Gemma: Just Watch Me Write

by Gemma Foord, Communications Volunteer

My name is Gemma & I’m 19 years old. I’m a Comms volunteer for Whizz Kidz, which involves writing articles like this! This is my “Just Watch Me”.

A bit about me

I’m a keen foodie/baker and bookworm. I really enjoy reading, writing, colouring and scrapbooking – anything creative, really. I also love dogs!

I have always loved singing and dancing but I had to stop for various reasons during my time at secondary school. I would love to rediscover and continue both of these things at university.

I also enjoy yoga.

I’d describe myself as friendly and positive, but a little shy.

I am really proud of myself for being able to get through challenges. I tend to need a lot of reassurance, but I feel really proud once I have achieved something.

Everyday life

A really good day definitely involves brownies or cake – basically any baking of some sort; mostly chocolate-based. Cuddles with the dog, always. I love being by the beach, when I can.

We love movies and TV series as a family and will make time in the evening to sit down together and watch something. Outer Banks and Tryingare our current favourites (and both highly recommended!).

I had to defer my university placement for medical reasons, so my own physical ability is better than previously. I am also in a little less pain generally, which is nice. I’m incredibly grateful to my orthopaedics, neurology and physio consultants.

I  definitely feel most confident and comfortable when I am surrounded by my closest family and friends. My self-confidence has never been particularly good, but via my volunteering role for Whizz Kidz over the past year, my confidence in my ability has improved a lot.

Cooking and baking is my me-time. It makes me feel calmer; I find it incredibly grounding, especially when I have had a difficult day.

It makes such a difference to be able to do something for myself – not just in a physical mobility sense, but also as a form of self-care. When I bake, I am not reliant on anybody; I hardly ever have to ask for help because I have learnt how to adapt and manage. I am not anxious or panicking or overthinking; I am just baking. Watching everything whip and swirl and drizzle and rise.

I feel very happy and proud whenever I cook and bake. I love making others happy through baking and food.

When I was born, my parents were told it was unlikely I would ever walk. Now I walk independently, albeit with a few challenges.

Spending less of my time explaining myself/my needs or condition to people would make things a lot easier. As a disabled person, you spend more time doing this than you realise! It is exhausting; you don’t want to leave gaps or miss things out so you can be provided with everything you need, or so that someone knows all the necessary information.

It’s a really personal thing to disclose, even if you do it all the time. It does make me feel quite self-conscious, and I don’t like doing it, but sometimes there’s no choice.  

A big step for me (that’s happening very soon) is starting my course at university. It will involve exploring new spaces, moving into a new flat with new people and uni life. I’m very anxious, but looking forward to it.

I also want to travel one day – properly. I wasn’t able to on my gap year due to medical reasons. I’d love to be able to say there was a period in my life where I was able to see the world.

Whizz Kidz and me

I’ve been aware of Whizz Kidz from a very young age, as I remember seeing my dad run marathons for them.

When I started thinking about what to do during a recovery period and my year out, my dad mentioned that Whizz Kidz needed someone to help with Comms (Communications). It made so much sense – I had a small amount of writing experience already, and it was a good way to continue building on my writing skills, especially since I’m going to study English.

The chance to support a disability charity seemed like a no-brainer, as the topic is very close to my heart. The fact that I’ve been given a chance to write about some amazing topics and stories is such a privilege, and I really enjoy it!

Some days I do become down or frustrated, especially on days where I’m already struggling – so the stress of not being able to do something or participate as others would, is exacerbated. Most days I am completely fine and it doesn’t bother me.

I used a wheelchair a lot more when I was younger, as my mobility was more difficult. I’ve had to use a lot of different aids throughout my life, and every one is different and helps or has helped me in a different way. Now, I rely on my aids (and other people) much less.  

I think Whizz Kidz is crucial – not just for wheelchair users. Even if you aren’t disabled, or have a disability that means you aren’t a wheelchair user, you can still benefit from Whizz Kidz in other ways – it just gives disabled people a space, and means that non-disabled people have an opportunity to learn new things and educate themselves.

There is so much support that they provide, not just in terms of equipment. They have amazing opportunities for socialisation, days out, clubs and support groups. Your disability is not the main talking point or the thing that needs discussing in order to meet your needs. Everybody there will have lived experience of disability – whether being disabled themselves; as a parent/sibling/carer, or as a staff member who will support you as much as possible.

They will adapt to be able to support you properly and give you opportunities to express yourself and your opinions. That is not something disabled people get a lot of. It is so lovely to have that safe space.

Things to remember

• That people who are disabled should not be underestimated. Disabled people can do more than others think; just because we have to find a way to do it differently doesn’t mean it isn’t right or valid. It is what makes us so individual and creative and unique.
• Sometimes you may have to treat or approach somebody differently because they are disabled, such as offering adjustments to wheelchair users, or giving a deaf person access to BSL and interpreting. It is important to remember that it should not make them feel excluded – rather, the adjustments should purely be for inclusivity.