An inspiring Glasgow woman who relies on a wheelchair still loves pole dancing. Rhona Jane Ferguson battles action myoclonus-renal failure (AMRF) which is a genetic syndrome that affects the brain. The very rare and progressive condition causes involuntary muscle jerks meaning she struggles with mobility and her speech.
However the 35-year-old refuses to let it get in the way of her passion for dancing and performing. She credits pole dancing for maintaining strength in her arms and tackling stigmas against both having a disability and the art of pole dancing. Rhona, who lives in Dalmarnock, told the Glasgow Times: “There are stigmas against disabled people and stigmas around pole dancing, but I like showing that having a disability does not mean you can no longer be sexy.
“It is a really difficult industry to thrive in, but for me it is mostly about keeping up a certain level of fitness in a fun and inclusive way. “I focus on floor work and use the bottom third of the pole for my routines, it helps maintain strength in my arms which is good for my daily life.” READ MORE: 'Everyone knew them': Glasgow community mourns loss of shopkeeper Rhona has been pole dancing for 12 years (Image: Gordon Terris) Rhona first became ill around 2016 but doctors thought it was severe anxiety at first.
However after her condition deteriorated, further tests revealed her AMRF which she was diagnosed with in 2018. AMRF is rapidly progressive, with most patients surviving seven to 15 year.
