In 2006, Will Weston had a diving accident that resulted in a C5/C6 spinal cord injury, which meant Will is a tetraplegic full-time wheelchair user with limited function in his hands and arms.

Daily, Will requires assistance for all transfers—for example, transferring from his bed to his wheelchair, or from his chair to his living room sofa. Having reliable, safe, and efficient equipment to facilitate this isn't just 'nice to have'; it is absolutely fundamental to Will’s daily life, his independence, and his safety.

It is also a critical issue of personal health and safety. While Will can transfer using a slide board with assistance, this method always carries a significant risk of skin damage and potential pressure sores. For someone with a spinal cord injury, a skin breakdown can be a very serious, long-term complication. The hoist eliminates this risk almost entirely by providing a full, controlled lift, ensuring Will’s skin integrity is protected during every single transfer. It's equally critical for the family members and PAs who support Will, as it protects them from injury by removing the need for manual lifting.

In 2023, as part of a home renovation, Will was looking for a new tracked hoist and contacted AAL as he explains: “We conducted a thorough review of the market and spoke with several suppliers as this was a significant decision, and we needed to compare not just the products but the service, the installation process, and the long-term support. Carrying out this due diligence confirmed for us that AAL was the right partner for our home renovation.  We chose AAL because they have a strong and established reputation in the market, particularly as one of the most well-known and experienced suppliers of the Molift equipment. When you are investing in a piece of equipment that is critical to your daily life, you need absolute confidence in the supplier. We wanted a team that not only understood the product inside out but also had a proven track record of successful, high-quality installations. AAL's reputation for expertise with this specific brand gave us that confidence.

Will had Molift Air single-track ceiling hoists installed in the bedroom and living room on two separate tracks.  The hoist in the bedroom is essential for Will’s daily routine, enabling him to transfer safely between his bed and wheelchair or shower chair.  The second ceiling hoist, in the living room, was installed to ensure Will had safe and easy access to the sofa, which is incredibly important for family life as he has a young daughter, and the hoist means Will can enjoy quality time with her at her level safely and comfortably, which is something Will describes as ‘priceless’.

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Will has now been using the hoists from AAL for a couple of years and is very happy: It has been a significant upgrade on my previous equipment – the Molift Air hoist itself is fantastic for several reasons:

Smooth: The movement, both when lifting/lowering and when traversing along the track, is incredibly smooth. There are no sudden jerks or jarring motions, which makes the transfer experience feel much safer and more comfortable.

Fast & Efficient: It's noticeably faster than other hoists I've used. This might sound like a small detail, but it genuinely reduces the time spent in a sling and makes the whole process of getting up or going to bed more efficient.

Compact & Discreet: The unit itself is relatively small and has a modern, unobtrusive design. It doesn't dominate the room, and when not in use, it's very discreet.

Easy to Use: The hand controller is intuitive and straightforward. This is crucial, as it means my family and PAs can operate it with confidence and minimal fuss.

Reliable: Above all, it just works, every single time. That reliability is paramount as it gives my support team and me complete peace of mind.

Will’s family and PAs are equally impressed, especially from the perspective of operating, as they find the Molift Air much easier and more ergonomic to use than previous hosts. They appreciate the reliability and the smoothness, as it makes their job of supporting Will safer and less physically demanding. They have the same confidence in the equipment as Will, which makes the entire transfer process calmer and less stressful for everyone involved.

“I would 100% recommend AAL. My recommendation isn't just for the Molift product, which is excellent, but for the end-to-end service AAL provides. From the initial consultation and assessment that was clearly based on deep experience, through to the preparatory work and the clean, professional installation, they were faultless. They delivered exactly what they promised, on time, and with a high-quality finish,” concluded Will.

“It is great to hear such positive feedback from Will about the Molift Air CeilingTrack hoists and the service we provided.  As a wheelchair user myself, I am fully aware of the challenges that our clients face daily, and we pride ourselves on offering a first-class level of customer service every time,” commented Stephen Pritchard, Managing Director of AAL Limited.

The Molift Rail System sets a new standard in patient transfer technology with its innovative rail profiles. Designed for integration into various ceilings and walls, it offers a broad range of fixing options, making it one of the most efficient installation processes available. What sets this system apart is its seamless integration and aesthetic adaptation to the room's design and architecture, ensuring it complements the space seamlessly.

In addition to a single straight rail, an X+Y ceiling track hoist is an excellent way to provide complete room coverage. This configuration offers versatility and ensures that patient transfers can be efficiently conducted in any part of the room. The Molift Rail System is more than just a rail; it's an innovative, efficient, and adaptable solution that enhances patient care and caregiving environments.

For more information on the full range of hoists and mobility solutions available from AAL, call: 01772 814555, email orders@aalgroup.co.uk or visit www.molifthoistsandparts.co.uk

 

Will has recently launched a new business called All Ways Access. It is an accessibility consultancy that specialises in the built environment, and the entire philosophy is built on closing what he calls the ‘Lived Experience Gap’ as he explains:

"This is the chasm between a building that ticks a compliance box on a blueprint and a space that is genuinely dignified, intuitive, and welcoming for every single person. Too often, I see 'compliant-but-flawed' designs - a heavy fire door that meets regulations but is too heavy for someone with limited strength to open; an accessible toilet built to the correct dimensions but with a layout so impractical it's unusable; or an accessible entrance that's technically compliant but is isolating, poorly lit, and forces a route twice as long as the main entrance. My consultancy exists to prevent these costly and frustrating failures.

Drawing on my 15 years of senior NHS management experience and my own lived experience, I act as a single-handed consultant, embedding a 'Reality Lens' into projects. This involves Integrated Design Consultancy, where I work with architects and construction teams from the earliest RIBA stages, and provide Strategic Accessibility Audits for existing buildings. My portfolio is very diverse. I’ve collaborated with numerous healthcare organisations, including major hospitals, to create inclusive clinical environments. I’ve also made significant contributions to the accessibility of sports venues, working with various Premier League football clubs. This work extends to public buildings like libraries and art galleries, commercial offices, charitable organisations, and outdoor spaces,” explained Will.

Having high-quality equipment installed by organisations like AAL is a perfect, personal example of how the right, well-designed adaptations can remove barriers and enable people to live and work fully.

The website is: https://all-ways-access.com