Published - December 1996

I was born on 21.4.89 in Newcastle. I had to have some serious surgery because I was born with spina bifida.

This is my first picture. I am having a shower with my dad, Rod.

I got spina bifida when I was in my mum's tummy. I had a hole in my spine. I have a lump and a scar on my back.

I had to have an operation on my spine straight away because I had a hole in it. My mum was very sad that I had to have an operation, but she was very happy to have me.

When I was 6 months old I had to wear special splints on my feet to straighten out my toes and feet.

I started standing up at 12 months. I liked to hang onto furniture to pull myself up.

When I started to walk by myself I thought that I was very clever because most other kids with spina bifida can't learn to walk.

I had to try really hard to walk and to run.

I live with my mum, dad and my brother Jesse. I have a dog named Scarlett. She is black. My family goes to the movies and we also like to go on picnics. My brother plays basketball.

I had a little bear named Bluey. I also had a sheep skin called Sheepie which I slept on after I had my operation. He is still on my bed.

I have difficulty with skipping, standing still and keeping balance.

I don't need a wheelchair because I can walk.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR