It is important for me to represent Reach as a charity because of the support they have give me at all stages of my life. Disabled people remain a largely misunderstood subset of society, however, by having positive role models and the support of a charity who uplifts our voices, we are able to create a more fair and understanding world.
Emily T as Reach Trustee
Disability pride: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CvX1iF8oQnM/?igsh=dnhzYzI2N3RhMGs2
@loubihawkins
Reach member, Anoushé is a champion for all those experiencing barriers and self-limiting beliefs. Born missing her right arm below the elbow, living with multiple health conditions, a cancer survivor, a Muslim and coming from an ethnic minority, Anoushé has never let what society or culture thinks she should do limit her or dictate the direction of her life. She is constantly breaking the mould and challenging not only her own beliefs about her own potential but also that of society and her own culture.
Anoushé has become a role model to anyone facing a self-limiting belief or barrier and is sharing her journey to help others unlock their potential. Anoushé candidly talks about her life, how she has remained resilient in the face of huge obstacles and talks about issues that society do not talk about enough. A civil servant by day, Anoushé is a paraclimber in the UK and an ambassador for both Ehlers-Danlos Support UK and Limbpower. In 2017, Anoushé won the Asian Women of Achievement Award for Sport and the 2017 recipient of the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration at The Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards. In 2022 Anoushé shared her story in her contribution to the book Tough Women, edited by Jenny Tough and more recently Anoushé has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to people with disabilities as ambassador of Ehlers Danlos Support UK and LimbPower and disability champion.
Limb Loss & Limb Difference UK
People living with disabilities often face an uphill battle in society. Whether their struggles are emotional or physical, the only way we can begin to work towards an inclusive world is to raise awareness, inform, educate and start a conversation. Our goals include reducing isolation and loneliness whilst increasing self-esteem and wellbeing.
REACH, together with an amazing array of partner charities and support groups across the UK is getting ready for Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month #LLLDAM. Which happens every year in April – WATCH THIS SPACE!