Murad’s Story

At 20 weeks, a scan revealed I had bilateral talipes, meaning both of my feet were twisted inwards. My parents were very worried at first but reached out to Steps Charity back in 2004, and were reassured by this wonderful community. At first, they were told that surgery was the right option, but then they discovered the Ponseti method. Determined to explore every possible option, they made arrangements for my treatment even before I was born. Their actions shaped my journey from day one.

My right foot was fully corrected through casting, but my left required continuous surgeries to improve dorsiflexion. My early years were filled with hospitals, surgeries, and constant travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai for medical care. Surgeries would keep me out of school for weeks at a time, sometimes leaving me in a wheelchair and forcing me to relearn how to walk. It wasn’t easy returning to school in a wheelchair or cast whilst watching my friends play cricket and football, doing things normal children would do. I’d sit there watching the two sports I loved from the classroom at break time. Questions like, “Why do you walk like that?” constantly reminded me of my challenges. Despite these challenges, I never let it hold me back. I developed a deep love for sports and knew that if I worked hard enough, I could compete like everyone else.

I pushed myself beyond expectations, training tirelessly to play cricket and football at a high level. Physiotherapy became a crucial part of my routine, learning how to walk properly after each surgery, retraining my muscles, and regaining balance. There were days when the pain was unbearable, but I pushed through, determined to prove to myself that I was capable of more. When I wasn’t on the field or at therapy, I was glued to the TV screen, mesmerised by professional cricketers, analysing every movement and every strategy, dreaming that one day I would be there too.

Through relentless effort, I didn’t just make the team; I became captain of my school’s cricket team and led us to two unbeaten seasons, winning both league and tournament titles. My dedication on the field was matched by my commitment in the classroom. I worked just as hard academically, determined to excel no matter the obstacles. Long hours of studying, late nights revising, and pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do became a part of my daily routine. That effort paid off when I was awarded both a sports and academic scholarship, proving to myself and everyone else that perseverance and resilience could break any barrier.

Instead of staying, I decided to move back to the UK for sixth form at Eton College. There, I continued to push myself in both academics and sports, earning a place in the Eton U17A cricket team. As house captain of sport, I had the privilege of leading my house to the Cricket Inter-House competition, where we emerged as champions. It was a proud moment not just for my team but for me personally, as I finished as the top wicket-taker of the tournament. These experiences reinforced my leadership skills and my ability to perform under pressure, pushing me to grow further both on and off the field.

Now at Durham University, I have continued my sporting journey by helping my team win Division 2 of the Durham intersociety six-a-side football league, a testament to my perseverance and love for competition. Football has remained a key part of my life, and I play regularly to stay active and involved in the sport I love. While I have adapted well, I do face challenges when playing due to the limited dorsiflexion in my left foot, which can sometimes make movement harder. However, I have learnt to adjust my game, finding ways to work around it rather than let it hold me back.

Alongside football, I have developed a strong interest in padel, a sport that is easier on my feet while still being highly competitive. Recently, I have enjoyed playing Padel with my friends back home in Abu Dhabi, using it as another way to stay engaged and push myself physically. This newfound passion has given me a fresh perspective on adapting to different sports and continuing to challenge myself in new ways.

For me, sport has never just been about competition. It has been a way to prove to myself that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I cannot thank my parents enough for their endless sacrifices and unwavering support throughout my journey. From seeking out the best treatment to standing by me through every challenge, they have been my greatest pillars of strength. I am also deeply grateful to my friends, Steps Charity, my doctors, and everyone who has played a role in my journey. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me have made all the difference, and I would not be where I am today without them.

For a long time, I rarely spoke about my clubfoot, seeing it as a struggle I had left behind. Now, I see it differently. It never held me back; it made me more determined, more resilient, and more relentless in everything I do. If my journey resonates with you, or if you ever want to reach out, I am always happy to share my experiences. I look forward to what the future holds and the challenges ahead.