A sports performance coach has featured in a book about people who were adopted as children.

Spencer Brown, who has a doctorate from the University of Warwick in England, discussed his life and his struggle with Asperger’s in the book Bravely Being Me.

Dr Brown said: “This book is a wonderful way to inspire others and sharing the pages with such fantastic people is incredibly humbling.

“Adopted as a baby, I was fortunate to have many opportunities present themselves to me.

“I simply reached out and took them – some don’t work out, but the important step is taking them.”

Bravely Being Me, written by Sam Langley-Swain and Nicci Martin, details the problems and triumphs of adopted children and their families.

The book includes stories from athletes, entrepreneurs and other adults and was designed to highlight adoptive parents and their families.

Dr Brown, originally from England, said: “I hope my story will inspire other adoptive people to realise they too can achieve many things.

“Rather than holding me back, it catapulted me forward.

“For those people contemplating adopting but have worries or concerns, I hope this book will help them decide to give a person a second chance.”

The book was launched this week to coincide with Adoption Week in Britain.

Dr Brown served in the Royal Marines for 13 years before he became a professional rugby union player as a wing and fullback.

He played in the English Premiership for six years for Richmond and Bristol between 1994 and 1999, and played three times for England.

He has a PhD in health science and runs a multidisciplinary rehabilitation and sports clinic in Bermuda.

Bravely Being Me can be ordered here.