Paralympic Athlete and Wessex Brand Ambassador, Sophie Carrigill

Speaking to Sophie

We recently spoke to Sophie after her lift was installed:

"Growing up I always wanted to compete at the Olympics, I always watched them and wondered what sport I could get really good at that would give me that chance. I am so very fortunate to be given the opportunity to represent my country on an international stage.

The Rio Paralympics in 2016 was one of the best experiences of my life, we came 4th so it was quite bitter sweet but it has just made me even more hungry for a Paralympic Medal!"

We are absolutely delighted to be working closely with Sophie over the next 12 months. Sophie is as passionate about accessibility and the world being available and accessible to all, as we are.

How has the lift helped you?

"When I first had my accident we used Wessex Lifts. The house I was living in with my parents wasn't accessible and I had to live downstairs. We had the lift put in and it just made such a difference. Being able to go upstairs, it's what I had always done, so it just felt like that was getting back to normal. It really helped in that sense, I think psychologically as I was sleeping upstairs like everybody else was.

Fast forward to 2020 and Josh and I wanted to live together, after spending so much time with each other during lockdown.

I think having the lift will prolong the time we will be able to stay here. We will now grow into this house. It gives you the freedom of moving around your home without any restrictions. Before it was put in I was having to go up and down the stairs on my bum, which is absolutely fine but I am very fortunate that we have created a really great relationship and Wessex have supported us to have this done.

It's been amazing! It looks fab as well. In the eight, nine years since the other lift was put in at my old house, it looks more modern and you can't even hear it. If Josh ever uses it and he comes downstairs I am like 'where have you come from'."