I was born with spina bifida which was not diagnosed until I was aged 33. My schooldays in Britain were about my gradual descent into academic indifference.
Suffering from incontinence due to my condition, which damages the spine and vertebrae, I overcame the odds, not only to have my own successful company but also to marry and have children.
My father left school at 14 illiterate because he had a poor education, yet he taught himself to write and was a log writer on a ship.
What I've since discovered is that just because some people don't get a break in a life, doesn't mean they're not intelligent.
Moreover, I do believe in a good education, but not the pressure that the system and many parents seem to inflict on a 'one size fits all' route to success attitude.
At school in London in the 1950s I suffered from poor self-esteem and confidence due to my condition. I also had funny shaped feet but my childhood was far from funny or glamorous. The fact is that other children are not kind to you, especially when you have urine-stained shorts. It becomes a vicious circle. If I did sport, as soon as I went to run I'd soak myself.
I was also quite naughty but not in a nasty or violent way. I'd make a farting noise on my arm which made everyone laugh. But that would lead to my being caned.