Mik Scarlet Wallace
Nominee Profile
Location: London
Born in Luton in 1965, within weeks of birth it was discovered the baby Mik had a rare form of cancer, an Adrenal Neuroblastoma. He was given a few days to live but luckily he was put on a new chemo trial, and this year he celebrates his 60th birthday. The chemo saved his life but at the age of 15 caused his spine to collapse, and so he became a full time wheelchair user.
After his slow recovery, he followed his passion for music, forming bands that toured Europe and writing music for TV, radio and adverts. During a live performance he was spotted by a TV producer and offered a job as a TV presenter. By 1990, Mik was becoming a well known face in the media, one of the first generation of disabled onscreen talent. He won awards, including an Emmy in 1992, and went on to have a media career that lasted well in the 2000s.
At this point a further spinal issue meant he had to retire from work and had several surgeries. When he re-entered the work place, Mik decided to explore a new direction and retrained as an access expert. He worked on several major projects, including the 2012 London Olympic Games Elizbeth Park, and then went on to apply his presenting skills with his knowledge of access and inclusion to become one of the UK's leading equality trainers.
In another career change, Mik has recently joined the charity Phab as Co-CEO. Phab helped Mik regain his confidence as a new wheelchair user and so he wanted to give something back while helping them be ready for the 21st century. He is currently focusing on a project called Phab Access Consulting and Training Services. Along with offering his knowledge and experience to business, government and the third sector, the aim of ACTS is to train up the next generation of disabled experts, to leave a legacy of change.
After his slow recovery, he followed his passion for music, forming bands that toured Europe and writing music for TV, radio and adverts. During a live performance he was spotted by a TV producer and offered a job as a TV presenter. By 1990, Mik was becoming a well known face in the media, one of the first generation of disabled onscreen talent. He won awards, including an Emmy in 1992, and went on to have a media career that lasted well in the 2000s.
At this point a further spinal issue meant he had to retire from work and had several surgeries. When he re-entered the work place, Mik decided to explore a new direction and retrained as an access expert. He worked on several major projects, including the 2012 London Olympic Games Elizbeth Park, and then went on to apply his presenting skills with his knowledge of access and inclusion to become one of the UK's leading equality trainers.
In another career change, Mik has recently joined the charity Phab as Co-CEO. Phab helped Mik regain his confidence as a new wheelchair user and so he wanted to give something back while helping them be ready for the 21st century. He is currently focusing on a project called Phab Access Consulting and Training Services. Along with offering his knowledge and experience to business, government and the third sector, the aim of ACTS is to train up the next generation of disabled experts, to leave a legacy of change.