Stephen Lightbown


Stephen Lightbown is a Bristol-based poet and picture book writer.

Paralysed from below the waist following an accident when he was sixteen, Stephen uses his writing to give a voice to his disability. He is the author of two poetry collections for adults and one for children.

His children’s collection, And I Climbed, And I Climbed, published in September 2023 by Troika Books, was picked as a Book Trust book of the month; a National Poetry Day 2024 selected title; a Read for Empathy 2025 collection; and was shortlisted for the CLiPPA Poetry Award 2024 and the UKLA Book Awards 2025.

Stephen has also twice represented England at the disabled surfing World Championships.