After going around in circles trying to borrow / hire mobility equipment and getting nowhere, someone recommended shopmobility. I thought that they just lent wheelchairs for use in shopping centres. For £5 you can become a member and borrow a range of chairs and scooters for the day (and get free parking). You can also borrow a wheelchair for 2 weeks for free. If you need it for longer, it is £10 per week. This is particularly useful in london where the red cross have had to stop their loan service. Their volunteers are very helpful and the scheme gives people a chance to volunteer and work for them. Excellent :)