Many thanks for your posts

[modelrailway]

To answer one or two of your questions - why model railway? Silly really, I was just looking at my small layout whilst thinking of a username!

I am lucky in that I have my eldest daughter living nearby and very supportative. Also my son and a grandson live quite close and visit.

The local health services seem very good. I am due to start pulmonary rehabilitation this month and more lung function tests.

My worst part of the day is getting up. As soon as I move I start getting breathless and remain so until lunchtime, wen things tend to improve. I'm working on my walking, which at the moment amounts to barely 15 yards without needing a rest.

I've recently dug into my savings and bought an HSL riser/recliner armchair. I find this a good - if expensive - investment, particularly being able to quickly lift my legs to a fully restful position.

My main problem is that I'm wearing my dear wife out! And she'e also disabled.

[peege]

Hope you got the VAT taken off the price of the chair. The shop should have informed you where to get the forms to fill in. P

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to peege]

How do you get VAT off things and who qualifies? The complete care shop website also gives prices with VAT Relief. My dad needed a recliner chair, a wheelchair, hand rails and so on which we bought and no one ever suggested or mentioned VAT Relief. Now I'm buying things for myself. I don't know if I'm entitled to VAT Relief, probably not because I work (part time) but I wonder how to find out.

[peege in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

The swines , it's no loss to them, just extra paperwork.

Might have to google 'vat relief on wheelchairs and recliners' to see what comes up. If the shop don't have the forms they'll certainly know where to get them from. I just can't remember, it's many years since I used to help people with this. Good luck, P

[SORRELHIPPO in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

My understanding is, working or not the VAT relief depends upon whether or not you need the particular item because of your disability. I have known people in full time work, who needed equipment in order to live and work independently, they filled out the VAT free form, and had the relief.

[Izb1 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Can the blf helpline give you some info on this?? Hope so xx