Interview with Burt Rickman. Author of the book No Half Measures.

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No Half Measures: Burt Rickman’s Story of Cerebral Palsy, Resilience and Change

At just twenty-one, Burt Rickman has already achieved something remarkable: he has written and published his book, No Half Measures.

Burt has hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, and his book is rooted in his own experiences of growing up with this disability. From the challenges he faced in school to his determination to help others feel less alone, Burt was inspired to share his story in the hope that healthcare professionals, teachers, families and young people themselves can better understand what life with cerebral palsy is really like.

No Half Measures follows Burt’s life in chronological order, with chapters exploring birth, diagnosis, family, school, setbacks and achievements. Each chapter also includes a ‘food for thought’ section, offering reflections tailored to the people the book is intended to reach.

So where did it all begin? For Burt, school was often difficult. He spoke openly about experiencing academic delays, social exclusion and bullying, as well as the limits of school policies when it came to recognising and addressing more hidden forms of bullying. These experiences had a real impact on his self-esteem and behaviour.

He also described the misunderstandings he regularly encountered from both teachers and peers. People would sometimes assume his limp was the result of an injury, rather than part of a lifelong condition, whilst others held the common stereotype that everyone with cerebral palsy uses a wheelchair.

Over time, sport and exercise became a powerful and positive part of Burt’s life. He shared how he found his way into the gym, adapted routines to suit his body, and explored different sports including karate, Muay Thai and Paralympic cycling. For Burt, it was often about trial and error, finding new ways to take part, and accepting support from friends along the way.

That passion for movement, adaptation and helping others has now led Burt to university, where he is training to become a physiotherapist.

Burt explained that his decision to train as a physiotherapist was shaped by his own experiences of limited access to care. Having seen first-hand how difficult it can be for adults with cerebral palsy to get the right support, he hopes to help fill that gap and make a positive difference for others.

No Half Measures is published and available on Amazon as a paperback and e-book. Burt is considering producing an audio version, depending on reader feedback and demand for increased accessibility.