My Story

When everyday equipment doesn’t quite fit a person’s body, home, or way of living, the consequences can be far bigger than they first appear. Tasks become harder, independence is reduced, and people are forced into workarounds that were never designed for them.

REMAP exists to change that.

Across the UK, REMAP’s volunteers work directly with disabled people to design and make bespoke, one-off adaptations when nothing off the shelf will work. Every project starts with listening — understanding what someone wants to do, what’s getting in the way, and what might help. The solutions they create are practical, personal, and often life-changing.

As an Occupational Therapist, I see this need every day. I’ve spent the last 20 years working in the NHS and private sector, and now run my own independent OT business in the Scottish Borders, supporting adults with brain injuries and complex conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and long covid. I don’t often find what my clients need ready-made. The difference that a thoughtful, well-designed adaptation can make is enormous — and that’s why REMAP’s work matters so much.

Because REMAP’s skilled volunteers give their time freely, the people they support are never charged for the equipment made for them. Donations go directly into materials and practical problem-solving. On average, around £26 can provide the materials for a small adaptation — something designed around one person, to remove a barrier affecting their everyday life.

Alongside my work, I’m also a mum of two — and, relatively speaking, a fairly new runner. I only started running in 2022 through a Couch to 5K group, and somehow caught the bug. Since then, I’ve completed a few half marathons, but never anything like what’s coming next.

In 2026, I’ll be taking on my first ever full marathonas part of Team REMAP, running the London Marathon. I genuinely can’t imagine my legs carrying me 26 miles — but I do know why it feels important to try.

I’m proud to be raising money for a charity whose impact I’ve seen first-hand. Over the coming months, alongside this page, I’ll also be hosting a race night and using my professional networks to raise as much money and awareness for REMAP as I can.

Thank you so much for any support you’re able to give. Every donation helps turn thoughtful design into real, practical change.

Fiona