Sam Dobson, a 25-year-old man with cerebral palsy, has defied all odds and shown that anything is possible with an incredible body transformation. Despite being told he would never walk because of his condition, Sam has proven wrong those who doubt the strength in disabilities.
Cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects his movement on the right-hand side of his body and weakens his muscles, has been a challenge for Sam since childhood. His parents were even informed that he may never walk unaided again. But Sam did not let this discourage him.
Around 10 years ago, Sam made a life-changing decision. He decided that he wanted to make the biggest change possible in his life. Although it was a constant battle for him to do the exercises recommended for his rehabilitation when he was younger, he realized the importance of keeping strong as he grew older.
“At the age of 16, I told my mum and dad that I’d like to start going to the gym,” Sam shared. “They were questioning it because I wasn’t doing my stretches for rehabilitation. But I fell in love with fitness ever since I signed up to the gym that day.”
Now, 10 years later, Sam has developed a physique comparable to an Olympic champion. However, he faced setbacks when his former physios informed him that the gym would worsen his joints. Undeterred, Sam learned techniques to avoid worsening his condition and continued his fitness journey.
His determination to overcome his joint weakness, a significant aspect of cerebral palsy, has proved the doctors wrong. “When I was younger, the doctors predicted that I’d never be able to walk,” Sam shared. “But I wanted to strive to do things that my body told me I couldn’t.”
Through his incredible achievements, such as skydiving to raise funds for the Children’s outpatients department at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Sam aims to show the world that having a disability should not dampen one’s dreams. He wants to inspire others by demonstrating that they can accomplish great things despite their challenges.
“I just want to show people that you can do lots of things despite having a disability,” Sam said. “The main hobby I have is going to the gym and lifting weights to improve my own situation by becoming stronger. I take that mindset into my everyday life, striving to be better and showing anyone that anything is possible.”
Having experienced the support of the outpatients unit when he was younger, Sam is grateful for the opportunity to give back. He has worked with vulnerable adults, including those with cerebral palsy, and understands the challenges they face. Through his journey, he has witnessed people’s resilience and determination to overcome obstacles every single day.
Sam’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. It serves as an inspiration to all, showing that with determination and belief, anything is possible, regardless of the obstacles we face. So let us remember Sam’s remarkable journey and embrace the power within us to overcome any challenge that comes our way.
