Reasons to Care Episode 9: Growing Together with England Rugby Star & Pundit, David Flatman
Shownotes - Episode Nine
Growing Together with England Rugby Star & Pundit, David Flatman - E9
David Flatman is not only an England Rugby star and pundit, but he’s an incredible ambassador for the Down’s Syndrome Association, and his story is such a heartwarming one…
Having grown up with a brother who has Down’s Syndrome, it’s a joy to hear him share how the family bonded together to give him a life of fulfilment, independence, and love!
This episode covers:
The unwavering dedication of parents caring for David’s brother
Unique and profound bonds between SEN siblings
Where to find the right support and resources to enable independence
Redefining our perceptions of a ‘normal’ childhood
Our highlights from this episode…
“It’s never crossed our minds that my brother is a burden - you crack on and support him, it’s just what you do.” - 5:45 - David Flatman
“We're all lucky that my parents had the wherewithal and the resource and everything to investigate all these options to support my brother.” - 13:25 - David Flatman
“The character of my parents, their personalities and characters are probably imperfect if you look at them objectively like anyone else. But I can't look at them objectively, because I know what they’ve done for the last 40 years, and I think they're just incredible human beings.” - 31:30 - David Flatman
“Helping people who need that help makes one feel good and fulfilled, and arguably, can make you feel more good and more fulfilled than going to work and earning loads of money.” - 36:20 - David Flatman
“Somebody interestingly asked, ‘Have you ever thought about what your childhood would have been like if Anna hadn't been disabled?’, and I was completely stunned. I’d never thought about how my life would have been different, because that was just my life.” - 45:50 - Clare Rochford
Links & references
David Flatman
https://www.instagram.com/dflatman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-flatman-5972b517/
Clare Rochford
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-rochford-65b9501b7/
Join the Diverse Abilities Team
https://diverseabilities.org.uk/careers
Diverse Abilities
https://diverseabilities.org.uk/