I was born in hospital 8 weeks premature on the 29/07/1998 and was taken immediately to the Special Care Baby Unit where I stayed for 8 weeks. The first 5 years of my life were spent in and out of hospital with various medical conditions.

I have cerebral palsy that affects all four limbs and includes a twisted left ankle and muscular weakness. My speech and memory are also affected. I also have autism and related hyperacousis which means I am extremely sensitive to everyday noises and can get upset by new ones. I also have epilepsy which is controlled with medication. On top of all this I have now been registered blind as I have stellar opacities in both eyes. A better way to describe them are star cataracts which show as perfect stars in the centre of my eyes, thereby obscuring my vision. 

Against all odds and bearing in mind my lack of vision, autism, and all four limbs being affected I have the confidence, acquired skill, and trust, to not only crawl happily around my house but to also use a walker. Due to my eyesight I need support from others to guide the walker but I am the one driving it forward.

I require 1:1 support with daily living which is currently supplied by my immediate family and we as a family are all aware we cannot predict when we will require help from Scope to support me in the future. 

Taking part in the 2.6 Challenge and walking .26 of a mile to support Scope will be a massive achievement for me and requires considerable determination on my behalf. 

I know with the support of my amazing family - Mum (Debbie), Dad (Simon), David (brother), I can do this !