From father’s eyes…
 Ralph was born of normal delivery and gestation. The birth was uncomplicated. During Ralph's first couple of months we noticed that he wasn't meeting the normal milestones. He didn't look at us, he didn't respond to sound, we worried he was blind and deaf. His sleep was very disturbed, and he was very fidgety with poor muscle tone. When he was about 1 year old, we saw a specialist neurological pediatrician, they couldn't diagnose Ralph (his is still undiagnosed) but told us he had "severe learning disabilities" and "global developmental delays". Luckily he isn't blind or deaf, but cannot talk, nor can he walk un-aided or feed himself. He needs constant care.
Ralph has a very low attention span, and gets easily bored. I noticed that he was happy and content when he is on the move. He loves being in the car, he loves going out in his pushchair, and he loves going out on our bike. As long as he is moving and has plenty to look at he seems content.
Well I like to keep fit, and thought that if I could combine my fitness activities with keeping Ralph happy, and also give his Mum a break at the same time, then this was a good thing! Ralph loves training with me, and I love keeping him happy.
I was inspired by Team Hoyt, and so we got started. I had run in a couple of London Marathons before and have always tried to raise money for worthwhile causes whilst doing these marathons. I thought as I was entering the triathlon I could do the same here.
I'm also keen to raise the profile of disabled people here in Singapore. Just because you have a disabled child, it does not mean you should keep them hidden away and be ashamed of them.
To me my child's happiness is far more important than what other people think about Ralph or me. He takes great joy being out with his family, and I hope to show the general public, the spectators, and the competitors just how much Ralph will enjoy being out with me
Team Payne on You Tube
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