Debbie Lee Tuthill is taking part in the Quickie attitude competition, in which entrants upload a video on social media taking a test ride on a Quickie manual wheelchair and then appeal for votes.

The top prize chair, worth around £1,000, will be awarded to the person who gains the most votes.

The 24-year-old – who has lived in Rhu since she was 12 – has until the end of September to get votes from across Helensburgh.

However, Debbie Lee is also fundraising up to £5,000 for an add-on hand bike which she said is not included through the competition.

Debbie Lee told the Advertiser: “It would be life changing really because I live in Rhu which is quite rural. It would mean I would be able to get out and about by myself.

“I live with my mum and it would also save her quite a lot of time helping me. It would give her a bit of a break and time away from me as well.” Debbie Lee can’t drive as a result of her condition and to make things more difficult her house is at the top of a hill so she has to rely on her brother Raymond to drive her around.

She currently lives with her mum Norma Montgomery, brother Raymond as well as her cousin Alex McIntrye and her daughter Skye – and relying on help from her family on a day-to-day basis.

She has had several operations this year alone on her ankles to help aid her mobility and will probably face further operations to strengthen her legs.

The former Hermitage Academy pupil went to Clydebank College to learn customer services skills after leaving school at age 16, however she struggled to get a job.

Debbie Lee got a breakthrough when she went to Finchale Training College in Durham, which offers training and support for unemployed adults with a range of physical, mental and medical health issues and special needs.

She said: “That was really great for me because it was good for my independence.

“It was a big decision for me but it was great and just the fact I had my independence but I still had support when I needed it.

“It was amazing and it gave me the chance to meet people as well.” Debbie Lee hopes to join Riding For the Disabled at Colgrain Equestrian Centre near Cardross and eventually hopes to start a career in radio having received various opportunities since becoming a member of the Glasgow Disability Alliance around 18 months ago, which represents disabled people across Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

Through being part of the group, Debbie Lee got the chance to have a tour of the BBC studios in Glasgow, which the GDA provided transport and assistance for.

She hopes to go to college next year to improve her English skills, which would help her get onto a radio course in Glasgow – but would rely on a new wheelchair to help her get there.

Debbie Lee said: “I would love to work in radio at the moment I haven’t been able to do hospital radio in Glasgow due to staying in Rhu and I wouldn’t be able to get myself there and don’t want to give my brother more places to take me.” People who want to support her competition entry, check out her video by searching for ‘Debbie Lee Tuthill’ on YouTube or by searching for ‘Debbie Lee Tuthill’ on www.getonlinevotes.com. If you wish to donate, visit Debbie Lee’s page at gogetfunding.com/make-a-difference.