based in Twickenham, said: “We’re delighted that Susan will now be able to shower independently once again. She’s such a strong lady who has put her own pain last and focused on looking after others. There are so many people who don’t receive healthcare wetrooms for many reasons. Impey Showers looks forward to helping more people this year through the Impey Cares campaign.”
Richard Caddle, managing director of London’s Aquaneed, said: “We were delighted to be selected as the preferred contractor for Impey Showers’ first winning Impey Cares adaption. The specification process was very professional and we called in an occupational therapist to assess Susan’s specific requirements. There were many issues to overcome onsite such as limited space, pipework issues and gravity waste. Aquaneed has extensive skills and experience which enabled us to overcome these obstacles and provide Susan with a fantastic wetroom.”
Impey Showers products have been used in over 250,000 wetrooms in the UK.
