Tell us about yourself
Hey, I’m Ellie, founder of Chronically Awesome. I was born and raised in Suffolk, though have strong ties to my dad’s homeland of Wales (as you’ll see anytime Wales play rugby!). I haven’t always lived here though, I’ve spent time living in Warwickshire, Berkshire, Sussex and Kenya.
I studied International Development at the University of Sussex, before running a youth climate change campaign group and then working for an international development charity as their climate change campaigner. Since then I’ve largely been too ill to work, but I’ve used the time to teach myself to build websites and I set up a little website development business.
I have a fantastic husband, who I met in my biggest ever flare, just before I got my first diagnosis. Our first dates included him reading the paper by the bed while I napped, and having to put up with me going to the toilet with the door ajar because my hands were closed in fists so I couldn’t use the round door handles in my flat.
I’m a total country girl, and I’ve recently moved back to Suffolk to be closer to my family, and to the open skies that you find in this part of the world. I’m a totally besotted auntie to Eva and Otto and count myself super lucky to be able to spend time with them, largely thanks to being ill.
Current diagnoses: Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Depression, Gastroparesis, Colonic Inertia.
What makes you happy? Sunshine. Bedtime. The countryside. Rugby games. Clean sheets and pajamas. Spending time with family and friends.
Why did you get involved with Chronically Awesome? Because I’ve benefited hugely from access to exercise and good nutrition, but recognise I’m lucky that I have the means to do so, so I want to share that with others!
What’s a perfect Saturday for you? Lie in, Sh’Bam, Wales winning a rugby match, food made by my husband, film in bed.
Cat or dog? I grew up with both but dog.
Ducks or chickens? I love both but ducks.
Chinese or Indian? Chinese
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset, I’m never early enough to see the sun rise!
Listen to music or read a book? Listen to a book?
Favourite season? Summer
Favourite time of day? Bedtime!
Best holiday? Tough one, but probably the month we spent in New Zealand.
Introvert or extrovert? I’m a total introvert, and an empath too.
Worst habit Skipping meals (never hungry).
Best quality That’s a tough one. Ask my husband!
Your inspiration I don’t really have an inspirational person but I’m inspired by people who leave a positive legacy and I hope to be one of those people in time.
Can we see a few pictures of you? (Roll over image to see description)
