My interview...

While I was enjoying the Olympic Park, Amelia Gentleman stopped me to ask some questions about the Paralympics. The article was printed in the Guardian on Saturday the 8^th of September but here is the link if you didn’t see it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/07/disabled-visitors-paralympic-bubble-reality

Only six days until I move in so I can’t blog much. Getting everything ready and I’m also too excited to think properly. So, normal service will return soon.

Bye for now!

The greatest show on earth 2...

The Paralympics did not end for me when I left the Westfield car park. My friend had booked tickets to see Boccia at the ExCel. Most people will not have heard of this sport but in essence, it is bowls sitting down. I play when I can and I am a huge promoter of the game in general. It is fun and addictive to play as well as very interesting to watch. So, I was very excited to watch top players from around the world in semi final action. I was not disappointed as we saw thrilling matches including Brit David Smith who sailed through to the final (he got a Silver medal in the end). This was obviously the highlight of the day but another memorable part was crossing the River Thames…

Previously, when visiting the O2, I have had to drive through a tunnel or across a bridge to get to Greenwich. Now the Emirates Airline is open, I can opt for another mode of transport: A Cable Car. I have only ever been on one once before but this was better. The weather was beautiful and the sun reflecting off the water made for spectacular views over my favourite city. And, unlike most transport in London, the cars were accessible (the seats could even flip up if necessary). I was suitably impressed and wish they could make more across the UK.

On both occasions, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Paralympics, watching the sports in an all-round upbeat and positive atmosphere. I really am missing the whole Festival of Sport but it has left a long lasting memory and has actually inspired me. I want to try and perfect my Boccia skills because who knows what the future will bring? Rio perhaps if I put my mind to it.

Bye for now!

The greatest show on earth...

Some people saw the Paralympics merely as an opportunity to enjoy the park after missing out on ‘the real Olympics’. To share in the euphoria after the success of British athletes such as Mo Farrah and Jess Ennis. While these feats were amazing, I’d argue that Sarah Storey and David Weir picking up 4 gold medals each was far more impressive. The outstanding achievements of athletes like these who have had to overcome disability made the Paralympics of 2012 ‘the greatest show on earth’.  And ‘Wheelchair Boy’ was there.

The sun was out and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. It was not your typical London weather so as the crowds entered Stratford; it really did feel like a holiday somewhere on the Mediterranean which was being taken over by tourists. But, one look in the murky River Thames confirms you are still on British soil. After taking a few pictures for Facebook, my first stop was the largest McDonalds in the world. It was nearly lunchtime so very busy but the amount of tills and staff meant that there was no queue. Impeccable service at McDonalds? That’s a first.

Our event was Goalball in the Copperbox but it didn’t start until 6 so we had hours to kill. The ticket allowed us entry into Eton Manor, the Basketball Arena and the Riverbank Arena providing there were seats left. We decided to go and watch some football (well I did because I can’t get enough). As we made our way to the Stadium, we were able to soak up the warm, friendly atmosphere as well as opportunities for some more photos. It was great to see and hear fans from other countries coming together to celebrate sport. The great thing was that everyone was smiling and seemed happy to be part of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the football. The two teams, Ukraine and Brazil, were made up of players with various levels of disabilities, from Cerebal Palsy to brain injuries. The quality of football on display was second to none, particularly Brazil’s magical counter-attack to make it 1-0. For me, it was like a dream. Superb football, a great view, lovely arena and the sun was shining down on the pitch. All that was needed to make it perfect was some barely dressed women, burger, chips and unlimited drink.

By the time we got an expensively priced Ice-Cream and enjoyed the live entertainment on offer (three piece Mexican band), it was time to watch the Goalball. You probably haven’t heard of it (I hadn’t) and it is a little different from any other sport. Basically, there are four mini goals stuck together at either end of the pitch which is about the size of a volleyball court. The aim is to throw the ball in the opponent’s goal. Simple enough. But, the players are blind. It is interesting because there is a bell in the ball so the crowd have to stay quiet. However, some games can be too tactical with hardly any goals and so get a bit boring to watch. So, after the second match, we decided to leave.

Before setting off for home, we went up the Coca- Cola Beat Box which was disappointing at first. All you do is touch things and they make a noise. Plus, most of the ‘instruments’ were too high for me to reach so I was not that impressed. But, the top was worth it because you get a picture with an Olympic torch. Coming down was good aswell because you get a Coke (even though I hate fizzy drinks) and a break dancing/rap show. The best thing was that it was all free and everyone loves freebies, even if it is an extravagant marketing ploy.

I am so glad I went to the park and shared in this historic occasion. I didn’t get to see any of the 120 medals for Team GB but that didn’t mean I enjoyed myself any less.

My Paralympics adventure didn’t end there. Look out for some more blogs about the ExCel and my interview.

Bye for now! 

Be inspired...

The Paralympics got under way today with the medals already being distributed and various records being set. Even as a Wheelchair Boy, I have huge admiration for all of the athletes. Not only have they got to battle with their disability, but practice their sport every day and as a result are extremely talented. Sarah Storey, who only has one arm, is a shining example of this. She is so quick on the cycling track that she marginally missed the Team Pursuit in the Olympics. Just as Oscar Pistorius proved, disabled people are just as talented as able bodied people so should be given the respect they deserve. That is all disabled people want; to be treated normal and not be marginalised by society because of their disability.

One particular woman that amazes me every time I hear the story is Martine Wright. She has no legs and will be representing Team GB in the sitting volleyball. I am in awe because she has gone from a victim of the 7/7 bombings to the London 2012 Paralympics. My disability (Friedriech’s Ataxia) is a degenerative condition so has gradually got worse. I was a clumsy child who appeared drunk and knew that I would end up in a wheelchair full time. So, that is why it is difficult to imagine walking one day to being wheelchair bound the next. I had time to get my head round being in a wheelchair whereas she didn’t. That’s why being paralysed out of the blue and then going on to become a top athlete is unbelievable.

I just hope that you enjoy the games but also can reflect on the incredible athletes and what they are doing. I’m lucky enough to be going to watch Handball and Boccia next week. I’ll report back.

Bye for now!

To infinity and beyond...

Prior to the operation, my mum was concerned with my transfers. My condition was deteriorating and as a result, weight bearing was becoming difficult. I could still just about manage it but it was becoming dangerous with all the twisting and falling. I needed to find a new, safer way and at Stanmore; the physio suggested a standing hoist. She rolled out the Arjo and we all could immediately see that the machine was what I needed. I could lean on the hand rests and pull myself up by the handles. There are pads to keep my knees locked and a strap to keep me upright. When the machine goes up and I move from sitting to standing, I look like Buzz Lightyear taking off.

Transfers were going great in hospital thanks to this hoist and I could easily get out of bed which was helping my recovery. However, 10 days after the op when I was released from hospital, the OT had just got an ordinary sling hoist. I was not happy as they’re not comfortable, difficult to get on and apply too much pressure to my wound. In 2010, they kept using an ordinary hoist and the scar kept opening up so it was no surprise that when I was transferred to the bed, a small leak appeared. I didn’t want to return to Stanmore so I refused to use a sling hoist and told my OT to order the standing hoist right away.

This didn’t happen. A standing hoist eventually turned up at my house but it wasn’t an Arjo. It was an Oxford which was completely different and not suitable. It hurt my back and the hooks were eye level so I didn’t feel safe. Even a professional rep assessed me and concluded that the Arjo was the only machine suitable for me. The OT was still reluctant but her hand was forced (plus I threatened to sue). It arrived a few days later and apart from a dodgy battery at first, it has worked a treat. Transfers are much easier and safer now.

I just wish the OT had acted quicker instead of worrying about the £5000 price tag. A hospital admission and yet another op if I fell over because I had the wrong equipment would cost far more.

Bye for now! 

Sky's the limit 2...

Small ants on a green carpet. That is what everyone looked like as the plane went higher. In hindsight, it was a stunning view. The blue sky meant I could see for miles over the pleasant English countryside but my nerves meant that I couldn’t enjoy the scene. My instructor informed me that we were now 10 000 feet up and it was jump time. I weren’t even sure if I was securely attached to him but for some reason, I couldn’t speak. It turns out I was because I’m here to tell the tale.

The freefall from the plane until the parachute opened only lasted 30 seconds but it felt like forever. I thought I was dying as the wind pushed against me and I struggled to breathe. But that is only part of it. The feeling of falling through the sky is truly indescribable as words would not do it justice. When the ‘chute opened, I could relax and take in the sights as we floated to the ground.

When I think back to sitting on the edge of that plane, I honestly don’t know how I done it. But I don’t regret it. In fact, I’d recommend Skydiving to anyone, young or old. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Also, I raised £4, 500 for Great Ormand Street Hospital so thank you to all who donated to this wonderful charity.

Bye for now!

Sky's the limit...

The recent ‘mini heat-wave’ has got me reminiscing about one of the greatest days of my life to date in June 2010. Perhaps it was being a James Bond fan that made me interested in skydiving but it was something I had always wanted to do. I was eagerly awaiting my 16^th birthday so that I could. But, if my dream was to come true, I’d have to organise a jump prior to the spinal rods being inserted in my back. I decided that I’d raise money for Great Ormand Street Hospital seems as they were the Arsenal Charity of the Season and they’d done so much for me since diagnosis.

Sunday 4^th April 2010 was the big day. Or was it? Technical issues with the plane meant that it was postponed. The new date was Sunday 18^th April 2010 but again it was cancelled, this time because of Volcanic Ash. I began to think it was never going to happen as Sunday 16^th May 2010 saw poor flying weather. I had a cut off point of when I could jump as the doctors advised me to allow a few weeks between the skydive and my op. Meanwhile, I had a bit of a scare with my heart, probably stress and anxiety, but the heart specialist gave me the go ahead.

Finally, on Sunday 23^rd May 2010, the weather was impeccable and the jump was on. There was no going back. The butterflies intensified but the beautiful sun and incredible blue sky done a lot to calm my nerves. After being strapped up, it was time for a miracle as Wheelchair Boy walked onto the plane (with a lot of assistance). As I sat down, it dawned on me what I was actually doing. The plane door slammed shut (oh no, there isn’t one mum). I waved at my family before the plane sped down the runway and began to climb up into the sky.

To be continued…

Bye for now!