More Than You Can See: Emma Lines on Confidence, Representation and Living Boldly with CMT 

CMTUK had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Lines, a successful model and influential figure in fashion and lifestyle. Emma, who lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Type 2 and uses a wheelchair, is breaking barriers in the fashion world and inspiring others to embrace their individuality. 
 

Finding strength through change 
 

Emma’s journey began with familiar CMT signs – “champagne bottle legs”, foot drop, and clunky AFOs. “Life was just a little bit more challenging,” she reflects. But her diagnosis came as a shock. “My genes mutated, so it was completely unexpected,” she says. 

At 16, an abscess under her arm caused a sudden loss of strength. “I went to the doctor on a Wednesday, and that night was the last time I walked upstairs,” she recalls. What started as a temporary setback became a permanent change. “At the time, it felt like my life was over before it even began.” 
 

From hiding to being seen 
 

As a teenager, Emma tried to hide her disability. “Not a lot of people at school knew I was disabled,” she shares. But using a wheelchair meant she couldn’t hide anymore. “I can’t just throw a coat over my wheelchair,” she laughs. 

That visibility changed everything. “It’s like going from hiding this huge part of yourself to saying, ‘Hi, everyone. I’m here,’” she says. Embracing her disability became a turning point – one that built her confidence and set her on a new path. 

A career she never expected 
 

“I didn’t think I’d have a career at all,” Emma admits. But that changed when her aunt sent her a link to an inclusive modelling agency. She applied, got her first headshots, and soon after, an offer. 

Her first big job confirmed she’d found her calling. “I remember being on that shoot like, Wow, this is what I want to do.” 

Since then, Emma’s worked with some of fashion’s biggest names. “For the last few months, I’ve worked with ASOS, which was crazy,” she says. But her proudest moment came with Primark’s adapted clothing campaign. “People said things like, ‘I’m crying, I’ve never seen anyone with CMT in a campaign before.’ I was so overwhelmed,” she recalls. “That’s the power of representation.” 

Empowering others 

“I wanted to show my disability, but in a different light,” Emma shares. “If I can help someone else feel good about themselves or inspire them to put on that dress, that would mean everything.” 

For anyone with CMT hoping to model, her advice is simple: start small, stay confident, and don’t fear rejection. “Start with just your phone, in good lighting, and no one around,” she suggests. “Even if you have to ‘fake it till you make it,’ that confidence will shine through.” 

More than what meets the eye 

Emma’s story is about more than adapting to a wheelchair, it’s about redefining strength and beauty. “Our disability is just one part of us, but it makes us who we are,” she says. “You can still have an amazing life – go out and get it!” 
 

You can follow Emma’s journey on Instagram at @emmaelizalines.