A 22-year-old from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, is raising awareness about 'invisible illnesses' after being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that causes daily pain. Luke Murphy has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that makes his joints hypermobile—so flexible that even holding a pen is difficult because his fingers bend backwards.
Luke, who uses a wheelchair full-time, says the condition affects every daily task. He cannot lift anything heavier than a pint of milk or a kettle. Alongside chronic pain, he suffers from fatigue, gastric issues, slow healing, and mental health struggles, including periods of severe low mood and social isolation.
To help others understand, Luke has created a film with the charity Fixers, which supports young people in campaigning on issues that matter to them. He hopes the film will educate the public about long-term illnesses in young people and challenge assumptions about disability.
Luke wants to end the stigma faced by young people using disabled facilities or priority seats on public transport. 'People often don't understand that a young person might have a very genuine reason for needing to use a priority seat or a disabled toilet—and abuse them as a result,' he said. 'It's unhelpful and makes our lives much more difficult.'
Despite the challenges, Luke says supportive family, friends, and his partner have helped him overcome thoughts of hopelessness. He now wants to show others with disabilities that they can have their voice heard and not be held back by their condition.
