An inspirational story of courage and determination against all odds, in the tradition of Janine Shepherd's 'Never Tell Me Never'.
'If you want to be humbled, uplifted and inspired, go and listen to Perry.' Laurie Lawrence Ten years ago Perry Cross broke his neck in a football accident, and was left a quadraplegic on life support, unable to move from the neck down, unable to talk and unable to eat. Most people in this situation never leave the hospital, however Perry, with the support of his family made a major decision: 'Let's get moving.' Over the next 12 months Perry continued to confound the experts. 'My story is about triumph over tragedy. Purposeful decisions I have made to push myself harder, higher and better no matter what life has thrown my way. It is a story that I hope will inspire and encourage readers to do the same.' Over the last ten years Perry has never stopped pushing the limits: just two years after his accident Perry became Australia's first motivational speaker on life support, and was runner-up in the prestigious International Communicator of the Year awards. In 1997 Perry was named Suncorp Young Queenslander of the year and in 1999 was a finalist in the Young Australian of the year. The year 2000 saw Perry complete a Communications and Business degree at Bond University - another groundbreaking 'first'. Perry has also travelled to the United States as an advisor to the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Young Australians. While in New York, he met his look-alike, "Superman" Christopher Reeve to discuss research and raise awareness and funds toward a cure for paralysis. They became close friends. In June 2002, Reeve asked him to act as his envoy and ambassador in advocating for stem cell research in Australia. In this capacity, Perry met with the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and many politicians from both sides of the House - like thousands of Australians, they were all moved and inspired by the words of this young man. Perry's message is simply powerful, and powerfully simple. You cannot fail to be affected by it.
