The Brain Charity

Pippa was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a disability which causes issues with movement and speech, as a baby.

Experiencing discrimination and its impact

In 2023, Pippa began working with our confidence coach, Mandy, after allegedly experiencing bullying and disability discrimination in her previous role.

This led to anxiety and low self-worth for Pippa, who experienced a mental breakdown and tried to take her own life.

Pippa, 53, said:

“I’m a bright person, with a lot to offer and a Computer Science degree.

“I loved my job, but I was the only disabled woman working at the organisation.

“I consider myself an able-bodied person sitting in a wheelchair, so I just got on with my work.

“But I started experiencing bullying, and it felt like I was being forced out.

“When I left that job, my confidence and self-worth was non-existent.

“Mandy became my rock – her confidence coaching has helped me immensely.

“If it wasn’t for The Brain Charity, I wouldn’t be here.”

A new health battle

After being diagnosed with a liver autoimmune condition called Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) 10 years ago, in May 2024, scans showed the condition had caused numerous varices – dilated blood vessels – in Pippa’s oesophagus.

Doctors told her there was a risk they could rupture, causing internal bleeding, and Pippa was told her life expectancy wasn’t good.

She said:

“Doctors said if the varices burst, I was a goner.

“I’d been having counselling with Sharon at The Brain Charity anyway, so naturally the focus of the counselling changed after being told I might die.

“This was really useful in helping me come to terms with my illness and the fear of not knowing what was going on inside my body.”

Finding support and looking to the future

Pippa is now using our Neuro Gym, and hopes to volunteer with the Neurodiversity Training team in future.

She said:

“Between my work and my illness, sometimes it feels like everything gets too much.

“Having someone to speak to has been an absolute lifeline.

“Coming into a space where staff are used to working with people with cerebral palsy is a huge thing for me.

“The people that work at The Brain Charity are my angels. It’s a safe space.”