Sprinter Is A Silver Star For HM The Queen

The finished vehicle cost more than £45,000, paid for through a grant from Motability’s Specialised Vehicles Fund, and has given Richard a new lease of life. After breaking his neck in a diving accident in Scotland in 1992 the former submariner was left quadriplegic – unable to use his legs and with very little use of his arms.

"I’ve had to rely on taxis and carers to travel around since but my new Mercedes Sprinter has completely transformed my life, giving me a new independence and greatly improved my social life," says the 33-year-old from Sheffield.

The arrival of his van also means that Richard will be able to compete all over the country in his main hobby – wheelchair rugby. "I’ve already been up to Glasgow for a tournament and am looking forward to taking part in more, because it’s a great team sport," he says.

The majority of Mercedes vans supplied by S&B Commercials to Motability are 2.7-tonne Vito models but because Richard is 6’5" tall, its deeper windscreen meant that the larger Sprinter was more appropriate in his case.

Richard, who was joined by his parents on his big day, adds: "We had brilliant weather and Her Majesty spent quite a long time with me; she was very interested in seeing how the lift operated and in the adaptations that allow me to drive while still in my wheelchair."

Peter Lambert, Van Sales & Marketing Director for Mercedes-Benz, was also at Buckingham Palace to join in Motability’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. He said: "Literally hundreds of disabled people are now enjoying more active lives thanks to their Mercedes vans. But none of this would have been possible without the tremendous work done by the team at Motability – they do a fantastic, very worthwhile job and we are extremely proud to have been working so closely with them over a number of years."

Related Mercedes Benz Content

carpages.co.uk © 1999 - 2008