2025 Highlights

Here are my 2025 highlights, as well as a touch of the not so positive parts, to bring it back to reality!

ACCA exams and Work

In January, I found out I passed my Financial Management (F9) exam I took in December. I passed my Audit and Assurance (F8) exam in July, and became part-qualified! This felt like a bit of a milestone.

I have also completed my Ethics module. So, hopefully have three exams left before I qualify as a Chartered certified accountant.

I am still working 14 hours a week, split over several days.

In January, I co-founded DAWN (Disability Awareness Network) at work. We have had several events in 2026, from a launch event, sharing our stories of disability, and an event raising awareness of carers, and how to support them in the workplace. We also raised over £300 for White Lodge. In December for International day for Disabled People (IDPD), we encouraged employees to wear their Purple Socks.

I also co-founded the Disability and Neurodivergent Accountants Network in December. A network for accountants across all professional bodies, both students and members to connect and support each other. We have a LinkedIn Page and aim to meet quarterly via teams.

Speeches, Features and Videos

I have done a variety of speeches, features and videos in 2026.

February

I was featured in ACCA’s Student Accountant magazine on my story and journey to becoming an accountant.

April

A four page article featuring Q&A with me in the first edition of Care Co Life, Care Co’s magazine.

July

I was featured in Astriid’s video campaigning for changing the narrative on long-term health conditions and work.

August 

I featured on the ‘I’m Disabled so What?’ podcast. Talking about Disability Life Admin and Interactions in Public:

October

I gave a 45 minute speech with 15 minute Q+A to the Friends of Nonsuch on ‘Hannah-an insight into Disability’. Sharing my story, raising awareness and understanding of disability and challenging incorrect stereotypes.

November 

I did a video for Scope challenging some of the misconceptions about the Motability scheme.

@scope_charity

💬 “Cutting the Motability scheme would be cutting disabled people out of society.” Hannah, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves 👏 It’s not a free car. And it’s not easy to access. It’s a lifeline. 🎥 Video description: Hannah, a white woman with curly ginger hair is sitting in her powerchair. She is describing how her Motability vehicle helps her, and why the Motability scheme is so important to disabled people. #Motability #Disability #DisabilityRights

♬ original sound – Scope

I wrote an opinion piece for the Metro: Take it from a disabled person Motability isn’t about free cars on the Motability scheme, changes in the autumn budget and its value to disabled people to combat misconceptions.

AAT Award

In November, I attended the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Impact Awards . I was honoured to be shortlisted for the Triumph and Community Impact Awards, and to win the Community Impact Award. This was definitely one of my 2025 highlights.

Superhero Tri

I participated in the Superhero Tri with my Dad, Brian, my PA Nia, and good friends Olivia and her husband Matt. Nia, Olivia, Matt and myself did the swim. I swam in a lake!

We swam 400 metres which is about 16 lengths of a 25 metre swimming pool. It was a challenge and a half. I have never worn a wetsuit before, or been in a lake. It was a first! I had to have a men’s wetsuit as I am so long in the body! Luckily, this meant it was not too tight on my legs, which are quite sensitive. I spasmed initially with the cold water, I think gloves and socks helped, and the adrenaline of: ‘Am I really doing this?’ We succeeded with the swim, although think I ended up doing more like 500m as it turns out I am not very good at swimming in straight lines!

Brian, Olivia and Matt then did the 10km cycle and we all did the 2.5km push/ run. I drove the push/run in my powerchair, and walked the last few metres over the finish line, with my splints, four-wheeled walker, and support of my Dad, Brian and Nia. My legs were giving way I was so exhausted. But we did it! We raised £1220 for White Lodge in the process! It was lovely to walk over the finish line with a few of my work colleagues, who were volunteering at the event.

@hannahedeakin

Superhero Tri 2025! On Saturday 16th August we competed in the Superhero Tri. As a team we did 400m swim, 10 km cycle and 2.5km push/run. It was great to have Dad, Nia my PA, and good friends Olivia and Matt on the team. I did the swim and push/run where I drove my powerchair then walked the final metres over the finish line with support. It was great to meet you Hannah and Becky @CheethamsWithDreams Hannah x @SuperheroSeries_official #whitelodge #triathlon #superheroseries #rehabilitation #openwaterswimming

♬ original sound – Hannah Deakin

Health and physio progress

In 2025, I have got a bit stronger, especially in my core, it doesn’t seem to collapse as much when I try and take steps. I keep more upright! I have taken a couple of steps in very deep water (chest height) without holding on! (Which I haven’t done for 19.5 years.)

I have been working hard on taking some steps with crutches in physio sessions (as well as lots of other things). Although, I still need someone to hold me with a handling belt, the crutches and splints, I can do a few more steps and they are more controlled and smooth.

The not so positive parts

I have spent a month with my WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) off the road. However, although not as suitable as my car, I am grateful to have had a hire WAV, to be able to get around. I have had a really nasty situation which I would say is verging on disability discrimination, however I am grateful to everyone who has offered their support to me, especially one lovely lady.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year! What are your 2025 highlights?

Hannah x

I wonder how I compare to 2025-My Hopes and Goals?