Freedom to live
Ali Pearce was adopted by her parents Tom and Vonnie after Ground Technician Tom left the RAF in 1972. Ali has Down's Syndrome and, like some with this condition, also has severe heart problems. This can make getting around difficult, and as Ali has grown up, she has become increasingly frustrated by how this hinders her mobility and independence.
Ali is 24 but because her dad served in the RAF and she is still dependent on him due to her disability, we were able to give her a grant for an electric wheelchair.
Ali says, "I really like my powered chair. It means I can do things without needing someone to push me around. I am able to visit places that I could not go to before, and I have managed to take lots more photographs."