1/My Journey to @seftoncouncil & Deputy to @MetroMayorSteve:
When I was 6 weeks old, @AlderHey hospital gave my parents a very unfavourable prognosis. I had an aggressive #Neuroblastoma which was partially resected, treated with chemotherapy & radiotherapy for about 2 yrs

2/My oncologist, Dr John Martin called me a miracle child as the Neuroblastoma stopped growing at Stage 4 having invaded my spinal canal. In fact, I was later diagnosed as having a #Ganglioneuroblastoma, which is an intermediate tumor that arises from nerve tissues. – bei Liverpool

3/Due to the tumour & its treatments, I'm left with long term disability. I grew up with mobility related conditions such as a dropped foot, hip dysplacia & a kypho-scoliosis. From the age of 4 years old to 16 years old, I had to wear an artificial foot orthosis (torture device). – bei Liverpool

4/ It was a nightmare to find nice shoes to fit over it. It was excruciatingly painful as it was created to force my dropped foot into a flat position, rather than me walking on my toes on one foot. – bei Liverpool

5/ Radiotherapy & chemotherapy have late effects - one I have is #Osteoporosis - a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak & may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from sneezing or minor bumps

6/ The Royal Osteoporosis Society has a lot of information on the causes, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
They also have guidelines for doctors treating women with hormone therapy for breast cancer.
https://theros.org.uk 

7/Albeit, I face numerous difficulties with my health - my family have been the bedrock of encouragement and support throughout. My family have shown me that strength does not come from physical capacity but from an indomitable will.

8/That indomitable will helped me to achieve a Bachelor of Laws degree at the @UCLanLaw, which I studied with French & French law. In 2005, I passed my Legal Practice Course at @UCLanLaw. In addition, I was awarded a Law School Prize for Meritorious Performance.

9/In December 2010, I graduated at the @LivUni- gaining a Masters in Law, Medicine and Healthcare. I was overwhelmed at achieving this accomplishment as in 2009, I had my first major total hip replacement operation, which had caused me to defer my placement.

10/Living with disabilities often means you have to work harder to disprove misconceptions & stigmatisation. Sadly, I have always faced discrimination because of my physical impairments. Getting jobs is always more challenging as employers assume you will be off sick too much.

11/I was even asked at an interview once - "Were you really allowed to meet the client in your previous job?" WOW. I will always advocate on behalf of people with disabilities as I have first hand experience of the cruel and difficult challenges we face.

12/In 2016, I was delighted when I was selected to be a #Labour Councillor in St Oswald ward, @seftoncouncil. I have always believed in fighting for fairness, equality and justice - which are the core values of the Labour Party. – bei Netherton

13/In 2018, It was a real privilege to have been appointed as the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Policy, Reform and Resources to our @LpoolCityRegion @MetroMayorSteve Rotheram. Steve has been a truly wonderful mentor to me & it's an honour to work with him. – bei Liverpool

14/Being @MetroMayorSteve Deputy at the @LpoolCityRegion CA has given me the opportunity to work on some important & innovative projects. I have worked with the @edgehill on research about Women in politics & leadership - Breaking The Glass Ceiling & how Devolution may help – bei Liverpool

15/ We recognise that there is still work to be done to achieve gender equality and to advance women's empowerment. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that girls, in all their diversity, have the freedom and support to fulfill their dreams.

16/ For me, being @MetroMayorSteve Deputy & a Councillor are extremely valuable positions- ones which I have been fortunate to hold & ones I do not take for granted. I enjoy working with our Communities and helping where possible to improve or bring about positive change.

17/The people of #Netherton are fantastic- they have embraced and welcomed me with open arms as the first visibly Disabled Representative @UKLabour of St Oswald ward. I have received overwhelming support and kindness demonstrating the brilliant community spirit in our area. – bei Netherton

18/I hope that I can inspire others to never give up. Even where there is the greatest despair and sadness, we must not let go of #Hope because with love, kindness, compassion and support we can overcome our challenges and try to thrive with a positive outlook.

19/We can't do this alone - in order to end discrimination, hate & prejudice- we need others to call out unfair, unethical & unacceptable treatment based on someone's protected characteristics.

20/ We need employers to help create opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve advancement and support to be the best that they can be. – bei Liverpool

21/Often people with disabilities have progressive conditions and they want to achieve success before their conditions deteriorate and reduce or affect their quality of life, which may create further medical challenges, pain and suffering.

22/Nobody chooses to be disabled - but we can all choose to be kind & caring to those who are deserve to live in a society that treats everyone with humanity & respect. We have one life - live it & leave a legacy of good will. In a world where you can be anything - #BeKind