Ethan's Story

My TrustFord Motability Story: Ethan’s journey

The Motability Scheme enables people from across the UK to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair through their mobility allowance that can make a huge difference to their lives.

Gordon Thompson explains how the scheme helped his son Ethan attend life-saving appointments, as well as help the rest of the family travel to wherever they needed to go.

"In the autumn of 2015 my youngest son Ethan was diagnosed with leukaemia, just before he turned three years old.

"It was a massive shock to myself and his mum, Miriam. Ethan was immediately admitted to hospital to undergo six weeks of treatment at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. It was a tough time for him so we set up a Facebook page to keep family and friends updated about his journey – the support we received from everyone was incredible.

"After he finished the initial stages of his treatment he was thankfully able to come home in time for a family Christmas.

"Unfortunately, it was only the start of the treatment he needed to get fully better.

"With lots of hospital appointments looming – and our other sons Callum and Rhys in school with busy lives of their own – Miriam and myself decided we needed a second car to help keep things running as smoothly as possible for all of our children.

"We applied for a grant through the Motability scheme and were given the maximum allowance, which meant we could get a car. As it was going to be used for Ethan’s trips to hospital in Belfast, we let him decide which car we should go for and what colour it should be.

"We looked around at different places to get our car from but, once we’d visited Craigavon TrustFord, we knew that was the place for us because of the amazing service.

"We were seen to by Carole who was absolutely brilliant and couldn’t do enough for us. She took the time to get to know us and our story, meaning we didn’t feel like ‘just another customer’.

"She assisted us every step of the way and helped Ethan pick out the car he wanted – a black Ford S-Max.

"We got the car soon after and it immediately made such a difference to our lives.

"Ethan loved it – it’s like a spaceship inside so it’s no wonder! It meant that we could take him to vital appointments in the Motability car, and myself or my wife could take our other two sons to their activities in our other car.

"On 30 December 2018 after countless hospital visits, Ethan finished his treatment.

"He’s now completely clear of leukemia and is back to enjoying going to school and playing football with his mates.

"Ethan and his brothers have been amazing throughout all of this and we’re all looking forward to our upcoming trip to Disneyland thanks to the Starlight charity.

"Ethan is a bit gutted that we are now returning the car after three years but he knows that we’re only doing this because he’s now better – which is something we are so happy to be able to say.

"Getting the Motability car helped us out no end and made such a difference to what was a very difficult time – anyone who is eligible should consider the benefits of getting a Motability vehicle."

Find out more about our Motability scheme. If you have further questions or would like to speak with an award winning Specialist about your options in person, use our TrustFord dealership finder to find your nearest dealership and receive free advice from our trained Motability experts.