What do you do?
At the moment I am organising mine and my fiancé’s wedding, which is a full time job in itself! Lol. I used run my own charity in which I helped other people with physical disabilities. I organised seminars, outings and events for them, as well as raising awareness of disability in society through social events in communities. I had to take a break from my charity as I underwent a major 10 hour brain surgery. While I was recovering, my beautiful Mum got sick and passed away with cancer three years ago. Two years ago, I did something to my hip and knee which deteriorated me and I am still struggling with it now. At the moment, I am just working on and off for a modelling agency who I have been signed to since the age of 16.
What has been your greatest achievement?
I feel extremely blessed to have been a part of a number of things and am humbled by the opportunities I have received. They have all been great achievements for me and have helped me grow in my confidence and as a person. Some of them are:
– At the age of 12, I started up my own charity
– At the age of 16, I got signed to a modelling agency
– Had a 4 page spread in an international magazine
– Won the title of ‘Miss Personality’ in a beauty pageant
– Took part in the TV show ‘Eastenders’
– Took part in the TV show ‘The Last Leg’
– Advertised wheelchairs and mobility equipment in national and international catalogues / magazines
– Took part in the Paralympics 2012
– Had a 1-1 with Craig David in Belgium
– Did a few minute documentary piece which you can see in the Science Museum, London for the next 25 years
– Had a few interviews for BBC News
– Was a placard bearer and flag bearer for Team Scotland in The Commonwealth Games 2022
– Will be on the TV series ‘Say YES to the Dress’ this summer
– Having the love, support and acceptance of my Mum, Dad, sister, family and friends
– Finding my fiancé and having the love, support and acceptance from him and his family
What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
I lost my confidence and self esteem for a couple of years when I was younger. I was bullied at school because of my disability and was ‘looked down’ upon by some people. My Asian culture didn’t help either, as you sometimes looked at as an ‘outcast’. All of this got to me which led me to a dark and isolated place. It got so bad that I wouldn’t even be able to eat out in a restaurant or anywhere publicly. I just sat quietly with my family or friends who were eating and I got a take away to eat at home after. In school, college, university, Church etc, I made sure I had a seat right at the back, so no one could see me. I used to hide in the toilet when it came to assembly’s in school or a presentation at school. As I got older, I gradually stopped caring so much about what people thought of me. The love, support and acceptance from my family and the lovely friends I made helped as well. I still struggle with my confidence, but thankfully, it’s not as bad as it was.
Who was your role-model growing up?
My Mum has always been and will always remain my role model. My Mum was born with a birthmark on her face, which spread a little onto her nose and in her eyes, but she didn’t let that get in the way of her life at all! The way she carried herself, her confidence, her heart of gold, her humility and the love she had for every individual inspired me so much. She would have such a special way of interacting with people, making them feel so comfortable and loved. She ran her own charity for women who were abused, divorced, sick, lonely, sufferers of domestic violence etc. She ran seminars, sessions, outings and events for them which all her members loved and created friendships from.
Mum had over 500 members in her charity. She was awarded a MBE from the Queen and achieved several awards for her charity work. I always had heart to hearts with my Mama and we used to discuss our struggles and challenges of being ‘different’. We understood each other and she always encouraged me to take life by the horns, grab every opportunity, live my hopes and dreams and reach for the stars regardless of my disability. Losing her was the biggest scar I have. She was an angel to others, but especially to me. I miss her incredibly.
What do you think would help more adults with CP achieve their ambitions?
Be yourself, embrace you as an individual. Don’t let your disability become your weakness, but make it your strength. We all have low days where we give up and can’t go on anymore and that’s ok, just make sure you pick yourself up! Don’t stay down there! Show the world what you’re made of! And like my beautiful Mama said to me – take life by the horns, grab every opportunity, live your hopes and dreams and reach for the stars regardless of your disability!