My name is Tilly Louise, I live in Shere, and I’ve had Cerebral Palsy (CP) since birth. My CP affects everything I do. It affects my speech, my arms, my legs, my body tone and means I have to use a walker/wheelchair. Fortunately, my mind was the only part which wasn't affected, so inside I'm just like anyone else! Despite all my difficulties, I try to live as normal a life as possible including traveling to and from college independently, going out with friends and doing all the usual things an 18 year old would do! I always wondered ‘Why me?’ but I have come to realise how much I could do to help to put the world right for people with disabilities! I am determined to show the world that a disability doesn't change a person inside, and that that person is just as capable of thinking/doing the same things as anyone else. I want to inspire and encourage others with disabilities to get out there and live their lives!

About the Trip

From January 18th to March 19th 2018 I’m planning to set off for my travels to Cape Town where I will be volunteering in local schools helping teach Maths, English and ICT as well as other subjects. I will also be running my own sessions which will include the following: Drama – focusing on script work, team work and social skills. Dance – teaching set routines around contemporary and theatrical dance. Vocal – teaching how to control the voice whilst singing as well as how to warm up the vocal cords properly to avoided damaging them.

There are several personal aims of the trip as follows:

• To help improve other countries attitudes to disabilities.

• To encourage the orphans that no matter what you face in life, anything's possible.

• To encourage other people with disabilities to get out and live their lives.

• To prove to the world that just because someone has a disability, doesn't mean they are not capable of doing things, having normal experiences and living their lives fully!

The overall cost of the trip will be in the region of £12,000 which includes the cost of a helper to support me throughout the trip. If you are able, please support me!

Thank you