Living, Loving & Parenting with EDS: Frances' Story on Rainbow Crutches
Meet Frances, a creative soul living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and a constellation of related conditions. Having faced decades of surgeries, dislocations, and daily pain, she still finds colour, humour, and joy in life. From modelling and making jewellery to parenting with power and navigating love with honesty, Frances is rewriting what strength and self-expression look like when you live with a disability. We’re so proud to spotlight her story, it's raw, real, and deeply inspiring. It celebrates the resilience she brings to the chronic illness community every single day.
Life with EDS
I’m Frances! I’m 40 and live in Dorset. I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) at just four years old. It affects every joint in my body, plus my organs and I also have POTS, endometriosis, scoliosis, and mast cell activation syndrome.
Because of the lack of collagen, my body just doesn’t function properly. Day to day, I deal with debilitating headaches, vision issues, sickness, gut problems, dislocations and severe joint pain. I'm currently awaiting knee replacements and ankle fusion surgery due to such severe arthritis in my joints.
Journey Through Crutches
I’ve relied on mobility aids for a long time, and always hated using NHS crutches. They are so clinical and uncomfortable which really didn’t help my self-esteem at all. In all honesty, they made me feel invisible - like I had to shrink myself just to move through the world.
When I discovered Cool Crutches in 2024 it was a game-changer. I now use my Rainbow crutches all the time. They’re comfortable, supportive, and most importantly, beautiful. I’m all about colour, and these make me feel seen. I love how supported my arms feel while walking too - it really makes a difference to my daily life.
Working with EDS
I was a dental nurse for years, but with my health it became impossible to maintain. The pain in my hands and back was just too much so I had to give it up 14 years ago. The reality of managing flare ups became too much and so I no longer have a 'normal' job.
Over the years I’ve done some modelling occasionally, which I’d love to do more of to raise awareness for EDS and other chronic illnesses. In February 2024 I did feature on Gok Wan's Fashion Segment on This Morning and of course, my Rainbow Crutches accompanied me!
A 9–5 job just isn’t realistic.
Love & Support
I met my husband Oliver in 2012 during my final week at uni. I walked “funny” but didn’t use mobility aids yet. I told him everything about my condition two weeks after we met… and three months later, I was on the operating table having a life changing surgery. I didn’t walk for nearly a year after that first surgery. Then I had to go through it all again on the other leg. For 18 months of our relationship, he was my carer. It was hard, but we made it through. He’s my everything.
Dating Advice
If you’re navigating chronic illness and dating: be honest. Vulnerability might feel scary, but hiding parts of yourself means someone isn’t really getting to know you. Give people the chance to show you who they are.
And talk. If you’re in pain or too tired, say it. Empathise with them too - not everyone understands chronic pain. Be patient, and try and help them learn.
Being a Mum
Becoming a parent has been tough, physically it is so challenging but also so rewarding. Despite all the hurdles to navigate alongside my disability, including things like not being able to pick him up or needing a substantial amount of time to just get both him and I ready, I wouldn't trade being his mum for the world.
My best advice to other disabled parents would be: ask for help. Use your support system, don't be afraid to speak up and ask friends and family for extra support. It can completely change you experience as a parent if you just speak up.
Thank you, Frances, for being so honest and vulnerable with us. Your authenticity is admirable. We're so grateful for your openness and proud to have you in the Cool Crutches community.
If you'd like to read more stories of powerful, honest and inspirational disabled mothers, then we recommend these:
