Thistle Help Ltd

Thistle Help is a family-run mobility equipment retailer based in Irvine, Ayrshire, founded in 2007 by George Ruddick, who has cerebral palsy, and business partner Laura Hays. A member of the British Healthcare Trades Association, the company supplies, hires, services and repairs a wide range of mobility and assisted-living equipment, and runs a second showroom in Crosshouse near Kilmarnock following its acquisition of The Mobility Centre.

The product range covers mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs and powerchairs, riser-recliner chairs, adjustable and profiling beds, stairlifts, walking aids, ramps, specialist seating, car adaptations and daily living aids. Powerchairs are a particular specialism. The company stocks new equipment from leading brands and also sells fully serviced used mobility scooters, which come with a three-month warranty, with finance options available.

As well as sales, Thistle Help offers equipment hire and carries out repairs and servicing for all types of mobility equipment, both in store and across its coverage area. A dedicated care-sector line supports care homes and professionals, and the team gives advice in store and over the phone.

From its two Ayrshire showrooms the company serves North, East and South Ayrshire and the wider west-central Scotland area, including Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock. For people who want a BHTA-accredited local retailer with genuine lived experience of disability, a broad range and the option to hire or buy used as well as new, Thistle Help offers a well-rounded service.

At a glance

• Established: 2007, family-run, BHTA member
• Specialises in: scooters, wheelchairs, powerchairs, stairlifts, beds and daily living aids
• Showrooms: Irvine and Crosshouse (Kilmarnock)
• Options: new and used equipment, plus hire and finance
• Service: repairs and servicing for all mobility equipment, care-sector support
• Areas covered: Ayrshire and west-central Scotland

Frequently asked questions

What does Thistle Help sell?

Thistle Help supplies mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, powerchairs, riser-recliner chairs, adjustable and profiling beds, stairlifts, walking aids, ramps and daily living aids, along with car adaptations and accessible bathroom products.

Which areas of Ayrshire and Scotland do they cover?

Based in Irvine with a second showroom in Crosshouse near Kilmarnock, they serve North, East and South Ayrshire, including Ayr, Troon and Kilwinning, and the wider west-central Scotland area such as Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock.

Do they offer servicing and repairs?

Yes. They provide repairs and servicing for all types of mobility equipment, handled by their trained team both in store and for customers across their coverage area.

Can I buy used equipment as well as new?

Yes. Alongside new equipment from leading brands, they sell used mobility scooters that are fully serviced and quality checked, each supplied with a three-month warranty.

Do they offer hire?

Yes. Equipment hire is one of their core services. You can contact the Irvine showroom on 01294 313369 to discuss your needs and arrange suitable hire or advice.