Comedian Laurence Clarke talks to young people in Widnes (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Comedian Laurence Clark inspires young people in Halton

9:20am Sunday 10th March 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

A TOP TV comedian who performs in a wheelchair has inspired young people in Halton.

Laurence Clark, aged 38, and his wife, Adele, aged 34, who both have cerebral palsy, campaign for disability rights.

They have two sons, Tom, aged eight, and nine-month-old Jamie.

A BBC1 documentary ‘We Won’t Drop The Baby’ showed them juggling their daily lives around caring for their children.

Laurence, who is also a writer and presenter, spoke about his life at an event for young people with disabilities, at Stobart Stadium.

‘Transition to Adult Services’ was organised by Halton Council for parents, carers and families Clr Ged Philbin, board member for children, young people and families, said: "Transitions can be hard, but we are there to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

"This event showed people what Halton Council and its partners can offer."

Riverside College, transport, parent partnership, speech and language therapy and various Halton services provided a wealth of information in an exhibition.

Laurence's stage performances have taken him to Edinburgh, the West End and on tour across the UK and abroad.

He encourages young people to approach problems positively and work hard to tackle discrimination.

He was awarded Shortlist magazine’s Funniest New Comedian, for five years wrote a popular blog for BBC Ouch and regularly performs and writes sketches for comedy collective Abnormally Funny People, resident at London’s Soho Theatre Students from the foundation learning courses at Riverside College provided catering and hospitality.

Young people from Halton will also be involved in meeting and greeting and event evaluations