A DISABLED influencer from North Somerset will be recognised at a national disability charity’s annual awards. 

Ru Jones, 28, has built a community of over 100,000 followers online, where she raises awareness of life as a disabled person and the challenges she faces, including around accessibility, mental health and dating as a disabled person.

The University of Exeter graduate lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and they sometimes use a wheelchair or crutches.

Ru has experienced recurring CSF leaks for the past seven years, where there is a tear or hole in the dura which surrounds the spinal cord and the brain.

This extremely painful experience left Ru bed-bound for almost a year in 2022, which had a huge impact on her physical and mental well-being.

The Sense Awards, now in its 21st year, is the charity’s annual celebration of people with complex disabilities and those in their lives that support them.

There are 13 categories in total which aim to recognise the achievements of disabled people and those that support them, including carers, campaigners and fundraisers.  

One of the people set to be recognised by the charity is Ru Jones – a disability activist, model and social media content creator.

Despite this, they’ve continued to raise awareness online and to educate people about her condition and the impact it has.

She uses her platform to share helpful content such as getting comfortable using mobility aids and how to vote in the election by post.

In recognition of Ru’s amazing achievements, they have been shortlisted for Sense’s Influencer of the Year. 

Ru Jones said: “I’m so excited to be shortlisted for a Sense Award.

"Sense are such an incredible charity who do amazing work and it’s truly an honour to have received this nomination. It’s really brightened up a difficult time.”

Sense, the national charity that supports people with complex disabilities, received more than 100 nominations for its awards this year.

It was down to a team of disabled judges to review the nominations and decide a shortlist of three entries for each category.

These judges were: author Lisette Auton, playwright Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini, influencer Shelby Lynch, activist Paige Barnes, singer-songwriter Joe Kenny, Drag King Crip Ladywood, and the first blind female fitness instructor Jaina Mistry.

You can find out more about them here: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards/judges/ 

Richard Kramer, chief executive at Sense, said: "Ru uses her platform to advocate for the disabled community and to share educational, informative content that can really help people to navigate the challenges that disabled people face.

“We’re thrilled at Sense to be able to recognise her at our upcoming awards, and wish her the best of luck.”

Sense will be revealing this year’s winners on its social media channels in November.

You can find out more about the Sense Awards on the charity’s website: www.sense.org.uk/sense-awards