Sometimes life takes us in directions we never expected, even when we’re well into adulthood. For Melanie Hawkes, that moment came at 43, when she finally chose to explore an experience she had long believed was out of reach. After years of living with a disability, she decided it was time to take control of her own story.

Melanie grew up in a wheelchair after a childhood illness damaged her spinal cord. For most of her life, intimacy felt impossible, and she pushed those thoughts aside. But everything changed when she caught Covid and received a gentle massage from her support worker — the first intimate touch she had ever felt.

That moment became a turning point. Her support worker suggested an escort, explaining it could offer safety and comfort. Melanie realised she didn’t want a rushed or awkward encounter with a stranger from a bar. She wanted understanding, patience, and a chance to learn at her own pace.

She reached out to Chayse, an experienced escort who answered her many questions without judgment. Their first meeting felt overwhelming, but his calm approach helped her relax. Soon, she discovered confidence she never knew she had, and she continued seeing him as she explored her own needs.

Today, Melanie says these sessions brought her joy and a sense of freedom she had long missed. Her hope now is to find a loving partner — someone who brings the same kindness without a price tag. And in her words, gaining that self-confidence has been the most valuable experience of all.