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I've been pushing myself the whole of my life.

Hello, I'm Carl. My life changed forever when I decided to stop being afraid and instead, started to get curious about my abilities

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ABOUT ME

Believe and Acheive

I was the firstborn in 1962 with a condition known as Spina Bifida where the doctors then advised my Mam and Dad to leave me in the care of the Hospital and my parents go away and start another family.

My Mam and Dad were both fueled with the exhilaration of their firstborn and the sheer love for one and other meant they would never agree with the so-called professionals and they took me home. The next twelve months gave both Mam and Dad huge challenges as I went through major operations and many visits to the very famous Alder Hey. Then came Bro number two our H

Our Harry was born and although initially my Mam and Dad thought they had the perfect birth, sadly it was not to be. At the outset, Harry was thought to be in good health but as the Months progressed and Harry’s development was slow, it rapidly began to transpire that Our Harry had problems.

I am sure there were times when they both must have thought enough was enough and they both felt inadequate to cope.

Mam and Dad soon discovered yet again through the Consultants' jargon that our Harry was Retarded and as we know it today Learning Disabilities.

With Dad working 7 days a week to keep a roof on our heads and meet the bills, Mum was on several Buses every week through Hale, Rain, Sleet and Snow just so she was able to meet appointments at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for the both of us, I am sure there were times when they both must have thought enough was enough and they both felt inadequate to cope.

Mam and Dad were both made of stronger Qualities and their love for one and other would never falter or be in doubt.

In 1968 came Bro number 3 and probably after years of opinion and guidance and being told not too they finally had the perfect birth that every couple would hope for. Although the next Decade and well beyond were the most difficult for my Mam and Dad, their strength, courage and incredible love for each other and their Three sons would bring us much happier times. We loved our yearly holidays in our Caravan to Wales and Scotland and even the Budgie and Dog came along.

Today we are so proud

Proud of the values that my Mam and Dad brought us up to have respect for our Peers, treat people as you would expect them to treat you and not back down to fools.

I am at present the team leader of a young man’s service, Harry is enjoying his life and independence through MENCAP our baby bro is the Head Teacher of a local Primary School.

My story is a simple one...

We lost both Mam and Dad in 2012/2013 and we are always trying to come to terms with it. My story is a simple one, I’m just trying to say love and cherish what you have because before you know it, it’s gone

As I continue on the roller-coaster of life and like the rest we face unprecedented times in a dangerous and troubled world, I wonder what Mam and Dad would have made of it. 62 years on, several operations, the amputation of my right leg and despite the advice from doctors that I would never father my kids, I am married and have two beautiful children.

My Daughter has blessed me with my first Grandchild Harriet Eva who is now 5 years old, my word where did those years go? My amazing Son is a Chartered accountant in Belfast and he and his beautiful wife became proud parents to my second Granddaughter Edie, born August 2023.

I wrote my first children's book, My Gan Gans Pram, and still do crazy challenges that most people tell me or advise cannot be done, yes I am notoriously stubborn. I just hope that wherever Mam and Dad are they are proud of what I have done and continue to do but ultimately satisfied and contented knowing that their Sons will always miss them both so very much and love them more than ever.