Sometimes opportunities come out of the blue and one day last year, I was approached by a production team for the BBC to take part in a documentary on disability, featuring Channel 4 presenter of The Last Leg, Alex Brooker, who wanted to look into his own journey with disability. I have met Alex a handful of times through my time in Paralympic sport over the years, but I had never really spent a lot of time speaking to him, other than a passing “hi” or “bye”, or a “how are you doing”. In fact, I didn’t really know too much about him other than that he is very funny on TV. When I found out more about the documentary, I was cautious to be involved, but felt that the producers would sensibly and fairly portray disability in the film. Of course there is always a nervous trepidation, when you discuss something so personal to you with someone you don’t know very well. However, the day of filming at my old training ground in Crystal Palace (pre-lockdown last year), turned out to be such a fun day. Alex and I chatted for what seemed like hours, despite the short footage, about our often shared experiences of disability, growing up during a similar time, hiding our prosthetic limbs as teenagers and talking about our own journeys of discovery, uncomfortable and comfortable about this strong part of both our identities. The programme launched in July 2020 on BBC 2 at prime time on a Sunday evening at 9pm. I can only say, having not seen the edits or footage before the launch, that I was overwhelmed with the documentary and its reception, on behalf of the producers and Alex who did such an amazing job. I wish I had met all the interesting and thought provoking people Alex spoke to in the film as well. I have received lovely feedback for my very small cameo, but to hear parents of children with disabilities reach out to me and be so happy to see more representation, honest representation, of disability in the media, not just the glory parts of winning medals every four years, has been lovely to receive. Here are some photos from filming and a link to the clip is in my video gallery. Thanks to Alex and all the people featured in the documentary for sharing your experiences of disability so candidly and honestly. I feel honoured to have been a small part of something so special. Thanks to the production team (Pamela) who reached out to ask me to be involved.
Susie and Alex Brooker Behind the Scenes Photo from filming Disability & Me for the BBC
Promotional still footage from Disability & Me (Alex Brooker)
