Carmen – Team London Ambassador
Hi. I’m Carmen. I have lived in London for two years and I’m proud to call myself a Londoner. In 2021, I moved to London and started my career as a university lecturer.
I was born with a debilitating disability named Spinal Muscular Atrophy. I am a fulltime power wheelchair user, quadriplegic, and often suffer from pain all over my body. Yet, my bubbly personalities shine through my personal life and disability advocacy. Some people complain that London is cold and distant, but I am amazed with the love, humanity and diversity I’ve seen and experienced in London.
I signed up to volunteer as a birthday gift to myself. Instead of getting myself beautiful flowers and a fancy dinner, I chose the honour of serving the King, London and the country by volunteering for Team London at the coronation. I can celebrate my birthday every year. Yet, serving in the coronation was an opportunity that I felt I couldn’t miss. I saw my first shift with Team London as a celebration of my life in London, the city I now call home.
Thanks to the staff and volunteers of Team London. They made me feel respected, cared for, and valued. The experience deepened my love and passion for, and commitment to this place. My shift was a manifesto. I proudly served on the street with this uniform, showing people that everyone can be a volunteer, despite your age, your (dis)ability, your ethnicity, your occupation, or any path you come from. The volunteer shift taught me that wealth is not about how much you have, it is more about how much you can give.
Would you like to become a lifeline in London?
By volunteering, you could make a difference.