Christopher, the central character in The Mermaid in the Gherkin Jar has a mild form of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle control and movement. It is usually caused by an injury to the brain before, during or after birth.

Scope, one of the largest disability charities in the UK, estimates that one in every 400 children in the UK is affected by cerebral palsy, whilst The United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Foundation in the USA estimates that nearly 800,000 children and adults in the United States are living with one or more of the symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Whilst this website does not purport to offer any professional advice, it is the author’s intention to add any information about cerebral palsy, which may help people to understand the condition.

Appropriate links will also be added over time to steer people, who are looking for advice in the right direction.