After Lancaster I went to St Martin’s (now University of Cumbria) to gain a teaching qualification in secondary education, and I then got a job at one of the schools in which I did a placement, where I stayed for a couple of years. My next step was to become a trustee for the Brittle Bone Society and, in 2012, I decided to move to London, despite having no specific job to go to and a small amount of savings. At first, I did some volunteering for ‘Action for Children’ as many paid jobs had very real barriers for me, but my savings were dwindling. My break came at a party for ‘creatives’ where I met my now business partner who asked if I’d done any acting. As a result we teamed up to produce an indie film called ‘Little Devil’ which proved incredibly successful. It won some awards in LA and through this I got an acting agent. As they say, the rest is history!


Simultaneously, the 2012 Paralympics, which really put disability front and centre like never before, helped me create some specific opportunities to help me move forward.


London was a melting pot for cultures and those with disabilities are often underestimated where the disability is obvious like mine. Speaking multiple languages indicates a level of intelligence and communication skills. In a large city where you know nobody and can feel isolated, languages are a great tool to enable you to communicate with anyone. Learning and speaking other languages transcends barriers.


What do you enjoy most in your work?


I enjoy meeting people through my work and I try to inspire in the right way. I love having people come up to me having read my book because I’ve spoken about taboo issues, and I’ve made a positive impact.


I also love interior design and I would really like to do something with this. I have enjoyed moving back to Lancashire and renovating my house. I would also like to do more travelling in the future. I feel I am now able to be more selective in my choice of work projects and I want to make a real impact, particularly around women’s sexual health and also my love of animals and animal welfare.


What has been your greatest achievement so far in any aspect of your life?


I am really proud of writing my book ‘You Are The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread’ which was published in 2022.


What advice would you give to today’s students?


Life doesn’t always turn out the way you would want it to, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be successful. You sometimes need to block out the external voices. Some external pressure can be good, but now I’ve learned to stop people pleasing and to try and live organically.


In her book, Samantha says she knew


from an early age that she would make a difference on the world. In her words, “tall dreams for a little person.” She has succeeded, and continues to succeed, in teaching us the value of life and how unconquerable the human spirit can be.


@SamathaRenke www.samantharenkeofficial.com


Samantha receives her alumni award in 2023 KEEP IN TOUCH WWW.LANCASTER.AC.UK/ALUMNI | 5


Samantha’s graduation in 2008


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