Gransnet forums

Chat

Where can I donate a wheelchair apart from the tip?

(10 Posts)
Fairislecable Tue 16-Jun-26 17:22:45

I was injured last year and a friend of my DD gave me his unused wheelchair. He had bought it brand new and used it for 4 weeks only.

I used it for 3 weeks and now wish to pass it on.

On Facebook marketplace they don’t seem to sell even free, and local charity shops can’t deal with them.

It feels such a terrible waste to take to the tip. I would like to hear of any suggestions?

MiniMoon Tue 16-Jun-26 17:26:08

Have you tried approaching your local nursing/residential care homes? They might be glad of it.

Casdon Tue 16-Jun-26 17:28:38

You could try the Red Cross. They hire out wheelchairs, and will accept donations of lightly used ones, in my area anyway.

Fairislecable Tue 16-Jun-26 17:30:15

Ooh! That is a very good suggestion there are quite a few a few nearby hopefully one of them will find it useful.

Witzend Tue 16-Jun-26 17:36:22

Local Freecycle?
Facebook marketplace (you can say it’s free to collect)

misb Tue 16-Jun-26 17:36:25

Yes,the Red Cross is the place to donate your wheelchair. I have borrowed from them in the past for two relatives. Once in N.
Ireland and once in Dublin. They were a godsend in both cases.
I am sure the Red Cross will be delighted with your offer.

AuntieE Tue 16-Jun-26 17:57:00

My husband bought a stationary excercise bike a month or so before he died, as he at that point still believed he would get better.

I advertised it, but when no-one was interested I e-mailed the local care home and asked if they could use it, and made it quite clear that I was willing to give them it.

Matron was overwehlmingly grateful and said the psyiotherapists would be too, as they were straining their backs carting the only one the home had from one end of the building to the other.

So I would suggest asking a care facility unless you know someone going to Ukraine any time soon - they can use all the medical equipment we no longer need, of that you can be sure.

HelterSkelter1 Tue 16-Jun-26 18:31:31

What a lovely result AuntieE. I expect that made you smile at a time when you no doubt didn't feel like smiling.

NotSpaghetti Tue 16-Jun-26 18:42:47

I bought two wheelchairs last summer - one from Gumtree and one from Facebook Marketplace. One was for inside only.

I paid about a third of the new price.
I looked at some on Ebay and they sold before I could get sorted to buy them.

We also have a charity locally that recycles wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

Not sure where you are in the country but probably a local disability charity would be happy to have it.

NotSpaghetti Tue 16-Jun-26 18:46:03

Oh yes.
Other ideas:

The Salvation Army
​Age UK