I AM WHO I AM!

In the beginning

When I was born, as well as Phocomelia, I also had a dislocated right hip. An orthopaedic consultant said he would have me on my feet within 3 years. I was in a full body cast, with a hole cut in the front and back, and in hospital for 18 months. It was the first of many operations - I stopped counting once I reached 25.

Schooling

When I was 3, I was sent to a boarding school in Sussex with over 50 Thalidomide kids and over 400 pupils. I went home three times a year. My happiest times were at school and if any of my old school friends rang me today, and needed some help, I would just go.

I have never blamed my mother for my disability as she was prescribed the drug Thalidomide to help with morning sickness. But I never really had a good relationship with my parents. My true family was at school as we all understood and knew what it was like to be disabled.

my mouth, as you are closer to the canvas and can do more detail. I really like having a blank canvas, getting an idea of what to do, then starting. I use a standard brush but put a pen lid on the end, or else the paint brushes get soggy. I paint anything that takes my fancy, winter motifs, Christmas motifs, spring motifs, anything. I love doing snow - you can cover a lot of mistakes with snow! I sometimes work from photos.

I send my paintings to the MFPA who turn them into cards to sell. I am a ‘student artist’ and my painting skills are reassessed every 3 years. They pay me a grant every year from the sales of the works. I have to send a minimum of 5 paintings a year, but I send more. I discuss what I might paint with my tutor Steve, and his wife Helen. It can be hard when I’m learning something new, but if you don’t try anything then things will be hard. My woodwork teacher at Chailey Heritage always said “Nothing is impossible” – well to a certain extent he was right!

How people can do better

Call the Midwife did two episodes about the Thalidomide effect. They contacted the Thalidomide Society, asked us about our lives and experiences and they really hit the nail on the head. The best route to understanding us is by (a) talking to us and (b) asking us questions. Don’t do that thing where you ask the abled person -does he or she take sugar in their tea? Spit your question out

You can’t get angry with your past, you can’t change it. I get on with my life. I have accepted I’ve got a disability and I’ve got to ask if I need help. I am who I am! I am living my life as I want to live it and if they

So if I can do it, you can do it. If you have a disability, one of the most important things is that you must accept it. Then life will be easier. You are