A disability left Georgina feeling isolated, then her mum secretly took action
Sitting at the table, I tried to concentrate on my homework, but I was too exhausted.
‘Dad, I can’t do this,’ I cried.
He hugged me and said: ‘Everything’s going to be OK.’
I was 10 and for weeks now I’d been suffering with flu-like symptoms and feeling constantly run down.
School had become a struggle and swimming and dancing lessons had gone by the wayside.
Eventually, I was diagnosed with ME, or chronic fatigue syndrome. But by then my symptoms were so bad, I had to be home schooled.
At first friends kept in touch, but gradually the messages stopped leaving me lonely and isolated.
When I was 14, my parents got me a wheelchair. But while it encouraged me to get out more, I felt self-conscious about using it.
A few years on, Mum secretly signed me up for a photoshoot with a modelling agency called Zebedee that represents people with disabilities and visual differences.
I was nervous, but I loved it. When the agency signed me up, it gave me such a boost.
Modelling has made me realise I don’t have to let my disability hold me back. It doesn’t define me, and I hope by putting myself out there, I can empower others to be proud of who they are too.
From Georgina Wasdall, 22, of Retford, Notts