World renowned disabled artist chooses Recare for 'remarkable' powered wheelchair

Before becoming an artist, Jon was an apprentice mechanic. At the age of 17, he was involved in a motorbike accident, which resulted in a life-changing injury and a year spent in the Spinal Unit of Wakefield Hospital. With his arms and legs permanently paralysed due to a spinal cord injury in his neck, Occupational Therapists suggested he try 'mouth painting', but it wasn't a success. However, after discharge, he received a 'painting-by-numbers' set as a Christmas gift, which gave him another chance to try. This was a turning point for Jon, starting him on a new career path, developing a distinctive style mainly in oils and focusing on landscapes, people, and animals. Jon now uses his Permobil M3 Corpus power wheelchair to support his independence as an artist.

Jon became an affiliated (Student Member) of the International Mouth and Foot Painters Association (MFPA) in 1998. Jon’s Artwork is used worldwide, and his images are renowned in the Christmas Card market. His new powerchair, a Permobil M3 Corpus, has enabled him to continue accessing his purpose-built studio, where he produces works of art for everyone to enjoy, and to maintain his mental health. Jon lives alone with the support of two carers 24/7 as he is now a ventilated patient at night.

"I was looking for a new powered wheelchair so went online and came across Recare" begins Jon. "I found their website helpful as it can be quite daunting looking for new equipment. I already had an Invacare powerchair, but it was past its best so I called and spoke to a Recare Assessor called Ray. He came out to assess my needs and was amazing. Ray was so thorough and caring and I was really impressed with my test drive in my house, around the garden and into my studio. I tried a Permobil M3 Corpus as it had mid-wheel drive and immediately could see the potential it had for my needs. Ray recommended the perfect specifications and chin controls to maximise my independence. It was remarkable."

Jon has been painting for 46 years. To access his easel, the Charity Remap have helped Jon design and create a bespoke, electrically adjustable set-up, so he is free to paint on his own. "I have an electronic adjustable easel with button controls for up, down, left and right", continues Jon. "I can also adjust the angle for palette knife painting. The flexibility of the human wrist is quite something, so I have had to try and replicate that. With my friends at Remap, we have designed and built all the bespoke equipment I need. I have special paint brushes and palette knives, all designed for use with my mouth. I am naturally an independent person."

"Some people may say, 'how can you be independent?' being paralysed from the neck down; however, if I can find a way of doing something for myself, I will. I will have a tool made. I can also feed myself. In the morning, I go into the studio, and the girls put out my paints. I've got a drink, and I'm on camera if I need any help. And then it's up to me, and that's how I like it. I like my own company."

Jon tends to paint five to six days a week. In between studio time, he enjoys walks in the local countryside on his own or with family. He has a five-mile range with his powerchair, which also allows him to go to events such as concerts. 

In conclusion, Jon is delighted with the versatility his new Permobil M3 Corpus provides and the service he has received from Recare. He sums up by saying: "I haven't been able to exhibit my work for a while due to my health, but would love to again soon or paint live in front of people.

I know my Permobil will help make this happen. In terms of service from Recare, I have never had support like it. Recare has been fantastic from sales to setting up my chair, and Ray has been such a help and a gentleman. He clearly cares about his customers.

I've never had a powerchair like this either, with so many features that offer comfort and health benefits, and that can be used in an emergency, such as the flat position. Ray has set me up with everything I need to control my movements. I can even press a button that puts me in a predetermined position. It's like an armchair; it's so comfortable.

I've had some tweaks since, so I really appreciate their after-sales service. Would I recommend them? Absolutely."