CPAM 26 | Charlie Gould

At Cerebral Palsy Cymru, one of the greatest privileges is watching the children who come through our doors grow into confident, determined young adults. Charlie is one of those inspiring individuals and her journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved with the right support, resilience, and ambition.

Charlie first attended the centre at a very young age, following her diagnosis of cerebral palsy just before her second birthday. Born seven weeks premature, she has lived with cerebral palsy her entire life. For Charlie, this is simply her “normal”, serving as a reminder that everyone’s normal looks a little different.

Hi, I’m Charlie. I’m currently a university student studying Health and Social Care, working towards becoming a disability advocate for people like me - to make sure our voices are heard.

Her journey has been marked not only by personal determination but by a deep commitment to helping others. From fundraising activities such as “Cake and Tea for CP” (formerly Bake for Bobath), wellie walks, sponsored events, and car shows.  Charlie has consistently used her voice to make a difference and to help improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy across Wales.

She played a key role in developing the Cerebral Palsy Register for Wales, an important initiative designed to improve understanding of the condition, inform services, and support research.

The main aim is to improve the quality of life for people in Wales who have cerebral palsy and to help make Wales an inclusive environment in all aspects of life: education, employment, leisure, everything.

Charlie is also the co-founder of Cerebral Palsy Youth Voice, a social forum for young people aged 11–25 with cerebral palsy. The platform provides a safe and supportive space to connect, share experiences, and build community.

We wanted to create a space where young people with cerebral palsy can talk openly, share experiences, and feel listened to. Through this project, I’ve co-hosted events and helped build a community that genuinely listens to young disabled people.

Charlie also runs the group’s social media platforms and has even represented young people with cerebral palsy in wider conversations, including an interview for BBC Politics.

Charlie is open about the everyday realities of living with cerebral palsy. Simple activities, like going to the cinema or meeting friends can require careful planning, accessible transport, and navigating physical barriers many people never have to consider. Social attitudes can present additional challenges, from misconceptions about disability to being spoken to differently or overlooked entirely.

I want you to think about some of the simplest things you do every day - walking, talking, getting dressed. For me, it’s like a train journey that doesn’t go straight from A to B. There are a few unexpected stops along the way.

My wheelchair doesn’t fit in a standard car, so I need an adapted one. If I take the bus, I have to think about everything - are there pavements, dropped kerbs, even whether it’s bin day. Bins left on the pavement can completely block my path.

When I get to the bus, there are usually only two wheelchair spaces - while everyone else has over 30 seats to choose from.

Charlie also highlights the social challenges that can come with disability, including misconceptions and attitudes.

Someone once said to me, ‘You don’t really need that chair you just can’t be bothered to walk.'

And then there’s ‘Aww, bless her.’ Why? Because I’m in a wheelchair? Does that mean I’m not allowed to go out and enjoy my life? Absolutely not!

She also points out how often disabled people are treated differently in everyday interactions.

If I’m with someone else, people will talk to the person standing next to me rather than me, the adult sitting in the chair.

Despite these challenges, Charlie remains focused, driven, and positive about the future. She credits her friends as a constant source of support.

I couldn’t ask for better friends. They are amazing with me, anything I need, they’re happy to help, and they’re always there when I need them.

Her journey from a young child attending therapy sessions at Cerebral Palsy Cymru to a passionate advocate shaping national initiatives reflects the power of resilience, community, and opportunity.

Charlie’s message to others is simple, but powerful:

Regardless of your circumstances, just remember...you can!

We are incredibly proud of Charlie and all she continues to achieve. She represents the future, a future where young people with cerebral palsy are not only heard, but leading the way.

To find out more about the Cerebral Palsy Register Wales, visit: https://cerebralpalsyregister.wales

If you would like to join Cerebral Palsy Youth Voice's Facebook page, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3532297897078255