4 minute read
A LIFE ON WHEELS
Life Wheels ON A
Meet Ross Lannon, a disability and lifestyle blogger based in Cornwall. During the pandemic Ross started The Isolation Diaries on his website to keep himself busy and his readers amused, offering a bit of light relief throughout the global pandemic
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ABOUT ME
Now this is the bit I always struggle with… where’s best to start? It’s like writing a dating profile - and surprise surprise - I’m still single. My name’s Ross, I’m 27 years old and I’m a lifestyle and disability blogger from Cornwall. As you may have guessed from the title of this article, I am a full-time wheelchair user. I have a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA Type 2) which is a rare, neuromuscular condition.
According to the SMA website, the condition causes “progressive muscular weakness and loss of movement due to muscle wasting (atrophy). This may affect walking ability, arm, hand, head and neck movement, as well as breathing and swallowing.” Sounds great doesn’t it? Please note they seem to have also missed out key parts of the condition, such as handsome good looks, witty charm and endless banter. Diagnosed at age two and half, the future wasn’t looking so bright. However, 25 years later, here I am, still going strong… ish. Often described as a “cheeky chappy”, I created my website in order to share comical lifestyle stories, as well as reviewing accessible events, activities and products. After completing a mainstream education, I went on to study A-Levels at college, one of which was media - a subject that has always been a passion of mine. After college, I volunteered in various office-based environments, before gaining permanent employment as an admin assistant for the past eight years. In the meantime, I have also passed my driving test, started a blogging business and moved out of my family home in order to live independently with support from a small team of carers.
Did I also mention that I’m a dog dad? Ralph is my proudest achievement yet.
LIFE IN LOCKDOWN
During the recent pandemic, I made it my mission to keep people’s spirits up online as much as possible. In doing so, I created a series called The Isolation Diaries, where I shared an insight into my life in lockdown and how I managed to keep myself amused. From painting gnomes, to writing and recording a coronavirus parody song - I even made it onto TV to appear in the news. Although shielding has been ‘paused’, I am still very cautious to venture back outside. I pride myself on being a very positive person, but even I can admit that it has been a tough ride at times.
Probably the biggest test for me was making the decision to leave my job. After shielding for the past six months and with furlough pay coming to an end, I personally didn’t feel ready to return to such a busy working environment. Although I was disappointed to leave in this way, I felt like I had no other choice than to put my health first. In a bid to use my platform for positive change, I have spoken openly about how I feel the government should have done more to protect disabled and vulnerable workers. With dreams of now taking my blog to the next level, I have been looking for new ways to write and review events - whilst maintaining complete social distancing. Most recently I attended a drive-in circus, as well as a ‘dome dining’ eating experience, which was just incredible.
THE FUTURE
My favourite motto in life is “if you can’t stand up, stand out!”
Working within the media has always been a dream of mine, and I am passionate about the positive representation of disabilities.
Most recently I have featured in multiple BBC articles - from TV to radio - raising awareness of young adults who are continuing to shield. Over the years, I have also appeared as a ‘supporting artiste’ on a primetime ITV drama alongside the awesome Dawn French, as well as being a contestant on the BBC gameshow Letterbox.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, I am excited for what the future holds (post-COVID - obvs!) So, there we have it guys, my life in a nutshell. I am definitely proud of how far I have come and grateful for all the support I have received along the way.
You can check out my blog at alifeonwheels.co.uk or follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @rosslannon to keep up with my adventures.
