A man with cerebral palsy has been told by strangers he is "too good looking" to be disabled.
Joe Bird, 28, from Solihull, West Mids., exercises six times a week and has chiselled abs to show for it.
The former Paralympian rower is proud of his accomplishments as he says some are "put off" by his disability.
The receptionist says he's had women in the past tell him they would be attracted to him if he wasn't disabled.
Joe was born three months premature, and as a child, doctors said he would never walk again - and now he can run, jump and swim.
Joe has even been featured in Men's Health, showing the exercises he does to keep his body in shape.
He is sharing his story to normalise "inter-able relationships".
Joe said: "Women have messaged me online saying 'I'd be attracted to you if you weren't disabled' or said I am 'too good looking' to be disabled.
"Initially, it didn't make me feel good, but I decided to challenge the stereotype.
"Society says disabled people aren't attractive, but I am trying to show that I can still be attractive with cerebral palsy.
"I have embraced my disability and focussed on leading an independent life."
Joe says he doesn't have any trouble dating as he is a confident person and says women are attracted to his confidence.
He said: "I am trying to prove to the world that being different doesn't make you any less attractive."
Joe tells women about his disability from the start, but he says he used to hide it online.
He said: "In school, girls wouldn't even speak to me because I was disabled.
"I used to post photos from the waist up, but now I am proud of who I am.
"My disability is noticeable, but it doesn't stop me from pushing boundaries.
"I am lucky to be alive as I almost died at birth as I was born three months premature.
"Doctors didn't think I would be able to walk, but now I can run, jump, carry heavy items and walk backwards.
"I have beat everyone's low expectations and inspired other disabled people too.
"Everyone has limitations, but if you feel like you can improve and build upon what you have - and it is going to make it happy then do it.
"I haven't been deterred by people who are negative as you can't impress everyone, but I hope to challenge stereotypes.
"I get my content ideas for social media from trolls. I aim to inspire people to step out of their comfort zones and to be kind."
