I was reading the Hinckley Times over a pint at the pub last night, as you do, and came across this. Incidentally, I have a mum called Christine and an uncle called Paul too, but that's an aside.
Taken from the Hinckley Times, Thursday May 5th 2005:
Craig backs the big day
By Rachel Parrish
WHEN Craig Adams was born, he was suffering so many problems, medics didn't know what was wrong with him.
At one point, his mum, Christine, was told he might only have 24 hours to live.
It was not until he was in his teens, that the now 20-year-old, from ******** *****, Hinckley, was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome, caused by a chromosome deficiency.
Born full-term, but weighing only 5lbs 5oz, he had a small jaw and needed an operation on his palate and airway - with medics telling his mum, at one point, that he may never speak.
Now, the assistant community DJ devotes much of his time to raising awareness of the condition and money for the Max Appeal, in aid of the British support group, run by parents for parents of children suffering the syndrome.
Campaign
Craig, who helps at Castle Mead radio, Hinckley's hospital broadcast service, and DJs at Flares, twice a month, at Snips (Special Needs Integration Project), based in Amity House in the town, is hoping this year's Hinckley carnival will help boost his campaign.
With the support of his mum and his uncle Paul, from **** *****, Barwell, Craig, who still suffers from a range of physical and learning difficulties, has been a regular in the procession in recent years, where the trio have made a name for sporting some particularly eye-catching costumes.
They are working on this year's fancy dress, inspired by the 200th anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar, with Craig set to be Napoleon, Paul to be Nelson and Christine as Lady Hamilton.
Carnival veterans - they have won prizes in processions in Skegness and Weymouth - they are encouraging more people to join the fun and take part on the day.
"It's all fun and games," said Christine and when asked if he was looking forward to the day, Craig said: "Definitely."
Hinckley carnival takes place on Sunday June 12 and organisers are looking forward to welcoming more walkers than ever.
Committee member Colleen Carvell said: "People don't need to be walking for a cause. They can just come along for the fun of it. The main thing is that people get involved."
Walkers can enter as individuals or groups, with full information available on the carnival website at
http://www.hinckleycarnival.co.uk or from Mrs Carvell on Hinckley 891953.
And if you can't wait until then to see Craigs fancy dress, the trio are considering a special showing of previously-worn, prize-winning costumes - coloured emus, which could well be seen racing through the town in the run-up to the big day.
Details have yet to be formalised but any arrangements will be publicised in The Hinckley Times closer to the event.
chrismoyles.net
