Sophie Morgan
After having a car accident in 2003 that left me paralysed and in a wheel chair for life, my attitude was altered dramatically. Initially I planned to study law, but due to this shift in consciousness (!!) I followed my heart. After a year of adapting to my new life in a chair, whilst studying art at foundation level, I was awarded an unconditional offer to study fine art at Goldsmiths University. I had my first exhibition in my first year, and since then have continued to exhibit throughout London. My love for learning has also led me on to study an English Literature Degree with the Open University, which grants me the freedom to study while still balancing my career as an artist and my determination to pursue my dream of TV presenting and writing.
I have seized two rare and incredible opportunities given by the BBC to take part in very contrasting but equally groundbreaking series. “Beyond Boundaries”, a month long expedition across Nicaragua in 2004 and “Britain’s Missing Top Model” a six part reality show in 2008 focusing on disabled women, aspiring to challenge stereotype and break into the fashion industry. The experiences have awarded me an insight to the power that the media could have in changing perceptions of disability, as well as revealing my ability and talent in articulating opinion, passion and insight.
I have more drive and ambition than I know what to do with, and while representing diversity is obviously very important to me I am equally dedicated to living my life to the full! I continue to challenge myself everyday – from skydiving to public speaking, from racing driving to modelling, and my lust for life has taken me around the world to experience cultures and countries that have taught me valuable lessons in my short life!
Also I work closely with a charity called the Back Up Trust which helps spinal chord injured people metaphorically back up, encouraging them to try different sports and activities. I am starting work with the charity Enable Me, through which I will be lucky enough to talk to young women at schools around the country to help deal with issues of insecurity and confidence.
I am aiming as high as I possibly can, and am very excited to be involved with a project with BBC Horizons this summer as well as a project with ManyRivers films.