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Quingo Loan Scooter to Veteran for Armed Forces Day Parade

With a little help from Quingo, a Second World War veteran recently attended the Medway Armed Forces Day Parade.

World War 2 veteran gets to attend parade thanks to Quingo

Les Smith, from Chatham in Kent, fought during the war and was present during the historic D-Day landings in 1944. Since then, Les has been a regular attendee of Armed Forces events over the years.

However, as a result of a hip operation, Les thought he was unable to march in a recent parade. Luckily, thanks to the quick thinking of a fellow Quingo scooter user, Les was able to represent his community in the parade after all.

Quingo Scooters
Mr Smith on his Quingo Air

Fellow Chatham resident, Maurice Bernard, was loaned a scooter by Quingo when he attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Mr Bernard was awarded the British Empire Medal for his work with dementia and Quingo were on hand to make sure he was able to attend the royal event.

Quingo Scooters
Mr Bernard (L) and Mr Smith (R) on their Quingo Scooters at the Medway Armed Forces Day Parade

 

Prince Charles “very interested” about Quingo

Mr Bernard, who has a ward named after him at the Medway Maritime Hospital, said: “Quingo were kind enough to lend me a ‘Quingo Air’ mobility scooter which easily dismantles into the boot of my car; this meant my daughter and I were able to get a lift with my son-in-law to Buckingham Palace.

“Prince Charles was very interested in my scooter, and even asked how fast it went! When I heard about Les’ situation, I thought I would ask and see if they could help him like they helped me.”

Help for a hero

Mr Smith was equally delighted with his scooter; he said: “I’m really grateful that Quingo were able to lend me a scooter. The Armed Forces Day parade is one of the highlights of my year and initially I was devastated when I found out I couldn’t go.

“The scooter gave me the ability to join the parade, which I’m so proud and privileged to have been a part of. I would like to thank Quingo and Maurice for getting in touch and bringing my story to their attention.”

Mark Nicholls, Quingo’s Managing Director, added: “When we heard about Mr Smith’s situation we were very happy to help. Considering what he has done for our country, it was the least we could do.”