The Boy Who Can't Smile

A 28-year-old charity volunteer with a rare condition that means he can’t smile or blink has written a book about his experience of ‘growing up different’.

Jack Marshall’s debut book, The Boy Who Can’t Smile, is a raw, honest, and often funny account of growing up with Moebius Syndrome, a neurological condition that means he has no facial nerves.

Jack was also born without some of the cerebellum part of his brain, affecting his balance and coordination. He is blind in one eye and has reduced hearing.

“Doctors said I would never be able to walk or talk,” said Jack.

“I was written off by professionals, who couldn’t see past my disability. But what those people didn’t realise was that I had a family who believed in me, a stubborn streak, and a refusal to be defined by what I couldn’t do.”

He not only completed compulsory education, but he also went on to go to college, and then Staffordshire University, where he gained a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.

But Jack’s achievements extend far beyond his academic accolades. He has completed the National Three Peaks challenge, skydived from 15,000 feet, become an energetic campaigner for disabled rights, and raised vital funds for charity. The latter led to him being honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2019.

In 2024, Jack benefitted from equipment funded by Caudwell Children, a charity providing practical and emotional support for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people, and their families.

“Caudwell Children funded a Strike Force Football Powerchair, which has enabled me to pursue a hobby I really love,” said Jack.

“My disability can be a barrier when it comes to sport, but this is an activity that’s really inclusive. It’s opened so many doors for me; I’ve played competitively, made friends, and I’ve travelled to new parts of the country. It’s all thanks to Caudwell Children and the support I received.”

Now, determined to give back to the charity that gave him so much, Jack is a regular volunteer at Caudwell Children’s’ Kids’ Activities Club at Caudwell International Children’s Centre in Keele.

“We were privileged to be able to support Jack, and extremely grateful that he’s now giving back to our cause as a brilliant volunteer at our Kids’ Activities Club,” said Kayleigh Williamson, Children’s Activity Programme Manager at Caudwell Children.

“Jack’s memoir is an inspiring story of resilience, family, identity, and what can be achieved, with the right type of support. We’re so proud of him, and wish him all the best, as he reaches yet another impressive milestone.” 

To find out more about Jack’s Book visit https://jackmarshall.me.uk/the-book/