In 2006, Will Weston’s life changed following a diving accident that resulted in a C5/C6 spinal cord injury. As a tetraplegic, full-time wheelchair user, Will has limited function in his hands and arms. This means that every daily transfer—from moving between his bed and his wheelchair, or his chair and the living room sofa—requires reliable, assisted support.

For Will, having safe and efficient transfer equipment is not a convenience; it is absolutely fundamental to his safety, independence, and daily health.

Protecting Health: Why Hoists Are Essential

Prior to installing the ceiling track hoist, Will relied on a slide board with assistance. While functional, this method carries a significant risk of skin friction and potential pressure sores. For someone with a spinal cord injury, a skin breakdown is a serious, long-term complication.

The Difference a Molift Ceiling Track Made for WillA ceiling hoist, however, eliminates this risk almost entirely. By providing a full, controlled lift, Will’s skin integrity is protected during every single transfer.

The benefits extend beyond the user: the hoist is equally critical for Will’s family members and Personal Assistants (PAs). It safeguards them from injury by removing the need for demanding manual lifting, making the care process safer and less physically strenuous for everyone involved.

Choosing the Right Partner: Why Will, Selected AAL

In 2023, Will embarked on a home renovation project that included installing a new tracked hoist system. He approached AAL after extensive due diligence.

“We conducted a thorough review of the market and needed to compare not just the products, but the service, installation, and long-term support,” Will explains. “This confirmed for us that AAL was the right partner.”

Will’s choice was heavily influenced by AAL’s strong, established reputation as one of the most experienced suppliers of the Molift equipment.

"When you are investing in equipment critical to your daily life, you need absolute confidence in the supplier. We chose AAL because their expertise with this specific brand gave us that peace of mind."

Priceless Moments: The Impact of Two Tracks

Will had Molift Air single-track ceiling hoists installed in two separate, key locations:

1. The Bedroom: Essential for Will’s daily routine, enabling safe transfers between his bed, wheelchair, and shower chair.

2. The Living Room: Crucially installed for safe access to the sofa. With a young daughter, this second hoist ensures Will can enjoy quality family time at her level, safely and comfortably—a feature Will describes as ‘priceless.’

The Molift Air Difference: Smooth, Fast, and Reliable

After using the new system for a couple of years, Will has high praise for the upgrade:

“The Molift Air hoist itself is fantastic for several reasons. It has been a significant upgrade on my previous equipment.”

* Smooth: The lifting and traversing movements are incredibly smooth—no sudden jerks or jarring motions.

* Fast & Efficient: It's noticeably faster than other hoists, reducing time spent in a sling and making transfers more efficient.

* Compact & Discreet: The unit is small, modern, and unobtrusive; it doesn't dominate the room.

* Easy to Use: The intuitive hand controller means family and PAs can operate it with confidence and minimal fuss.

* Reliable: Above all, it works every single time. That reliability gives my support team and me complete peace of mind.

Will’s family and PAs echo his satisfaction, noting that the Molift Air is easier and more ergonomic to operate, making their role safer and less physically demanding.

“I would 100% recommend AAL. My recommendation isn't just for the Molift product, which is excellent, but for the end-to-end service AAL provides. They delivered exactly what they promised, on time, and with a high-quality finish,” concluded Will.

AAL’s Commitment to Service

Stephen Pritchard, Managing Director of AAL Limited, affirms the company's client focus:

“It is great to hear such positive feedback from Will... As a wheelchair user myself, I am fully aware of the challenges that our clients face daily, and we pride ourselves on offering a first-class level of customer service every time.”

Designing for Lived Experience: Will’s New Chapter

The successful installation of his ceiling track hoist perfectly demonstrates how the right, well-designed adaptations can remove barriers and empower people to live and work fully.

Drawing on this experience, Will recently launched his new business: All Ways Access.

This accessibility consultancy specializes in the built environment, working to close the ‘Lived Experience Gap.’

"This is the chasm between a building that ticks a compliance box on a blueprint and a space that is genuinely dignified, intuitive, and welcoming for every single person," Will explains.

 Will acts as a consultant, embedding a 'Reality Lens' into projects—from hospitals and Premier League football clubs to libraries and commercial offices. He helps teams prevent "compliant-but-flawed" failures, such as inaccessible layouts or regulatory-compliant doors that are simply too heavy to open.

His 15 years of senior NHS management experience, combined with his own lived experience, makes him uniquely qualified to ensure spaces are truly accessible.

Ready to Enhance Your Mobility or Environment?

* Need a Free Ceiling Track Survey? Submit a request via our Survey Form.

* For more information on Molift hoists and mobility solutions from AAL, call: 01772 814555, email orders@aalgroup.co.uk, or visit www.molifthoistsandparts.co.uk.

* Learn more about Will's accessibility consultancy at https://all-ways-access.com.