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Hi I’m Philip @phandi and am married with four daughters and four grandchildren. My wife is a business writer and deputy chair of an Environmental charity.

My hobbies include writing, reading, enjoying music, theatre, the arts and watching sports. I am passionate about the environment, equality, justice, diversity and inclusion.

I have an acquired form of muscular dystrophy. Since 2018 the condition has led to significant muscle weakness causing increasingly debilitating physical impairment. Happily, my brain is unimpaired and my spirit and determination are as strong as ever.

Utilising a combination of my experience of becoming physically impaired, my patient and business experiences I am dedicated to advocacy for individuals and organisations that support individuals with physical impairments and life-limiting conditions to live their lives as fully as possible, receiving the care and support they need.

I am writing a book about being transformed from super fit, larger than life, to becoming physically impaired and a powered wheelchair user. In the book I explore the reality of disability, environmental challenges, life-threatening experiences, false hopes and endurance of drug therapies.

I consider challenges health care systems face in supporting patients with multiple long terms needs, particularly with complex medical / technological advances, increasing demand and societal changes. The book also touches on recommendations for changes in health care delivery.

It is a story of my determination to live life to the full and see the humour in my situation and experiences. Ultimately it is about acceptance of what is lost, discovering joy in stillness, and finding hope and new purpose in life.