My spine ends at L4, and my spinal cord ends at L1.  At 18 months old, I stunned everyone when I started to stand and then walk (well, toddle and fall) around places. I did have to use my favourite little baby walker, though, if I wanted to walk down the street. At the age of 3, I got AFO splints with cute little patterns all over them, but the reason why I needed them was because my left foot was turned so much I was walking on the top of it.

Two years later when I turned 5, I had my very first massive operation in the summer. They did a bladder augmentation, Mitrofanoff, ACE, and bladder neck suspension. There were a few problems, but they sorted them out.  I was just so happy that really soon I could wear proper knickers! That was my dream, and it was finally coming true. All my friends wanted dolls and pretty dresses, but I just wanted to be like everyone else . . . to wear proper knickers.

Three months later, I had an operation on my left foot to put it back into the right position as it was giving me loads of pain! I then had a further six surgeries on my feet to correct them so I could walk. The sixth foot surgery I had was last year in 2012. It was brilliant to finally have flattish feet, and my toes were straight, but the excitement hasn’t lasted that long because they are really hurting me now.

My eighth surgery was corrective surgery on my ACE just because it was leaking, and I had enough, so they corrected it. It has been perfect to this day. The only time it leaks is when I have just had my washouts.

In November 2009, I was pulled out of high school and started being home educated by my mum because I was so stressed, and I was being bullied physically and mentally. I ended up in hospital ill because of the stress, so the only best option for me was to be home educated, and I love it so much.

In 2011, I moved away from my hometown Luton. I couldn’t cope with the stairs any more, and we wanted to move up north. We bought a bungalow, and it’s simply amazing. All my care has moved up north as well. I had an appointment for my back, and they x-rayed my back. We found out that my pelvis has elongated, and the fourth lumbar vertebra has gone at an angle and has fused to my pelvis, making my spine more stable, which I’m really pleased about, but I think it’s giving me more back pain. And my hips are at different levels in my pelvis.

I’ve always used my wheelchair for distances, but now I need to use it more even for shopping because I’m getting weaker when I walk. My legs and hips and back can’t keep me up anymore, which is making me feel really sad because I was hoping I could get to about 18 or 19 before it started happening, but I have accepted it and I am okay about it.

My life has been full on, but I don’t care because I loved every minute of it, and I’m just so happy that I was brought into this world by the most amazing and loving mother! I couldn’t ask for anything more. I have a bright future. I’ve done a 2-week work experience at ITV, and I’m hoping to get a job there next year. And I can start learning to drive in November! So I’m really excited about that. I don’t want to be like everyone else because my disability is part of me and my personality, and I don’t want to change or swap my life for anything or anyone.