The Weight of Comparison - Tom Graves on Disability and Inner Strength

Tom Graves is an athlete and everyday icon who has never let cerebral palsy define the limits of his life. From an early age, Tom pushed past the assumptions placed on him—not to prove anyone wrong, but to prove to himself that he could live fully, move freely, and embrace the challenges that came his way.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Tom has found strength, purpose, and identity through physical activity. But like so many of us, he’s also wrestled with the quiet pressures of comparison, especially in a world shaped by unrealistic standards and social media perfection.

In this episode, Tom opens up about the mental weight of constantly measuring yourself against others, the anxiety of social media and the quiet power of accepting who you are—even when the world tries to suggest otherwise.

Tom's story is one of grit, grace, and growth—reminding us that true strength comes not from being like everyone else, but from becoming deeply connected with who you already are.

If you'd like to get in touch with Tom, you can find him on Instagram: @graves_t10 

For support, more information or to donate, go to scope.org.uk or cerebalpalsy.org.uk