Ruth F Hunt sustained serious spinal cord injuries (SCI) at the age of 18.
While able, she worked in welfare rights, with adults who had mental health problems and then with adults who had complex needs.
Her leg had to be amputated after a neuropathic sore that was picked up while she was being treated for her SCI. Following this, she had a long period of illness.
She pivoted to working in a voluntary capacity for two charities, as a non-executive director. One charity was about supported housing, the other mental health services.
As her world became smaller due to now being diagnosed with three secondary conditions related to her SCI - osteoporosis, severe kyphosis and persistent pressure skills, Ruth used her writing skills to examine issues that were impacting those with disabilities. As a member of The Society of Authors and NUJ, Ruth tried to focus on the mental health needs of those with a SCI. Later on, she became the mental health columnist for the Spinal Injuries Association.
As life becomes more difficult, Ruth tries to do as much as she can to shine a light on what needs to be done to improve the mental health prospects for people like herself, who are and have struggled with both mental health problems and SCI.