Scarred but not scared: How Losing a Limb Became My Superpower
Now, before you get the wrong idea, this isn't some inspirational story about conquering Everest on a pogo stick. (Although that does sound like one hell of a challenge!) This is my story about how I refuse to live in fear and instead, how I try to look at life with a curious (sometimes cynical) eye, everyday.
I was born with spina bifida in 1962, a birth defect that basically means my spine decided to party a little too hard before I came out. After loosing my leg when I was 21, I became a wheelchair user in 2007
At around my 21st birthday, one leg decided it wasn't pulling its weight (literally) and had to be, "let go." ...that's right, I'm an amputee. As the years went by my condition deteriorated and my relationship with falling to the ground became a regular habit, so since 2007 I have lived in a wheelchair, but you know what, my attitude is simply this - 'Big Deal, life is for living and helping others is simply what I do best."
I got curious
I'm not going to lie, losing a limb so early in life really hurt, emotionally and physically. It was scary, frustrating, it shattered my self-esteem and my idea of self-worth and crushed my confidence. It made me feel like I was living in a world designed for giants. But, instead of curling up in a ball of self-pity (which, let's be honest, is tempting sometimes), I got curious, yes I've always been very nosey
Curious about what the hell I could still do.
Turns out, a surprising amount. with the unending love and support of my wonderful family, I learned to navigate the world on one leg (oh and a pretty awesome wheelchair helps as well! Davinci Mobility in Liverpool have been incredibly supportive.
Of course I still face challenges, everyday.
Doors are heavy, stairs are my nemesis, and sometimes people stare. But you know what? Staring is their loss, because I'm busy living a life that's full of laughter, adventure, and and the deep joy of challenging myself to help others.
It has been such a life-affirming honour to get out of my comfort zone and to help as many people as I can.
A special mention
To the company who power me through everyday, not just my challenges.
This website is a testament to that curiosity.
It's a place where I'll share my experiences, from the mundane (how to navigate a world that still see's a wheelchair as a problem) to the maybe-slightly-crazy (like travelling across the whole of the UK with no money, no food and relying on the kindness of strangers, oh and dressed as convicts -
Don't expect sunshine and rainbows here. Life throws curveballs, amputations included. But what I do promise is a little honesty, a lot of humour, and a whole bunch of "screw it, let's try it!" energy.
So, buckle up, grab a metaphorical prosthetic leg (or two!), and join me on this wild ride. We're about to see what limitations are truly made of.
