Share a Story - Adam Boult

Our Share a Story submissions

Adam's story - Cerebral palsy

I am Adam and I have had hemiplegia, a type of cerebral palsy which affects one side of the body, since shortly after birth. As I was growing up, I needed to wear a hard orthopaedic appliance (splint) on my right leg to keep my foot straight and to help me keep my balance. The right side of my body has always been smaller and weaker than my left, and I have less use of that side.

From an early age, I enjoyed playing football, but knew as I got older that I needed to strengthen and maintain mobility, particularly of my weak side, in order to keep up! It wasn’t until I was at college that I discovered the gym. I really enjoyed going to the gym and worked very hard at strengthening my right side - both leg and arm - and eventually was able to stop using the much-hated splint, which gave me blisters and often broke whilst playing footie!

Going to the gym became a daily routine, not only improving my strength and fitness, but also improving my sense of self-worth and wellbeing. As part of my college course, I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity for a supported internship at Billingshurst leisure centre. This led to me getting my first job – and I love every minute of it and really feel part of the team! This has boosted my confidence and I hope I can help and inspire others to enjoy and benefit from the gym too.