David, 69, international businessman, chose the WashPod temporary disabled wetroom within 3 months of his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis and installed it into his Grade II listed property a week after placing the order.
David explained “The property is a listed building so there are normally so many hoops to jump through for any sort of adaptations. Planning consent alone was going to be 8 weeks and that’s before any building work. Given my deterioration condition, I simply didn’t have the time to wait. And all the red tape and stress that comes with building works was too much at a time when the family were reeling with the future we were all facing.
Sister-in-law, Angela, found details of the WashPod range from Dignity Access when Googling for advice on what makes the ideal disability bathroom for an MND sufferer.
The Internal Compact WashPod was the perfect solution to David’s personal care needs now and in the future because it was pre-assembled, swift to install, “literally plug in and go” and could be adjusted easily to meet future needs.
“But initially the family recoiled at the idea” says Angela, “perhaps because we were having to face what David would need and fearing the WashPod would look alien and low quality”.
“At first we planned to disguise it behind some freestanding shelves, but when it arrived, it quickly became clear that it was more beautiful than expected and its current position on full view is perfect.” said Angela.
In fact, the whole family found it a ‘beautiful addition’ to David’s downstairs living area and David thoroughly enjoys showing the space to his friends and colleagues from around the world.
David chose to rent the WashPod, although purchase was considered. He received a £750 contribution from the MND Association towards the rental cost, which the family found very moving.
Of the installation process, David’s wife Jayne said “It was exceptional. It was not just the speed of installation, it was the kind demeanour of the installation team, strangers coming into a space where a huge trauma is impacting the family. The lack of noise and mess was hugely appreciated. The whole Dignity Access team showed exceptional sensitivity in their chosen words when talking about the WashPod’s use and the future removal. Many won’t fully appreciate how much this meant to us”.
“The WashPod has transformed everything. David has more freedom with a bathroom right by his bed. He is gleeful when visitors see it and can’t wait to demo the space, the fans, the lights. It looks very elegant and not at all out of place. He has been fortunate to be surrounded all his life by good design and aesthetics are important. We didn’t want his last years to look like he was living in a hospital room. The pod fits in beautifully with the décor. It’s immaculately designed and perfectly spaced inside for his changing needs. It fits so beautifully into a modern bedroom, like an ensuite, without feeling a disabled bathroom has arrived.”
David’s son, Will, 27, is running the London Marathon in April 2026 and has just launched his campaign to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease in David’s name, to help others yet to join them on this devastating path. Will invites you to donate any amount, however small, as it will all have a huge impact.