DisabilityBodybuilding.com

Bodypower was so memorable, so much so that I’ve struggled to pitch where to start this write up but I want to complete this while its remains fresh so I’m just going for it!

This year was going to be different from the start with the excitement & anticipation of competing on the Saturday. I was remarkably calm going into the event, due in the main to a couple of factors – 1) knowing the experience of competing weeks before (thanks to Paul Dean Betts for that advice!) and just the chance to catch up & have fun with my friends in our category.

With Saturday in mind, I decided Friday could not be a day gorging samples, I wanted to learn from the experts – individuals with a wealth of knowledge from across the fitness spectrum were holding seminars throughout the 3 days so it was a great opportunity to gain some new information, from the likes of Phil Learney to Mark McDonald – it was fantastic to hear their thoughts on a host of subjects.

One of most pleasing aspects of the whole event was to go backstage, firstly for my tan (from the experts at Liquid Sun Rayz!) and to meet competitors from all over the globe! Given there may have been a few nerves around the place, it was a good location to focus and well, just have fun and chill out! 

I’ve noticed I don’t sleep well before a comp, whether it’s a few nerves or anticipation…but it hasn’t seemed to bother me come show day.

Comp day itself was fantastic, early start, meeting the guys, getting pumped for the largest stage presence we’ve apparently ever had. It was one of most memorable moments of this whole process, an honour to be there among our group powerfully demonstrating what can be achieved. A huge thanks for the support and organisation of the PCA too! Many congrats to Sham Singh Shera for the win 💪 (centre, in the pic below)

It was inspiring to see the great such a high standard in so many categories and I’ll continue to learn so much from many.

The chance to catch up with the Fitness Life Academy, who have been instrumental in providing me with nutrition, training and coaching & the tools to compete was another amazing highlight.

A few treats later (The Very Hungry Catepiller comes to mind!) Sunday was a much more chilled environment, a walk round the exhibitors with mates and picking up quite a number of samples along the way!

It was exciting to meet some of althetes and influencers within the industry such as Jamie Alderton & Ryan Terry, to visit my friends at Gymshark, who have supported me on my journey, as well as sampling some delights from the Healthy Kitchen and the brilliant Cheesecakes of The Protein Chef!

Of course I’ll be back next year, bigger, stronger and ready to learn even more.

A special mention to my friends in the disability category, you continue to inspire me and your support and guidance has been invaluable, here’s to many more comps and more fun.

Actually prepping my nutrition isn’t the hard part. The knowledge & understanding of what’s right for your body has taken a lot of time & coaching – THAT has been the hardest transition mindset at the outset.

The organisation of the different components requires discipline, patience and dash of multi-tasking (ok just the management of your kitchen hobs!)

Until recently I used to overlook my food, through habit more than anything – be it 5+ minute eggs, well done steak, flavourless broccoli – in truth I wasn’t doing myself any favours (I’ve been ridiculed for the well done steak!). The desire to do more with my time led to experiments with the aforementioned foods and as a result I now enjoy lush soft eggs, a decent flavoursome rare steak and broccoli that doesn’t resemble mushed up baby food – best of all, my cooking has reduced and freed up more time – WIN WIN in my book – conclusion? Test the water more often and be a little bolder when it comes to taste!

So the hard work is done? It’s only the beginning in so many more ways than one!

OK, for one my training is continuing to prep for further bodybuilding events until 11th June, however there is a bigger picture on the horizon.

I want to inspire, to build upon my own journey and help others, with disabilities and beyond. Whether it is challenges with insecurity or self-doubt (I’ve had mine!) through presentations, speaking, listening and learning – to see where we can break more barriers, improve access and talk further about support.

Furthermore, As I progress, I want to break out my own comfort zone, talk more openly about being bullied at school, its impact (that shaped part of growing up and how it destroys confidence that has to built again) We need to both educate those who bully to teach them their impact and their own insecurities AND crucially supporting those that have been bullied. I don’t know that exact answer, other than it took me some time to get ‘over it’ – years in fact. 

BUT Conversely & more positivly I want to mix my presentation with my fitness journey & to discuss the outcome of my childhood, which came with a happy home life,  I had a huge amount of support from my family and that moulded me with the enthusiasm and that drive that powers me to this day.

I am here to celebrate disability in our diverse culture, to promote it more in bodybuilding & fitness and sport in general.

Yes life has its struggles and challenges but there is nothing, NOTHING like fulfilling and inspiring potential. It can be incredibly powerful to be told you have the power, the key to overcome and achieve, not matter what you are faced with. 

Break the Barriers, together, stronger!!💪💪💪

If anyone could please assist in making this happen, UK, US, Europe, Asia, America, Australia – Lets show the world through fitness and inspiration that anyone can achieve anything for which they have unlimited enthusiasm!



I have been experimenting with different methods of meditation over the last few weeks – apps, video, audio of guided lessions & types of music – as well good old silence.

What I have found is there isn’t (for me at least) a one size fits all model to mediation – there are many approaches for given situations.

For example, for mindfulness and presence of body, the Headspace App has been enlightening more so to reaffirm a grounding that at the end of the day, thoughts will flow for 24 hours – how we accept them and engage with them is down to us.

That said, I have really engaged with the relaxing mix of wave/rain/forest audio through YouTube. The capacity to ‘lose yourself’ either early morning or late at night to reflect, bring clarity & purpose has probably been the most effective for me thus far. It allows my mind to peacefully unpick barriers and I find it transforms into a creative workshop! The ideas seem to flow very easily after settling into the calm, drifting sounds of the ocean!

Finally, Yes Bagpipes! (Timely to point out I do have some Scottish roots!) Be it Amazing Grace, the Poweful Braveheart tones or the sound of the highlands, it brings a smile to my face and it always lifts me.

Music and emotions are often a unique mix eh?

A simply brilliant talk by Maysoon Zayid! “I Got 99 Problems, Palsy is just one”

Resonated a lot with me!