As a 21 year old trainee teacher, after years of being dismissed by doctors, Lizzie was diagnosed with a life changing health condition that almost claimed her life and left her with complex medical issues. A lifelong lover of art, Lizzie turned to creative makeup as a way to take her mind off the pain and anxiety caused by her conditions.

 

At her most vulnerable, during the night after a life-saving emergency surgery, Lizzie was physically abused by a doctor. As a result she was left with a complex case of PTSD causing daily flashbacks and intense nightmares. Subsequent hospital stays were extremely difficult. As a way of coping and staying connected to the outside world while in hospital she created the viral social media presence that is @slaywithsparkle, building a supportive community of like-minded creative disabled and chronically ill people.

 

As Lizzie continued through her 20s her mobility gradually declined, resulting in her needing to use a walking stick and wheelchair and later medically retire from the job she loved as a teacher. She could easily have allowed her conditions and disability to make her become despondent, but never one to shy away from a challenge, she bedazzled her mobility aids and embraced them as tools to help her life live to the fullest.

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Lizzie now uses her time to inspire others and raise awareness of life as a disabled person. ✨