Rugby player Tom Morgan talks about his experience on Channel 4 TV show 'The Undateables'.

Posted Tue 23rd Feb 2016 at 14:00
by Pippa McClounan

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Tom gives us an insight into what his life was like growing up with TS, and how raising awareness was his main reason for appearing on the show.

Many people might wonder why this fit, healthy, good-looking young man chose to appear on the Channel 4 TV show ‘The Undateables’. Tom Morgan, a 26 year old rugby player from Wales, explains his reasons for taking part as wanting to raise awareness of TS and in doing so, helping others like him.

Tom was diagnosed with TS at the age of 15, and Asperger’s at the age of 21, but displayed tics from the age of 3. He says that school was tough, as he often felt labelled as ‘a naughty kid’, when in actual fact, he was experiencing explosions of tics, combined with bundles of excess energy.  Although Tom struggled in the classroom, he excelled at sport and it soon became his passion, proving to be a major factor in providing a relief outlet for his TS. Sport continues to be at the centre of Tom’s world, whether he’s watching it on TV, playing Rugby semi-professionally or working out at the gym.

He describes his visible symptoms as simply the tip of the iceberg, with so much more to TS than meets the eye. Tom explains the mental and physical efforts of trying to supress his TS can sometimes cause him to sleep for 12-15 hours a day.

Since appearing on The Undateables, Tom explains how people in his local community have positively changed their attitudes towards him, with some close friends seemingly shocked at the extent of the effects of his TS. This was exactly the reason why Tom decided to do the show, as raising awareness of the hidden aspects of TS, and dispelling some of the myths are really important to him. He says his confidence has taken a boost and feels positive about the future.

His appearance on the show has caused quite a stir, and he was subsequently asked to appear on ITV’s Loose Women - watch how Tom charmed the audience and hear what proud Mum, Elaine, has to say about her son.

Tom has a loving, supportive family and a great circle of friends, which he says are both very important to him.  I asked Tom if he had any words of advice for anyone struggling to cope with their TS, and he said ‘Just be open about it, and those willing to accept you will be around you to give you support’.

We very much look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Tom Morgan!

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