Recently spoke at the Cheshire Centre for Independent Living (CCIL) Employer Training event in Chester. We heard about how to be a good employer of PA's (personal assistants), the legislation we need to be aware of and there was an update on pensions.

I spoke about why our family employs PA's, the qualities we looked for in our PA's  and the difference it has made  to our lives. There is no doubt that for me, having a good team of PA's helps me live the life I want to,  gives me independence and freedom and a good quality of life.

Delegate feedback.
..Thanks for sharing your story. Inspiring."

I recently had the pleasure of speaking to 500 Pharmaceutical delegates at Sanofi Genzyme at their two  day conference in London. 

They wanted to hear from a patient's perspective,  the impact of living with Pompe Disease. They were also interested to find out about my experience of treatment (Enzyme Replacement Therapy),  which I have been receiving from their company, fortnightly, for the past  9 years. 

It was wonderful to be able to share my experience of living with Pompe Disease, from pre diagnosis, post diagnosis and through to the present day. I talked about raising my family, our leisure time, exercise, and working and how my treatment has become part of my life. I answered lots of questions and my focus was very much that even when you are diagnosed with a progressive condition, life does not end. You have to adapt as you go along but with the right support and equipment you can achieve in all aspects of your life. 

A wonderful experience, would love to do it again!

Delegate feedback ..

"If anyone still questions, can one overcome a disability and achieve huge things, you should listen to Andrea!"

"What an inspirational lady.... I hope that everything we do as a company draws from Andrea's story"