World CP Day 2025 and Me

Hello, this is my origin story (of sorts) and the only time I'll use the word 'United' in a post. If you know me, you know why! I'll do it for World Cerebral Palsy Day 2025. 

I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of three. It makes the muscles in my arms and legs very tight, which affects my general movement. 

Growing up in the 1980s was a challenging time. I went to a mainstream school, and for a long time, I was the only disabled child there. That difference painted a target on my back, and I learned early that when people aren’t educated about differences, fear and ignorance take over. 

Back then, there was no accessible public transport. Today I can get on buses and trains, and that has changed my life. I can now travel the country to do my job. Attitudes have also improved, although barriers and prejudice persist. Representation has also come a long way. As a child, I never saw disabled people like me on screen. Now, more disabled actors, creators and leaders are being recognised for their abilities – and that matters. 

My working life hasn’t been easy. I’ve had more than a thousand rejection emails from employers. Being disabled can feel like giving someone an excuse not to hire you. But I keep those emails to remind myself of how far I’ve come. 

When I became a father, I turned to Scope’s online community to connect with dads like me. I had questions and worries – like how I would teach my daughter to ride a bike or climb a tree. That community gave me strength, and today I’m proud to lead Scope’s Cerebral Palsy Programme across England and Wales. 

My role is varied. I support people with CP and their families through Scope’s online community, helpline and training. I work with schools, GPs, universities and other organisations to share knowledge and improve understanding. I am particularly proud of co-developing the NICE Adult CP Care Pathway – the biggest shift in adult CP care in 40 years – and of Scope’s role in co-sponsoring the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cerebral Palsy, which has made recommendations on education, employment, independent living and rehabilitation. 

Through this work, we created the CP Network, a space where people with CP, their families and allies can come together, share experiences and make their voices heard. Representation and community are powerful – they remind us that no one is alone. 

That’s why World Cerebral Palsy Day matters. It’s a day to celebrate those living with CP, to raise awareness, and to push for change. More than 50 million people worldwide live with cerebral palsy. That’s 50 million reasons to take action, 50 million reasons to keep striving for a fairer, more inclusive world. 

This year’s theme, #UniqueandUnited, captures everything I believe in. Every person with CP has their own story, challenges and strengths – but together, united, we are a powerful force for change. 

My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has taught me the value of resilience, the importance of community, and the significance of being seen and heard. This World Cerebral Palsy Day, I’m proud to add my voice – and to keep working for a future where every person with CP has the opportunity to thrive.