There is no clearly defined duty for statutory provision of wheelchair loans in England. The British Red Cross is the largest national provider, but we know there remains unmet humanitarian need. “Not having the wheelchair would have been the straw that broke the camel’s back…it would have been unbearable” (Laura’s mother, p.21) This research report shares the experiences of nine people who have recently borrowed a wheelchair from the Red Cross mobility aids service. The stories illustrate various reasons for needing a short- term wheelchair loan and show the positive impact that they have on people’s lives. Short-term wheelchair loans are an enabler of recovery, choice, control, independence and wellbeing. This report demonstrates that short-term wheelchair loans can prevent and delay people’s needs for health care, social care and support. They can also reduce the level of need that already exists. There are cost savings associated with this prevention; each story is accompanied by an economic evaluation that documents the savings across health and social care, as well as to personal income. We believe that everyone who needs a wheelchair should be entitled to quickly and easily get one that is right for them, for as long as they need it. iv