I was born with VACTERL Association, a rare condition that affects around one in 30,000 births. From the very beginning of my life, I have faced significant medical challenges.

My condition meant I was born with a heart defect, curvature of the spine, missing fingers, bowel and bladder complications, and only one kidney.

By the time I was just two and a half years old, I had already gone through seven major operations, including open-heart surgery, multiple bowel surgeries and surgery on my spinal cord.

 

Much of my early childhood was spent in hospitals and recovery, which was not always easy for me or my family.
However, those experiences also helped shape the person I am today. Instead of letting my condition define my limits, I chose to use my journey to inspire and support others who might be facing similar challenges.
From a young age, I began sharing my story with healthcare professionals, parents and children, talking honestly about what it is like growing up with a disability and how important confidence, resilience and self-belief can be.

 

When I was just ten years old, I had the opportunity to deliver a presentation to more than 600 specialist nurses at the Association of Stoma Care Nurses Conference, sharing my experiences in the hope that it would help them better understand and support young patients like me.
As Children’s Ambassador for both the Junior Ostomy Support Helpline (J.O.S.H.), part of Colostomy UK, and the Mitrofanoff Support group, I advocated for young people living with complex medical conditions.

 

I spoke at events and conferences, while also supporting families as they adjusted to life with a stoma, offering empathy, insight, and encouragement.

I discovered a passion for shooting after being given 1-1 sessions and from there I began developing my skills and confidence in the sport. With practice and support, I continued to improve, and was invited to try out for the GB disability pathway at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the national centre for disability sport. There, I was talent- spotted as a potential future athlete for Team GB Paralympics in shooting.

I am currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Research Methods in Psychology at the University of Plymouth, with the intention of developing a career in psychological research.

Living with a disability has taught me an important lesson: it’s not about focusing on limitations, but about recognising what you can do. I believe in using my experiences to help others, and showing that with determination, confidence and belief in yourself, it is possible to achieve more than you might ever imagine.