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What do I do tomorrow?! Please help, trying really hard not to panic

22 replies

AnnieGrahamsScream · 06/12/2019 18:26

I feel v v stupid but I'm in this mess that I'm completely out of ideas on how to deal with.

I'm going to Winter Wonderland tomorrow. I have an electric wheelchair because I can't walk. Having already let WW know that I was disabled / a wheelchair user, I suddenly got a glitch earlier this week with my wheelchair that it seems not to be holding the charge like it did. Obviously very worrying and couldn't get anyone to look at it before I travelled (not for lack of trying!)

So, on Wednesday, I rang WW and told them in no uncertain terms that I needed to bring my electric wheelchair as I couldn't manage to bring both my manual and electric wheelchairs, so could I bring my electric wheelchair and charge it on site? At their direction, sent a picture of the wheelchair and its charger to WW. Called them back. They said no problem, they could see it was a regular one and they were sure it would be fine. They'd be in touch with the ground staff and find out exactly what I could do. Told them that I was leaving very soon so needed confirmation.

Thursday: hadn't heard anything back, but they're a big company...so I rang again. They told me they had got confirmation that this was all totally fine, they just couldn't be sure of the precise setup so they would let me know tomorrow. I specifically checked that they would be able to charge it and they told me they would.

Today: with their reassurance, I board the train to London with only my electric wheelchair. By around 4, I haven't heard back from them. I ring them again, just to check on precise circumstances because I plan to be there early tomorrow. They tell me the exact same as yesterday, except they actually can't tell me specifically - they give me the direct "ground staff" number to call tomorrow, but reassure me that they are fully aware of the situation and will be on hand to help, because they are obviously only in head office. All fine!

So it's all good right? Then, at ten to six (literally!) I get a blunt email back from the email I sent showing my charger (that the first person had said was completely fine) saying - from someone completely different to the person I've been. dealing with - sorry, no charging ports.No facilities to charge. "Please let us know if you have any suggestions for improvement as we are always looking to improve."

Needless to say I was Angry Angry Angry but still clinging to the slightest hope that this was simply crossed wires via email and everything I'd been previously told still stood. So I rang the main number three times to go through to customer service...and got disconnected. Every. Single. Time. I assume this is because they're closed now?

What can I do?! A little part of me is still frantically hoping it will be okay, but I can't help but find it dodgy and scary that they "emailed me back" a matter of minutes before they closed. and I'm panicking because I can't push my electric wheelchair by myself if the battery died as it's VERY VERY heavy. Hyperventilation breathing over here.

OP posts:
Charley50 · 06/12/2019 18:33

Where are you staying tonight? Can you charge it there?

TSSDNCOP · 06/12/2019 18:37

Do you have to stay in WW, could you leave to find somewhere nearby to charge?

AnnieGrahamsScream · 06/12/2019 18:39

@Charley50 - I hope so. But even then, it's the failure to keep charge for very long that worries me more.

@TSSDNCOP - I don't and I could, especially as a last resort, but I wouldn't have a clue where to start!

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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Ullupullu · 06/12/2019 18:46

Are you visiting alone - if not can your companion push the chair to a charge point elsewhere if the chair fails at Winter Wonderland

Wilmalovescake · 06/12/2019 18:50

How utterly shit of them.

Is it just a normal plug socket you need? And how long would it take to charge?

Surely you can make a fuss at Customer Services about DDA and access...

TSSDNCOP · 06/12/2019 18:51

What sort of facility do you need to charge? Where is WW. Maybe MNers could help with suggestions.

Meanwhile regarding WW, I think Twitter is your friend. I'd be very surprised if a charging point can't be found.

TuttiCutie · 06/12/2019 18:53

Who are you going with? Can't they push you if your wheelchair runs out of charge?

ShristmasChopper · 06/12/2019 18:56

Are you able to hire a chair from somewhere? You may be able to reserve this evening online and collect it or even get it dropped off to you first thing.

Festivecheeseandcrackers · 06/12/2019 18:58

Sorry for my ignorance but if it is a normal plug socket you need, can I suggest you head to one of the very nice hotels near by and treat yourself to a drink while charging it? It sounds like you’ve planned a lovely weekend away and it would be a shame for it to be ruined. There are lots of very nice hotels near by that I’m sure wild treat you very well.

AnnieGrahamsScream · 06/12/2019 18:59

I do have a companion but she is mostly just there to help me make myself known, if it was a manual wheelchair she could push it but the electric is EXTREMELY heavy.

It's just a normal plug socket and it would depend - but I would think 30 minutes-an hour in an emergency? Hate that I'm thinking of emergencies when they told me it would be fine. Angry Sorry, just can't let it go.

I hate to be the person who complains on SM, but I think I might have to. But I don't know the protocol! Should I do it today? Tomorrow?

I'll also look into hiring wheelchairs. Thank you so much guys, even just hearing your suggestions is making me feel a bit better xx

OP posts:
BlueGingerale · 06/12/2019 19:02

Do they have manual wheelchairs to lend out? I know some places do.

Floralnomad · 06/12/2019 19:02

Do they not have wheelchairs that you could rent either manual or electric ?

2kids1mummy · 06/12/2019 19:02

That's outrageous if all you need is a normal socket.

I am almost certain that they wouldn't turn you away if you was in need.

Have you been before?

Ironmanrocks · 06/12/2019 19:04

I'm sorry - it's just a normal plug socket to charge it? Surely there will a plug socket somewhere on site? They won't refuse you that. How strange.....

AnnieGrahamsScream · 06/12/2019 19:04

Yes, I have! (It was lovely)

and yes they do, but they're extremely hard to come by because last year, at least they only had 2 for the whole premises (!!!) and people getting drunk / falling over...

OP posts:
totallyradllama · 06/12/2019 19:08

Can you manage with a mobility scooter? It might be easier to find one of those to hire

36degrees · 06/12/2019 19:08

I agree with Festive, a charge up in a hotel or cafe while you refuel with a hot drink sounds perfect. You can go to a naice hotel and just ask politely but assertively, or you can go to a busy chain cafe, and plug into a socket meant for laptops or Hoovers without needing to ask. Small cafes or chain hotels are more likely to get jobsworthy about this kind of thing, in my experience, but your mileage may vary. I hope you have a lovely day out and don't get too worried to enjoy this evening, too.

Didiusfalco · 06/12/2019 19:17

Totally agree this is ridiculous and should be well within their remit to meet your needs. I like the idea of a drink in a nice hotel whilst you warm up and recharge. The weather is looking a bit rough tomorrow so it might be a welcome break. I would imagine you would receive excellent service too.

2kids1mummy · 06/12/2019 19:22

I go every year, and can understand that it would be so much hassle to leave to go somewhere to charge and then go back in.
I hope you find a resolution. Doesn't seem fair at all

NannyOggsStripedSocks · 06/12/2019 19:25

As everyone else is saying, just charge it at a wall socket and if they are nasty, charge it elsewhere while enjoying a warm drink and good old bitch on social media, I am a marketer and if you complain publicly on their FB, Twitter etc, it is by far the quickest way to get companies to take action.

TuttiCutie · 06/12/2019 19:27

There are family areas that have baby food and milk warming facilities, I'm sure they'll help you out there.

ShouldI101 · 06/12/2019 21:00

I have no useful suggestions but I would be really angry too. You could have made different arrangements if you had known in advance and now you are stuck. I'm sorry.

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