Nikki Bradley announced as Taoiseach's nominee to Seanad
The inspirational amputee, motivational speaker and disability rights advocate succeeds Regina Doherty, the former Seanad leader who was recently elected to the European Parliament for Fine Gael
Nikki Bradley has been formally appointed to Seanad Éireann by Taoiseach Simon Harris – and says disability awareness will be among her top priorities.
The inspirational amputee, motivational speaker and disability rights advocate succeeds Regina Doherty, the former Seanad leader who was recently elected to the European Parliament for Fine Gael.
Senator Bradley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, when she was 16 years old, and has had two hip replacements.
The adaptive adventurer and cancer survivor underwent rotationplasty surgery in The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham in 2022.
The procured involved removing the middle part of her right leg with the lower leg reattached at the thigh - but rotated 180 degrees. This was prior to having a prosthetic fitted.
Her appointment to the Seanad will heighten speculation about her being possible candidate for Fine Gael in the next General Election with Fine Gael Deputy Joe McHugh to step down.
Disabilities, mobility issues, the defective concrete blocks scheme and education services are set to be among the key issues.
Previously, Senator Bradley has completed quite the list of feats, including abseiling off Fanad Lighthouse and climbing the Sólheimajökull glacier in Iceland.
She also completed a 4 Peak Challenge that saw her climb Carrantoohil, Croagh Patrick, Slieve Donard and Errigal back-to-back - inside 32 hours.
In June 2023, she completed the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon, on crutches.
Senator Bradley is the founder of ‘Fighting Fit For Ewings’, which aims to increase awareness about the disease as well as participating in physical challenges. She is also an ambassador of No Barriers Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organisation based in Letterkenny.
Their aim is to create an inclusive health facility equipped with specialist neurological equipment allowing anyone with a disability to train and improve their current level of physical and mental health by targeting mobility, strength and physical fitness regardless of their current baseline.