13/11/2025
In this photo I am 19 years old. I know I look more like 12. I was just gaining weight from 5.5 stone. I had also just come out of a wheelchair. At 18 I was in a fatal car accident which led to me being on life support for 2 weeks, 4 months in hospital, then a revisit to hospital. Followed by a journey of learning to walk again. Even now every Consultant I see says it is a miracle I can walk. At the time it was a miracle I lived. I will never forget the look on my dear friend’s mother’s face. I became institutionalised. I will never forget the first time I tried to write a letter afterwards and feed myself or the pain trying to take my first steps. I learnt that through it all you can still help others and be inspirational. There is much to be grateful for. I also learnt what it feels like to be the victim of prejudices. I will never forget sitting in my wheelchair in a large shop, I had been parked at the end of an aisle. A little girl ran into the aisle and stopped when she saw me. She did not move or say anything. Her mother arrived, saw what she was looking at and as she pulled on her arm said, “Don’t look at that it’s abnormal.” Prejudices are taught! People would cross the road rather than walk past me. I take good care of anyone who is disabled or has mobility issues at my services - I know what it feels like. I make sure they receive the care and attention they need, without undue fuss.
