James Leonard & Timmy Long

The Two Norries Podcast

James Leonard & Timmy Long

  • #155 Gary Skyner's remarkable life story and being a Thalidomide survivor

#155 Gary Skyner's remarkable life story and being a Thalidomide survivor

Friday 19th May 2023

Gary Skyner shares his journey of defying odds and overcoming challenges as a Thalidomide survivor on 'The Two Norries Podcast'.
64 minutes
Inspiring
Resilient
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful

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The Two Norries Podcast
Author:
James Leonard & Timmy Long
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Body & Mind
Sobriety Success Stories
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Creative Recovery Journeys
Healing from Sexual Trauma
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Gary Skyner: Triumph Over Adversity as a Thalidomide Survivor

Episode Overview

  • Gary shares his experiences as a Thalidomide survivor and discusses the impact of the drug
  • He recounts the challenges he faced growing up, from bullying to societal prejudice
  • Despite adversities, Gary excelled in sports and even obtained a pilot's license to fly a plane
  • His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and positivity in the face of adversity
  • Gary's resilience and determination continue to inspire others to embrace life with courage and fortitude
God, the world owes me a fucking living. No, people fucking hate me because I genuinely, when I'm coming after you, I fucking come after you. When I tell you I'm going to fucking turn up, I fucking turn up.
Imagine being told you wouldn't live past 30, only to defy those odds and live a life full of remarkable achievements. That's the story of Gary Skyner, a Thalidomide survivor from Toxteth, who joins James Leonard and Timmy Long on 'The Two Norries Podcast'. Born in the wake of a medical disaster that left thousands of children with severe disabilities, Gary's life could have been defined by limitations. Instead, he turned every obstacle into an opportunity for growth.
In this episode, Gary opens up about the immense challenges he faced, from physical disabilities to societal prejudices. He shares his experiences of being bullied and the struggle for acceptance in a world that often sees differences as weaknesses. Yet, Gary's story is not one of despair but of relentless determination and resilience. He talks about his ventures into sports, where he found not just a passion but a platform to prove his capabilities.
And if that wasn't enough, Gary even earned a pilot's license, soaring above the very limitations that once threatened to ground him. This conversation isn't just about overcoming physical barriers; it's about the human spirit's capacity to rise above adversity with grace and grit. Whether you're looking for inspiration or a deeper understanding of what it means to face life's toughest challenges head-on, Gary Skyner's journey is sure to leave a lasting impression.