Mark Wilson nearly died at birth. He survived but suffered a severe brain injury, and at six months of age was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Doctors warned his parents he would likely never walk or talk. ‘Best not to expect too much,’ they said. But Shirley and Glenn refused to give up.
Determined to defy the grim prognosis, Mark’s parents embarked on an intense, home-based therapy program—one with no guarantees, only relentless effort and hope. And against all odds, it worked.
Told with Mark’s signature self-deprecating humour, Wobbles is more than just his story. His parents, sister, and childhood therapist, Ian Hunter, share their own perspectives, revealing the immense challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected joys that shaped their journey.
Moments of triumph sit alongside deep despair—a hilarious battle with his kitchen nemesis, the plastic bread clip, is followed by his mother’s heartbreaking contemplation of suicide.
Raw, uplifting, and deeply human, Wobbles is an emotional rollercoaster, offering not just inspiration but a real-life story demonstrating how, and explaining why, the brain can recover from catastrophic injury. This unforgettable memoir proves that resilience, love, and determination can rewrite even the bleakest of fates.
Reader review –
The book is amazing. I’m only a quarter in. But it is such a good read. I love the different voices. It adds to a full comprehension of the epic start of his life. Jeez. Quite a story. And I like the way the various medical options are covered. There are some classic moments like Mark with the dastardly bread clip. I have complained about it with two good hands. Brilliant writing. And the concert confrontation where the girlfriend shames her bloke and Mark lands up with a t-shirt…. to be continued…
Amy Vincent –
About the book: It’s raw, real, and deeply moving. As a parent, it opened my eyes but anyone who’s ever faced challenges will find it resonates.
Mark and his amazing family Mum Shirley, Dad Glenn, and Sister Corena share what it’s been like living life alongside Mark’s condition, Cerebral Palsy. Co-written with his childhood therapist Ian Hunter, it’s a powerful and insightful read.
Mark, you are living proof that it’s not about what happens to you, it’s about what you do with it.
Lynne Bjarnesen –
From the first five sentences of the prologue, it is clear that this book is not going to gloss over the tough stuff. Wobbles story is absolutely a tale of triumph over adversity. It is packed full of the quirky humour that those of us lucky enough to know Wobbles have come to expect from him. But it is also the story of determined and single-minded parents who were prepared to do whatever it takes to give their young son the best chance ever of a life so much better than that which was predicted for him. As each family member shares their recollections of the course through Mark’s childhood it is clear with every chapter that they are all, without exception, gutsy and courageous. From Shirley’s heartbreaking memories and self-doubt and Glenn’s frustration over not knowing how to help, to Corena’s acceptance that this was what life was going to be like, it is impossible not to admire the dedication and support. And then there is Mark. Given the commitment of his parents, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he is made of the same tough stuff. Being able to view his life through a comedic lens makes for a thoroughly entertaining read. Thanks to Ian Hunter for putting it all together in one book and thanks to the Wilson’s for their unadulterated honesty. Don’t pick it up until you have time to read it to the end as you won’t want to stop!