'Our aim is to tackle stigma and have fun'

Two friends who both have cerebral palsy and use wheelchairs are setting up a new support and social group in Somerset to help others like them.

Nicole Tucker, 27, from Chard and Ryley Burke, 20, from Bridgwater, say they want to encourage people with similar experiences to socialise.

Ms Tucker said: "I always wanted to help people with disabilities, to say that we can do things even though we're in a wheelchair," with Mr Burke adding: "It's really important for people with cerebral palsy to know they are not alone."

The first meeting is set to be held at Compass Wellbeing, on Taunton's Belvedere Trading Estate, on 19 March between14:00 and 16:00 GMT.

Ms Tucker added: "I'm seeing more and more people on the television with disabilities and its amazing to see. People like Rosie Jones, the comedian, as cerebral palsy presents differently for different people."

Mr Burke said: "If you have cerebral palsy, you have got the capacity to do what other people do. I want the same opportunities as other 20-year-olds.

"Our aims are to tackle the stigma around cerebral palsy, give advice and have fun."

Nicki Vickery, who has worked with the pair for years, said: "They're both great people in their own rights, together they are a force to be reckoned with.

"When we've tried to find social avenues for Ryley to connect with people and activities there is nothing out there currently that is cerebral-palsy specific, just for people with learning difficulties."

The group is will be open to people of all ages with cerebral palsy from across Somerset.

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