Say hello to Matty Paddock

Hello – My name is Matty. I’m 32 and I’ve lived with Cerebral Palsy my whole life.

I wanted to put some words together for use on this website in the hope that people who encounter Cerebral Palsy might find them interesting or helpful; whether it’s someone who has CP, their family, friends, or people who care about them.

I was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy when I was around 18 months old. I came from a relatively big family, and it wasn’t until it was noticed that I wasn’t moving and getting around as well as them that my parents decided it was time to investigate.

Since then, I have lived a happy but, at times, challenging life with Cerebral Palsy. I’m not here to tell you that living with CP is easy, but I also want to assure young people especially, that it is by no means a life-limiting sentence, either. We have problems to overcome, challenges to meet and obstacles to get past, but it’s important to remember that this is life in general, not just life with CP.

There were times in my life growing up that things were tough and I genuinely felt that nobody really understood, and that I was destined to live a life that would stay that way. I am pleased to say that I am very happily married and am lucky enough to have a home and job that I love. I want people growing up with CP to know that, although it is frustrating at times and maybe a little lonely, there is plenty ahead and the future will always be brighter than you think.

I can be a little self-deprecating at times, and love to poke fun any myself. Why not? I hope some of my life experiences with CP can help anyone reading who may need it. I’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to talk more, too. I’m on Twitter @mattypaddock, so just get in touch.

Author

Matty Paddock is on the board of Directors, in charge of media and operations,  for Kidderminster Harriers Football Club. He is a freelance journalist and also has Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Twitter: @mattypaddock