21 September 2012

S4C has commissioned a new six-part series looking at the challenges facing people with disabilities in Wales.

Athlete James Lusted of Rhos on Sea, Conwy, will present the series, which will be produced by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da.

The production company will start filming in the New Year and the series will be broadcast sometime in 2013.

Twenty-four year old James Lusted, who stands at 3ft 7in tall, was born with diastrophic dysplasia, which is known as dwarfism. The rare condition affects one in every 100,000 babies.

When he was three years old he had major life-saving neck surgery, and underwent painful operations throughout his childhood to straighten his legs.

But the keen sportsman has fought through all the setbacks and has become a motivational figure nationally for both people with disabilities and the able bodied.

A torchbearer during the nationwide journey of the Olympic flame, he was profiled in the S4C documentary Byd Mawr y Dyn Bach (The Small Man’s Big World), as part of S4C’s O’r Galon series earlier this year.

James, who mainly works as an actor and motivational speaker said. “There was a great response to the O’r Galon programme, and as a result, S4C has asked me to present this six part series.

“The camera’s will follow me around in shops, on public transport and when I meet other people with disabilities. This is going to be a fantastic opportunity to see how people with different disabilities live their lives. I hope it opens people’s eyes and shows we can do what other people can do. We can have fun and follow our dreams.”

S4C Programme Commissioner Llion Iwan said, “We are delighted to announce that James Lusted will present this new series which will profile different people with disabilities and will highlight issues that affect disabled people in Wales.”

“The London Paralympics Games has raised the profile of disabled people and disability issues and has shown what is possible for disabled people to achieve through sheer will and determination.

“However, this series will also highlight the issues and challenges that disabled people face as far as access and opportunities are concerned, and show the prejudice people with disabilities still face.

“James is an excellent communicator who has great presence on screen, he is a natural presenter. It will be seen from a perspective of a determined, dynamic person, who is an inspirational ambassador for disabled people.”

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