Renowned motivational speaker Dean Clifford has launched a blistering attack on online trolls who made disgraceful comments about him attending an NRL game with his mother.
Living with a Rare Condition
Clifford suffers from a severe form of Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare disease that leaves his skin incredibly delicate and prone to blistering. As he describes it, 'My skin is as fragile as tissue paper and will literally break down and disintegrate just from being alive.'
The Queenslander has defied doctors' predictions that he would not survive to see his fifth birthday, becoming a renowned motivational speaker and a top powerlifter who can lift 150kg – more than twice his body weight.
The Incident
He posted a photo to social media showing him and his mother Jenny at the Dolphins vs Storm game in Brisbane on Friday night and was soon hit with a wave of horrible comments online.
Instead of ignoring the abuse about his appearance, Clifford got on the front foot and slammed his detractors. 'Attention trolls & keyboard warriors,' he wrote on Facebook and Instagram. 'Who would have thought posting a fun photo at a football game with my mum on Friday night would result in so many trolls finding the way my skin looks as something they can try to make fun of.'
He continued, 'To the thousands of you who thought they were being smart or having fun at my expense here’s something you may not be aware of. I have been bullied and picked on since I was 2yrs old. Living with such a rare genetic skin condition has meant throughout my entire life, kids/adults, EVERYONE has been scared of me.'
Clifford added, 'People have pointed and stared to the point where they trip over themselves or walk into walls which is f*#king hilarious. I hear all the whispers behind my back. I have had people try to fight me because they thought I was the weakest link. I have even had people threaten to kill me in the past.'
'Let me be clear. I do not care what you think of me. You think you can sit behind your keyboard and your comments are going to impact my life. Come say it directly to my face. Go on. I DARE YOU. Enjoy your pathetic small life in your parents' basement or your childhood bedroom. I will continue to travel the world and live life to its absolute fullest and have a kick ass time doing it!'
Support from Followers
Clifford also accused Facebook of sharing his photo without his consent. He won plenty of support in the comments section, with followers praising his courage and pledging their support. British TV presenter Katie Piper, who was left scarred by an acid attack in 2008, left a love-heart emoji, and former AFL star Hayden Crozier wrote, 'Much love mate!'
His comeback was also hailed by Iron Man competitor Matt Bevilacqua, with another commenter speaking for many when they wrote, 'Good on you mate, you have a great attitude! Screw all the haters.'
Life Beyond Trolling
A quick look at Clifford's social media reveals he's a committed footy fan who regularly attends NRL matches to watch the Brisbane Broncos and has rubbed shoulders with big names like Shane Webcke, Cooper Cronk, and Fox Sports host Yvonne Sampson. In addition to his motivational speaking, he is an ambassador for Disability Employment Australia and the DEBRA Australia charity, which supports people who suffer from Epidermolysis Bullosa.
Living with Epidermolysis Bullosa
Clifford gave a raw insight into life with his condition in 2023. Sufferers have a life expectancy of around 30, and he has beaten the odds to make it to 43 years of age. 'I’ve got wounds that come and are with me for one week or two weeks, six months, 18 months, then heal only to leave fragile, weak skin to break down the second it’s all healed over and then I go through the same process all over again,' he said.
Incredibly, he has battled through the pain to excel as a powerlifter despite only being able to lift a two-litre drink bottle when he got started in the gym. He works out four times a week and said, 'Being able to lift 150kg puts me somewhere in the top two to three per cent [of lifters] in the world.'
