Courage Is Compulsory

You can’t live a life like the three young adults, and authors of this book, without courage. The courage to make the most of life, the courage to master self-love, patience, acceptance, tenacity and resilience … and the courage to keep turning up through the tough times. Courage really is compulsory.

Courage is Compulsory shares the life stories of Laura, living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and mental health issues, and Tori and Sam, who both have Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Reading their stories of living with a life-shortening condition will open your eyes to the limitless possibilities in life. For young people facing similar challenges, the stories will be an inspiration, and for families of a loved one with a life-limiting condition, the book will be a source of comfort, reassurance and guidance on how lives can be fulfilled.

HERE IS A BIT MORE ABOUT THE THREE AUTHORS OF THE BOOK

TORI

At eighteen months old Tori was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 2. A creative child, she was encouraged to draw and paint from an early age. She studied illustration at university and since then she has earned several commissions, including illustrating children’s books. Last year she organised a tour of Europe to promote independent travel for wheelchair users. Tori lives in South Devon with her partner

SAM

Sam has SMA Type 2. Brought up in an idyllic village in Somerset, he developed a love of nature at an early age. After adventures in various parts of the world, he studied, and later taught, Sustainable Design. He has now returned to his roots and is running a business growing micro herbs for local restaurants. Sam is planning an ambitious project: to design and build his own 'home on wheels', in order to be free to explore the countryside of England and beyond.

LAURA

Since childhood Laura has had to overcome enormous mental and physical challenges. She was eventually diagnosed with EDS in 2012, and this finally helped her understand the underlying cause of her condition. Instead of buckling under the weight of her incurable illness, she decided to do something positive and founded Facing Illness Together. F.I.T. is an interactive site where those with chronic conditions can find friendship and support. Laura lives independently in Surrey.