5 of 5

I first came in contact with Shelley when she was involved in Brightstarz, a local group who performed a musical in the Ardhowen Theatre in June 2022. Following on from this and having seen some interviews with Shelley I immediately thought she would be an excellent speaker for the upcoming Rotary District Conference being held in Enniskillen in September 2023. I contacted Shelley and following some discussions with the Conference Continuity committee, Shelley agreed to attend as one of our Conference speakers. At the event Shelley gave an amazing talk on her life journey following her diagnosis of ME. The audience of 250 attendees were really impressed with Shelley’s talk which included a Powerpoint presentation. She outlined her journey through the illness and finished off by informing everyone of her work in setting up the JustUs group in Fermanagh. Shelley works tirelessly for this group and raised funds recently by completing the Cuilcagh Board Walk. At the end of the presentation Shelley received a standing ovation and several members of the audience were in tears having learned of her journey to overcome her illness. Shelley is an inspirational lady with an amazing attitude to life, as she says herself – “when you think the impossible can’t be achieved, never give up”. I wish Shelley every success in whatever ventures lie ahead for her.

Kenny Fisher District Governor 23/24, Rotary Ireland

5 of 5

Shelley Cowan is an unforgettable inspirational speaker who touches the hearts of her audiences to the extent that they see life with ‘disabilities’ from a new perspective – reversed – demonstrating the tackling of the ‘dis’abilities posed by society to the gift of life that can be filled with opportunities for everyone to use abilities to live and in turn help others to live life to the fullest, and not waste a moment. Her real life story is told with such courage in order to help inspire and encourage others, and in particular those who suffer what are termed by society as disabilities. She captivates her audiences whilst speaking with such openness and frankness, concealing her pain with her charateristic radiant smile, infectious sense of humour and positive attitude – still awaiting the return of her sight and full use of all her muscles – as she describes her experiences from bedbound to wheelchair bound to getting back on her feet, walking, climbing, dancing to graduating with a top Masters degree on NI hospitality provision for those with disabilites and to setting up the JustUs inclusive organisation bringing to her county, Fermanagh, regular enjoyable inclusive social and cultural actvities for all adults with disabilities. Shelley’s story is poignant and heartfelt; it touches emotions of every audience to listen – and perhaps volunteer too. I have had the privilege of meeting Shelley as my Essential Skills Literacy student when she decided to return to education whilst wheelchair bound and without her sight. She was an inspirational student who amazed her classmates and me with her outstanding ability, memory, including her creation and delivery of a five-minute Presentation Talk – which has proven to be the start of many including a Rotary Club talk and latterly a Powerpoint presentation for the Community Transport Motability launch.

Joan Major Volunteer JustUs Secretary, Literacy & Languages Lecture

5 of 5

‘I recently had the absolute pleasure of asking Shelley to speak at the launch of a new service we were offering for people with seen and unseen disabilities and older people. I knew from having seen Shelley in the local papers, having met her briefly on a couple of occasions and listened to our drivers talk about her that her story of courage and determination was awesome. Honestly, I had no idea just how awesome and inspiring Shelley is and the journey she has travelled to become the light of hope and change with and for people with disabilities within Enniskillen and the wider area. My eyes and the eyes of the other people present were truly opened. Inspirational and motivational seem to fall short when it comes to describing Shelley’s story and or very personal, fun, and genuine delivery style. Her story will make you think about what is possible and what is holding you back!’ Shelley, you were an absolute star yesterday. Your presentation and the story of your personal journey brought that deeply human element to both understanding and recognising the importance of access and its power to change lives! You are a true inspiration and a champion. Continue to lead the change! Fermanagh Community Transport said A sincere and genuine thank you to the the incredible and inspirational Shelley Cowan & the JustUs group who attended the launch of the new Motability Programme in the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh yesterday. Shelley gave a very personal and powerful presentation on the journey she has travelled as an individual and the role Fermanagh Community Transport has played for her personally and for her amazing group JustUs. Shelley’s story showed on a fundamentally human basis the need and power of accessible community transport to enable and support people with disability to achieve their goals, ambitions and aspirations.

Jason Donaghy Manager, Fermanagh Community Transport Ltd