Meet the Max Wheelchairs Team

How long have you been a wheelchair user?

Since 1982 after an accident at work when I was 18. I became a paraplegic – that’s when I started to play wheelchair basketball at the spinal injuries unit in Sheffield as part of my rehabilitation.

What was your first basketball chair like?

It was a folding chair made of steel, in those days your everyday chair was also your sports chair. It was pretty heavy at around 17kg. Throughout my life as a wheelchair user I’ve seen the evolution from heavy 60lb hospital chairs to the ultra-light chairs of today. These days there are specialist chairs for every activity enabling more people to participate in all sports and activities. I’ve competed in many sports in my early days including marathons and tennis. Wheelchair basketball is my passion deep down and I’ve been lucky enough to represent my country at 5 Paralympics and captained the ’96 team to Silver in Atlanta. I’ve coached wheelchair basketball at GB level as well as wheelchair rugby. I’m also a keen recreational hand cyclist and scuba diver, and have always loved the outdoor lifestyle. I recognise the importance of having a chair that fits your lifestyle and enables you to reach your desired goals.

Why did you create MAX Wheelchairs?

Per4max chairs offer everything I need as an active wheelchair user and much more. However, they were not easily available to a wide market so I wanted to set up MAX Wheelchairs to bring Per4max chairs to you. My aim is to combine my experience as an athlete and as a wheelchair user with the best tailor made products to help you achieve your potential in life.

Colin Flounders - Director

How long have you been a wheelchair user?

I’ve been a wheelchair user since a motorbike accident in 1993, at the age of 17. After leaving hospital I completed my studies and always try to life live to the full.

What was your first chair like?

I left hospital in an NHS provided chair, which was a set-sized chair. It was heavy, hard to manoeuvre and very uncomfortable as it was a poor fit. When I had my first custom chair, built to my specific measurements, I was surprised by how light it was and how easy it was to manoeuvre. My chair was a great fit and very comfortable as it was made specifically for me.

I enjoy an active lifestyle from previously playing wheelchair spots including basketball and tennis to regularly enjoying jet-skiing, scuba diving and exploring in my campervan. So I need a wheelchair that fits my lifestyle, combining strength and comfort. That’s why I choose Per4max wheelchairs.

Why did you create MAX Wheelchairs?

I enjoy combining my knowledge and experience measuring custom wheelchairs to enable individuals to achieve greater independence and quality of life. I find it rewarding to see a customer go from struggling to manoeuvre their old chair to getting around with ease in their new chair and seeing the difference it will make to their lives. It’s my aim to help you live your life to the max.  

Gary Davidson

How long have you been a wheelchair user?

I have had mild Spina bifida since birth

What was your first wheelchairs like?

My first wheelchair was a handmade basketball wheelchair back in 1976 made from bits and pieces from an old E&J wheelchair! I have been a sportsman since 1975. Competing in swimming table tennis wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby union. I have represented Great Britain and Scotland at all four sports mentioned, a highlight represented Great Britain at the 1984 Paralympics playing wheelchair basketball. I also held British and world records in swimming and while playing table tennis became world junior champion in 1981.

Why did you work for MAX Wheelchairs?

Max Wheelchairs Ethos is to try and get the best sports or everyday wheelchairs, or power attachments like the amazing Triride for tour clients; this completely fitted in with my own thinking and passion. Max Wheelchairs have sponsored my wheelchair basketball team in Scotland (Glasgow Rollin Rocks) where I still play and coach, I was thrilled to be able to help Colin Price who I have known since our early days in the GB wheelchair Basketball team as 'the young guns'. I cover Scotland from Orkney to Dumfries and everything in between! 

James Price

Online Sales

How long have you been a wheelchair user?
I broke my neck in 1999 via a diving accident in Majorca, on the beach. I shattered my c6 vertebrae resulting in C6 incomplete Quadriplegia and full time wheelchair dependant with a degree of paralysis in all 4 limbs, mostly below the chest.

What were your first wheelchairs like?
My first hospital chair weighed a tonne and made me feel really disabled, breaking my neck was one thing but being in a 'tank' just added insult to injury and made me feel even more embarrassed. My first chair after rehab at Stoke Mandeville was a Quickie GPV which again weighed a tonne and I wish I had been given better expert advice regarding wheelchairs, the NHS voucher system and purchasing better bespoke wheelchairs much more suitable for my needs. Colin Flounders sold me my first proper bespoke lightweight wheelchair after a few years and never looked back regarding using a knowledgeable, professional and fellow wheelchair user to measure me up and supply what I need. I currently have both a Progeo Duke carbon and Per4max Skye wheelchair and both are excellent chairs in their own right.

Why did you work for MAX Wheelchairs?
I joined the team this year because Colin Flounders discussed expanding Max Wheelchairs, to include an online shop, concept with me. I have expertise working online and really appreciate the service that Max Wheelchairs already offered and was pleased to have the time in my schedule to be able to help out. I am proud to have got the online shop up and running for Colin and Colin (no relation!) and also help to maintain their main website.

Craig Wilson

Craig Wilson – Sales: East and West Sussex, Kent and Essex

How long have you been a wheelchair user?
At the age of 13 years old (1983), I got a mystery virus that paralysed me from L3.
My life changed radically, but my biggest annoyance was my NHS wheelchair.

As an active kid, I broke these regularly. At that time a few wheelchair “start-up” companies appeared on the market. My brother and his friend did an amazing marathon swim and raised the money for my first made-to-measure wheelchair, and my new life began.

What was your first basketball chair like?
Most people in 1984 used their everyday wheelchairs for basketball. Stability, movement and speed proved difficult. In the late 80s I bought a “Grace sports wheelchair”. I’ve played for several teams on the south coast and up to the Premier League level.