Episode One

Zoe was born with arthrogryposis. A series of operations to her legs and arms have given her enough independence of movement for her to progress to a large academy school where she blossoms and even becomes an enthusiastic netball player. But by the end of her first year one foot is causing her so much pain that a further operation looks necessary. William's condition, tuberous sclerosis, has led to complex epilepsy and autism, which cause him to behave violently and erratically. He is difficult to manage and can show aggression to his devoted mother Paula and younger sister Jess. Paula has also developed MS and, as William gets bigger and stronger, she finds it increasingly hard to cope. She and her husband Nick look into a residential school for William, although she finds the idea of him leaving distressing. Shelbie was born with Trisomy 9-P, a profoundly life-limiting condition.