THE POSITIVE GINGER

If you’ve ever entered a gym in a wheelchair, you’ll know exactly how many eyes suddenly discover you’re the most interesting thing in the room. It’s like people can’t decide whether they want to help, stare, or pretend they didn’t almost trip over their own feet trying to make space. For a long time, that alone was enough to keep me out of the gym. Fitness spaces often feel designed for just one type of body and mine wasn’t it. But eventually, the desire to get stronger outw

Today is a day that means something to me, its not just a date on the calendar, not just a hashtag but a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate who I am and the community I’m proudly part of. I’m 33 years old, I’m a strong, independent woman. I’m ambitious, driven, and full of plans that often make people raise their eyebrows. I also have Cerebral Palsy and I say that with pride, not apology. For a long time, the world has taught us that disability was something to overcome

After sharing the start of my journey, I wanted this next post to get practical. One of the biggest barriers I faced when first going to the gym was simply not knowing where to start. Most workout plans assume you can stand, stabilise your lower body, or hop between machines without thinking. That wasn’t my reality, or the reality of many powered or manual wheelchair users and trying to follow those plans left me feeling more frustrated than motivated. But over time and with

Every year, World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day reminds me how powerful it can be when we celebrate both individuality and community. As a strong, independent woman and a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, this day holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about raising awareness, it’s about recognising the incredible diversity, strength, and unity that exist within the CP community and beyond. This year’s theme, #UniqueAndUnited, couldn’t be more fitting. Each person with

Every year on 13th August , left-handed people across the world get their moment in the spotlight. International Left-Handers Day isn’t just about recognising that we use a different hand to write — it’s about celebrating the unique perspectives, creativity, and adaptability that come with being part of the roughly 10% of the population who lead with their left. As a proud left-hander myself, I know that being left-handed is more than just a physical trait — it’s a whole expe

Every July, Disability Pride Month is an important time to celebrate disabled identities, amplify disabled voices, and honour the diversity and resilience of the disability community. It’s not just about awareness — it’s about pride. It’s about shifting the narrative from pity or limitation to power, visibility and acceptance. For many disabled people, this month offers the space to reflect on who we are — without apology or shame. Disability Pride isn’t about pretending chal

I recently had the chance to attend the French Open at Roland-Garros – an unforgettable experience filled with world-class tennis, vibrant crowds, and the unmistakable Parisian energy. As a powered wheelchair user, I want to share a bit about my journey there and offer some practical tips for fellow travelers navigating Paris with mobility needs. Getting Around Paris: What You Need to Know While Paris is a beautiful city, getting around in a powered wheelchair can be tricky d

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) - a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women, acknowledging the challenges they continue to face, and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future. The theme for 2025, March Forward for Equality, serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals, organizations, and communities to take tangible steps toward gender equality. Reflecting on Progress Over the dec

Every year on December 3rd, the world comes together to recognise the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for the more than one billion people worldwide living with disabilities. This year's theme  “Promoting Disability Inclusion in All Aspects of Society”  serves as a call to action for governments, organisations, and individ

In this blog I'm going to explore the powerful transformation that can occur when confronting discrimination, leading to empowerment and inspiring a movement towards positive change. Discrimination, in any form, is a profound injustice that dehumanizes individuals and diminishes their potential. Whether based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, or any other characteristic, the impact of discrimination can be deeply harmful. However, while the experience of being discrimin

Today marks the end of an era… As FIPFA Congress 2024 comes to a close, so does my 19-year journey with Powerchair Football—a connection...

Hi there 👋 I’m Soph and I’m the ginge behind ‘The Positive Ginger’. 2024 has been a super busy one for me so far and this blog took a...

October 6th • WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY 💚 When people ask about my disability and why I use a wheelchair, I tell them I have Cerebral Palsy (CP). The next question I often hear is, "What is that, and how does it affect you?" So today, like every year on this day, I take a moment to raise awareness! I like to explain it in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand, including kids. Think of our brains as having lots of telephone wires that send signals to our arms and legs, te

International Day of People with Disabilities I sit, in the days leading up to today, every year trying to find the words, trying to...

Back in February, I posted about a new campaign being launched to try and change legislation and give more power to the CAA to protect...

International Wheelchair Day is on March 1st as a day when wheelchair users celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives

It’s time for change! People with disabilities who like or need to travel deserve the same rights as those without disabilities.

I sit every year trying to find the words to express myself and trying to educate. It’s tough! Ultimately, my message will always remain...