Hello. My name is John Clarke and I suffer from Cerebral Palsy. From an early age I became acutely aware of my physical limitations. I would sit longingly watching my brothers play football, wishing my inanimate legs would magically spring into life. Growing up, my parents tried to teach me the philosophy of transcending my disability. Over time I began to realise I could achieve anything, albeit not in the conventional way. I have always believed that as a disabled person, I have a duty to be a catalyst for integration. How can I expect to be accepted by society if my imperfections become my identity? Yes, they are an integral part of my life but they don’t define the person I aspire to be. I have always loved football and I am an avid Burton Albion supporter, for my sins! I count myself extremely lucky to have witnessed my little club’s rise through the divisions. Nothing quite compares to the sweet smell of a freshly manicured football pitch, add an adrenaline inducing goal an
My life revolves around trust, shaping all elements of my existence. I have no choice but to bestow the most intimate aspects of personal care to people I barely know, leaving me vulnerable and open to abuse. Thankfully, the vast majority of society are generally trustworthy and honest. Living independently has taught me the art of patience and compromise. I have yet to find a “perfect” carer, a person who slots into my life seamlessly without invading my privacy, even if they had no intention of doing so. In previous blogs, I have spoken about feeling as if I reside in my very own Big Brother house, endeavouring to cope with the endless new faces that appear on my doorstep, whilst trying to live an active lifestyle. I have come to the realisation that all of human life is adaptation. Growing up, I had to come to terms with my Cerebral Palsy, constantly seeking ingenious ways to interact with the world around me. My adolescent years were extraordinarily difficult. Along wit