Former Marine develops advanced mobility device

Phil Eaglesham, a Paralympian and former Corporal in the Royal Marine Commandos, is working with the Medical Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (MAMRC) to design a new type of advanced mobility device.

Having contracted Q fever while serving in Afghanistan, Eaglesham relies increasingly on mobility aids as his condition deteriorates. Along with his wife Julie and businessman Brian Meaden, he set up Conquering Horizons, a company dedicated to creating a new type of device that overcomes some of the problems associated with wheelchairs and scooters.

Known as Victor, the new device was developed in partnership with the MAMRC, with support from the Royal Marines Charity. It has an adjustable pneumatic arm that can raise the seat to a “social height” when required, allowing the user to look people in the eye and avoid being talked down to. Victor also has a sturdy wheelbase for travelling across all terrains and mounting kerbs, as well as multi-directional rear wheels to provide a tight turning circle.