Book Extract

A first look at my family life. The family who supported me and got me to where I am today.

---

In life, a family is vital for a child’s personal development. Its role is to guide the child through life, to love them, keep them safe, teach them right from wrong, encourage them to make friendships, and provide countless other forms of support.

One of the most important things a family can do is give a child the ability to be as independent as possible so that they can make their own mark in life. It also gives them the confidence to believe they can become whoever they want to be.

For a child with additional needs, this is particularly important. Fortunately, I had a family that believed in me — believed that I could be more than that ‘blob’, who had been written off so many times.

I would love to introduce them to you all. I feel like a boxing MC, ready to announce the contestants, which is fitting because they have always been in my corner.

First, we have my mum, who has battled for me from day one, whether it was with the council, schools, or doctors.

Our family joke that she is a Mama Bear who hibernates and only comes out when one of her cubs is under attack. When Mum is angry, believe me, you will know about it!

She always says I am a mini version of her — stubborn and needing to have the last word in an argument, just because we can. We both say it as it is, whether the other person wants to hear it or not. The saying ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ comes to mind.

Try saying that when you are drunk — it is a proper tongue twister!

Mum often calls me her Mr Wibbly-Wobbly Man, which reminds me of the character from Noddy. If I could ace any TV role, it would be him — I can see the Oscars calling for me now!

I am glad that I have a mum like this — a mum who does not take no for an answer and battles to the ends of the earth to make sure I have what I need in life, so that I am not at a disadvantage and have the same opportunities as everybody else. No words could ever thank her enough for all the years she has spent advocating for me, a lot of times against the world, but I hope I am making her proud and repaying her in the life that I am building.