The 19 year-old, who has Larsen's Syndrome, is the proud owner of a new Hippo wheelchair thanks to the Variety Club Children's Charity.

At the touch of a button Rachel, from Shantallow can elevate her chair to eye level and get out and about by herself. And she's driving her Mum crazy because she keeps telling her all the places which need dusting.!

"I love my new wheelchair," Rachel told the 'Journal'. "It enables me to do simple tasks by myself. I have a new independence and confidence to get out more and can now drive myself to my grandparents and aunts and uncles homes who all live close-by."

The revolutionary chair was recommended specially for Rachel because of its rise and fall facility.

"The chair enables me to reach everyday items like kitchen worktops that I was unable to access myself before, due to my short stature," explained Rachel.

"It also has an automatic tilt facility to take the pressure off the double curvature of my spine. This allows me to remain seated longer in my chair without having to lie down.

"My Hippo wheelchair is legal on the road, with headlights, indicators and reverse lights. This makes me feel safer because I am now visible to other vehicles."

Rachel's mother Jennifer said the chair has made a huge difference to her life.

"Rachel has become more care-free and high spirited since the delivery of her chair," she said. "She feels more confident meeting people as the chair raises to their eye level so she can hold a conversation without being looked down on."

She praised the Variety Club.

"We would never have been able to provide such a vital life-line to Rachel as her electric wheelchair," she said.

"The NHS were very limited in what they could provide for Rachel. The Variety Club realises the importance of suitable equipment to allow people to live independently and comfortably."

The Variety Club has been supporting children with their 'Easy Riders' scheme for 20 years.They are encouraging more disabled children and their families to apply for wheelchairs.

For more information contact Variety's Easy Riders team on 020 7428 8100 or e-mail wheelchairs@varietyclub.org.uk.

For more information www.varietyclub.org.uk/easyriders