Greg Sumner image

After being involved in a serious car accident six years ago, 28-year-old Greg Sumner was left paralysed from the next down. However, he is now on a mission to raise awareness amongst young people about the dangers of drink driving with help from WAV specialist Lewis Reed.

The driving accident resulted in two people, including the driver who had been drinking, dying and Greg was left paralysed from the neck down.

Greg recently took delivery of his third wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) – a Mercedes V Class from UK WAV manufacturer Lewis Reed. Having a vehicle is vital to Greg and his carers, otherwise they have to rely on trains or buses.

“I have previously owned a Mercedes Vito and Citroën Berlingo and while both vehicles were great they did not even come close to my Mercedes which is just amazing,” commented Greg.

Over the last six years, Greg has gradually rebuilt his life and he now travels around schools and colleges giving talks about the dangers of drink driving.

“I was determined that something positive would come out of what happened to me and I decided if I could stop just one person from either drink driving or getting in a car being driven by someone who had been drinking that would be a start,” added Greg.

In addition to his two young children, Greg has friends and family all over the UK and having a WAV means he can visit them.

Greg Sumner imageHe said: “The independence I get from my vehicle is hard to put into words. From my first conversation with Chris at Lewis Reed, everyone there has been incredibly helpful, from bringing vehicles from their HQ on the Wirral down to my home here in Bristol, to ensuring the vehicle met all my requirements they could not do enough to help.

“I would not hesitate in recommending Lewis Reed to anyone looking to purchase a WAV.”

The Mercedes V Class is described by the company as stylish and comfortable, incorporating “eye-catching” touches such as privacy glass, alloy wheels and chrome trim elements on the Sport model line.

Additionally, the WAV has a dashboard with tablet-style display, leather seats, and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs. To help create a calm and relaxing environment, there is also three-colour ambient lighting.

As with every Lewis Reed vehicle, the V-Class provides flexible seating positions to offer practical solutions for wheelchair users. The adaptable floor mounted rail system is quick and easy to use providing a choice of up to six passenger seating and wheelchair positions.

The V-Class is available in three wheelbases to provide adequate space, regardless of whether it is being used for a family holiday or a shopping trip. A discreet higher roof option is also available in the V-Class Grande and has been designed to help with wheelchair users needing extra entrance height and internal space.

To make journeys as relaxing as possible, electric sliding doors are fitted on both sides, while the large automatic powered tailgate opens to enable a remote-controlled rear or side lift or TorSpring ramp to aid the wheelchair user’s entry into the vehicle.

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