: About Me

Hi.

My name is Helen Elizabeth Sims. I am a 28 year old woman. My life, so far, has been, how should I put this, a challenge!

From the age of 9 days old I have had Cerebral Palsy. For me, this is a physical disability, which means it is necessary for me to wear splints and walk with crutches when I am out and about.
Over the years, as a result of this, I have had many orthopaedic operations. One of my biggest achievements is learning to walk virtually from scratch. At age 14, I was almost totally wheelchair bound, and now, thanks to some wonderful doctors, and a large dose of determination, I only need the chair for shopping sprees!

In terms of family, my parents divorced when I was eight and until three years ago I lived with my mum and step dad, (both teachers), my sister Alison who is three years younger than me, and two cats Daisy and Imran.

My time in hospital was not easy. I was young and 400 miles from my family and friends. This triggered my depression which I know I will always have from time to time.
Despite the many problems my disability brings me, I don't think I would have it any other way. It has made me a much stronger person with an ability to understand and empathise with others. I am a very open, honest person and I don't believe in hiding anything.
I am proud of the fact that people consider me "wise beyond my years" and trust me enough to come and talk about the things that are bothering them. My disability, I feel, has helped give me that skill.

My passion in life is my writing. I have always kept a diary in some form or another and I began writing short stories when I was very young. Now though, I feel I am best at poetry. It is part of me, another way of expressing my feelings. My work comes from experience, but, more importantly than that, it is from the heart.

I met my husband Colin at the local Citizens Advice Bureau where I did voluntary work for a while. Ours is an 'age gap' relationship. He is 57. We were together for four years before we finally got married on April 12th 2006. He is a wonderful, sensitive person who helps me to stay strong, and despite my disability, depression and two miscarriages, now I am, I think, a happy (and usually sane)person. I am living proof that you can overcome pretty much anything, if you believe that you can.

Health & Fitness > Emotional Health & Wellbeing The never ending journey of those living with disability

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Life Is What You Make It From the start, things were stacked against me. I was a premature baby, born at seven months. That alone meant my chances weren't good. I was tiny, weighing less than a bag of sugar. I fit easily in my parents' hands, but, thanks to a series of 'unfortunate events', it would be a long time before either would hold their baby daughter. Soon after my somewhat eager entrance to the world, I was taken, as 'prem' babies are, to the Intensive Care Unit, and placed in an incubator. I will tell you, to the best of my knowledge (through what Mum has told me) and ability, ab...

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