A Welsh author and disability advocate who found success with a best-selling children’s book has published a second edition of his autobiography ‘Cerebral Palsy & Me’ to coincide with being named an Ambassador for Cerebral Palsy Cymru.
The announcement came on World Cerebral Palsy Day and marked a milestone for Gavin Clifton as he uses his story and platform to raise awareness, champion inclusion and inspire others living with cerebral palsy across Wales.
In the book, Gavin, 43, of Caerphilly county, who was born with cerebral palsy, severe speech impairment, and a cleft lip and palate, shares a deeply personal, honest, uplifting and often humorous account of the challenges he has faced.
He documents his remarkable journey from complications at birth, through childhood to defying the experts who said he would never walk or talk, navigating speech difficulties, social inclusion and his parents’ battle for mainstream education.
The book celebrates his career successes, from publishing his first book to writing songs and becoming a motivational speaker, while sharing powerful lessons he’s learned along the way that led him to embracing his identity as a disabled person, exploring the themes of acceptance, mental health, accessibility and hope.
In this edition, the Pentwynmawr-based writer, shares how life has changed since the book was first released, from becoming a self-published author and inspirational speaker to finding his voice through assistive technology.
Gavin also talks about the reality of managing welfare and support schemes as a disabled person, his charity role and work as a disability advocate and the honour of sharing his story and message that ‘It’s OK to be different’ in front of 130 people at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.
“Sharing my story through ‘Cerebral Palsy and Me’ is my way of showing others that disability should never define or limit what we can achieve,” explained Gavin.
The author of best-selling children’s book ‘Max and the Magic Wish’ and ‘Paddy and the Polar Bear Teddy’, and songwriter is best-known as ‘The Disabled Writer.’ He uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to support his speech and AI-voice assistive technology to deliver talks and share his experiences with audiences.
“I’m not just here to inspire,” he said. “I hope this book speaks to anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unsupported, or underestimated.”
“To release this new edition on World Cerebral Palsy Day, while also becoming an Ambassador, is especially meaningful.”
As the newest ambassador for the charity, alongside household names including; the Welsh actor Matthew Rhys and singer Bonnie Tyler, Gavin said:
“I am proud to become an ambassador for Cerebral Palsy Cymru, a charity close to my heart that does incredible work supporting children and families across Wales.
“Growing up, I’ve faced barriers, not just physical ones, but attitudinal ones, assumptions and low expectations. That’s why this role means so much.
“This charity gives children and families across Wales the early support and therapy that can make a lasting difference. Their work is about possibility, dignity and showing disabled children that they matter, ‘it’s ok to be different’, accepted and accept others.
“I’m proud to use my voice to support that message, raise awareness, challenge outdated thinking, and help make sure every child with cerebral palsy has the chance to be seen for who they are, not what others assume.”
The Cardiff-based charity, founded in 1992, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of children living with cerebral palsy and supporting their families. Through specialist therapy, advice and family support services, the charity makes a life-changing difference across communities in Wales.
Marie Wood, the charity’s Interim Chief Executive, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Gavin on board as an Ambassador for Cerebral Palsy Cymru on World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.
“As a talented writer, speaker and advocate with lived experience of cerebral palsy, Gavin brings a powerful voice that will inspire others and help us raise awareness of the vital work we do across Wales.”
World Cerebral Palsy Day is about recognition, inclusion and action for the 50 million people world-wide that live with the condition. It is held to celebrate the achievements of the Cerebral Palsy community, challenge barriers and push for a more accessible, inclusive world.
‘Cerebral Palsy & Me by Gavin Clifton’ is available for £10.99 from Amazon or via here.
