One of life's quiet campaigners, I try to lead by example. I made gluten-free food for everyone in my shop, because - done well - it's as good as 'normal' food.

And I talk to people about my own mental illness, face to face or in the media, because it gives others permission to admit their own frailties and find acceptance, where they may fear to find rejection and stigma.

Alongside this, I was an elected member of the Council of Spitalfields Neighbourhood Planning Forum, for which I stood (or in my case, sat!) on a platform of improving disabled access and facilities in the area. I've also represented local and disabled needs on various local government working groups. I now volunteer on committees in our new Yorkshire home, working with other local residents to support the institutions so vital to our rural community.

You could sum me up as someone who is not satisfied with moaning about things that don't work. I'll be the one stepping up to find ways to make things better for everyone.

These days, having become too disabled to work in the kitchen, you'll find me occasionally blogging on my website Cook and Dale, and pictures from our new life in Yorkshire on the Instagram account of the same name. I freelance in UX Analysis and Research, and in Digital Marketing.

http://www.cookanddale.uk