It’s been 15 years.

Following a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, I was given a walking frame shortly after my second birthday. It allowed me to move around without the constant fear of falling and gave me the opportunity to strengthen my stride.

But it wasn’t without its challenges.

The frame was large, clunky, and often difficult to manoeuvre. When I moved from a community special school into mainstream education, there was rarely space for it in the classroom. More often than not, it would be left in the corner while I navigated the room by holding onto chairs, tables, and anything else within reach.

It wasn’t ideal, but it made me stronger.

Over time, I relied on the frame less and less. By the end of primary school, it had gone from being something I depended on every day to something I had to remind myself to take home—and even then, I often forgot it.

So, at 11 years old, after discussions with my parents and healthcare professionals, I decided: the frame would not be transitioning to secondary school with me.

And I have never looked back.

I have been fortunate. My Cerebral Palsy is relatively mild, and, unlike many conditions, it is not degenerative. That meant improvement was possible—a privilege not everyone living with a disability has.

I also didn’t achieve it alone.

I have been blessed with parents and grandparents who encouraged me every step of the way. But as I grew stronger, my grandparents gradually became weaker.

When I was 15, my grandad was diagnosed with dementia. In the years that followed, two more of my grandparents received the same diagnosis. By the age of 24, I had lost three grandparents to dementia.

Those experiences taught me something important: nobody should face life’s toughest challenges alone.

Whether that lesson came from growing up with a disability or from watching loved ones navigate dementia, I learned the value of support, care, and having people around you when you need them most.

That’s exactly why I’m raising money for Dementia Carers Count.

Every day, countless dementia carers provide extraordinary support to the people they love, often while feeling isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed themselves. Dementia Carers Count exists to ensure those carers are heard, supported, and never left to face that journey alone. They provide tailored practical and emotional support while campaigning for lasting change.

With that in mind, on 4th October I will be running the Manchester Half Marathon.

This run marks 15 years of walking independently without my frame, but it is about far more than celebrating a personal milestone. It is about supporting those who spend every day caring for someone else.

By sponsoring me, you will be helping Dementia Carers Count continue providing vital support to carers when they need it most.

And just like getting rid of my frame all those years ago, I won’t be doing this alone.

A huge thank you goes to Neet Shah, whose dedication to improving my strength and mobility has helped prepare me for this challenge.

I can’t promise a fast finishing time.

But, just as I was determined to leave my walking frame behind 15 years ago, I am determined to cross that finish line🏁