Latest news with #AmeliaPeckham
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Disabled bride 'humiliated' by cruel wedding dress shop staff gets last laugh
Amelia Peckham was a teenager when she was involved in a horrific accident that saw her immediately lose feeling from the waist down. Despite all odds, she got her wedding wish Amelia Peckham was enjoying a trip of a lifetime with her friends when a horror accident changed everything. At 19-years-old, the world was her oyster, but a quad biking disaster led to her immediately losing all feeling from the waist down. Within 24 hours, doctors told her that she'd be disabled for life and would likely never walk again. Ten years later, while planning her wedding, she was "humiliated" by the ridicule she faced while dress shopping. But she fulfilled her one wedding wish, against all odds. Amelia, now 39, from the Yorkshire Dales, was a student at the time of the accident in 2005 and had been driving on a quad bike with two other friends during a trip to Scotland. She exclusively tells the Mirror: "The quad bike hit a pothole and flipped. We fell down a very steep drop into a river, and I came off first and rolled. My hips got stuck, and the front of me kept going, so I literally smashed one vertebra in the middle of my back. READ MORE: 'I was told I had kidney stones - now I'm in wheelchair and want leg off' "But very immediately, I lost the feeling and movement from the waist down. It was instantly shocking, and within 24 hours, I was told, 'You'll be disabled for life, and what that looks like, we're not sure.' It was horrendous, and it was very clear I wouldn't walk again." The teenager remained flat on her back in a hospital in Scotland for 10 weeks. She was given two options, one was to "try and operate to fix her spine with metal" so she couldn't do "anymore damage", or not to have an operation as it could cause more issues. Amelia, who is now a disability advocate and co-founder of Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks, opted for spinal reconstruction surgery. Thankfully, it was successful, despite the high risk. "It was honestly life-changing," she said. "There was hope that movement would come back into my legs, but it wouldn't ever go back to normal. So they were very clear that I wouldn't walk again, and if I did walk, it would be with aid, crutches, a wheelchair or a zimmer frame, they didn't know at the time." After the operation, she underwent months of physiotherapy and was able to get up and "push herself" through her recovery. Reflecting back to this time, Amelia added: "I didn't have any concept of disability at all, I didn't have a clue, but I don't know if that was a bit of a blessing looking back. It was really shocking and scary, and there isn't a lot of control over your physical health, but you have to do a lot to protect your mental health." Incredibly, Amelia was able to regain her movement, as she explained: "I'm really lucky, 95 per cent of the time I walk with one crutch, which again, was never expected. I essentially regained between 60 and 70 per cent of my right leg within six months of my accident. In 2014, Amelia met her husband, Andrew Peckham, 41, at a wedding and said he "never batted an eyelid" when it came to her disability. "It did not bother him - it was amazing," she shared. Just two years later, Andrew proposed in May 2016, and they started planning their big day, but the process was met with overwhelming worry and concern for Amelia. "Planning a wedding with a disability is not that fun - nothing was accessible. I also didn't want eyes on me, I felt so exposed, and I was scared I wouldn't be able to walk down the aisle." Reflecting on the planning process, she said: "We looked at a few different venue options, but the parking, walking, and steps were all either great, and the venue was then very clinical, or the venue was beautiful but impossible to navigate with a walking aid and involved plenty of walking-only access. "I went to the church where I grew up, but it was too far to walk for me, so we had to find a smaller church with only a few steps. In the end, we had the reception in a field near my parents' house in Cornwell, Oxfordshire, with a tent, as venues didn't cater to my disability." But one memory has stayed imprinted in her mind as the 39-year-old recalled: "Wedding dress shopping was the worst experience. One [staff member] looked me up and down when I walked in and said, 'There's nothing upstairs for you, they all have very long trains, so downstairs is the only option, is that a problem?' which was just about the worst foot to start on. "Sadly, it only got worse as I went downstairs to find the 'changing room' was a screen that wasn't fixed to the floor and there was no chair so I had to sit on the floor to try on dresses and then wobble out into a wide space with an audience of other shoppers. They also insisted I stand on a box in front of the mirror, which was logistically tricky and honestly quite humiliating. "In that moment, I thought I'd rather get married in my pyjamas - it was the worst reminder of everything I had lost because of my disability, rather than everything I have." When it came to their big day in September 2016, Amelia had hopes of walking down the aisle to her husband. She recalled: "I endured the most painful six months fitness programme to try and build as much strength as possible in my legs to feel stable even when I was wobbly. "I was shaking when I got to the church, it was the first time I had everyone in one room who had been there for me after the accident. I wanted to make them proud, but didn't want everyone to just see my injury, but to see me." Amelia was joyfully able to walk down the aisle to meet her husband. She added: "I was dreading the first dance, but when it started, I didn't want to leave the dance floor." Of her experience, Amelia said: "The wedding industry still has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to disabilities. But for planners, it's not what they envision for the 'perfect day', and venues aren't saying 'we're accessible friendly'. It has changed since my wedding day, but not enough." The couple have since welcomed their two children, Rufus, 7, and Ralph, 5, despite Amelia previously being told that she might not be able to carry her own babies. She explained: "Very quickly after my accident, everyone was like, 'Have you asked the doctors if you can have children?' and at the time I was like no. But now I'm a mum, I can totally see why any parent would immediately see if that's an option. "I was told I could conceive a child, but doctors weren't sure if I'd be able to carry or deliver a baby. But I carried both boys and had them via c-section under general anaesthetic. I went to sleep and woke up with a baby. It was hardcore and physically demanding." Following her recovery and needing to use a walking aid, at the age of 20, Amelia co-founded Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks with her mum, Clare Braddell. Amelia saw a gap in the market after struggling to use hospital crutches, which gave her blisters, and they launched the business in 2006. Following her own nuptials, they launched a wedding range of walking aids, which have proven to be a huge success. Amelia opted to use one on her big day.
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Small firms say AI 'essential for survival'
A new report from Small Business Britain and BT is calling for the UK to boost support to capitalise on the transformative power of AI and avoid smaller firms falling behind. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The AI Opportunity for Small Businesses report - which surveyed 2,000 business owners - shows 60 per cent of small firms predict AI will be essential for them to thrive and continue in the next five years, with 62 per cent now using AI. With the help of AI, small businesses are automating time-consuming tasks, improving customer service, and streamlining operations, freeing up valuable time to focus on innovation and growth. The most common applications include marketing (47%), operations (17%), and customer service (8%). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, the data also shows the potential of AI is being held back by significant barriers to entry, which disproportionately affect smaller firms. Miranda McCarthy is the founder of Adaptive Yoga Live and finds that AI makes entrepreneurship more inclusive, especially for disabled entrepreneurs Over two thirds (68%) want more affordable AI solutions, with half of entrepreneurs admitting they lack understanding of the new technology (60%) and want more practical support (51%). With many small firms at vastly different stages of adoption, the report has issued 13 recommendations for government, technology providers, educators, and business networks to bridge this gap and avoid creating an 'AI disparity' among the nation's 5.45m small businesses. It calls for co-ordinated, targeted action to open up the AI opportunity for all small businesses, helping them to increase productivity, reduce costs, and open new markets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The recommendations include a need for more cost-effective AI solutions, as well as incentives to encourage early adoption, such as funding, grants and tax-breaks, alongside help for small businesses to measure return on investment. Amelia Peckham (left), co-founder of Cool Crutches, with mum Clare, has found AI "extremely useful" for marketing Expanded and simplified AI support and education is also recommended, alongside more promotion of easy-to-use and affordable AI tools. The idea of a centralised, national AI resource hub is also being put forward to pool practical guidance, AI tool reviews, training, and FAQs. This should be accompanied by peer-led learning and mentoring opportunities, which are tailored to individual sectors. Authors of the report also believe increased regulatory clarity is needed, with easy-to-understand guides on compliance and ethics. Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said, AI is transforming industries across the UK and is now a critical conversation for small businesses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While there is excitement, there is also a clear need for expert guidance and support, as entrepreneurs are at vastly different stages of understanding and adoption. While some have fully integrated AI into their operations, others are still grappling with what AI is and how it can help. We cannot risk any small businesses being left behind. The report further argues that AI has the potential to level the playing field for all entrepreneurs, provided the right resources and training are made available and accessibility and inclusivity are built into the design of tools and support. Under-represented founders, particularly disabled entrepreneurs, show high engagement with AI, with 64% already utilising it, but only 14% reporting a strong understanding of its benefits. Dr. Chris Sims, chief commercial officer, BT Business, said, Small businesses are the beating heart of the UK economy, yet our report highlights an uneven adoption of AI, risking a divide where some gain a competitive edge while others are left behind. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is an urgent need for accessible training, affordable tools, and inclusive pathways to AI adoption, helping to democratise the technology. Our goal is to empower businesses of every size to leverage AI for growth and efficiency. Amelia Peckham, co-founder of Cool Crutches, said, Incorporating AI in the right way to have maximum impact is key. Every founder should be using it—we have implemented it into our marketing, and it has transformed the speed at which we can work, as well as efficiency for me as a founder, and the team. With a much bigger output without adding cost, it's a no brainer - the key is knowing how to use it the right way, from experts who know. That's where Small Business Britain comes in - teaching us what tech to use, when and most importantly what to avoid to ensure we are on the front, not back foot when growing businesses to last! The report will launch with an event at the Science Museum in London, welcoming entrepreneurs from across the country, AI experts, and other business representatives. To read the full report visit -
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Small firms say AI 'essential for survival'
A new report from Small Business Britain and BT is calling for the UK to boost support to capitalise on the transformative power of AI and avoid smaller firms falling behind. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The AI Opportunity for Small Businesses report - which surveyed 2,000 business owners - shows 60 per cent of small firms predict AI will be essential for them to thrive and continue in the next five years, with 62 per cent now using AI. With the help of AI, small businesses are automating time-consuming tasks, improving customer service, and streamlining operations, freeing up valuable time to focus on innovation and growth. The most common applications include marketing (47%), operations (17%), and customer service (8%). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, the data also shows the potential of AI is being held back by significant barriers to entry, which disproportionately affect smaller firms. Miranda McCarthy is the founder of Adaptive Yoga Live and finds that AI makes entrepreneurship more inclusive, especially for disabled entrepreneurs Over two thirds (68%) want more affordable AI solutions, with half of entrepreneurs admitting they lack understanding of the new technology (60%) and want more practical support (51%). With many small firms at vastly different stages of adoption, the report has issued 13 recommendations for government, technology providers, educators, and business networks to bridge this gap and avoid creating an 'AI disparity' among the nation's 5.45m small businesses. It calls for co-ordinated, targeted action to open up the AI opportunity for all small businesses, helping them to increase productivity, reduce costs, and open new markets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The recommendations include a need for more cost-effective AI solutions, as well as incentives to encourage early adoption, such as funding, grants and tax-breaks, alongside help for small businesses to measure return on investment. Amelia Peckham (left), co-founder of Cool Crutches, with mum Clare, has found AI "extremely useful" for marketing Expanded and simplified AI support and education is also recommended, alongside more promotion of easy-to-use and affordable AI tools. The idea of a centralised, national AI resource hub is also being put forward to pool practical guidance, AI tool reviews, training, and FAQs. This should be accompanied by peer-led learning and mentoring opportunities, which are tailored to individual sectors. Authors of the report also believe increased regulatory clarity is needed, with easy-to-understand guides on compliance and ethics. Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said, AI is transforming industries across the UK and is now a critical conversation for small businesses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While there is excitement, there is also a clear need for expert guidance and support, as entrepreneurs are at vastly different stages of understanding and adoption. While some have fully integrated AI into their operations, others are still grappling with what AI is and how it can help. We cannot risk any small businesses being left behind. The report further argues that AI has the potential to level the playing field for all entrepreneurs, provided the right resources and training are made available and accessibility and inclusivity are built into the design of tools and support. Under-represented founders, particularly disabled entrepreneurs, show high engagement with AI, with 64% already utilising it, but only 14% reporting a strong understanding of its benefits. Dr. Chris Sims, chief commercial officer, BT Business, said, Small businesses are the beating heart of the UK economy, yet our report highlights an uneven adoption of AI, risking a divide where some gain a competitive edge while others are left behind. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is an urgent need for accessible training, affordable tools, and inclusive pathways to AI adoption, helping to democratise the technology. Our goal is to empower businesses of every size to leverage AI for growth and efficiency. Amelia Peckham, co-founder of Cool Crutches, said, Incorporating AI in the right way to have maximum impact is key. Every founder should be using it—we have implemented it into our marketing, and it has transformed the speed at which we can work, as well as efficiency for me as a founder, and the team. With a much bigger output without adding cost, it's a no brainer - the key is knowing how to use it the right way, from experts who know. That's where Small Business Britain comes in - teaching us what tech to use, when and most importantly what to avoid to ensure we are on the front, not back foot when growing businesses to last! The report will launch with an event at the Science Museum in London, welcoming entrepreneurs from across the country, AI experts, and other business representatives.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'Every founder should be using it': Small businesses believe AI will be vital to growth and survival
'Every founder should be using it': Small businesses believe AI will be vital to growth and survival A new report from Small Business Britain and BT is calling for the UK to boost support to capitalise on the transformative power of AI and avoid smaller firms falling behind. Amelia Peckham (left), co-founder of Cool Crutches, has found AI extremely useful for marketing Small businesses increasingly believe AI will be vital to their survival and growth over the next five years. A new report from Small Business Britain and BT is calling for the UK to boost support to capitalise on the transformative power of AI and avoid smaller firms falling behind. 'The AI Opportunity for Small Businesses' report - which surveyed 2,000 business owners - shows 60% of small firms predict AI will be essential for them to thrive and continue in the next 5 years, with 62% now using AI. With the help of AI, small businesses are automating time-consuming tasks, improving customer service, and streamlining operations, freeing up valuable time to focus on innovation and growth. The most common applications include marketing (47%), operations (17%), and customer service (8%). However, the data also shows the potential of AI is being held back by significant barriers to entry, which disproportionately affect smaller firms. Over two thirds (68%) want more affordable AI solutions, with half of entrepreneurs admitting they lack understanding of the new technology (60%) and want more practical support (51%). Article continues below Sanjay and Shashi Aggarwal, mother and son duo of Spice Kitchen, are integrating AI into their business as an extra team member With many small firms at vastly different stages of adoption, the report has issued 13 recommendations for Government, technology providers, educators, and business networks to bridge this gap and avoid creating an 'AI disparity' among the nation's 5.45m small businesses. It calls for coordinated, targeted action to open up the AI opportunity for all small businesses, helping them to increase productivity, reduce costs, and open new markets. The recommendations include a need for more cost-effective AI solutions, as well as incentives to encourage early adoption, such as funding, grants and tax-breaks, alongside help for small businesses to measure return on investment. Expanded and simplified AI support and education is also recommended, alongside more promotion of easy-to-use and affordable AI tools. The idea of a centralised, national AI resource hub is also being put forward to pool practical guidance, AI tool reviews, training, and FAQs. This should be accompanied by peer-led learning and mentoring opportunities, which are tailored to individual sectors. Authors of the report also believe increased regulatory clarity is needed, with easy-to-understand guides on compliance and ethics. Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said, "AI is transforming industries across the UK and is now a critical conversation for small businesses. "While there is excitement, there is also a clear need for expert guidance and support, as entrepreneurs are at vastly different stages of understanding and adoption. "While some have fully integrated AI into their operations, others are still grappling with what AI is and how it can help. We cannot risk any small businesses being left behind." Miranda McCarthy is the founder of Adaptive Yoga Live and finds that AI makes entrepreneurship more inclusive, especially for Disabled entrepreneurs The report further argues that AI has the potential to level the playing field for all entrepreneurs, provided the right resources and training are made available and accessibility and inclusivity are built into the design of tools and support. Under-represented founders, particularly disabled entrepreneurs, show high engagement with AI, with 64% already utilising it, but only 14% reporting a strong understanding of its benefits. Dr. Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, BT Business, said, 'Small businesses are the beating heart of the UK economy, yet our report highlights an uneven adoption of AI, risking a divide where some gain a competitive edge while others are left behind. There is an urgent need for accessible training, affordable tools, and inclusive pathways to AI adoption, helping to democratise the technology. Our goal is to empower businesses of every size to leverage AI for growth and efficiency.' Amelia Peckham, co-founder of Cool Crutches, said, 'Incorporating AI in the right way to have maximum impact is key. Every founder should be using it—we have implemented it into our marketing, and it has transformed the speed at which we can work, as well as efficiency for me as a founder and the team. "With a much bigger output without adding cost, it's a no-brainer - the key is knowing how to use it the right way, from experts who know. That's where Small Business Britain comes in - teaching us what tech to use, when and most importantly what to avoid to ensure we are on the front, not back foot when growing businesses to last!' The report will launch with an event at the Science Museum in London, welcoming entrepreneurs from across the country, AI experts, and other business representatives. Article continues below To read the full report visit
