One in a MILLION!
This week, we’re celebrating Chloë Hammond, 32, from Weston-super-mare, for breaking down barriers. She said...
Wheeling out onto the stage, anxiety flushed through me as I looked out at the huge crowd. Leading my assistance dog Ocho, now two, out with me, I tried to calm my nerves.
Don’t mess it up, I thought. Then, I opened my mouth and started to speak...
Attending the Mendip Hills Area of Natural Beauty Annual Conference, in October 2022, I gave my first public speech to spread disability awareness.
Speaking about my own experience and advocating for greater accessibility in nature, I was overjoyed.
I wanted everyone to know that despite having a disability, you can still achieve your biggest dreams.
As that’s exactly what I did.
When I was 15 years old, I was diagnosed with multiple disabilities including hypermobile Ehlersdanlos, which causes my joints to dislocate.
So, I had to adapt to life in a wheelchair.
But seeing the work of the nurses in Bristol Children’s Hospital around me, a seed was sown.
That’s what I want to do, I thought to myself.
And so I pursued my dream, studying nursing at the University of West London and starting my career, too.
But two years ago, I realised that I could do with some extra support with my disabilities, especially living alone.
So, I welcomed Ocho, my assistance dog, into my life. Helping to undress me and unloading the washing machine with his teeth, life with Ocho is much easier. And now, in my current role at Radis Community Care helping people with disabilities access the care they need, Ocho comes along to my home visits. ‘What does Ocho do for you?’ a client asked. ‘He gave me back my independence,’ I replied. After explaining more, I even helped him register his interest for an assistance dog.
I just want others to know that having a disability doesn’t mean it’s the end.
In March 2023, I was named the Inspirational Woman of the Year on ITV’S This Morning – it was the most surreal surprise!
Now, my next goal is to encourage more inclusion in universities – I want to inspire disabled young people that they can achieve their dreams. After all, I’m living proof of that, being the only nurse in the UK to use a wheelchair and have an assistance dog, too. But I’m more than proud of my disabilities – they have only made me dream bigger.
You can always fulfil your dreams