Matthew Monaghan, 36, from Newtownabbey, has published The Weight of Progress, a memoir about living with a rare neuromuscular condition.

The book covers his childhood challenges, including fights for fair education and against assumptions about his intelligence. His mother told him he faced discrimination.

Monaghan describes a sports day incident at age six or seven where a teacher glued an egg to his spoon in a race, making him feel he cheated.

In 2015, a routine Botox injection for joint flexibility caused sudden decline. He struggled to walk, breathe and swallow. His mother confronted a consultant about the effects. A specialist later confirmed it was a reaction, not the natural course of his condition.

Monaghan applied for a flying scholarship for disabled people and trained to pilot. In 2025, he became the first disabled pilot to land a plane solo at Belfast International Airport.

He now works as a pilot, motivational speaker and social media commentator. The book, published by Excalibur Press, is available on Amazon.