Born To Be Different
On March 20th 2000 we received the news every expectant parents dread. During my routine scan it was diagnosed our unborn child had spina bifida. The following few weeks passed by in a blur of hospital appointments and tests. Around this time we were approached by channel 4 who were making a documentary following the lives of six families whose children had various disabilities. Richard and myself thought long and hard about this and decided something positive could come from this devastation, maybe we could help people in a similar situation to ourselves and show them you can move forward, you will come through it alive and kicking. It was supposed to be a one off series but here we are eleven years later still filming.We film over two years, and then a series is created. The feedback we have from the programme is heartwarming and many people have come forward in similar situations to ourselves. One such family are the Taylors who have become dear friends to us and then there is Diversions. A place and time where we can meet other families and not feel isolated in our struggles, people who truly know what life is like for us, a time where Jacob, our son can enjoy himself also. More importantly for that one day we spend together, Emily is not so different after all. Well I could go on forever with this one but I won't so enjoy the series who knows we may be back in another two years.
With love from,
Richard, Rachael, Emily and Jacob Speirs
If you missed this episode go to the following link :: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/born-to-be-different
Also on the C4 site is the Help & Support area :: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/born-to-be-different/articles/help-support
