A law student who was left paralyzed by a rare spinal condition was able to defy doctors' predictions and landed a dream career as a model.
24-year-old Katie Knowles feared she'd never walk again after developing disc degenerative disease and spinal stenosis; a condition that usually only affects pensioners.
At the age of 15, she lost feeling in her toes, feet, and thighs and couldn't even get out of bed without help; a devastating situation for a girl who had previously been a ballet dancer, swimmer, badminton player and horse rider.
Although doctors warned her that her paralysis meant faced life in a wheelchair, she underwent physiotherapy and fought hard to learn to walk all over again.
At one point, Katie thought “her life was over”, but later on she was able to launch a career as a model in a bid to inspire other people with mobility issues to follow their dreams.
“When I realized I couldn't walk I felt like my life was over. I couldn't feel my feet and parts of my legs, it was horrendous - it was like I was paralyzed.”
She stated that learning to walk again was so difficult and frustrating, but added that she was very determined.
“Taking my first steps was just amazing, but the experience left me with no confidence at all.”
Despite her condition, Miss Knowles is determined to carve out a successful career for herself.
“I still use my crutches all the time, and on a really bad day I'll use a wheelchair, but I won't let that stop me.”
“I once modeled on a horse, and it threw me off backwards. Everyone else was concerned about my back but I was more worried about my hair and makeup,” she said.
After years of living with pain, Miss Knowles was diagnosed with disc degenerative disease, where one of the discs in the spinal cord becomes worn away (sometimes referred to as a 'slipped disc'), causing pain in the back.
Miss Knowles said: “When doctors first suspected I had the condition, they couldn't quite believe it because it's something that only happens to old people.”
At 16 years old she underwent surgery to remove the part of the slipped disc that was pressing on her nerve, in the hope that it would reduce her back pain.
Four years later the pain returned and so doctors decided to carry out a more extreme operation to remove the disc entirely.
It was after this operation Miss Knowles woke up unable to feel or move anything in her lower body.
The once active student woke up to a completely new life, and was horrified to discover that she had lost her mobility.
“I was out of hospital, but I still had a long way to go, plus my confidence was at an all-time low.”
Following the surgery, she couldn't dance or do any sports, and lost her independence because she was so unsteady.
However, after being introduced to modeling by a friend, she discovered a new sense of purpose.
“My friend, who also has mobility issues, suggested I try modeling, as it had boosted her confidence too. I had nothing to lose so I thought I may as well give it a go.”
Miss Knowles is now the face of some independent clothing labels, and regularly poses for photographers.
“Disabled people receive so little representation in the media, so Models of Diversity is trying to change that, and I am really excited to be part of such an important campaign.”
“I want to show people that you don't have to let it hold you back - you can still achieve your dreams.”