In 2003, when I was 26 years old, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). It was just a few months after my son was born which seems like a lifetime ago now, but fast forward 13 years and my walking started to deteriorate.
By 2018, I was adjusting to the fact that I was now disabled. My life changed, I went from being a very independent person to having to rely on my husband or friends when I went out and about. As with most people who become disabled later in life, it took a little while for me to adjust to my new life. Even today, I am fiercely independent and like to do things by myself.
The good news is that we live in an era where there are lots of products and tools that can help make our lives easier. The bad news is that it is expensive to be disabled - Scope puts this at circa £1000 extra a month and I definitely spend that when I look at my costs over the year.
Launching Purpl
A couple of years ago I realised that there was no discount program for the disabled community like there is for key workers, students, and carers. I felt this was very unfair given how expensive it is when living with a disability.
This led me to launch Purpl, the UK’s first disabled discount program designed to help offset the costs of living with a disability.
Our website went live in July this year and we have already partnered with over 100 brands to give our community money off everyday products and services. You can also find a ‘Disabled Discount’ link on the brand website footers for Poundland, Hoover, Accessorize, Secret Sales, and more.
To join Purpl, visit Purpl Discounts and register with your proof of disability. We accept government and council documents as well as Access and National Disability ID cards. For more information, you can read our blog post on How to Get Verified on Purpl.
Making Life Easier
When my walking first went downhill, I hated the idea of using a walking stick and no one said to me that it would actually be beneficial. The thought of people seeing my weakness (internalised ableism) was more important than making life easier for myself. So, I struggled and developed bad gait patterns that would have been avoided had I just accepted that using accessibility aids would help me. Today, I use two walking poles for very short distances and a lightweight wheelchair for everything else. By using the wheelchair it actually conserves my energy so I have more available at my destination.
Over the years I have spent money on many different things in order to improve my day-to-day life living with a chronic health condition. I have massaging tools to help improve spasticity, exercise equipment to keep my body mobile, gadgets to help with my foot drop, and assisted technologies to help with my movement and then there are the costs of holistic therapies like neuro physiotherapy, exercise classes, chiropractor appointments and acupuncture which all play a part in helping my day-to-day life be the best it can be.
I also spend a lot on food and supplements. I avoid inflammatory foods, so I tend to eat good quality foods like grass-fed beef and organic vegetables - these things add up. Plus add in the cost of supplements which are really expensive when you take so many, and you buy ones without nasty fillers inside them. It is not a choice for me, because my health is the most important thing and I know that doing everything I do helps me.
Building a Community
My goal with Purpl is not just to help our community save money, but also to build a supportive community. I want us to share our stories, offer relevant advice and guidance, and give back to disabled charities.
Eventually, I hope to create our own foundation to provide grants directly to those in need of extra financial support.
Please join Purpl and share the site with your disabled friends and family - in order for us to grow we need to raise awareness.
I truly believe everything happens for a reason. My disability led me to create Purpl, and it has given me a way to help our community. You can also follow us across social media @purpldiscounts
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