Terminally-ill woman told she’s too well for mobility car
I’VE NOT DONE ANYTHING WRONG, SAYS TRACEY, 53
A WOMAN with terminal cancer says she was forced to walk to an emergency doctor’s appointment on crutches after she was deemed too healthy for a mobility car.
Tracey Mills, from Mossley in Tameside, was previously granted a vehicle through Disability Living Allowance (DLA) after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour several years ago.
But when a new assessment was carried out after the government’s new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) came into force, Tracey’s disability benefits were reduced.
She was found to be too fit to qualify for a car, so the automatic Ford Focus she relied on to get around was taken away.
Knowing that her condition is terminal, Tracey, 53, wants to visit Lyme Park, Hollingworth Lake, and Blackpool again – so she can see the illuminations for the last time, eat fish and chips by the sea and go to Madame Tussauds.
If she had a vehicle, she says that would be far easier than relying on others.
She was previously given a specialised car through Disability Living Allowance (DLA) benefits after she was told the devastating news she had a brain tumour and the cancer had spread.
But when a new assessment was carried out after PIP came into force 18 months ago, Tracey’s disability benefits were reduced.
In June, she appealed the decision and resubmitted medical forms, but has not yet had a response.
The DWP said they could not comment on individual cases, but added that anyone who is terminally ill can have their claim ‘fast-tracked.’
Tracey’s condition has deteriorated and she has been relying on friends and neighbours for lifts to her many appointments.
Alongside stage three cancer, she was recently diagnosed with renal failure, a tumour in her nose, arthralgia and hypertension.
She needs crutches, walking frames and special rails placed in her house to get about. On one occasion she told how she was forced to walk to an emergency doctor’s appointment for an urgent blood test using her crutches due to lack of transport. Neighbours and friends have been transporting her to appointments at Tameside Hospital and Oldham Hospital, but it has been around 10 months since she left the house properly. She says being able to get out of the house and enjoy a change of scenery would be a welcome relief. Tracey, a former dental nurse, said: “My ambition is to see Blackpool lights, I just want to see the lights, the wax works and have fish and chips. “I am stuck in the house with no car, I can’t do anything at all. “I am relying on neighbours to get out. I had to walk to the surgery when they said I needed an emergency blood test.” She added: “I am housebound, but I don’t want to be. “I don’t understand why they took the car off me – I am now a lot less mobile.
“I have never done anything wrong to the benefits system, I’ve not done anything wrong.”
Mobility cars can be claimed if a disabled person receives the highest rate of PIP.
Once an assessment has been caried out and the PIP is granted, mobility cars are distributed by charity Motability – but Tracey no longer qualifies. It’s not yet known when her appeal against the PIP decision will be made.
A DWP spokesman said: “We’re determined to ensure that people with health conditions get the support they’re entitled to.
“Decisions for PIP are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant, including supporting evidence from their GP or medical specialist.
“Anyone who is unhappy with a decision can appeal and supply further information in support of their claim.
“If someone is terminally ill they can apply to get their claim fast-tracked under special rules, giving them guaranteed entitlement to benefit without the need for a face-to-face assessment.”