Model to open Naidex

Shannon is without doubt the UK's most recognisable disabled model and recently starred in the Channel 4 series How to Look Good Naked. Following on from this, Shannon has just completed a photo-shoot with Debenhams for a promotional campaign that is currently in stores. The campaign is the first time a disabled model has appeared in advertising for a high street store. The outcome will also be shown in the next series of Channel 4's How to Look Good Naked, the award-winning fashion show hosted by Gok Wan which encourages women of all shapes and sizes to strip off and love their bodies.

Following an accident at the age of 14 in which she broke her neck, Shannon remained determined to fulfil her dream of becoming a model. And just four years later she won the first modelling competition for disabled women. Since then, Shannon has become something of a pioneer for disabled women with countless modelling assignments and appearances on national television including Stephen Poliakoff's “Friends & Crocodiles” and BBC's Casualty.

“I am delighted to be opening Naidex 2010. There are so many products and avenues of advice for people with disabilities and events like this are a positive step in spreading developments and innovations to a wider audience” commented Shannon. In addition to opening Naidex, Shannon will also be giving a short talk and answering questions within the lifestyle and demonstration zone at 1:30pm.

Over the past 35 years, Naidex has steadily developed to become the most prestigious disability event in the UK with thousands of products being exhibited by over 360 companies to aid independent living – including wheelchairs, scooters, adapted vehicles, pressure relieving beds, walking aids, recliner chairs, stairlifts, access equipment and daily living aids. For trade representatives, healthcare professionals, parents, carers and teachers of special needs children, Naidex 2010 is the only event to see all the latest industry developments under one roof.