A woman from Chorleywood has created a website, which she hopes will give other disabled people the drive for independence which lead to her becoming the first UK woman in a wheelchair to obtain a degree in dance.

Lorna Marsh started working on the “Smooth Wheels” website, after she discovered a wealth of information about travelling on the internet, most of which was aimed at the able-bodied.

Despite being wheelchair-bound with quadriplegia, a form of cerebral palsy which affects all four of her limbs, Ms Marsh graduated from Coventry University with a Dance and Professional Practice Degree.

She now works as an independent living advisor, helping other disabled people to integrate into their communities, and is a member of the Disabled People’s Advisory Panel for Education and Integration.

Ms Marsh said: “The idea for the website came about three and half years ago when I wanted to be able to go travelling, but realised that most of the information out there was provided by people who don't use a wheelchair.

“I thought it would be great if we could have a database of information provided by members making it reliable and honest. Eventually this would mean that a disabled person could travel round the whole of the UK with Smooth Wheels behind them.”

The website not only provides information about disabled-friendly holiday facilities, but also holds a database of personal care assistants (PA) for cases of sickness and emergency.

A PA provides essential care to a disabled person in the form of hygiene, exercise, medication and communication, but are just as liable to sickness or holiday as any other employee.

Ms Marsh added: “Every person I know, both in my job and personally have had the situation where they haven't had a PA due to sickness or an emergency. That is just the way life is.

“When you are disabled it is crucial that the person helping you can get to work. When you are stuck in bed and you can't get up you become very aware that you are disabled and need help therefore you are vulnerable.

“Eventually I am hoping that Smooth Wheels will help disabled people in the UK by becoming a one stop shop, a network of information. A place to find accommodation, PAs to go travelling with and places to go to while on the road.”

Ms Marsh juggled her job, fundraising for charity and providing lectures on integration while designing the website.

She added: “Getting the website created was the hardest thing I've ever done. When you have got an idea in your head it's so difficult to explain it to somebody else, especially if you are dyslexic like I am.

“It didn't help that the website designers are based in America, but we got there in the end after a lot of stress and headaches. Now, I am beginning to slowly feel proud.

“I'd like Smooth Wheels to be a big part of the disabled internet community. In my perfect world I would like it to become a helping hand to integration.”