Walking Down the Aisle with Cool Crutches: Gillian's Wedding Day

Gillian's journey with fibromyalgia is a powerful story of resilience and romance. Recently married, she shares how Cool Crutches had a starring role in her wedding day and continues to support her daily life.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from, what do you do for a living, and the nature of your disability?

I’m Glasgow born and raised, and haven’t worked since 2019 when I started to experience symptoms of fibromyalgia. Working isn't really an option for me as my pain and fatigue can be unpredictable. 

How long have you been living with a disability and how has it affected your daily life both physically and mentally?

Fibromyalgia was a big knock to me. I've suffered with anxiety and depression since I was a teen, so adding on chronic pain and fatigue made a huge impact. I experience pain in all parts of my body, as well as numbness in my extremities, and overwhelming fatigue. I thought I knew what tiredness was before fibro!

On good days, I can do household chores, go out to see friends, and attend events. On a bad day, I don't really get out of bed; I try to shower and put on fresh PJs, but sometimes that is too much to handle.

You recently got married, please can you run through how you and James met and the path that led to your wedding day?

James and I first met when we were both volunteering at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival. I was in charge and put him to work! We didn't become friends until the next festival in 2019, and became a couple in 2020, right before COVID hit. We took a risk and he came to stay in my flat for lockdown — he's never left since! We were lucky it made us stronger rather than breaking us.

James popped the question in September 2022. Planning started quickly but took over a year and a half. 

Did you have any worries about using a walking stick on your wedding day? How did you decide what to choose?

I did worry about the optics of using a walking stick on my wedding day. I'm generally comfortable with my disability and using sticks when I need them (most days), but for some reason, this was a sticking point for me (excuse the pun!).

I eventually decided that if I was going to use one, then I would buy a new one that would be fresh on the day, and I would add it to my growing collection as my 'fancy event' stick.

You went with the Moonlight Diamanté and it looked absolutely incredible with your dress and style, why did you choose this one?

I really did decide to go big or go home. I've been coveting the diamanté range for a while, but I already have several sticks so I couldn't justify buying another...until a brilliant excuse came up! The Moonlight Diamanté one grabbed me the second I saw it. I love that it looks different shades in different lighting.

Do you have any tips for planning a wedding with a disability? Have you found it fun? Anything you wish you'd known before you started planning for any other future Cool Crutches brides?

I split my wedding into two days with a day in between, and I think it was necessary for me. A traditional big day with a ceremony, meal, and evening reception would have exhausted me, and I am definitely grumpy when I'm tired and sore.

We had a very small ceremony with some pictures and then a chilled-out drink and meal.  Then we had a larger evening reception.

We ensured any venue used was fully accessible including entrance, toilets, and bar. The last thing anyone wants is to struggle with steps etc.

We were also blessed with our photographer Sarah from Joy Story. A sit down and drink was planned with our pictures which was great for letting me get a break from standing and walking. 

Can you talk us through the day? Where did you get married / why and what your favourite bits were?

Our ceremony was in the Glasgow registry office. Sweet, Simple, and very central! We followed this up with some pictures around the City Chambers and Virginia St with a brief stop in Delmonicas for a drink and some amazing interior shots. Then we met close friends and family, picking locations for convenience to minimise walking.

Drygate Brewery hosted our reception. As well as being a brewery, they have a fully accessible event space with a fairy light canopy — a massive selling point for me! There was a buffet and we hired a DJ for a relaxed evening with chatting and dancing (for some).

When did you start using Cool Crutches or Sticks and why?

I bought my first stick in 2022 after realising that so many of the non-boring sticks I'd been looking at had very low weight limits and painful handles. I bought a Skulls and Roses one and never looked back. I have several that I pick between depending on the outfit, event, and vibe.

Do you think your Cool Crutches have helped you to move or walk better? If they have changed anything about your life for the better, or helped you to do more, please let us know.

I definitely think I'm out and about more with Cool Crutches. I never know what the day is going to be like when I leave the house, the added security of a good quality walking stick is a game changer. 

Days when I thought there was no way I'd cope are easier to handle now and I also feel like I look good too, which sounds vain, but if it's going to be a regular accessory then at least it should look good!

How do businesses like Cool Crutches help the disabled community?

They make me feel like I have more control in a situation I have no control over. Picking from amazing, good quality designs is a pleasure rather than just accepting the basic stick I got from the pain physiotherapist years ago. Having that choice really helps. I think sharing pictures of real people and celebrities using Cool Crutches products helps a lot too.

What's the best advice you've been given?

“Be yourself and don't care what other people think of you.”

Gillian's wedding was a testament to her strength and style. We're honoured Cool Crutches could be part of her big day and grateful for her heart-warming story. Gillian proves mobility aids can be both functional and fashionable, offering everyday comfort and confidence while also serving as statement accessories for special occasions.

Gillian's Wedding Photographs - Joy Story Photography

For more inspiring stories, why not check out our Interviews

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