Back when I was growing up (and even now) I always tried to find ways “around” things- learning to ride a bike, tying a shoe lace, learning to swim. In a way it is easy for me, as I was born with one arm and so don’t know anything different.

But there were always some things that, no matter how much I tried or methods I devised, I was still unable to do- tying my hair up, cutting with a knife and fork even more simple tasks such as drawing a straight line using a ruler, when the damn thing wouldn’t keep still!

These are the things that made me feel (dare I say it…) disabled and the times when I needed a little help but didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that I was different to my friends and couldn’t do everything they could.

This is where Reach came in.  They listened to my frustrations and gave either straight forward advice or researched what could be done.

Sometimes simple solutions could be developed such as sticking a ruler to a larger piece of material so I could lean on it to draw a straight line.  Other times more extravagant solutions had to be designed like adapting a musical instrument so that I could learn how to play it.  No matter what it was they helped me, which allowed me to feel more ‘normal’ and more like I fitted in.

Reach is a charity set up to help children who have upper limb disabilities- not just children who were born with them (like me) but others who have lost limbs and have to re-educate themselves on how to do everything.  It’s a charity close to my heart after experiencing the difference they can make first hand and so now I want to try and give something back.

I want to make sure they can continue their work and allow children with disabilities the best opportunities and allow them to feel like they fit in.

So I will be swimming 450 metres- cycling 22km and running 5km (ONE AFTER THE OTHER....NO BREAKS!!!) to try and raise £250- anyone who knows me understands that this is a huge challenge based on the lack of exercise I actually do!

I want to say a huge thank you to anyone who donates any amount of money to Reach charity!