A lifting apparatus, for lifting disabled persons, including a harness, which is front-fitting so that it can be fitted and removed with ease and speed by disabled users themselves because it does not have to be placed from the back underneath the buttocks. The harness, nevertheless, provides maximum safety and comfort as straps self-position to ensure a vertical lift even from the prone position. The harness is used in conjunction with a suspension frame which has four points to which the harness also attached from the front easily and quickly. The frame is shaped and dimensioned so that a safe stable comfortable and upright sitting position is achieved throughout a lifting operation. The disabled user can thus be more independent as manual propping up in a wheelchair by a helper is unnecessary as the risk of slipping off does not arise. The frame also incorporates a stirrup-bar which eliminates the need for a separate, heavy, monkey pole and grab handle.