Marilyn Spicer

When I was six I was diagnosed with a spinal cord tumour. After surgery to remove what they could and radiotherapy to get rid of what was left I learned to walk again, although my parents were told I only had two years to live as the tumour was malignant. However after a year I gradually became paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.

I spent most of my childhood in hospital and got several complications as a result of being paralysed but being stubborn and fiercely independent I managed to pass my driving test, and because I had to go to a special school where the education was not up to much did some studying of my own accord and passed exams in chemistry, maths and science with the Open University.

I am nearly forty now and still get a bit down with life and the frustrations of being disabled but feel lucky to have a wonderful husband who is also my best friend and I feel I have and do achieve a lot and could probably do a lot more. I am certainly going to try!