Despite Double Leg Loss, Teen Stays Focused on Her Dreams
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Born with bilateral fibular hemimelia and amputated at 18 months, 14‑year‑old Daisy‑May Demetre has turned prosthetic legs into platforms of empowerment. Now an international model—appearing in campaigns for Nike, TK Maxx, Primark—and set to feature at Birmingham Fashion Week, Daisy‑May refuses to let disability define her. Her father’s recovery from addiction echoes her resilience, transforming their family story into one of healing and hope. Beyond fashion, Daisy-May completed a 5 km race in Greece despite painful blisters, using the moment to champion representation in sports. Every stride on the runway and every race she finishes sends a message: courage—not limitations—defines ability.
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At just 14 years old, Daisy-May Demetre is challenging societal expectations and demonstrating that determination, rather than physical limitations, sets the limits of one’s dreams. Born with fibular hemimelia, a rare condition characterized by the absence of part or all of the fibula bone, she underwent a double leg amputation at only 18 months old. Today, she confidently walks the runways across the world, not in spite of her prosthetic legs, but with pride and power because of them.
From her hometown of Birmingham to renowned fashion capitals worldwide, Daisy-May has established a modeling career that many can only aspire to. She has featured in campaigns for prominent brands such as Nike, TK Maxx, and Primark, and shows no signs of slowing down. As she prepares to take the spotlight at Birmingham Fashion Week this September, her goal is not only to walk the runway but also to inspire others.
In an interview with the BBC, Daisy-May emphasized that disabilities should not define an individual. Her words embody the strength of someone who has cultivated courage from a young age and now uses it to uplift others, particularly fellow amputees. For Daisy-May, beauty, confidence, and success are not exclusive to those without disabilities.
From Struggle to Strength
Daisy-May’s journey is not solely her own; it is also a narrative of a family transformed. Her father, Alex, acknowledges that the initial diagnosis and subsequent amputation affected him so much. The emotional burden led him to gambling and alcohol, resulting in losses estimated at £70,000 (about $93,545) and almost breaking him.
However, a pivotal moment occurred when Daisy-May turned seven. One evening, Alex watched a television segment about a modeling agency that worked with children with disabilities. This moment ignited a profound change in him. He promised his daughter that she would model internationally and, more importantly, he committed to becoming a reliable father.
He told the BBC that Daisy-May motivated him to improve himself and overcome his challenges, turning her disability into his source of strength. True to his promise, Alex abandoned his addictions and dedicated himself to supporting Daisy-May’s modeling aspirations. Their story wasn’t just about booking fashion gigs; it was about reclaiming their identities, healing old wounds, and redefining what’s possible.
More Than a Model
Although Daisy-May is often recognized as a fashion model, she is also emerging as a symbol of inclusivity and athletic achievement. In May, she participated in the Spetsathlon, a 5-kilometer race held in Greece. The race proved to be challenging, as she developed painful blisters during the run, but with her father by her side, she completed the course in just over two hours.
Daisy-May was proud of reaching the finish line. For her, the race represented more than just physical endurance; it was a statement about representation. The event aimed to promote inclusivity, and her participation and determination highlighted the message that individuals with disabilities deserve to be on the starting line, just like anyone else.
Alex described his daughter as “a gift to be treasured,” and emphasized that their real goal is to inspire change, especially in countries like Greece, where representation for amputees and disabled individuals is still lacking.
A Message to Others Like Her
In every strut down the runway and every race she completes, Daisy-May sends a powerful message to the amputee community: individuals are not limited by their bodies; instead, they are defined by their spirit.
In a society that often overlooks or underestimates people with physical differences, Daisy-May proudly takes center stage, inviting others to join her journey. Whether in fashion, sports, or any dream, she exemplifies that with enough courage, anything is within reach.
Related Reading:
Women Who Inspire: Why These Disabled Models Rock the Fashion Industry
Nationwide Peer Mentorship Network Helps People Thrive After Limb Loss
First Triple Amputee to Scale Everest Base Camp Credits Success to Good Mental Health
