A courageous young Shropshire woman who has defied a medical condition and kept walking is the latest nomination for our Star Woman of the Year Awards.Emma Suddaby, from Ford, near Shrewsbury, has undergone numerous operations since she was diagnosed with aggressive destructive rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 22.
Now 34, Emma is determined to keep mobile. She refuses to be confined to a wheelchair and has braved many elective treatments to maintain her independence.
Her courage has seen her step forward to take part in a course with the Flying Scholarships for the Disabled organisation.
This saw Emma fly a small plane solo, and also sparked her desire to get a full private pilot’s licence, which she is now determined to do.
She also supported the Wings Around the World record-breaking flight around the UK by Polly Vacher to raise awareness of FSD.
Said Emma: “I’m 34, there’s no way I am ready for a wheelchair.
“I was warned that could happen but I will do whatever it takes to stay mobile. I want to keep walking and retain as much of my independence as possible,” added Emma, who said she had not lost her sense of adventure.
“I have accepted that I am disabled but it is not all that I am.”
Emma’s story is certainly inspirational and now we are looking for other tales which show such strength of character among the women in Shropshire and Mid Wales, women who have left their mark on the community for various reasons.
We are looking for other nominations for our Star Woman of the Year Awards, due to be handed out at a glitzy afternoon tea in November. Print out and post in the form below.
Eight finalists will be our guests of honour at the prestigious ceremony, where our winner will be presented with a sparkling prize donated by David Lloyd Jewellers of Wellington, Newport and Ludlow.
More than 200 women will gather for the awards at the Albrighton Hall Hotel which will also welcome guest speaker Sayeeda Warsi, Shadow Community Cohesion Minister.
Nomination Form:
Send this completed form together with a letter of explanation as to why your nominee deserves recognition to:
Star Woman Of The Year,
Star Promotions,
Shropshire Star,
Ketley,
Telford TF1 5HU.
Closing date for nominations is Friday, September 28, 2007.
2 Comments
what a brave girl
when alot of people would give up she’s determined not to
and to have the time also to support a charity
i hope she wins
she deserves it
I heard on the radio that women flew Spitfires during the 2nd World War but had to have flown 500 hours before being taken on.(Compare that with todays requirement of 45 hours to gain a Private Pilots Licence.)I`m thinking Emma Suddaby is made of the same stern stuff as those women
who flew Spitfires,more so perhaps as she is flying with Aggressive
Destructive Rheumatoid Arthritis and already has artificial leg & arm joints.