Participant Stories - Jennifer

 

 

 

Jennifer is one of a group of participants who started their time with Sport for Confidence right at the very beginning, back in 2016. 

 

Jennifer is an extremely kind and a social person who enjoys sensory gardens, crafting and seeing the outdoors. Her favourite hobby is taking photos especially when capturing people and nature. However, life is not always easy and fun, having multiple physical disabilities as well as a learning disability can be exhausting which impacts on her wellbeing and quality of life. 

 

Jennifer’s mum describes knowing from an early age that her daughter was experiencing difficulties, but understanding her symptoms was not a simple process, the family and medical professionals were at a loss. Growing up with an undiagnosed disability was hard, the process of finding the right support impacted the whole family. Symptoms such as tingling, decreased dexterity and problems with balance were evident which impacted on day-to-day life. Jennifer describes her mum as her ‘absolute rock’, standing by her, supporting her through all the ups and downs. Despite her symptoms Jennifer was able to enjoy school and get on with her life like most kids. 

 

Eventually, aged 17 Jennifer was diagnosed with progressive demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). 

 

 

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the legs and arms. CIDP is extremely rare and ymptoms such as diminished or absent deep-tendon reflexes and sensory ataxia are common. Other symptoms include muscle weakness in the limbs. 

 

People usually present with a history of weakness, numbness, tingling, pain and difficulty in walking. They may additionally present with fainting spells while standing up or burning pain in extremities. Some people may have sudden onset of back pain or neck pain radiating down the extremities, usually diagnosed as radicular pain. These symptoms are usually progressive and may be intermittent (see here for ref and more information). 

 

 

 

In 2004 Jennifer broke her femur and it mended badly. This left her non-weight bearing and mainly bed bound and the reliance on others for support massively increased. Years were spent in bed and hope for a life with meaning and enjoyment was diminishing. 

 

Jennifer describes that absolutely no one provides support like her mum, as she is the person who knows her the best. Her like and dislikes, her strengths, and abilities. However, health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and cognitive behavioural therapists, provided additional support and worked with Jennifer to make the goal of using a wheelchair a reality. When this goal was achieved it increased Jennifer’s quality of life and she felt able to ‘keep going’. 

 

Jennifer was invited to join Sport for Confidence, this initially felt overwhelming, to be in a community leisure centre, with others in a social and sporting setting was daunting. Jennifer often left early in tears, believing that fitting into this setting was an impossible dream after so much time in hospital. However, there was a part of her determined to keep trying, the friendliness of staff helped, who appeared to understand her and made her feel truly welcome. Gradually her confidence and sense of belonging started to shift. 

 

Becoming a sporty person was not on Jennifer’s radar, however now a member of Sport for Confidence playing sports has led to friendships, improved communication skills, hope, increased quality of life and in general believing in herself and her future. Jennifer describes Sport for Confidence as ‘more than sport’ as she also has hand therapy sessions with occupational therapists, in which they play games to help straighten her fingers increasing her fine motor skills. These benefits help her play more sports but also in managing everyday life. 

 

 

 

 

In 2025 Sport for Confidence remains a consistent and solid part of life for Jennifer, providing stability and routine. However, life now is busy and fulfilled, Jennifer attends Motivated Minds where she participates in crafts such as their jubilee collage. 

 

The need to be seen by healthcare professionals outside of Sport for Confidence has reduced, however Jennifer does see a neuro physiotherapist who recently provided her with new boots, with an aim to help prevent injuries. 

 

Daily life though is not without difficulties, managing CIPD alongside other conditions is hard but having learned skills to be resilient this has not stopped her from achieving life goals. 

 

 

Another challenge completed by Jennifer was a fundraiser called the Superhero Challenge in which she had four weeks to complete 26 miles. They completed the distance mainly via a wheelchair and a smaller part was completed by swimming. Jennifer raised money towards a new church ramp. This prodigious achievement shows Jennifer’s strength and hard-working nature which has been established from a difficult but very special and unique journey.