Eleni and Phil

Phil wrote:
I remember first thinking of Eleni as the highly efficient admin person at a new club which I’d joined, the Outsiders. I also remember her phone calls about lunches and other events. I then saw her at the “Night of the Senses” where she was bombing around like a whirlwind organising things whilst I undertook my own highly personal research!

One night, whilst I was chillin’ out at home in my new flat she called me, she wanted to come round and hang out. I was delighted to invite her around, I said that she could crash on my sofa, which she accepted enthusiastically.

My new place is in the leafy green county of Surrey and I knew that Eleni lived in central London. I planned a trip to Box Hill to enjoy the countryside and she was delighted to accompany me, we just clicked and the sofa wasn’t used!

Although I have used a wheelchair for 12 years now and been disabled for 20, I had never had a disabled girlfriend until I started seeing Eleni. I was painfully familiar with feeling inadequate whilst dating girls that could walk. I’d been married twice and was disillusioned with romance until Eleni rolled into my life.

It makes sense to have a girl in my life who also uses a chair that can truly empathize with my own feelings and frustrations. When we go out no-one feels that they have to compromise to accommodate the other. We choose places and venues that are wheelchair accessible and always have a good time out, I’m fortunate enough to have a car that can carry both chairs.

Outsiders is a superb organization because it has helped me to be confident with my disability, Eleni and I are proud of ourselves and each other now.

Best club I ever joined!