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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- God put me on this earth.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- I'm here because he wanted me - the way I am.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- He made me the person I am - for a reason.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- We all have things - we want to achieve.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- I have plenty of missions - I want to accomplish.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- My name is James Lusted...
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- ..and I live in Rhos-on-Sea - in North Wales.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- I am 23 years old.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- I have a condition called - diastrophic dysplasia.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27- It's a rare form of dwarfism.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- There aren't many of us out there, - particularly in the UK.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- The doctors weren't sure - of his condition at the beginning.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- They asked around other hospitals...
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- ..and we found out it was genetic.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- Dave and I share the same gene.
0:01:53 > 0:01:59- They said it's a one - in a million chance...
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- ..for two people with - the same gene to get together.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- My brother, Phil, - is four years older than me.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- Despite having the same condition...
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- ..we have very different - personalities.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- He's also a different shape to me.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- We decided to have a second child...
0:02:21 > 0:02:27- ..because there was a chance - it wouldn't happen again.
0:02:30 > 0:02:31- Money for the church, James.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32- Money for the church, James.- - Yes.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- When I had the scan with James...
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- ..I noticed that the nurse - was taking her time.
0:02:40 > 0:02:46- I told her that I already - had a child with dwarfism.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53- That's when I was told - that James had the same condition.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- I broke down.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- Yes.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- We went to the hospital...
0:03:03 > 0:03:09- ..because they wanted to ask - whether we wanted to abort the baby.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- I told Dave - he had to come with me...
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- ..because I knew I'd have a fit - if they mentioned an abortion.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- It wasn't an option.
0:03:25 > 0:03:31- They both had club feet which meant - that their feet pointed inwards.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- They had surgery on their feet...
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- ..which left them in plaster.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- James also couldn't use his arms.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- He couldn't lift his head correctly.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- We took him for an X-ray.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Two days later...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- ..I had a call to go immediately - to Gobowen hospital near Oswestry.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- There was a problem with his neck.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- His third and fourth vertebrae - had disintegrated.
0:04:07 > 0:04:13- The consultant said - something had to be done...
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- ..or there was a chance - he wouldn't be able to move...
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- ..and that he'd need - a ventilator to breathe.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- We almost lost James.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37- The consultant said, "If we don't - do something, we could lose him."
0:04:38 > 0:04:39- Don't panic! Don't panic!
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- We have different ways - of doing things.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- I can't reach the floor - while standing up.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- I have to use a table or a chair - to help me do that...
0:05:02 > 0:05:07- ..so Phil sometimes helps me - to put my shoes on.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- Phil often struggles - opening bottles or cans...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- ..so he'll ask me - to open them for him.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- I have trouble with my fingers.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- I can't bend them like most people.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- It's difficult - to use controls for the Xbox.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- I'm slightly taller than Phil.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- He can't always reach - to put on the television...
0:05:35 > 0:05:40- ..or to get something - in the kitchen.
0:05:40 > 0:05:46- I often help him, or, if I can't - reach either, I'll pick him up.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- We double-up in size!
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- We have a sink - which moves up and down.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- The toilet and shower have been - especially adapted for Phil and me.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- Because of our height, we have two - small chairs in the lounge.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- My legs have caused me a lot - of problems over the years.
0:06:10 > 0:06:17- I had Ilizarov frames fixed to my - legs for three and a half months.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- They were extremely painful.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- Dad had to use a 10ml spanner - to adjust the rods...
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- ..to lengthen the bones...
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- ..and straighten them out.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- He did it once - and I heard the bones crack.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- They heard it too.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- I had to go straight - to the hospital...
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- ..to get a new rod - fixed on to the frame.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- It was a painful time...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- ..but I had plenty of paracetamols.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- Despite my condition - of diastrophic dysplasia...
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- ..I have a shot at everything.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- That's how I live my life.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- I try anything.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- If I can do it, great.
0:07:33 > 0:07:39- If it's something I can't do, - then it's not the end of the world.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- I've been playing badminton - for around twelve years.
0:07:43 > 0:07:49- Over the past few years, I've been - playing it around twice a week.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- I'd like to be able to swim, - cycle and play tennis...
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- ..but unfortunately, - I can't do those.
0:08:01 > 0:08:08- I'm a competitive person - both on and off the court.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- I don't know why, - it's just who I am.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- If I lose, - I'm angry for thirty seconds...
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- ..but then I congratulate - my opponent.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- I competed in the 2009 - World Dwarf Games in Belfast.
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- In the last game, - my opponent hit a great shot.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- I hit it, then he came back - with a fairly simple shot for me.
0:08:37 > 0:08:38- But I missed it!
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- I slammed the racquet on the floor - and it broke in half.
0:08:42 > 0:08:48- I couldn't believe it. - That's how angry I can get.
0:08:54 > 0:09:00- In July 2003, I had an appointment - for my annual MOT.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- I was told that I wouldn't - be able to walk again...
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- ..because my spine had altered - quite dramatically.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- It was a shock for the whole family.
0:09:16 > 0:09:22- We were upset because I was so fit.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Eight months prior to that...
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- ..I'd won the Welsh Junior - Sports Personality award.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- When I got the news, - I couldn't believe it.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- Three weeks after hearing the news, - I returned to the hospital.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- It was three weeks of intense worry.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- There were more doctors - at the hospital this time...
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- ..and one doctor said that - what I'd been told was incorrect.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- I'm grateful to that doctor - for being open...
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- ..and telling us my initial doctor - had made a mistake.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I'm 23 years old now - and I'm still walking around.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- I like playing football.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- I played for the Abergele All Stars - when I was nine years old.
0:10:22 > 0:10:28- I admired players such as - Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- I wanted to be like them. - That's why I enjoy playing football.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- I usually go shopping for clothes - with my parents or with friends.
0:10:47 > 0:10:53- It's tough to find T-shirts - or trousers which fit.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- I often choose something - which fits me across the chest...
0:11:00 > 0:11:07- ..then take it home for my mum or - my gran to alter it for me to wear.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- I get disappointed sometimes...
0:11:15 > 0:11:22- ..if I can't get football boots - or trainers to fit.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- But I just get on with life.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- It doesn't bother me - if people stare at me...
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- ..but it does bother - my friends and family.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- They notice it a lot more than I do - because I don't look for it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- I don't think they - necessarily look for it...
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- ..but they constantly see people - looking at what I'm doing.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- If someone is really staring at me, - then I'll say something.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- But that doesn't happen very often.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- Children usually stare at me - and ask questions.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- That's fine.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01- What I don't like...
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- ..is when parents shout at - their children for looking at me.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- They should explain - to their children...
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- ..that I'm different - and I've been born differently.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- I was glad I was able to go to - Ysgol Bod Alaw and Ysgol y Creuddyn.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- The only difference with me - is that I'm short.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- My brain is no different - to anyone else's brain.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- It works in the same way.
0:12:48 > 0:12:54- I had a very difficult year - when I was in Year 9 at school.
0:12:54 > 0:13:01- Someone threw a knife at me and it - hit the back of the wheelchair.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- I was glad I had a back - on the wheelchair...
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- ..or the knife would've slashed - the back of my neck.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- That was a big shock.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- I thought I had good friends.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- They were probably just a bit - immature and I was an easy target.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- I came home crying.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- One day, - I decided it couldn't go on...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..and I made the decision - to stand up for myself...
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- ..and speak out about it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- I've been a Liverpool supporter - for around twenty years.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- I go out with my friends - to watch the games.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- The atmosphere is great here today - at the Red Lion in Old Colwyn.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- We have a lot of fun together - every time there's a game on.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- We have a bit of a banter - with the other supporters.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- I've known him - for almost twenty years.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- He's one of the lads. - I don't look at him any differently.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- Yes! Come on!
0:14:26 > 0:14:27- He's a big, small man.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32- Despite his short height...
0:14:33 > 0:14:39- ..his heart and presence - are worth far more than that.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41- .
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Come on up. Here he is. Awesome!
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- This man is my favourite Welshman. - He is one of our students.
0:14:51 > 0:14:52- An awesome man.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Here he is.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59- I'm James from Wales.
0:15:00 > 0:15:01- James from Wales.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- We are a religious family. - I have faith in God.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- If it weren't for God, - I wouldn't be here now.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- I'm on this earth - because he wants me as I am.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- I believe that he made me - for a purpose.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Let's just lift our hands.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Father, we just thank you - for this wonderful night.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- We're alive - and you're alive inside us.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- Father, we thank you that you are - a healer, that you are a restorer.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- You are a deliverer.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- We thank you that you are right - with us in every situation.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45- Father, place a blessing and favour - upon every person in this place.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Father, give them a fantastic wake, - in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Amen! Come on! Hallelujah!
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- Back in 2007, I went to a conference - at Hillsong Chapel in Sydney.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- The place affected me so much...
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- ..I wondered whether Hillsong - College would be an option for me.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- I looked around the Bible colleges - in Britain...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- ..and none of them - really appealed to me.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- I went on to the Hillsong website - and everything stood out for me.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- I knew then that it was - the right thing for me to go there.
0:16:25 > 0:16:31- I think it's the best choice - I ever made.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- After spending a year - in Australia...
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- ..studying a pastoral - leadership course...
0:16:44 > 0:16:49- ..I came home to Wales knowing - this is the field I want to go into.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- I want to be a preacher - and motivational speaker.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- Good morning!
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- Ysgol y Creuddyn is my old school.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00- They've asked me to come in...
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- ..and speak to pupils - about my experiences.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- I'm very thankful to have - this opportunity this morning.
0:17:08 > 0:17:09- Good morning to you all.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- I'm small. Yes.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- I was born small. That's how God - wants me to be, I think.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23- But I had to believe - and step out with confidence...
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- ..believing that I could do - everything any of you can do.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- It's up to you to make that choice - in your own lives.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- Get out of bed in the morning, - put a smile on your face...
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- ..and think about - what's in front of you that day.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- I hope to become - a motivational speaker...
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- ..and build up people's confidence.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- I want them to understand that they - have a chance like everyone else...
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- ..whether they're different - from others or not.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- When I speak...
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- ..I feel a shadow of peace - come over me.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- I feel that's the reason - I'm in the world.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- To talk about my experiences.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- We're put on this earth once.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- We have to live the dream, - that's what I say.
0:18:21 > 0:18:22- Thank you very much.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- When I was small...
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- ..well, I'm still - small, but when I was younger...
0:18:42 > 0:18:44- ..I wanted to be on the stage.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- I came here with my family.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- We came every Christmas Eve - for 20 years...
0:18:52 > 0:18:58- ..and I thought that one day, - I might act on that stage.
0:18:58 > 0:19:04- When I got a call - from the agency this year...
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- ..asking if I'd like to be - on the stage in Snow White...
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- ..I was very pleased - to get the part.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- Smiler, Twitcher, Sneezer...
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- ..Kip.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24- Sneezer, sir.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- It's the first day - of rehearsals today.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- When I arrived this morning, - I was quite nervous.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- But I've had a chat with the others - and had a good time.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42- We've been doing blocks from the - show, particularly the first scene.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- It's a scene with the dwarves.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- I've been given the part of Sneezer.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- I'm looking forward - to playing the part.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- Getting the tissues out - and blowing my nose all the time!
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- I'm looking forward to that.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- I didn't know any of the other six - except for Laura Whitfield.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- I met her at the National Dwarf - Games about eight or nine years ago.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- I haven't seen her since then.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- I'm looking forward to spending time - with her in the pantomime this year.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- This show is great...
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- ..because I'm working with people - who have a different condition.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- That condition is achondroplasia.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I'm looking forward - to working with them...
0:20:28 > 0:20:34- ..because we can all help - each other and work as a team...
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- ..to make an excellent show.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- We're extremely proud of him.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- We're looking forward to the fun - we'll have seeing him in the show.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- I'm sure he'll have fun - taking part too.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- # Let me tell you about a place
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- # Somewhere in the forest today #
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- I hope that this pantomime will be - a springboard to working more...
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- ..onstage - or in films and television.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Don't forget to lock the door - and all the windows.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- Alright, Sneezer.
0:21:30 > 0:21:36- I hope to build up my confidence - more through this experience.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- It's different - because I'm performing...
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- ..in front of lots of people who - know me such as family and friends.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- This a local show for us.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- I find it more difficult...
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- ..to perform for people I know.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- I think that will help - my confidence...
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- ..in doing things onstage...
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- ..and in talking to people - in the future.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- I'm looking forward - to building up my confidence.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- # Colour my world #
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- I'm very lucky - to have parents who are so...
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- ..I can't think of the word.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- There are no words to describe - how good and supportive they are...
0:22:36 > 0:22:37- ..to both Phil and me.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- They're absolutely amazing.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- I'm very thankful to them...
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- ..for the support they've given me - during my life...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- ..and the support - that they still give me.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- I'm very grateful - for everything they've done.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- Regarding the future...
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- ..all I want for both of them...
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- ..is for them to do what they want - to do and to be happy with that.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- I have a motto for my life...
0:23:12 > 0:23:18- ..and that's to love God, - love life and love people.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24- That's my attitude - and it works so well.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- It helps me to love everything.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- That's what I want to do. - I love life.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58- .