The authors

Background Ian and Mark first met in 1996 when Mark was 12 months old. It was not a happy meeting for Mark. In his own words: Hate is a strong word, but I think that’s exactly what my young self felt about Ian. Ian knew that being a brain injury therapist was not the best way to endear himself to the children he was working with, especially smart, strong willed kids like Mark. To Mark, Ian was the bad guy—the one responsible for all the hard work his mum and the volunteers were making him do. And Ian, having seen it all before, knew exactly what Mark was doing when he showed up at each appointment: doing his best not to do his best. He was deliberately underperforming, resisting every suggestion, and turning every session into a battle of wills. Talking about this years later, Mark confirmed that that was exactly what he was doing! Despite their rocky beginnings, a genuine and lasting connection developed between them—something unusual for both. Mark had moved on from his early therapy years, and Ian typically did not remain in touch with families once therapy had concluded. In this case, however, the bond endured. So, here they are, former adversaries, coming together to tell the story of the first 24 years of Mark’s life. In writing Wobbles, they have revisited the raw and remarkable journey they once travelled together. The process has been both cathartic and joyful, filled with long-forgotten memories and new understanding. Ian and Mark are proud of what they have done, and hope his story, and that of his family, will inspire others to aspire for greatness, no matter how many obstacles are placed in the way.

For more than 50 years, Ian Hunter has dedicated his life to helping children and adults with brain injuries find their potential. Long before neuroplasticity became a buzzword, Ian was pioneering ways to harness the brain’s ability to adapt and heal, challenging outdated beliefs about what was possible after injury. His developmentally-focused approach has touched thousands of lives and helped reshape how brain injury rehabilitation is understood today. Ian’s first book, Brain Injury – Tapping the Potential Within (1986), was among the earliest to show how the brain can rewire itself, offering hope when there seemed to be none. Wobbles is his second book, continuing his lifelong mission to prove that, with the right support and determination, people affected by brain injury can achieve far more than anyone ever imagined.

Mark’s life began with a dramatic entrance—he almost didn’t make it, taking far too long to take his first breath because of a compressed umbilical cord. The prolonged lack of oxygen caused a severe brain injury, and by six months he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Doctors delivered a grim prognosis: he might never walk, talk, or do much at all. Spoiler alert: he did it all anyway. Since then, Mark has kept surprising everyone—graduating in the top 15% of his university, competing in Paralympic sports, and building a successful career in finance. He is known for his sharp sense of humour and fearless honesty, and in Wobbles he shares stories of epic stumbles, unexpected triumphs, and the messy, often challenging reality of pursuing an extraordinary life. Mark’s journey is a testament to how determination and resilience can transform even the harshest beginnings into a life of purpose and great achievement.

The authors

Background Ian and Mark first met in 1996 when Mark was 12 months old. It was not a happy meeting for Mark. In his own words: Hate is a strong word, but I think that’s exactly what my young self felt about Ian. Ian knew that being a brain injury therapist was not the best way to endear himself to the children he was working with, especially smart, strong willed kids like Mark. To Mark, Ian was the bad guy—the one responsible for all the hard work his mum and the volunteers were making him do. And Ian, having seen it all before, knew exactly what Mark was doing when he showed up at each appointment: doing his best not to do his best. He was deliberately underperforming, resisting every suggestion, and turning every session into a battle of wills. Talking about this years later, Mark confirmed that that was exactly what he was doing! Despite their rocky beginnings, a genuine and lasting connection developed between them—something unusual for both. Mark had moved on from his early therapy years, and Ian typically did not remain in touch with families once therapy had concluded. In this case, however, the bond endured. So, here they are, former adversaries, coming together to tell the story of the first 24 years of Mark’s life. In writing Wobbles, they have revisited the raw and remarkable journey they once travelled together. The process has been both cathartic and joyful, filled with long- forgotten memories and new understanding. Ian and Mark are proud of what they have done, and hope his story, and that of his family, will inspire others to aspire for greatness, no matter how many obstacles are placed in the way.