Hi, I'm Zoë

Your Voice Is Your Superpower.

Disability advocate, published author, public speaker and content creator on a mission to make hidden disabilities seen, heard and valued.

  • Disability Advocate
  • Published Author
  • Public Speaker
  • Content Creator
Book Me to SpeakRead My Story
Zoë Castle smiling on the seafront
About Me

Living differently, and proudly so

I've spent my whole life living with multiple rare conditions. They're a big part of my story, but they don't define my limits, they shape my purpose.

Zoë Castle smiling, wearing cherry earrings
  • 22q11.2 SyndromeAlso known as DiGeorge Syndrome
  • Tetralogy of FallotA congenital heart defect
  • Partially DeafA hidden sensory difference
  • Partially SightedLiving with limited vision
  • ScoliosisCurvature of the spine
  • Mild Learning DisabilityPart of how I experience the world

I've never really known life without hospitals, operations and the fear of uncertainty. But every one of these experiences has made me more resilient, and helped me realise that being different is my strength. That's what drives me to advocate, write and speak, so others who feel different know they are never alone.

My Story

A journey shaped by resilience

  1. Chapter 1

    Born with 22Q

    Diagnosed from birth with 22q11.2 syndrome and the heart defect Tetralogy of Fallot.

  2. Chapter 2

    Open-heart surgeries

    Endured my first open-heart surgery at just one year old, and another later on.

  3. Chapter 3

    Navigating school

    Learning to find my way through education while partially deaf, partially sighted and living with a learning disability.

  4. Chapter 4

    Becoming independent

    Building the confidence and skills to live life on my own terms.

  5. Chapter 5

    Passing my driving test

    A milestone that opened up new freedom and independence.

  6. Chapter 6

    Writing my book

    Publishing Between Heartbeats, a novel for anyone who has ever felt different.

  7. Chapter 7

    Becoming an advocate

    Turning my experiences into a mission to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.

My Book

Between Heartbeats

My debut novel follows teenager Aria Chapple, who undergoes major heart surgery and, while fighting for her life, creates an entire world inside her mind, five chambers where she faces the struggles of growing up.

Zoë Castle and her mum holding a copy of the novel Between Heartbeats
Loved by readers

Drawing on my own life with a congenital heart condition and multiple rare diagnoses, Between Heartbeats is a story about courage, imagination and finding strength in what makes you different.

Buy Now on Amazon

This book is for anyone who feels different and doesn't see themselves as perfect.

— Zoë Castle, on Between Heartbeats

A moving, imaginative story that stays with you long after the final page.

— Reader review

Beautifully written and full of heart, it captures resilience like nothing else.

— Reader review
Public Speaking

Talks that inspire and educate

I speak openly and warmly about life with hidden disabilities, sharing my story to help audiences understand, include and champion people who are different.

  • Hidden Disabilities
  • Disability Awareness
  • Living with 22Q
  • Resilience
  • Inclusion
  • Confidence
  • Representation
Book Me to Speak
Zoë Castle smiling at home
Media & Press

Featured & interviewed

A selection of interviews, articles and appearances where I've shared my story.

Zoë Castle and her mum holding Between Heartbeats, as featured by BBC News
BBC News

Woman with multiple rare conditions writes novel

My mum said I "never cease to amaze" her, read the full BBC feature on my life and my novel.

Read the article
Newspaper Articles

Featured in the local & national press

Coverage of my journey living with hidden disabilities and my advocacy work.

Podcasts

Conversations on resilience & disability

Talking openly about 22Q, heart conditions and finding strength in difference.

Radio Interviews

Sharing my story on air

Raising awareness of hidden disabilities with radio audiences.

Disability Education Hub

Learn about hidden disabilities

Bite-sized explainers to help you understand, include and support people living with hidden disabilities.

Not every disability is visible

Many disabilities can't be seen at a glance. Someone may look 'fine' while managing pain, fatigue, sensory differences or a serious health condition. Believing people and offering understanding matters.

Hidden disabilities explained

Hidden (or invisible) disabilities include conditions affecting hearing, sight, mobility, energy, learning and mental health that aren't immediately obvious. They are just as real and valid as visible ones.

What is 22Q?

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome) is a condition caused by a missing piece of chromosome 22. It can affect the heart, immune system, learning, speech and more, and looks different for everyone.

Living with a heart condition

Congenital heart conditions like Tetralogy of Fallot are present from birth and can mean surgeries, monitoring and adapting daily life, while still living fully and pursuing big dreams.

Accessible workplaces

Small adjustments, flexible working, clear communication and inclusive design help disabled people thrive at work. Accessibility benefits everyone, not just those who ask for it.

Inclusive language

Words matter. Ask people how they'd like to be described, focus on the person, and avoid outdated or pitying terms. Respectful language helps everyone feel seen and valued.

My Mission

“I'm on a mission to educate the world about hidden disabilities, empower people to embrace who they are, and create a future where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.”

22Q Awareness

Understanding 22q11.2 syndrome

22Q is one of the most common syndromes you've probably never heard of. Raising awareness helps families feel less alone.

What is 22q11.2 syndrome?

22q11.2 deletion syndrome, also known as DiGeorge syndrome, is caused by a small missing piece of chromosome 22. It can affect the heart, immune system, speech, learning and physical development, and affects everyone differently.

Common misconceptions

  • That everyone with 22Q is affected in the same way, in reality it looks different for each person.
  • That hidden conditions aren't serious, they can affect the heart, immune system, learning and more.
  • That you can tell someone is disabled just by looking at them.

Resources & support

Zoë Castle smiling outdoors with her dog

My personal experience

My Tetralogy of Fallot in particular has shaped every part of who I am. I've never known life without hospitals and uncertainty, but 22Q has taught me resilience, and I want every family facing it to know there is hope, strength and a whole community behind them.

Book Public Speaking

Invite Zoë to speak at your event

I bring my story to schools, workplaces, charities and community groups — in person or online. Every talk is warm, honest and shaped around your audience.

  • Schools & Colleges

    Assemblies and workshops on disability, difference and resilience.

  • Workplaces & Events

    Inclusion, accessibility and hidden-disability awareness sessions.

  • Charities & Groups

    Lived-experience talks for support groups and community events.

  • In Person or Online

    Flexible formats to suit your audience, wherever you are.

What's included

  • A warm, honest talk tailored to your audience
  • Time for questions and open conversation
  • Practical takeaways on inclusion and awareness
  • Signed copies of Between Heartbeats on request

To book or ask a question, email:

zoemcastle@hotmail.co.uk
Book Me to Speak

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Contact

Let's work together

Whether you'd like to book me to speak, chat about my book, or invite me for an interview, I'd love to hear from you.

Email mezoemcastle@hotmail.co.ukBook Me to Speak