New wheelchair boost for Retford model Georgina

Georgina Wasdall, 21, says she is now able to pursue her career without being held back thanks to a WHILL Model C powerchair from TGA.

Georgina has been a professional model and actress for Zebedee Management since 2017. Her first job was for the agency’s ‘Everybody beautiful’ campaign, featured on national TV news and in the press.

Georgina really enjoys her role appearing in fashion shoots and promotional videos, while continuing to audition for TV and movies.

Since having to leave theatre school early due to chronic fatigue syndrome, Georgina has pursued her career with passion. However, she felt her manual wheelchair held her back because she always needed to rely on someone else to push her.

It was only when she started following American vlogger Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer on Instagram, who has a WHILL Model C, that Georgina discovered the ideal wheelchair for her needs.

“I’ve only got a small frame so had been looking for ages to find a product that wouldn’t drown me. I didn’t want a bulky machine so when I saw the sleek WHILL I had to find out more about it there and then. I spent a lot of time researching on the web and found TGA. I phoned and organised a safe home demonstration and assessment with them, I was so excited.

“I felt comfortable and confident right away – so different to when I tried a manual wheelchair for the first time. Then, I felt insecure, nervous and self-conscious. Not with WHILL.

“As a model, I love style and fashion, this was a product that really represented me. I could be independent for the first time since a child and not have to be pushed around.”

Georgina aims with her career to be a role model for younger people with disabilities. She feels disabled people are not represented enough in the media, which she is determined to change.

The WHILL has given her the confidence to ‘pursue my dreams with belief’ and has been important for keeping her motivated despite chronic fatigue.

“It’s probably not the right word but the WHILL is ‘trendy.’ One thing I definitely know is that it boosts your confidence.”

She added: “People see me as not just being in a wheelchair now, there is more to me. Why can’t you still be stylish and love fashion if you use a wheelchair? You still want to dress up and look nice, right? Thanks to TGA for being supportive, you can tell they are a caring family-run business. Right from the start, I felt that I was being listened to.”

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