Rachael Monk – My Life

I was born in Carlisle in November 1982, and moved to

Kirkpatrick Fleming in 1984.

I went to local nursery and schools, but had to fight to go to a

mainstream one, and missed out at school sports days.

I went to Peto Institute in Hungary.

I then went to a private clinic in Wales.

I did exercises and education at home for a few years.

I had a walker that I could use to walk independently.

I did an A-Level in Fine Art, after my school years, and passed.

I also completed a computer course.

I worked at People First in Carlisle.

I got a job at the Disability Rights Commission working on

the learning disability action group – I still meet friends for a reunion

every year.

I took a tattoo shop to court and won the case- discrimination for not

giving me a tattoo.

I have travelled a lot for conferences.

My best friend lives in Canada, so I go and visit a lot. I have been in a

gondola, over the top of a mountain in Canada.

I have a niece, Sophie, who I love very much. I am a very social and

outgoing person, who has lots of friends and loves animals and people.

I love my family. My Grandad has dementia and I visit him in his care home.

I have met lots of celebrities over the years, with the best being

Boyzone.

I do lots for charities, such as the Midnight Walk.

To keep active, I have massages, go swimming, reflexology,

aerobics, bowling, dancing and arts and crafts. I have a cookery class

at college. I’m in a women’s group called Women of the World.

 

I have a switch by my head on the wheelchair, which I use to control my

touchtalker, computer and my powerchair.

 

I’m almost 28, and am now hoping to get my own house and live

independently.

Rohhss Chapman interviewed me about my life for the book

“Changing Lives”.

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