What do you do?
I am a doctors’ receptionist, a job I’m passionate about, although it can often be very challenging! I love being the first point of contact for patients, I think living with CP and spending a lot of time in healthcare environments throughout my life has given me a natural empathy with patients.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has come fairly recently. I got back into horse riding and have been competing in Dressage. My coach and I work hard to find ways around the challenges that my CP throws up and I recently came sixth in my class of 20+ people, with me being the only rider with a disability. I’m so proud that the hard work I put in both on and off the horse means I can compete on a level playing field with able bodied riders and aim to work my way up the levels in Dressage and compete in para competitions too.
What was been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge came in my teens when I had major surgery on my legs that involved a lengthy hospital stay miles from home. The recovery was long and tough, but I overcame the challenges by breaking down my recovery goals in to manageable tasks and built on them daily. The skills and mindset I developed during this challenging time have stayed with me for life, giving me an appreciation of the importance of physio and exercise to help manage my CP.
Who was your role-model growing up?
I don’t remember having a role model growing up. I suppose it’s because I didn’t really see anyone like me in the public eye that I could relate to. I have always looked up to sportspeople and relate to how hard they work in training etc. as I think it’s similar to how hard I’ve always had to work to maintain my mobility.
What do you think would help more adults with CP achieve their ambitions?
I think what would more adults with CP achieve their ambitions is more open mindedness from employers to give people with CP (and any disabilities) a chance to get into employment as I believe we make great employees as we’re experts at being adaptable and ‘thinking outside the box’. Also more opportunities for adults with CP to get into sports and exercise as this is vital for helping us manage our condition and also helps build confidence in what we can do!