Ablepreneurs Stories 

In 2022, I walked into hospital and didn't walk out.

I had a spinal cord injury; however, this diagnosis was not shared, nor treated. The surgery I needed was time critical; and the guidelines at the time was to operate within 8 hours. 

I had surgery 8 days later, In the meantime, the hospital physios were trying to mobilise me daily with varying levels of different pain relief (none working). 

The rehab that followed, wasn't even suitable as they were treating an alternative diagnosis - despite me telling every single person that it wasn't the correct diagnosis - I know in my body they were wrong. 

I didn't receive the correct diagnosis until December 2024, when I had to have revision surgery - the same surgery again, but at a different hospital, different surgeon - who went back through my notes and found the 2022 diagnosis in black and white- Spinal Cord Injury. I still haven't had any specialist spinal injury rehabilitation, but I am just figuring it out by myself with the support of family and friends, learning how to live life again as a full time wheelchair user - not easy, not simple (so many accessibility barriers still) but there is a life worth living. 

In my previous life, I was fit, active, a horse rider; owner; coach; competitor.  Judge, groom, my business was an equestrian academy of riders... everything in my life was attached to horses. That changed overnight. 

Despite my devastation and feeling completely lost with no identity, I looked into what I could do; initially from bed. I spent months gaining a Level 5 qualification in Teaching English as an Additional/Foreign Language. Whilst I was in hospital, the war in Ukraine had started... Once home, I began volunteering helping Ukrainian refugees improve and learn English online. 

Since then, my tutoring has moved into English tutoring for home educated young people, as well as school attendees. I have supported a number of students through their English GCSE/iGCSE/Functional Skills. I also started a virtual admin business, where I support small businesses with anything admin related; from researching, marketing, writing emails and newsletters to social media support, business coaching and website creation and management.  

I write to process feelings, thoughts, emotions and life... I have published a poetry collection 'Feelings', with a second one coming later in 2026, as well as a non fiction book: 'Becoming A Wheelchair User: Knowing What I Know Now'. 

These are both available on Amazon as paperbacks and eBooks (as will the second poetry collection later this year).

Of course, I miss my previous life, but I don't miss standing out in the rain for 6-8 hours a day! I still support horse riders, but it's all online / via feedback/judging now.

I am absolutely loving the admin support I offer to a number of businesses - some on an ongoing basis, some as a one off or as needed.  

I feel incredibly lucky that I have rebuilt my business; but it wasn't easy, or without setbacks and help. I hope to inspire and support others who perhaps are in their darkest hours, not sure what their future holds, if they even have a future and can't see any daylight. It is possible, but you may need support in getting there.

The Inclusive Edit featured my book as an article recently: https://www.theinclusiveedit.com/alyce-king-becoming-wheelchair-user/