Anton's mother, Karin, shares her story:

"I still remember it as if it were yesterday, even though so many years have passed. My son Anton is around 30 today, but when he was little, every winter day was a challenge.

I was home alone with three children: Anton and his two younger siblings. Anton has severe and multiple disabilities, and it took so much effort just to get him out of the house.

First, I had to get the younger children dressed. Snowsuits, mittens, hats, scarves, boots... You know how it is. Then it was Anton's turn. He couldn't help at all, and his body was so fragile. I couldn't simply dress him quickly. There was a risk of breaking his legs if they were moved at the wrong angle. And the wheelchair footmuff was a struggle in itself. Trying to put it on without hurting him... I was drenched in sweat every single time.

And then, once I'd finally managed to get him into the footmuff, lifted him into his wheelchair and put on his hat, mittens and jacket, his siblings had already been running around and taken off half their clothes. So I had to start all over again.

One day, a friend said to me, "Why don't you get Anton ready first?" But if I did that, he would be soaked in sweat before we even made it outside. And then he would get cold instead. Someone always ended up freezing. Most often, it was me. I would be drenched in sweat by the time we finally got outdoors, and then I'd be freezing in the cold.

So many times, we stayed indoors instead. I simply didn't have the energy. It was all too much. And it wasn't just the cold or the clothes. It was the feeling of not being able to move freely, not being able to pop into a shop or go for a spontaneous walk, because taking the footmuff on and off meant lifting Anton and struggling with everything all over again. It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally.

When I discovered, a year or so ago, that this cover existed, my very first thought was, "If only we'd had something like this when Anton was little..."

This cover would have changed so much. We could have gone outside. Done things together. Just simple things, like feeling the wind on our faces, being outdoors in the rain, sunshine and snow that he loves so much. And now, when he lives in a supported living home, those moments hardly ever happen. There isn't enough staff, or everyone is under too much pressure. And that makes me so sad.

This is so much more than just a cover. It opens up a whole new world. It gives freedom back to people who might otherwise have to stay indoors. It makes a difference, a real difference. It's quick, simple and dignified. And it doesn't just help the person in the wheelchair. It helps personal assistants, family members and parents too. It means more people can actually get outside. It's freedom, quality of life, less stress, fewer tears and more laughter.

I wish with all my heart that this cover had existed back then. For Anton, for his siblings and for me. But I'm also so incredibly grateful that it exists now. For everyone else who is struggling, just as we once did."

/Karin