I'll just make a couple of replies.
scratchingthesky
I did not intend my post to be viewed as personal, but I was commenting at what best could be described as a frivolous post, and at worst could be viewed as downright insulting to disabled travellers.
freightdoggydog
Er....LS have rather a monopoly on LBA flights or otherwise we would. I assume that handlers will take reasonable care over something that has fragile stickers all over it, and that is all that it requires. These machines are designed to allow for patient travel, and are more robust than you might think.
Anyway, it looks like LS have done the decent thing by the guy in Newcastle, so I'll shut up now!