Highland Teen Hits The Catwalk After Learning How To Walk Again
An inspirational Highland teen who had to learn to walk again after being diagnosed with a severe spinal disorder, is encouraging sufferers to embrace the condition and not let it hold them back.
An inspirational Highland teen who had to learn to walk again after being diagnosed with a severe spinal disorder, is encouraging sufferers to embrace the condition and not let it hold them back.
Imogene Lewis, who is 15 years old, was diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, an abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine which developed when she was 12, if untreated, would have left her wheelchair bound.
The Fortrose Academy pupil, from The Black Isle, has been an avid horse-rider since the age of four, competing in showjumping competitions across the country, was suddenly faced with the life-changing condition after she was diagnosed on a routine visit to her doctor for a cold virus.
Three years after diagnosis, Imogene achieved her dream of taking to the catwalk in her hometown, something she would never have dreamed of in 2012.
After her initial diagnosis Imogene’s condition deteriorated quickly and her Consultant, Mr Tsirikos of Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, had to act quickly to stabilise Imogene’s mobility, saving her from being bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
During a six-hour operation, Imogene’s spine was exposed from the top of her neck to her tailbone to allow her spine to be placed back into position fused with bone graff taken from her hip, after which she spent months recovering in rehabilitation.
The operation is said to be more serious than heart surgery.
Imogene now has 19 titanium screws and two titanium rods in her back and her spine has been fused in several places.
Following months of medication and slow, progressive rehabilitation, Imogene now has her life back and is able to ride her horse again and begin the modeling career she has dreamed of.
Imogene entered a competition on social media to win a chance to model for a local show and was selected from a large number of local girls.
Imogene said: "Since my operation I have been extremely determined to raise awareness of scoliosis and prove to those with the condition, that anything is possible. When I was first diagnosed I was extremely scared I wouldn’t be able to do all the fun things other kids my age were doing, but due to my determination and ambition, I am now back riding my horse and looking to progress my modeling career.
"The past few years have been extremely difficult for my family and we have been through a lot however, we are stronger than ever and I am particularly strong-minded in educating people about the condition.
"Modeling has given me a new found confidence in myself and it has demonstrated that my condition can’t stop me from enjoying life."
Imogene was recently approached by two model scouts from France who work in the fashion industry, and is planning on sending a portfolio of her modeling work to Paris fashion houses later this month.