There was just one thing on Melanie’s mind during lockdown, like most of us the 43-year-old had plans once the world opened up again, but for her it wasn’t visiting friends or travelling somewhere exotic, she just wanted to have sex.

Melanie had been a wheelchair user since the age of three when she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, the condition left her paralysis in the legs and limited movement in her arms.

After her support worker realised Melanie was a virgin they suggested paying a sex worker whilst they were isolating together through lockdown.

The two scoured the internet for the right man for the job, finally they came across Chayse.

Melanie’s first session took place at his apartment where she would eventually pop her cherry.

"When I got out of my power chair and my support worker left, it was just the two of us. I had no idea what I was in for,” she told BBC Access All.

Melanie has ticked off quite a few things in her life, living in Japan, working as a video editor, but when it came to an intimate experience she was doubtful that she would ever find the right person.

Before they met Melanie and Chayse spoke via video calls so they could discuss any potential barriers.

"I asked a million questions," Melanie says: "Have you ever used a hoist before? Is your apartment wheelchair accessible? How often does the lift in your place break down?"

"About once every six months," Chayse replied.

Melanie was so keen, she brought their appointment forward.

Like most first-time sexual encounters Melanie felt it daunting when she first met Chayse.

"I knew I was out of my depth with sexual knowledge and I felt completely overwhelmed with the expert that was standing in front of me."

Although it wasn’t long until Melanie became not only comfortable, she realised despite being taught the ropes by a sex expert, she could teach him a thing or two about disability.

"I am an expert with disability and Chayse had no idea. We ended up laughing at each other's ignorance and naivety. Two hours later we were the best of buddies." she joked.

Melanie went to an escort because she wasn’t sure if she could perform in bed due to her disability, which limits movement and causes fatigue.

"That was the whole reason I booked Chayse," she explained. "I didn't want to go home with a guy from a bar and find out these things and be awkward, vulnerable and unsafe."

But the two quickly found out there was nothing to worry about, in fact things became so frisky Melanie had to see a physiotherapist afterwards to refresh her limbs.

"I've worked out that my legs need to be fastened to the bed beforehand and then there's no worry," she said.

She went on to say Chayse was the first man to see her naked apart from the doctors in her local hospital.

But the experience was pretty pricey, Melanie paid Chayse 400 Australian dollars an hour, which works out as £211.

Addressing the expense Chayse said:  "What a lot of people don't understand is when you're seeing someone for 48 hours, as rewarding as it can be, you're not doing anything else you want to do in your life."

Although he admits it’s not just his clients who benefit from the sex.

"Who doesn't want to help people explore different things? Why can't I be there for other people that need that and want and deserve to feel beautiful?" he told the BBC.

Melanie has been seeing Chayse on a regular basis since January, but now and again she has to hold back on her feelings.

"It's hard not to fall in love with Chayse," Melanie confessed. "But I have to remind myself that it is a professional relationship." 

She would love to be in a relationship, being with Chayse has proved to her she can have sex and it’s time to go on the dating scene, making up for lost time.

"I'm looking for a Chayse replacement. Somebody who loves me and loves what I like and does everything for free," she said.

"I never thought I would go on dating apps and talk to men online and now I'm doing it pretty much daily. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

"My confidence has grown heaps, I'm happier than I've ever been and you can't put a price on that life-changing experience."

Despite keeping it to herself when she first paid for sex, Melanie now wants everyone to know about her new skills in the bedroom. 

"I was a bit embarrassed to say anything at first, but it made such a huge difference in my life. I just couldn't stop telling people and they're really happy for me. I can't wipe the smile off my face."

[ Melanie believes the government should pay and support disabled people in accessing sexual services. ]