Support dog Lucy on Disabled Access Day
Navigating the capital can seem daunting for newcomers, not least if you have a disability. But for Brighton resident Grace Fox, who has Multiple Sclerosis, and her daughters, with Grace’s support dog, Lucy, in tow, it was a seamless experience. Among their highlights were food at The Original Ivy and a theatre trip to see The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre. And to mark Disability Access Day, which highlights accessibility in public spaces, venues and services, aiming for people with disabilities to try somewhere new and for businesses to improve their accessibility, Grace and daughters Adele and Hannah have championed their London visit. They say venues were particularly welcoming of disability assistance dog Lucy, Grace’s pet Labrador who’s been trained by the national Support Dogs charity to help her with a range of everyday tasks. Lucy was on paw to push access buttons, lifting the footplates on Grace’s wheelchair, helping her off with her jacket and picking up items as both Grace’s daughters also have a disability, which makes it difficult for them to bend. The theme of this year’s Disabled Access Day is ‘You and Somewhere New’ and it was Lucy’s first trip to the capital, taken as a treat for the family after Grace spent 10 weeks in hospital following a procedure. Adele said Lucy did well on the train from their home city of Brighton. The Foxes had booked the accessibility ramp via an app ahead of their trip, and they were helped off the train at their destination station, Blackfriars. The family also found taxis to be very good, with the one they caught outside the station having a fold-out side ramp, rather than one at the back of the vehicle. “The drivers were very friendly – they loved Lucy,” said Grace. Grace, Hannah and Adele took Lucy for a free run in Lincoln’s Inn Fields park, which had flat areas which were wheelchair-accessible, as well as an accessible café where they stopped for lemongrass tea and water for Lucy. A 15-minute walk away from the park – which Lucy navigated fantastically through crowds and under scaffolding – was The Original Ivy, where the family were delighted with Lucy’s reception. Grace, 64, said: “We’d already phoned up to check that it was okay to bring Lucy and we asked the man on the door if they could double-check with the manager. He went away, came back and said ‘please come in.’ “They sat us at a table at the entrance and Lucy was in the best place, because everyone coming in and going out – businessmen and families – asked to say hello to her. She did such a good job of settling – she didn’t get up at all. They put a food station next to her, and she didn’t get up. “The staff got her some water and wanted to say hello. I think she was the first assistance dog that’s been in there.” Then it was onto the Dominion, where the group entered via their own private entrance. There were also accessible toilets and the Foxes were allocated their own members of staff who showed them to their wheelchair-accessible box and made them feel comfortable. Grace added: “London was so enjoyable, and even more so with Lucy by my side. “She just makes me feel confident. Quite often, when I’m in a wheelchair by myself, people don’t talk to you or come up to you. When I’ve got Lucy, most people come up and say ‘hi’ and a few words to me.” Hannah added: “The way Lucy navigates crowds, and looks up at mum and mum looks back at her, I can see the confidence in her when Lucy is with her, compared to when she’s not with her. “Going from Brighton theatre to a London theatre was a big step for us – we expected it to be harder – but it was just like going to our local theatre. It was very easy to book an accessible box online. “From the train staff, to the theatre staff, it’s been really easy. There is a lot more awareness of assistance dogs and it feels like attitudes are changing. “London is really accessible. It’s just about planning. There’s even a Tube map which shows you accessible stops.” Adele added: “Lucy was very good. The show was quite loud – they did warn us, and a performer came close to us. But Lucy did not care.” Support Dogs trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, and those living with epilepsy or a physical disability, to live safer, more independent lives. To find out more, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
Accessible Travel in Dorset
Accessible travel is about confidence, independence and thoughtful design. In Bournemouth, the award-winning Marsham Court Hotel demonstrates how practical accessibility and clear information can transform a coastal break into a relaxing and inclusive experience for travellers with a wide range of needs. For many people, a trip to the coast represents relaxation, fresh air and a welcome change of pace. The sound of waves, the open horizon and the opportunity to spend time outdoors can be restorative. However, for travellers with accessibility needs, the ease of a seaside break often depends on whether accommodation and local facilities have been designed with inclusion in mind. In Bournemouth, Marsham Court Hotel is helping to show how accessible coastal breaks can be approached with both understanding and practical design. From clear information before arrival to thoughtful facilities during a stay, careful planning can transform a holiday from potentially complicated into genuinely relaxing. Accessibility Built into the Experience Marsham Court Hotel has developed its accessible accommodation with this principle in mind. By clearly outlining room types, accessibility features and general facilities, the hotel aims to provide guests with the information they need to plan their stay with confidence. This transparency helps remove uncertainty, allowing guests to focus on enjoying their time away. Accessible accommodation includes features such as step-free access, adapted bedrooms and accessible public areas. These elements help ensure that guests can move around the building comfortably and use facilities with confidence and independence. Clear layouts and well-planned public areas also help create spaces that feel easy to navigate. While these features may appear simple, they can significantly improve the overall experience for travellers who rely on accessible facilities. To support planning before arrival, the hotel also provides detailed information online, including video and 3D tours of rooms and facilities. This allows guests to explore accessibility features in advance and select accommodation that best suits their individual needs. The Benefits of a Coastal Location Being located in Bournemouth brings additional advantages. The town is well known for its award-winning beaches, attractive gardens and scenic coastal promenade. For visitors with mobility considerations, being close to these open spaces can make a significant difference to the overall enjoyment of a stay. Guests can enjoy fresh sea air, coastal views and nearby green spaces without needing to travel far from accessible facilities. This combination of accessible accommodation and a welcoming seaside environment can help make a short break both relaxing and practical. A More Inclusive Future for Coastal Stays Creating accessible travel experiences does not always require dramatic changes. Often, it is the result of thoughtful planning, attention to detail and an understanding of what guests need to feel comfortable and independent. Travellers who prioritise accessibility often value consistency and reliability. Knowing that facilities have been considered in advance allows them to focus on enjoying their stay rather than navigating unexpected challenges. By integrating accessibility into the wider guest experience, Marsham Court Hotel reflects a growing shift within the hospitality industry — recognising that inclusive travel is an essential part of welcoming all guests. Contact Reservations on 01202 552111 for more information and pricing.Please note: Accessible bedrooms can only be booked direct with the hotel. https://www.marshamcourthotel.co.uk
Hull Trains highlights World Hearing Day
The top rated long-distance operator Hull Trains has partnered with Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf to release an impactful new short film ahead of World Hearing Day (Tuesday 3rd March). The initiative aims to highlight the importance of promoting empathy and understanding when interacting with people with all types of disabilities, including those which may not be obvious. Three members of the Centre for the Deaf’s community, Rachel Duke, Sheila Harness and Linda Jagger were welcomed onboard the popular Hull Trains 08:36 service to London King’s Cross to experience first-hand the care and compassion promoted by the onboard team. This included liaising directly with one of Hull Trains’ most recent recruits, Onboard Host, Gordon Wright, who is learning some of the basics of British sign language. The new short film created by the open-access operator in consultation with Hull and East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf includes British sign language and has been shared across its social media platforms to highlight the challenges that people with hearing difficulties can face when travelling, ahead of World Hearing Day. As part of the wider initiative Sarah Regan, Residential Manager, Hull & East Yorkshire Centre for the Deaf will also be visiting the Hull Trains offices to provide a Deaf Awareness training session for colleagues. Sarah Regan, Residential Manager, commented: “We were really pleased when Hull Trains approached us with this initiative. Anything that we can do to raise awareness of World Hearing Day and the challenges faced by the D/deaf community is vital. People assume that if there are screens with subtitles that ticks a box, however, they forget that the D/deaf community often has trouble reading and also that they do really enjoy personal human interaction. “D/deaf people don’t want to be ignored or pigeon-holed and they certainly haven’t been on this fantastic trip to London. I’m also delighted to support Hull Trains with a refresher course for the onboard team and management. They really care about their customers and it’s evident that want to support the community in any way they can.” Paul Jackson, Head of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement at Hull Trains, said: “This isn’t just about recognising a National Awareness Day, we are committed to really making a long-term difference for all our customers that have specific needs. It’s all about empathy and understanding. The D/deaf community has traditionally faced challenges when travelling, whether that’s interacting or understanding customer announcements. “At Hull Trains we’re aiming to change that by liaising directly with the community to increase our own understanding, further educate our team and continue our commitment to first-class customer service. I’m delighted Sarah and our special guests had a great day and we look forward to the next steps together.” According to the most recent data available, one in three adults in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. This equates to around 18 million adults in the UK. Staggeringly more than half the population aged 55 or more have some form of hearing loss. By the age of 70 years old 80% of people will have hearing loss. Significantly, more than 2.4 million adults in the UK have a high level of hearing loss that means they would struggle to hear most conversational speech. All disabilities are important, but some are naturally more visible, which can mean they are more likely to receive more understanding or acceptance. The deaf community can often feel isolated and receive frustration from those who do not understand why they can’t easily communicate. Hull Trains and Hull Deaf Centre hope to help change that. Hull Trains is well-renowned for its customer support, having been named the highest scoring long distance operator in the latest Rail Customer Experience Survey. The operator scored an impressive 91.6% overall satisfaction rating – higher than any other long-distance operator. You can watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4JWjNaUupw
David Brent sketch from Team BRIT gets 125k views
‘Poking fun at myself and my disability is part of who I am,’ says inspirational racing driver who starred in hit YouTube sketch with ‘David Brent’ An amputee racing driver with a great sense of humour plays a starring role in a comedy sketch that has been watched more than 125,000 times on YouTube. Paul Fullick appears alongside ‘David Brent’ in the humorous video that sees Tim Oliver – a well-known impersonator of Ricky Gervais’ character from The Office – make several awkward quips at the expense of Team BRIT members. Mr Fullick has the last laugh though in the near eight-minute offering by leaving Brent screaming “I feel sick” after being raced around Thruxton circuit with him in the passenger seat. “This was certainly a sponsor project like no other!” the 44-year-old from Fareham, near Portsmouth and Southampton, said about the video that was produced by Team BRIT sponsor Adrian Flux. “I really didn’t know what to expect when the team told me about what was being planned, but the whole thing was absolutely hilarious and a joy to be part of from start to finish. It was refreshing to be part of something that involves portraying disability in a different way – being confident to have fun and to be funny. “I’m really comfortable with poking fun at myself and my disability – it’s part of who I am. We shouldn’t shy away from that or be scared of having fun with who we are. I hope everyone enjoyed watching it – I loved being part of it, although I hope I don’t have too many coaching clients like ‘David’!” Mr Fullick is the butt of several cringeworthy comments that lean into Brent’s iconic role as a self-promoting, hypocritical and inappropriate boss of a fictional company’s office in Slough. The Hampshire racer is seen smiling and laughing, along with other members of the world’s only all-disabled motorsport team, and gets in on the fun by declaring “you can walk round, I’ll wheel round” as the pair enter the car he drives in the film. The BMW GT3 competitor is a former member of the British Army and was medically discharged in 2006 after sustaining injuries while serving. He joined Team BRIT in 2017 and has impressed behind the wheel despite also having to have his lower right leg amputated after a motorcycle crash in 2021. “Paul is just one example of the inspirational people that are involved with Team BRIT,” said Gerry Bucke, the general manager of Adrian Flux, the UK’s largest specialist motor insurance broker. “It’s been great to help shine more spotlight on what they’re doing and allow the team to be involved in some fun projects that portray a different side of living with disability. While there are challenges aplenty, there are also opportunities and Team BRIT is a great example of that. “Our partnership with them is the perfect merging of two brands that share so many values around providing solutions for individuals and opportunities for the underserved. To play a small part in helping disabled racing drivers compete is something that fills us with immense joy.” Adrian Flux, formed when its founder, a disabled driver, was struggling to get insurance, has been a Team BRIT sponsor since 2021 and has just agreed a two-year extension to that partnership. https://teambrit.co.uk/
The Duchess of Edinburgh attends charity dinner
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh attended a special dinner event hosted by the National Autistic Society on Thursday 12 February, entitled ‘Inclusive Futures: Education, Employment, and Autism’. The event, which was held at Clapham Michelin-Starred restaurant Trinity, was attended by guests including business leaders and supporters of the charity. Guests heard first-hand about the challenges faced by young autistic people, alongside the charity’s vision to increase the number of autistic people in employment through family support, inclusive education and more autism-friendly accredited employers. The Duchess of Edinburgh, who has been Royal Patron of the National Autistic Society since 2003, spent time talking to keynote speaker Grace Liu. Grace is autistic and spoke at length about the barriers she had to overcome at school and at the start of her career, describing years of misunderstanding and the inconsistent support she experienced in previous jobs. She also highlighted how the right adjustments have enabled her to thrive, culminating in her success as an artist, published author and valued member of staff at the National Autistic Society. Grace called for better support in schools and for employers to recognise the strengths that autistic people can bring to the workplace. According to data from the National Autistic Society, only 26% of autistic pupils feel happy at school, and only 30% of autistic people are in any type of employment. Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, Caroline Stevens, discussed the charity’s plans to work with education providers, the autistic community and employers to enable smoother transitions and strengthen pathways into meaningful employment for autistic young people. Adam Byatt, chef and owner of Trinity, is a keen supporter of the National Autistic Society. His 17-year-old daughter Rosie, who is autistic, works in Trinity’s kitchen after Adam made arrangements to support her success in the working environment, while also allowing her to be her own person and express herself creatively. Rosie designed the canapés presented to the guests and acted as a server on the night. Adam, who is also Chairman of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, was named Imbibe’s Restaurant Personality of The Year in 2017 as a result of his influence on London’s dining scene and his commitment to sharing knowledge with the future generations of young chefs. Adam said: “If our lived experience has taught us anything, it’s that young autistic people have the ability to become their own success stories. But they need vital support, guidance, understanding, and kindness to succeed. Cooking has always been a place of comfort for Rosie and an opportunity for her to express her creativity, so it was natural for her to begin her career with us in the kitchen at Trinity. Watching her in the kitchen, being part of a team and doing something so special every day gives us a great sense of pride. “The National Autistic Society is a remarkable organisation which opens doors for autistic people, and we were very proud to support the charity with this very special dinner.” Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive at the National Autistic Society, said: “We were delighted that Her Royal Highness was able to join us for the evening. It was a wonderful opportunity to shed light on the challenges, and advantages, that autistic young people are currently facing. “On behalf of the charity, I’d like to thank Adam and the rest of the team at Trinity for hosting us and for all of their hard work behind the scenes which ensured that everyone had a fantastic night.” For more information about the National Autistic Society, visit the website at www.autism.org.uk
Star Wars Superfan ‘feels the Force’ with Stiltz Homelift
Paul Couldrey, 54, is a man of many talents. Based in Brierley Hill, in the West Midlands, he’s fiercely smart and legally qualified. He’s created a consultancy specialising in the complex world of GDPR and data protection management, working predominantly with GP surgeries. His expertise means he’s much sought after and is invited to speak at conferences around the world.. However, like many great movie characters, there’s more to Paul than his day job because once the working day is over, he becomes Paul – the Star Wars Superfan. Downstairs is home to a unique collection of all things Star Wars. There’s signed memorabilia, merchandise, posters, costumes and props. He also shares his life with full-size replicas made by the actual designers from the film franchise. But there’s more because Paul has hidden talents. Armed with 3D printers, he’s a master of creating models, costume parts and even mock weapons for equally enthusiastic sci-fi-buff family and friends. “I have a resin printer in the office, which I use for making models, and in the garage I keep a filament printer for making things like guns, helmets and armour. I’m always creating something like that.” So, how did Paul come to need the help of a Stiltz Homelift? Born with muscular dystrophy, he was managing to walk and had been using a stairlift to access upstairs. Over time, his mobility did decline, but it was a particularly nasty fall that changed everything. Paul recounts the event, “I was upstairs in the office and got off my chair too quickly. I fell and I ended up with my ankle behind my shoulder.” Unsurprisingly, this resulted in a complex spiral fracture leading to hospital admission and several months of bed rest. “Being in bed for so long and with dystrophy, my muscles deteriorated, and I lost the ability to walk. Luckily, I already had an electric wheelchair, but there was no way I could transfer myself to the stairlift, so I was stuck downstairs.” Sadly, it was during this time that Paul’s son, Ethan, passed away aged just 24. He was also a wheelchair user, and the two shared an incredibly strong bond and a love for Star Wars. Understandably, Paul struggled to cope with the loss of Ethan. “I wasn’t looking after myself. I wasn’t sleeping or eating, and I had no strength to transfer myself from my wheelchair to the stairlift, so I was stuck downstairs.” Then, by chance, Paul saw a Stiltz Homelift featured on an episode of Grand Designs. “I saw a small lift and liked it; not heavy and clunky. I Googled it and realised there was one large and powerful enough to accommodate my chair.” Paul got in touch to arrange a free home consultation. “It was all really simple,” he says, “A guy from Stiltz came to do an assessment. He was great, not at all pushy, not one of those people you need to kick out after hours of trying to sell you something! He measured up, gave me the price and went through what the fitting would involve.” A full site survey followed, and a few weeks later, the installation of his Trio+ began. The first stage was the pre-enablement works, which meant cutting an aperture into the ceiling for the lift to take Paul from his living room to the office. The Stiltz build team handled it all. Paul recounts how it all went, “Nothing was too much trouble for them. The guys were great local lads; they even took photos of upstairs so that I could see progress. When they finished, two other guys came the next day to fit the lift. When they arrived, I said there was no way they’d fit it in a day – but they did. I was amazed. That was 18 months ago, and it’s been fabulous.” Having the Stiltz Trio+ has transformed life for Paul and his partner Sam, both physically and mentally. “It was such a boost for my family,” says Paul. “Being able to work in my office again was the best birthday present. And sleeping in my own bed felt incredible.” Life has opened back up for Paul. “I can move around the house now. It takes me just 40 seconds instead of 4 minutes to go between floors. If I want a break from work, I can nip to the garage, spend some time on my models and be back at my desk in no time. It’s now part of our world, but you don’t see it. When people come over, they don’t notice it as I tend to park it upstairs. Having said that, my son’s friends have offered to vinyl wrap it so it’s blue like Dr Who’s Tardis!” He adds jokingly, “If I ever customise it, then I’m adding smoke and getting it to play the Star Wars Imperial march tune as it descends!” As our visit to Paul’s world draws to a close, it’s clear that he has a new vigour for life and tells us about the wonderful way he’s chosen to create a lasting legacy for his son, which he hopes will help others. Ethan’s middle name was ‘Obi-Wan’ after the Jedi character Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Paul would always call him by this name. So, whenever his son had challenges, he’d say, ‘It’s Obi and Dad against the world,’ and it inspired Ethan to start writing stories. Paul has now made these available to purchase online. This, in turn, inspired Paul to turn to penning books for children. He writes about being different, saying, “Everyone can feel like an impostor at times, I know I do. We worry the way we look doesn’t conform, and I wanted to talk about not being embarrassed because we all feel this way at times – even adults. It’s just life lessons and what I taught Ethan as a Dad.” As well as writing about overcoming issues and adversity, Paul is living proof it’s possible to achieve it,
Percussion Play Highlights the Power of Music for ASD
To mark World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April 2026), Percussion Play, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor musical instruments, is highlighting its outdoor musical instrument, the Duo, and the benefits it brings to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Duo encourages social interaction in a comfortable and pressure-free manner and allows players to engage with one another without the need for direct eye contact or close physical proximity, creating communication in a safe and inclusive environment. As a result, the Duo is a popular choice for music therapy projects aimed at supporting people with ASD. ASD impacts social, verbal, and cognitive development, often making communication challenging. Percussion Play’s White Paper on The Benefits of Music for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders, highlights that music engages both hemispheres of the brain, making it a powerful tool for therapeutic interventions. Studies have linked musical play and therapy to enhanced cognitive function, language development, and improved social interactions. Music therapy, in particular, has been shown to help individuals with ASD engage more positively with those around them. Engaging with music, whether through listening, playing an instrument, or participating in rhythmic activities, can be a powerful tool for emotional expression, focus, and sensory integration. Research shows that rhythm-based music therapies can strengthen attention, encourage social engagement, support speech and language development, and promote emotional self-regulation. For children with ASD, who may experience challenges with social interaction, music offers a natural pathway to connection. Introducing a musical instrument into their environment creates a safe, non-threatening way to explore sound and rhythm, gradually building confidence and comfort. As children develop a connection with the instrument, they often become more open to shared musical experiences, creating meaningful interaction and social communication. Percussion Play now offers more than 75 outdoor musical instruments and sound sculptures, reaffirming its position as the leading creator of inclusive, accessible music‑making experiences. Earlier this year, the company expanded its portfolio with a new range designed to inspire vibrant community spaces. Adding to the world’s largest collection of outdoor instruments, the lineup introduces four imaginative, nature‑inspired designs – the Butterfly, Ladybug, Toadstool, and Sylvan Bell Trees – along with new additions to the popular Street Drum Collection, including the Street Congas Duo and Trio. Developed in response to customer and community insights, these innovative instruments reflect Percussion Play’s mission to make outdoor music‑making joyful for all, combining creative design with exceptional durability and outstanding sound quality. You can read more research on the benefits of outdoor music-making for people with ASD here.
IMPOWER and the Council for Disabled Children, new partnership
IMPOWER and the Council for Disabled Children (CDC) have today announced a new partnership offering insight and practical support to local SEND systems at a critical point in SEND system reform. The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people and for their families. By combining complementary expertise, IMPOWER and CDC will support local systems to translate national policy ambition into practical, child-centred change. CDC is both a trusted national voice on SEND, with deep expertise in policy, children’s rights and co-production, and an award-winning partner working with local SEND teams to drive improvements in support for children and families. IMPOWER brings extensive experience supporting local authorities and public services to design and deliver sustainable, outcomes-focused change across SEND and wider public services. IMPOWER and CDC have worked together for many years, including as part of a consortium delivering the Department for Education’s SEND and Alternative Provision Change Programme – Reaching Excellence and Ambition for all Children (REACH). IMPOWER are also partnered with CDC to deliver the What Works in SEND awards in April. Through this new partnership, IMPOWER and CDC will work together to offer comprehensive delivery support to areas, bringing in other specialist support organisations to create bespoke improvement input. The partnership will support local systems to navigate change – setting and delivering an inclusive ambition. This includes responding to potential change brought about by the Schools White Paper and further expected policy and financial announcements, helping to translate these policy ambitions into co-produced, practical, child-centred improvements – strengthening inclusion, improving experiences for families, and ensuring services are sustainable for the future. As part of this work, IMPOWER and CDC anticipate convening shared learning activity to help all systems prepare and drive change in this next phase of SEND reform. Sean Hanson, Chief Executive of IMPOWER, said: “SEND reform only works if national ambition is matched by practical support for local systems to deliver change on the ground. Through this partnership, we can support local systems to take what works, apply it locally, and deliver change that is practical, inclusive and sustainable.” Amanda Allard, Strategic Director, Council for Disabled Children, said: “At the heart of SEND reform must be the voices and experiences of children, young people and their families. For it to succeed, it must reflect what they tell us matters most. This work will support local areas to apply learning and evidence in ways that help create more inclusive services and better outcomes.”
Reclaiming My Voice: My Journey with FND
Imagine waking up and suddenly realising you can no longer move or speak. That became my reality at age 13. I was a happy, healthy teenager until Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – a condition where the brain’s “software” crashes even though the “hardware” is intact – stripped away my independence.My brain and body completely shut down on me. For six months my mind went blank and I didn’t know who or what anything was. I don’t remember the early days of my illness and life before it is a blur. I became suddenly and severely disabled having all my abilities taken away from me. I was rushed to hospital for testing and came out four months later with a diagnosis of FND. For three years, I was completely bed bound, and for five years, I was unable to walk. I lost my ability to communicate for a year. I felt trapped inside my own body. I was stuck in a hospital bed, unable to sit in a wheelchair without agony. The local wheelchair services even told me no equipment was suitable for my needs. It was a terrifying, isolating experience, made worse by a lack of understanding from some medical professionals. Recovery has not been a straight line, but it is happening. Today, I have finally reclaimed my voice. I am learning to walk again, transitioning from being bedridden to standing independently and walking with support. I’ve been fighting FND since I was 13 and I’m now 23. Most of my days are now spent reclaiming the life FND once took from me. Achieving my dream of visiting London was a massive turning point in my rehabilitation. I have now visited the capital many times and I also achieved a long held wish of mine when I met the cast of the ITV show Loose Women. I’ve met 15 panelist’s altogether. Another goal I’ve now achieved is visiting 100 towns and cities across the UK. It feels wonderful to travel again after being housebound due to FND. My next wish is to visit Cyprus as I have Cypriot heritage. I’m busy raising awareness about FND. I’m no longer trapped; I’m finally moving forward. These moments remind me that while FND took my mobility, it could never take my determination.I don’t know if I’ll ever fully recover from FND but I’m now learning to live with my new normal. I’m adjusting to life post severe FND. I share my story now to raise awareness. FND is a very real, debilitating illness that is often misunderstood because it’s “invisible” on standard scans. I want anyone else struggling with this condition to know they are not alone. Even when everything feels lost, you can find a way forward. I lost my voice and my freedom at 13, but ten years later, I have gained a resilience I never knew I had. I’m no longer letting FND define what I can achieve – I’m living life on my own terms. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/functional-neurologic-disorder