My name is George and I am 13 years old and I live with my sister Evie who is 14 years old. I have a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, which makes my muscles weaker. I have never walked and use a wheelchair full time.

I love playing the drums and am currently working towards my Grade 2 after gaining distinction in Grade 1. I also did the LAMDA Public speaking exam in Grade 3, gaining distinction!

I love gaming, my two cats and dog, Lego, music, science and maths. I also enjoy doing modelling with Zebedee Talent. I would like to be a engineer when I grow up and make innovative equipment to make disabled people more independent. I would also like to continue advocating, campaigning and being a voice for thousands of people with a disability.

I dislike ignorance and lack of foresight.

I am the winner of the 2024 National Diversity Awards under the category Disability Positive Role Model. I also made Shaw Trust Top 100 most influential disabled  people in the UK in 2024.

How did Variety help you?

Variety helped me by purchasing my specialist lightweight manual wheelchair which I use along with my powerchair. Using a manual chair is extremely important for me as it keeps my muscles in use and maintains the strength I have with my condition.

Lightweight chairs like mine are not available on the NHS. Without mine, I most definitely wouldn’t have kept the upper body strength that I have today. It also gives me a much needed workout and keeps my respiratory muscles healthy.

Why are you proud to be a Variety ambassador? 

Variety is a wonderful charity that facilitates empowering children. Empowerment is crucial during childhood, especially when with a disability you hit so many barriers. It is important to ignite fire within children, self-worth, passion, and confidence. I am honoured to help do that (alongside Variety), representing and being the voice of children who need to be heard. I like charities who want children to be capable and be the best version of themselves. 

To all the children reading this, you have got this, you’re not alone and you are exceptional. Never let ANYONE tell you any different. 

My message has always been to never give up. Always challenge the barriers you come across or things that simply are not okay with you. Strive to be the best version of yourself and do not be deterred because you are doing it differently to your friends. This is your journey and your life know one else lives it but you.

Never give up when faced with challenges, ‘no’ just isn’t something you should accept if it stands in your way of your rights, independence and dreams.

Hear from George himself in this video: