Author Shane Bratby

Shane Bratby of Mobility Buy has faced several challenges in his life which, rather than setting him back, have driven his passion and determination to succeed. At an early age, Shane was diagnosed with ataxia, a severe neurological disorder. He was told by doctors that he would not live beyond 25 years of age. Determined to live life to the full regardless of his prognosis, Shane went on to marry and have four children. Their second child, Angel, was stillborn.   “It broke our hearts,” Shane said. “But no matter what, she will always be with us, she’s still very much part of the family.” Their third child, Chanelle was born at 26 weeks and has since been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Unlike the majority of people in Britain, Shane’s disability meant that he was denied the opportunity to obtain qualifications that he so desperately wanted. At some point, the difficulties Shane experienced in both his personal and professional life took their toll and depression took over.   But giving up has never been what Shane’s about and after two years of severe depression, he got back on his proverbial feet, determined to find a job that would pay his way and support his family. Yet the Job Centre were not ready to meet someone like Shane. “They told me that I could earn more money from staying on benefits,” he recalls.   “I couldn’t believe it. It sounded like I was being encouraged to resign myself to this. I refused to accept it, I was determined to prove to myself and others that I can succeed.” And he did. Shane decided to start his own business that would help others with disabilities. “I knew I had excellent computer skills and I wanted to help people in a similar situation to myself. Above all, I wanted to provide for my family’s future.”   Five years on, Shane’s business www.mobilitybuy.com is still thriving. Then, following a networking event Shane attended on behalf of his successful business, he met Dom Smith, owner of Soundsphere Magazine, another aspiring disabled entrepreneur. The temptation to work together was too much: so combining their expertise they launched a website to support other disabled entrepreneurs: www.disabilityentrepreneurs.co.uk was born.