Spiderman Sean was what I called myself back in 2015 (7yrs old) and ran the mini great north run raising over £1000 for a local charity who supports visually impaired children like me. I decided I wanted to bring Spiderman Sean back to raise money not only to help visually impaired children but to help children of all different backgrounds and abilities. I will once again run in a Spiderman suit.

When I was 3 months old I got my first pair of glasses. By the time I was 3 years old I lost all of my vision in my left eye and lost vision in my right eye. After countless surgeries to try and get my sight back they unfortunately all failed in my left eye however I still have sight in my right eye although it has extensive lattice degeneration I still have some sight. 

Blood samples were taken to try and find out why I lost my sight and it was found I am the only person in the world who has the mutation in my genes that I do. I have a connective tissue disorder which means everywhere in my body I have this certain connective tissue (which is all over the body)  it can deteriorate like my eyes. I have what is thought to be a form of Stickler Syndrome. This is a progressive degenerative disorder that has no cure and symptoms become more severe as you age.  At 12 years old I started experiencing a lot of back pain. it was found I have slight scoliosis and one leg slightly longer than the other which means I wear insoles in my shoes and take pain relief medication almost everyday. At 14 years old my right eye has started deteriorating more and I lost my right peripheral vision. I have been told by medical professionals to get as many visual experiences as I can because I may reach adulthood blind. 

At 6 years old I was diagnosed with Autism and at 13 years old I was diagnosed with ADHD. This means I struggle a lot socially and it is hard for me to make and keep friendships.

Over the past few years I have struggled with my mental health and made attempts to end my life. I am a survivor of domestic violence and since 2018 (9 years old)  it has taken up a lot of my life. I was forced through the court system for over 4 years and it was too much. Due to Covid, mental health services that should have helped me had huge waiting lists. Luckily my mam found True Colours Theatre. A place where I can be myself, I am loved and supported for who I am. They gave me the confidence to live and realise my life is worth living. Best of all it is somewhere all of my siblings can go to so we get to have something we all share together and I have been able to make friends.

True Colours Theatre is a charity that provides an all inclusive, full acceptance environment for children and young adults of all ages and abilities. This is done through sensory and performance arts classes. Throughout the year they also do activities which are based on mental health awareness. All members are able to grow in confidence and develop in an environment without experiencing stigma. The members get opportunities throughout the year to perform on the main stage at festivals, theatres and charity events. 

I myself have had amazing opportunities to experience both visually and to boost my confidence. I have performed at the Whitley Bay Playhouse twice, Little Lindi Festival, multiple Northern Pride events just to name a few. 

While I still have some sight and while I am still capable of running it is one of my dreams to be able to give back to True Colours as they have gave me experiences I could have only ever dreamed of and they helped my mental health at an extremely difficult time in my life.

PLEASE donate and help me help True Colours Theatre give amazing experiences to some of the most vulnerable in our community. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit and read my JustGiving page.