Nicolas Hamilton speaks about living with Cerebral Palsy and how a PowerPlate has helped him

Michelle Caines | 19 Oct 2011 @ 09:10

Nicolas Hamilton, Brother of Lewis the Formula One racing driver has spoken in an interview with The Sun Newspaper about living with his condition, Cerebral Palsy, being a racing driver and how training on a Power Plate has helped him.

Cerebral Palsy is a non progressive condition which means that it will not get worse as you grow older. Nicolas Hamilton About one in 400 children are born with the condition which affects the neurological system (brain and nervous system) and affects movement and co-ordination. It is caused by damage to the brain usually before, during or soon after birth. The condition cannot be cured and can put a great deal of strain on the body.

Nicolas, 19, completed his first season in the Air Asia Renault Clio Cup saloon-car racing championship, driving a car that has been specially modified so he can compete alongside able-bodied racers. It has a moveable seat, wider pedals that are raised off the floor and a hand-held clutch that allows him to get up to speeds of 130mph.

Nicolas who has relied on walking sticks and wheelchairs for much of his life — said "My legs are weak and I have very little muscle tone. I have to do a lot of work on my PowerPlate (a vibrating piece of gym equipment that causes muscle contractions) just to be able to walk around". "Doctors reckoned I wouldn't be able to do it but I've proved them wrong. I've shocked a lot of people including Lewis and my dad — not just by getting in a car but by progressing so quickly. I really am following my dream."

Nicolas is a true inspiration and we wish him all the best with his racing career. Definitely one to keep an eye on! You can track his progress and follow him on facebook and twitter via his website.

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