IT might only be a little change - but to Jay Denton it means the world.

Jay has the debilitating and incurable disease Multiple Sclerosis and is dependent on her electric wheelchair.

Now, thanks to funding from the Colchester Catalyst Charity, she can rise up higher so she sees "more than people's bums".

Jay, 47, of Craven Drive, Highwoods, Colchester, had her first MS attack 23 years ago.

She was officially diagnosed with the condition 15 years ago.

Jay, who is mum to Josh, 20, and Rebekah, 15, said: "My condition waxes and wanes.

"I use an electric wheelchair all the time now.

"The Colchester Catalyst Charity funded an extra bit on the chair which means it can be elevated by about two feet, up to about 5 ft 6ins.

"It means if I am in a crowd of people or am having a conversation, I can go up to their level.

"It is surprising how much difference that makes to you psychologically. You are able to talk as though you are standing up.

"It also helps when I am in a crowd. You can raise yourself up so you are not just looking at people's bums.

"From a physical point of view, it helps me when I am trying to stand up.

"The stuff the charity does is brilliant.

"It is only a little thing but it makes such a difference."

The adaptations to Jay's wheelchair have been funded through the charity's special individual needs programme which supports people in north east Essex who need specialist equipment to help them cope with their disability or other severe health problems.

Last year, it spent more than £60,000 on specialist pieces of equipment for individuals including powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, specialist buggies for children and sleep systems.

Disability equality champion Rowena Macaulay has also benefited from the charity's work.

Rowena, who works at the University of Essex as a student support and disability liaison officer, was helped with the purchase of a wheelchair bike/trike extension to enable her to go on longer outdoor trips.

The Stricker attaches to her wheelchair to transform it into a motorised trike allowing her to go longer distances in her wheelchair.

She accompanied cycling friends on an eight hour journey from Stratford to Roydon and she has also investigated the route of 13 mile orbital pathway network around Colchester.

Rowena said: "I live in the centre of Colchester and there are hills on all sides.

"I am involved in Walk Colchester, creating the Colchester Orbital.

"However, my ability to explore them has been limited because I could not get up the hills so easily."

The orbital is a 13,5 mile circular route in development around the town's periphery, connecting where possible with cycle routes and bridleways.

It takes in some of the town's most beautiful green spaces and off-road pathway networks along its urban fringe.

Rowena said: "Now I have the trike, I have been out exploring the pathways.

"The trike has allow me to go out around the 13.5 mile route. It has been wonderful."

The Colchester Catalyst Charity also funded the Boma, an all terrain wheelchair which is based at Highwoods Country Park in Colchester.

The Boma allows wheelchair dependent users to explore all 400 acres of the park.

n Colchester Catalyst Charity is welcoming applications for grant funding.

Any piece of medical equipment can be considered for funding as long as it will help to address a specific health need for an individual and there is no funding available from statutory services.

The pieces of equipment can cost a maximum of £1,000 but a contribution from the recipient towards the costs is requested.

To apply for a grant or for more information, call 01206 323420, email info@colchestercatalyst.co.uk, or visit www.colchestercatalyst.co.uk.