In 2006, sepsis put me in intensive care for two weeks, and when I woke, my left leg had been amputated. That day changed everything. The years that followed tested every part of me, but they also marked the beginning of an incredible journey of recovery and rediscovery.

It’s been 19 years of adapting, learning, and finding strength in moments I didn’t think I could handle. Losing a limb as a young woman reshapes every part of your life. You must rebuild not only your mobility, but also your confidence, independence, and sense of self.

At first, I didn’t think I would be capable of doing even the simplest things on my own, like grocery shopping, driving, returning to work, or going out with friends. Yet over time, I found myself not only doing those things, but also embracing the adventurous experiences I had dreamt of, like skiing, travelling across Southeast Asia, hiking, cycling, living independently and most importantly, meeting my husband, and having our son Archie.

I realised that nothing is impossible, the only limits are the ones we set in our own minds.

Reintroducing sport back into my life has been a strange journey. I was a very sporty child, so attempting to play the sports that I once loved and excelled at, only to find I couldn’t play them in the same way, was quite frustrating!

However recently, I began exploring new ways to move and challenge myself and decided to try a variety of adaptive sports at a LimbPower Games event. For the first time in over twenty years, I picked up a tennis racket. Rallying and moving across the court felt incredible. It was like reconnecting with a part of myself I thought I had lost. In that moment, it wasn’t about limitations, it was just pure joy.

A friend at the event suggested I try padel, mentioning that the Inclusive Padel Tour (IPT) is coming to the UK. I was instantly intrigued.

Padel offered something refreshingly different.  The enclosed courts keep the ball in play for longer, which means less running and more focus on strategy.  Also, playing in doubles creates a team dynamic that feels supportive, rather than pressured.  

I reached out to a coach at a local padel club and booked my first lesson.  What struck me most was how inclusive it felt.  There were players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities sharing the same space.  I fell in love with the sport straight away.  For the first time in a long while, I wasn’t thinking about my prosthetic; I was completely focused on the game and to my surprise, on how much fun I was having!

Unlike many sports where accessibility can be a barrier, padel allows players of all mobility levels to participate meaningfully, and most importantly, have fun.  I can simply book a court with family or friends, and we can enjoy the game together.

Through my experiences, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of inclusivity.  That’s why I’m so thankful to the Inclusive Padel Tour for raising awareness that true inclusivity in padel is possible.  They organise monthly tournaments pairing a disabled player with a non-disabled partner, giving everyone the chance to compete.  On the court, I don’t feel like an exception or an inspiration, I just feel like another player.  That’s powerful.  That’s what true inclusion feels like.

Beyond the game itself, what makes padel truly special is its community. I’ve met people from all walks of life and different countries. Players who’ve faced injuries, those trying a sport for the first time, and others simply looking for a new way to stay active. It’s a sport that unites people, and for me, it has given back a sense of connection and belonging I didn’t realise I was missing.

If you’re living with a disability, or have been hesitant to get active again, I want to share this message: Padel is a fantastic option! You don’t need to move perfectly, you just need curiosity and a willingness to laugh at the inevitable awkward shot!


Every time I play, I’m reminded that inclusion isn’t about creating “special” spaces for disabled people; it’s about opening existing spaces to everyone. Padel does this beautifully. It’s a bridge back to movement and confidence.

So why not give it a go? Book your first session today, bring along friends or family and discover how padel can spark joy and connection, both on and off the court.