Tell us about you!
Hi, my name is Ozzy – I'm 18 years old and I live with my mum, my dad, my annoying younger brother Arthur, and my two cats, Izzy and Smudge.
I enjoy going for walks, cooking, listening to music, gaming, movies, board games, and swimming. I also volunteer at the local community radio station where I produce and record my own features on various topics, including JULIA’S HOUSE! I’m also part of a drama club where we devise our own performances. I like to be busy when I can!
I am a very sociable person, who likes to talk and have a laugh.
How does your condition affect you?
My condition is muscular dystrophy cmd1a. This means I can’t walk because my muscle cells have a missing protein. This also causes me to have scoliosis, which is a pain in the butt! I’m a full-time electric wheelchair user and I need help with everything because I have weakness all over. For example, I can’t lift heavy things, I have to use a belly tube (gastrostomy) because I can’t eat enough, and I have to use a ventilator because I have breathing difficulties due to my scoliosis and muscle weakness. I also have limited reach because of my contractures. But none of that stops me.
It does give me some sadness, because I can’t do things like other people. But I am happy most of the time. I try not to dwell on it.
I also have a mild learning disability that makes maths hard and some social situations with people my own age more difficult. I sometimes feel like I don't fit in.
I am more aware of my struggles now I’m older and I understand how my condition affects me and other people like me. It's been hard for me to come to terms with it all, but I feel at peace with it now.
What would you tell people about your condition if you could?
There are lots of different types of muscular dystrophy and they are all different. My type doesn't get worse, but because my body has got bigger it's become harder, like my breathing and muscle tightness.
Some people think people like me might be stupid or not able to achieve things, but that is quite the opposite. We are just the same as everyone else; we have the same feelings and just want to be included and make friends.