A thalidomide baby who was born without arms and legs was almost left for dead until someone heard his cries.
Kevin Donnellon was born without arms and legs after his mum took thalidomide while pregnant. It was thought Kevin would have been stillborn, but after surviving against all the odds, is now married and a dad of two.
Kevin, who lives in Crosby, has a degree in social sciences and while at university researched the portrayal of people with disabilities. He later worked with adults with learning disabilities here in Merseyside - and has enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life.
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Colin Stewart has now written a moving novel based on the life of his thalidomide friend. Colin and Kevin met through the author's brother in 1981, and after a number of years became firm friends. The controversially named 'Flid' tells the moving and sometimes comic story of Kevin's life from childhood through to the world of work.
The story is based on real events from Kevin's life, with many of the original names of persons and places unchanged. Colin said: "Flid represents a labour of love that grew and evolved over a 10 year period, though it was only at a party to celebrate Kevin's 50th, in a room full of other thalidomides that I realised these stories would soon be forgotten."
Colin, from Dingle, said the time felt right to tell Kevin's tale as the story around the thalidomide children is generational. He added people from younger generations were at risk of not knowing the stories as the children are now reaching their seventh decade. He pointed to how influential the stories of the thalidomide children were in terms of medical ethics and compensation.
The 50-year-old author added he felt "it was essential to give voice to an individual and not the tragic stereotype, because Kevin is nothing if not a man defined by his character." Colin also said by having the controversial term as the title, he hopes to reclaim it after years of it being used as an insult.
One of the most fascinating stories from the novel describes how Kevin was left for dead because they thought he was stillborn. Colin said how Kevin was presumed to be dead - and it was only after someone heard his cries that they realised he was alive. His mum, who at first was told he had not lived, was then allowed to take him home.
Colin, who also works with children with special needs, said he felt really proud being able to tell Kevin's incredible story. He told the ECHO : "Kevin has lived a really good life - a really interesting life.
"He's never been defined by his disability. He does so many things. The book has a contrast between my voice as narrator and his. I have regrets in my life about never taking risks while Kevin doesn't think that way. He's never cautious and like with regrets. He just does the things he wants."
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