The family of a woman who became a powerful voice for mobility scooter users has spoken out in tribute, following her death just weeks after publicly backing the Safer Mobility Campaign.
Dawn, a mum of two from Leicestershire, died in late 2024 from terminal cancer. Before her passing, she had bravely spoken out about the daily challenges she faced using her mobility scooter – describing it as her “lifeline” because it allowed her to retain a sense of independence.
In her final weeks, Dawn became a passionate advocate for better protection, road safety improvements and the urgent need to challenge the stigma faced by people who rely on mobility scooters to get around.
She was due to take part in further media opportunities, working with the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership and mobility scooter insurance intermediary, Surewise, but her condition deteriorated before she could continue.
Now, her husband Richard and son Leo have stepped forward to complete her story – determined that her voice, and the message she carried, will still be heard.
“Dawn wanted to highlight the issues she and others faced just trying to get to the shops or the doctors,” said Richard.
“Once she started using a mobility scooter, she saw how much of a challenge it really was – from pavement parking to poorly designed crossings. Things we’d never even noticed before suddenly became real hazards.”
One of Dawn’s biggest frustrations was the lack of understanding and respect for mobility scooter users in public spaces. Her family say she was upset by the stigma – especially the assumption that users were lazy or unwilling to walk.
“My mum was 49 when she started using her scooter,” said her son Leo. “She had terminal cancer and had to give up driving. It wasn’t a choice – it was the only way she could stay mobile. But she was still met with judgement and dismissiveness. She wanted people to see the person, not just the scooter.”
Dawn believed more could be done to raise awareness – from clearer legislation on pavement parking to recognising mobility scooter users as vulnerable road users in the Highway Code. Her family hopes her story will lead to practical changes that make streets safer and more inclusive.
“Dawn never gave in to her illness,” said Richard. “She kept thinking of others, even when she had every reason to focus on herself. This campaign gave her purpose. She didn’t want it to stop just because she couldn’t take part anymore.”
Surewise, who had been working with Dawn as part of the Safer Mobility Campaign, say they are honoured to continue her work in partnership with her family.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Richard and Leo for helping us finish what Dawn started,” said Richard Hannan, Director of Surewise. “Dawn’s strength, compassion and determination to speak up for others was inspirational. Her story will continue to shape this campaign and the push for change.”
Dawn’s family are now encouraging others – mobility scooter users and their loved ones – to come forward and share their experiences, to help build momentum behind a campaign Dawn believed in so deeply.
“She was still advocating for strangers even in her final weeks,” said Leo. “I hope her legacy is a world where mobility scooter users are respected, not overlooked – and where fewer people have to face the same barriers she did, just to get where they need to go.”
If you are a mobility scooter user or a family member of someone who relies on one, your voice matters. By sharing your story, you can help raise awareness, challenge outdated attitudes and push for the changes that Dawn was so determined to see. To get involved please email Surewise email
