Community Stories

Our team all understands the financial burdens that come with being disabled – but in different ways.  In 2010, Emma’s first child was born and diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis four weeks later. Being a new mum can be challenging enough, but adding on a lifetime condition can really pile on the pressure. Here she shares […]

For some, receiving a diagnosis can be a daunting experience. But for me, For some, receiving a diagnosis can be a daunting experience. But for me, finding answers after years of uncertainty and finally getting a name for the strange symptoms I’d been living with for 17 years was a relief. After countless hospital admissions, […]

Watching the Paralympians take to the track in Paris can be inspiring, but not all of us can be professional athletes. However, exercise can play an important role for many of us when it comes to managing our symptoms. Whilst Purpl member, Jay Marie Ashby has no plans to go for Gold in the Paralympics, […]

Three years ago, Purpl member Toby Richardson’s life changed forever – but he hasn’t let it slow him down. In fact, he’s getting faster and aiming for future Paralympic glory. We managed to grab Toby for a quick chat about his story and ask him some questions about his aims to be a gold winning […]

Hello, I’m Claire and I have MS. My journey to diagnosis took approximately 9 years. I began with numb legs and arms which would come on periodically then go. You may recognise the uniform I’m wearing but may not recognise that I’m actually sat in the engine of a 747 aircraft and you certainly won’t […]

X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic disorder that primarily affects males, as it is caused by mutations in genes located on the X chromosome – meaning that females are usually carriers of the mutated gene but do not typically exhibit symptoms themselves. The condition leads to progressive degeneration of the light-sensitive cells in the […]

I was born with a visual impairment. Some members of my family have a rare genetic condition that results in us having detached retinas, glaucoma, cataract, poor night vision and sometimes, like in my case, really poor peripheral vision.  Because of this, I’ve been around braille my whole life, there wasn’t a time when a […]

Hello, I’m Funmi Lawal, a passionate entrepreneur and inventor, and I’d like to share my journey with you. Born in Camden, London, on October 16, 1967, my life has been a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals facing mobility challenges and disabilities. My Educational and Professional Background […]