I’m Russ. I’ve lived with epilepsy and benign essential tremor for most of my life. However, I consider myself very fortunate because from an early age I found music; and this has been my life-blood. As a child, singing with the choir gave me respite from my conditions. And, as I got older, country music became my passion. As well as singing ‘Johnny Cash’ style, I also learnt to play instruments like the guitar, drums and the harmonica.

My desire to sing and play in public, and ultimately produce records of my work, helped me fight against the daily barriers and constraints of my illnesses. Sometimes though things just got too difficult for me and not even my music could get me through.

One such time came about seven years ago. Following a nasty epileptic seizure doctors said I had to move to a bungalow for safety reasons. Unfortunately, I had issues with the new property and in particular with the bath. It might sound trivial but with my conditions having a bath, safely, is hugely important to me. Not being able to do so in this new house severely dented my confidence and with that my mental health suffered. My self-confidence was at its lowest and my frustration at the lack of appreciation and support were overwhelming. I felt let-down, and alone; I was a mess and was struggling to cope!