My Name is Joan Ross.  I have cerebral palsy from birth. I am now in my sixties.  I was born in Anglesey, North Wales.  My parents made their home in London when I was 2 years old in order that I could get the best treatment available at that time.

Despite my severe disability and poor prognosis as a baby I have led a very full and interesting life. I have progressed beyond all expectations.  From a very young age I have had a very strong Christian faith.  My faith is a thread which can be traced in my autobiography called 'I Can't Walk But I Can Crawl' published in 2005.

One of the first things I did after my book came out; was to visit Dorothy Anderson in Northern Ireland and give her a copy of my book. I met Dorothy when I attended one of the first cerebral palsy units in Surrey. She was five years old and I was nine. We have always kept in touch after Dorothy went back to live in Ireland. I mention Dorothy in my book. We hadn't met for about 12 years. We did a great deal of giggling together, just like when we were young.

Take a look at my blog. This will keep you up to date with what's happening in my life now. I have had 2 major operations; since my book was published in 2005. My blog I hope, will  be an interesting commentary on how ageing affects cerebral palsy. Will people respond to me differently? Will they see me first as an older person becoming increasingly frail, or still see my disability first? Only time will tell.