This year I’ll be taking part in a ‘Smile for a Mile’ to raise money for Special Kids in the UK, a charity that supports families with disabled children. Not only does the Special Kids organise a surfing weekend that even the most disabled child can enjoy and a week’s camping where over 40 families come together under canvas forming lifelong friendships, but they also facilitate families coming together all year round either in person or over the internet. It’s a lifeline to many isolated families.

Special kids have supported my family and I since I was very young and first diagnosed with a neuromuscular syndrome. As I’ve grown up, I’ve met other children with invisible disabilities through Special Kids and our friendships have continued into adulthood. The charity is a big part of our lives and I’m very proud that my mum is now one of the trustees.

‘Smile for a Mile’ is an annual event at our camp. We call it that so that everyone can take part, even the children who cannot walk, as we can all smile and have fun together. There are even some days that I find walking very tiring due to my own disability, but I can always smile.

Thank you for your support.