‘Cerebral palsy will never stop me from being successful’ – Evening Telegraph

A womanwith cerebral palsy has said her condition will never stop her from being successful.

Rachael Wallace has spent most of her life overcoming obstacles.

She has used a wheelchair since early childhood as a result of the condition and faced years of bullying at school.

But the 26-year-old refused to let it get in the way of excelling in life and is now fighting for better medical care for people with cerebral palsy.

Rachael who is studying for a PhD in law at the University of Dundee has launched a petition calling for the establishment of specialist NHS treatment for adults with the condition.

She recently took her fight to the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking to the Tele, Rachael said: There was a decline in my condition about six or seven years ago after I had left the paediatric service when I was 18.

I approached Murdo Fraser, my local MSP, who helped raise the issue at Parliament.

We werent getting anywhere and because I have a background in law I was comfortable submitting a petition to get some action.

Theres no clinical pathway for cerebral palsy sufferers but there is for people with MS or Parkinsons.

Its just not right and its had an impact on me personally.

Ive had to go to my GP to find all the support services available to me.

Its not just in Tayside this is happening its all over.

Rachael, of Alyth, added: Cerebral palsy sufferers have got no support whatsoever.

Its a complex condition and needs to be managed like any other.

The medical profession seems to view it that when you get to 18 youre no longer disabled.

The government wants it all treated at a local level but it will end up becoming like a postcode lottery for treatment.

Adults should get the care they deserve and thats why Im so determined to get it.

After leaving Blairgowrie High School, Rachael obtained her LLB from the University of Dundee before working as a researcher on employment law the subject of her PhD as well as completing a masters in criminal law.

But she didnt have an easy route to academic success.

Attending Blairgowrie High School wasnt exactly the best experience of my life, she said.

I used to get bullied a lot and I did find it quite difficult to cope, particularly when youre watching other people do things that you physically cant.

I just had to keep a positive outlook. I was determined to succeed academically and thats what Ive done.

Living with a condition like this isnt easy there are a lot of challenges to be faced.

Leaving school was the best thing that happened to me because there was so much more out there for me and it really helped me grow as a person.

The motivation to get there and explore is what got me through all those tough times.

Rachael said because of what she has gone through she wants to fight for the rights for people who have been through something similar.

She added: Getting into employment is still a challenge when youve got this condition.

Theres still such a long way to go in terms of improving things for people with disabilities.

But I just hope the government can take an important step and provide the kind of care people with my condition deserve.

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'Cerebral palsy will never stop me from being successful' - Evening Telegraph