Tarryn Tomlinson was in her final year of high school when she was diagnosed with aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. 

Her mobility deteriorated rapidly. Within roughly 18 months, she was using a wheelchair, and a future that had once seemed straightforward suddenly looked completely different. 

But Tarryn's story is not simply about living with illness or disability. It is about what happened next. 

In this episode of #ShiftHappens, Richard Sutton speaks to Tarryn about the pain, anger and loss of independence that followed her diagnosis, and the slow process of rebuilding a life around a reality she had never expected. 

They talk about her decision to go to Italy despite having almost no money, the power of allowing yourself to dream beyond your circumstances, and how travel helped her rediscover adventure and independence. 

Tarryn also explains how experiences with inaccessible hotels, buildings and travel turned frustration into purpose, eventually leading her to establish LiveABLE and work in universal access and accessible tourism. 

And then there is Kilimanjaro. 

After initially saying no for two years, Tarryn eventually climbed the mountain in her wheelchair in 2020, reaching Kibo Hut at approximately 4,720 metres. Her experience challenged her own ideas about independence and showed her the importance of having the right people around you. 

A conversation about resilience, identity, purpose, asking for help and the decision to keep building a life when the original plan has changed. 

#ShiftHappens with Richard Sutton explores the moments, decisions and unexpected turns that change the direction of people's lives and careers.