My Story
Introducing me
Hello! My name is Millie, I live in Berkshire with my dachshund Ralph.
Dancing is my first love and my sanctuary. It’s my escape from reality and my way of coping with life’s challenges. I find joy in the simplest of things: beautiful flowers, sunrises and sunsets, cute animals (especially dogs), all things Disney, and discovering the world around me. There is a sense of peace in feeling small and insignificant in the big wide world; it helps put my problems into perspective, especially on days when my illness feels overwhelming.
I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, gastroparesis, intestinal failure, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and orthostatic hypotension, among other conditions. I rely on multiple medical tubes for nutrition, hydration, and medication. Because my stomach and digestive system are paralysed, I spend 22 hours a day connected to a pump that administers artificial nutrition, so you’ll always find me with my backpack—literally!
Every day, I experience severe pain, chronic fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, and more. The severity of my symptoms varies; some days, I can’t get out of bed and need a lot of support, while on others, I can be more independent and do the things I love.
I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of those facing health challenges. As a Volunteer Area Coordinator for Ehlers-Danlos Support UK and a member of the Ehlers-Danlos Society’s Global Affiliates Programme, I advocate for awareness, host support groups, and contribute to global patient care initiatives. In addition, I have spoken at EDS ECHO and Move Momentum Dance Company, while also being part of the Network of Emerging Inclusive Dancers with Parable Dance. To further support my advocacy, I have completed courses in Global Health Advocacy and Inclusive Dance Practice. Beyond this, I volunteer with my therapy dog, Ralph, providing comfort in hospices, SEN schools, hospitals, and care homes. Writing to inspire others is another passion of mine, and I have published articles sharing my journey. You can find more about my experience here.
Purpose
I created this business with a deep passion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while also supporting my personal health journey. My mission is to not only provide valuable services and resources but to also raise funds that will go directly towards medical treatments, including surgeries, consultations, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and any other care that may not be available through the NHS.
Every donation and purchase contributes to these efforts, helping me improve my health while allowing me to continue my work and support others. Through my work, I aim to inspire perseverance in those facing health challenges, provide a sense of community, and offer guidance for those in need of answers and support. It’s my hope that, through this business, people find the strength to keep moving forward, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.
Experience
On Stage and Screen:
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Trained in Theatre Arts at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and London Studio Centre, receiving a Diploma of Higher Education.
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Performed in multiple European countries for audiences up to 16,000 in places such as International Olympic Stadiums, SSE Wembley Arena, London and Regional Theatres.
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Within the Film/TV industry, I have experience in multiple roles such as a double (picture, stunt and standard), stand-in, featured and supporting artist for companies such as BBC, Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Amazon Prime Warner Bros., Paramount and Apple TV.
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I have modelled in studio settings, on location, and underwater for a range of projects, including magazine shoots, exhibitions, portfolio work, as well as dance and fashion wear.
Ehlers Danlos Advocacy:
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An active member of the Global Affiliates Programme by Ehlers Danlos Society, participating in quarterly meeting and representing the work of EDS UK along with my personal brand.
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Guest Speaker and Panelist for EDS ECHO Diet and Nutrition conference, presenting "Finding Joy: Positivity, Peace and Perspective Living with Nutritional Challenges".
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Volunteer Area Co-ordinator for Surrey and Sussex, with Ehlers Danlos Support UK, holding regular support groups, attend various webinars held by industry experts and organise social events throughout the year..
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Successfully completed the Global Health Advocacy course facilitated by the Ehlers-Danlos Society, gaining valuable knowledge and skills to advocate for better healthcare, awareness, and support for those with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and related conditions.
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Written and published two articles sharing my personal journey with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. "Finding Happiness in the Darkest of Places" for the Ehlers-Danlos Society explores my transition from my previous life to the one I navigate today due to EDS. "Turning Heartache Into Hope with EDS UK" reflects on my path to becoming a volunteer with the charity, transforming challenges into a source of support and advocacy for others.
Inclusive Arts:
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I am a proud member of the Network of Emerging Inclusive Dancers with Parable Dance, a community dedicated to promoting accessibility, inclusivity, and creativity within the dance world.
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I was honoured to be a guest speaker at Move Momentum Dance Company, where I shared how dance saved me, allowing me to fall in love with it all over again in a way that embraced the abilities of my body today.
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I successfully completed a course in Inclusive Dance Practice, facilitated by Parable Dance, gaining valuable skills in making dance accessible and inclusive for all abilities.
Pet Therapy:
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Ralph is a fully qualified therapy dog with Pets As Therapy, and together, we provide emotional support and companionship to those in need. We also proudly represent the charity at various events throughout the year, helping to raise awareness of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
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We visit children’s hospices, SEN schools, hospitals, universities, and care homes, offering comfort, joy, and a calming presence to patients, residents, students, and staff.
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Skilled in navigating various situations, our visits help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve overall well-being by offering emotional and psychological support to those facing challenges.
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We work closely with organisations such as Shooting Stars Children’s Hospice, Camberley Manor Care Home, Imperial College London, and Portesbury School to extend the reach and impact of therapy dog visits within diverse communities.
