“The future depends on what you do today.”
Gandhi
Julian was born three months early, weighing just 1 kg (2.2 lbs). After three months in hospital, he went home on his original due date. At age one, he was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, mainly affecting his left leg and causing tight muscles that challenge his balance.
For 15 years, driven by concern for his future, I trained Julian as if we were on a mission—because we were. The mission was to not let his cerebral palsy gain the upper hand. He has done daily physiotherapy—sometimes up to three times a day.
Over the years he has undergone a multitude of medical treatments and therapies; dry needling, botox, osteopathy, acupuncture, functional electrical stimulation, meditation, and hypnosis.
Early on, I noticed he relied entirely on his stronger leg to stand. Correcting this postural issue while managing the rest of any physio session, with only one pair of hands, was impossible. That’s when I came up with the idea of the laser gun to help him achieve better symmetry.
Since then, Julian's physical challenges became the inspiration behind all my technical creations—some successful, others total flops!
Julian is incredible. Despite his physical challenges, he has never let them define him. He meets every obstacle with quiet determination, strength, and a brilliant sense of humour. Nothing slows him down—he simply keeps pushing forward. Our inspiration.
He has now reached an age of needing independence—and, more importantly, he understands the value of maintaining his physio routines to stay ahead on this journey with cerebral palsy. In many ways, my job is done. The realisation that I’ve been let go from the most beautiful, challenging and rewarding role brings a bittersweet mix of pride, sadness, and hope.
