Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) presents numerous challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining mobility and independence. For Phillip Carrol, a spirited young man from Cobham, Surrey, the Molift Smart 150 portable hoist has been a game-changer. Diagnosed with DMD at the age of nine, Phillip requires a powered wheelchair and assistive equipment for his daily tasks. The Molift Smart 150, a market-leading portable solution available through Novis Healthcare in Australia and New Zealand, has significantly improved his quality of life by enabling seamless transfers and reducing the risk of injury for both Phillip and his mother, Janet.
The Molift Smart 150 is celebrated for its sturdy yet lightweight design, making it one of the most reliable portable lifting solutions available today. Its exceptional transportability and manoeuvrability in various scenarios ensure safe hoist transfers for users with limited mobility. The intuitive controls, small footprint, and simplistic folding mechanism allow carers to deploy the hoist with minimal effort, providing a stable and smooth experience for users. The Molift Smart 150 offers an impressive range of 27–168cm for floor-level access and features a standard four-point sling bar to maximize comfort within an accompanying sling. This innovative design has made the Molift Smart 150 a popular choice among Occupational Therapists and families seeking a flexible and compact device capable of hoisting up to 150kg.
Phillip Carrol's journey is one of determination and advocacy. Despite the challenges posed by DMD, Phillip has excelled academically and remains active in charity work. With the support of his Molift hoist, he has completed his GCSEs at Treloar School and College for Disabled Young People and pursued a BTEC in Applied Science and Tourism at Brooklands College. Phillip's accessible vehicle allows him to drive independently in his powerchair, further enhancing his freedom. This mobility, combined with the Molift Smart 150, has enabled Phillip to work as an intern at a Research and Development facility. At home, the hoist is essential for transfers within his accessible bedroom and adjoining bathroom, preserving the historic integrity of his property by eliminating the need for a ceiling track hoist.
For Phillips mother, Janet, a busy Barrister specialising in disability cases, the Molift Smart 150 is indispensable for their frequent travel. The hoist's portability has allowed the family to attend Duchenne conferences and travel globally without the risk of injury. Janet recalls their first experience with the Molift Smart 150 at the Download Festival at Donington Park, where it significantly improved their camping experience. The hoist's simple controls and quick sling attachment make it user-friendly, requiring minimal training. Janet advises families to invest in the robust, rigid travel case, which protects the hoist during car or plane travel. The family often flies with British Airways, which crates Phillip's powerchair to minimize damage risk and does not charge for the hoist's baggage. Janet humorously notes that traveling with the large black travel case makes them look like a rock band!
Phillip and Janet are dedicated advocates for Duchenne charities, travelling worldwide to support organisations such as Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and Duchenne UK. Their Molift hoist has enabled them to participate in charity events, offer first-hand experiences, and share their insights during workshop sessions. Janet frequently speaks at conferences on topics like Duchenne, drug repurposing, and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, TryB4uFly service, has been instrumental in providing Phillip with a specialist travel sling and essential information for flying with a disability. Following their advice, Janet always carries the hoist’s batteries in her hand luggage for easy inspection at check-in.
Looking ahead, Phillip and Janet continue to regard their Molift Smart 150 hoist as a life-changing solution. The hoist's ability to provide safe transfers while away from home has opened new opportunities for Phillip, who plans to study Forensic Science at The University of West London. The university's state-of-the-art accessible Brentford campus, combined with the support of a Personal Assistance peer and the Molift Smart 150, will enable Phillip to reside in Ealing and enjoy greater inclusion during his studies.
The Molift Smart 150 has not only transformed Phillip's life by enhancing his mobility and independence but has also empowered him and his mother to continue their crucial advocacy work for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy on a global scale. To find out more about the Molift Smart 150 (Generation 2) click here.