James Sutliff
Disability Specialist Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer, J.S Fitness
In 2008, James Sutliff’s life took a sudden, unexpected change. After a normal night out with friends, he woke up and began to feel a little unwell. After a nap he woke to find his speech was slurred. After couple of days the problem worsened and he was admitted to hospital. James underwent many tests but doctors were baffled by what had happened.
James saw a neurological specialist every six months. A year passed and although he still had his speech problem, he was carrying on his life normally in every other way until he noticed his left thumb was starting to become painful, tight and increasingly hard to use, to the point where it eventually closed fully. Over time more fingers on both hands did the same.
Finally, in 2012, James was diagnosed with dystonia; a debilitating disease no matter how minor the symptoms. The specialists came to the conclusion his dystonia was a result of many bangs to the head during his years as a semi professional rugby union player. James now has regular botulinum toxin injections and hand therapy to treat his dystonia.
After his diagnosis, James wanted to prove that his goals and dreams were still achievable. James now raises awareness of dystonia and also encourages other people with disabilities, confidence or self esteem issues to keep in shape and improve their fitness. In addition to running his own personal training company, James is also a coach at the Matt Hampson Foundation which helps individuals who’ve had life changing sporting injuries.
“It is what it is.”