Is it a bird or is it a plane? No its Amy Fullbrook!

With the summer season upon us we hear from one campaigner who while on holiday, took access to another level. .....

Amy Fullbrook is 31 years old and living independently in Okehampton, Devon. Amy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 18 and has battled with her confidence as her walking has deteriorated over the years.

Amy's interest in campaigning started after advising her local doctors about installing a ramp to allow easier access, to her amazement they took her advice on board and installed a ramp just weeks later. ‘It made me feel like I mattered and that I had been listened to' this boost of self belief led Amy to be a member of LCD Campaigns Expert Reference Group.

In June this year Amy went to Turkey with her mum and dad and two friends. It was a holiday to remember as Amy tells us how she embraced her confidence and pushed herself further than she thought she could go!

‘I arrived at Bristol Airport where I was welcomed by friendly supportive staff; because of my wheelchair we were able to beat the long queue which was a great start to the holiday!

We arrived at our destination for the week; Olu Deniz; the Turkish people were really friendly and always offering to help me which was nice. My room was massive, it had all the facilities I needed and plenty of room for me to spread out and move around easily in my wheelchair.

I enjoyed starting the day with breakfast outside and watching the paragliders jump off the backdrop of mountains, I watched them everyday and thought; wow I want to do that, they look so cool.

As the holiday was drawing to a close I decided that I wanted to have a go; it was now or never; I was well enough to do it now and I wanted to live for the moment because you never know what the future holds.

So my dad reluctantly agreed that he would come with me (I think he was more worried than me!) Before I knew it I was surrounded by Turkish men offering to help me and willing me on ‘You can do this!'  So with their encouragement we started the long windy and rather scary trip up to the top of the mountain, when we finally reached the top I felt like I was on top of the world, I knew there was no turning back now.

Dad was the first to go so following him I got all strapped up and with the strength and support of my excellent glide buddy we were whisked over the mountain! Wow, it was so beautiful and exhilarating my buddy asked me if I wanted to do some air acrobatics, I thought why not and with that we were in circles and then slowly nearing the ground.

When we became close I could see that a crowd had gathered on the beach and they were all clapping, it was so overwhelming as I landed two men caught me so my legs didn't touch the ground, it was amazing, then I was surrounded by Turkish media everyone was saying my name and asking me questions, I made it onto international TV and newspapers I was a celebrity for the day and I was buzzing from the excitement! It was the best thing ever! I think I was one of the few disabled person to take the jump and I hope it showed other people that it is possible to do, if you don't mind taking a risk and putting your trust in people.

I have learnt to take every opportunity I can and my new motto is; Do It! I can't walk but I have paraglided and not everyone can say that!'

Amy found Olu Deniz fairly wheelchair accessible as she enjoyed boat trips and accessed most shops, bars and restaurants but advised that if she did not have the support of her family accessibility could have been quite difficult.

Article written by Amy and Lora Fullbrook