Disability Sports Coach Overcomes Fears to Embrace Fatherhood

A sports coach, recently named by a charity as one of the UK’s most influential disabled individuals, has opened up about his “hidden disability,” stating, “I thought I would never have kids, and now I have a son.” James Sutliff, 40, had previously enjoyed robust health, participating in semi-professional rugby and working as both a fitness model and a self-employed plumber. This changed in 2008 when he awoke feeling unwell. His symptoms included slurred speech, affected movements, and a decline in mental health, as medical professionals encountered challenges in identifying the underlying cause. Mr. Sutliff, a resident of Queniborough, Leicestershire, commented on this period, stating: “Those five years, with no answers, no diagnosis, was horrendous.” He added, reflecting on his life prior to the illness: “I had my own business, had my own career, I knew what I wanted to do, I was looking to the future and exciting times.” He then described the sudden impact: “And then boom, I lost my career, I lost my business, everything. I lost myself.” Ultimately, in 2012, Mr. Sutliff received a diagnosis of dystonia, a neurological condition that results in muscle spasms and contractions. He subsequently took up working out and bodybuilding, finding these activities beneficial for his condition and a source of focus. In 2016, he made the decision to share his story via a Facebook video, a choice he initially found difficult due to his embarrassment about how the condition affected his speech. The support he received “overwhelmed” him, and since then, he has expanded his online following, sharing his personal journey alongside his new career as a disability sports coach. Mr. Sutliff is employed at the Matt Hampson Foundation, where he provides assistance to individuals living with conditions such as brain trauma, spinal injuries, motor neurone disease (MND), and cerebral palsy. On Wednesday, the Shaw Trust charity included him in its Disability Power 100, a list that recognizes the UK’s most influential disabled leaders, trailblazers, and advocates. He shared a message of perseverance, stating: “Times can be hard, times can be tough, but just keep going. If I can do it, anyone can do it.” His wife, Sam, has remained a constant throughout his journey. While his professional life has steadily improved over the past decade, the couple spent years apprehensive that they would never feel prepared to have children. Mr. Sutliff articulated his past apprehensions: “When I was diagnosed with dystonia, I thought I’d never have any kids, and I was scared to have my own kids.” He further explained his thought process: “I thought because I have a disability and if I have kids, they will get bullied because of me. I thought that but that’s me being silly.” In October, the couple’s son, Cruz, was born, bringing immense pride to his parents. Mr. Sutliff shared his reaction upon learning of the pregnancy: “When I first found out Sam was pregnant I couldn’t believe it. I just thought, this is amazing.” Mrs. Sutliff commented, “It’s kind of surreal, it’s like pinch me – is this real life?” She further stated, “We both knew we wanted children, and the circumstances we were very cautious – so to get there, we just feel so blessed.” Mr. Sutliff conveyed his profound happiness, stating: “I never thought I’d have that. And now he is here, he is a perfect little man, he’s my best mate.” He also explained his reason for making videos with his son: “I take videos with him to show everyone that you can do it, you can have your own kids.” He offered a broader message of encouragement: “If you are somebody who has a disability or is going through any hardships in life, you can live life the best you can.” He stressed: “You can live life with a disability and just be happy. Do not give up.” He concluded: “Do not let anything stop you, you can do anything.” Mrs. Sutliff expressed her deep admiration, stating: “My heart just bursts with pride for James, not just because of this award, just for everything, who he is and all he has accomplished since his diagnosis.” She further remarked: “Without sounding too cheesy, he’s an inspiration.” Readers can follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas may be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details on our approach to external linking are available.