Holidays and Travel - Spinal Injuries Association · Q&a your questions answered by our experts 6 In the news from sIa Family DVDl gC elections 8 from the sIa academysia training

40 years of rebuilding lives after spinal cord injury

febRuaRy 2014 Issue 119

Recycle for SIA 12 Armed Forces support 14

Holidays and Travel

Brought to you through our partnership with

debate information real life

Readers share their experiences – see page 35

the views expressed in forward are not necessarily those of the spinal injuries association. nor issia responsible for the use which might be made of the information provided. sia does not endorseany commercial organisations and acceptance of commercial advertising or sponsorship, oreditorial reference, should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the firms or products involved.

Contents

forward thinkingMailbox you write to us 4Q&a your questions answered by our experts 6

In the newsfrom sIa Family DVD l gC elections 8from the sIa academy sia training Courses 9new books in the Library l Book review 11fundraising recycling l Forthcoming events 12sia’s work with the armed Forces charities 14Public affairs Bowel survey l neurological Commissioning support 18

40th anniversary supplement40th anniversary Message from baroness Masham of Ilton 2240 new opportunities in our 40th year work experience for sCi people 23Rebuilding Lives after sCI awards nominate someone special 24Make 40 Matter pledge form 25Ruby Partners supporting sia in our 40th year 27What’s happening? events from February to april 2840th anniversary Merchandise order form 30The big sIa 40 years Quiz win a bottle of champagne! 31

featuresTransverse Myelitis what is it and who can help? 34

sPeCIaL seCTION l HOLIdays & TRaveLFreewheel annie: a round-the-world trip 35access is a state of mind – visiting india 38ray’s Caribbean cruise 40a trip to Japan 41Let’s visit Cyprus 42Driving from gibraltar to germany 44weekends away – with a difference! 46rural retreats – peaceful, accessible places in the uK 47

forward mattersbest foot forward what goes around – andy healey 49Parenting taking the children on holiday – emily Clacy 50Racing Manx grand prix 2013 – phil armes 51Classified adverts 52

forward message

F e B r u a r y 2 014i s s u e 1 1 9

Find out more about us at www.spinal.co.uk

We all look forward to our summerholiday and I hope you will find, in the pages that follow, someinspiration for your own holidaythis year. If you do go away why notlet SIA know about your experiencewith a forward article about yourtrip, or a posting in the holidayforum on the SIA message board?

One of SIA’s greatestachievements over its 40 years has been the way in which ourmembers have supported eachother. SIA started out in 1974 as a mutual support organisation and that is still at the heart of what we do in 2014.

So, now we are celebrating our40th. Please do get involved andhelp us celebrate. Make a pledgeto ‘Make 40 Matter’ and help SIA tobe proud of our Anniversary. Havea look at the SIA website for detailsof how you can get involved.

Now is the time of year that we look for those consideringstanding for election as an SIATrustee. Trustees determine thedirection and monitor the progressof the charity. It is an important roleand affords you the opportunity toplay a part in SIA’s future. NewTrustees, and the fresh ideas theybring, are always welcome. So why not put yourself forward?Best wishes,

Jonathan Fogerty, SIA Chair C5/6

forward is available to downloadfrom the member profile area on the sia website.

c Copyright 2014 spinal injuries association

GrippingomissionThanks for the Getting a grip on lifearticle in the December 2013 forwardmagazine. It’s always great to showpossible hand adaptations for the manyof us who struggle in this area after SCI.All the equipment and products shownare great and recommended but I wasdisappointed to see a distinct lack ofmention for Active Hands gripping aids.At this point I need to declare my ownself interest as designer and director of the company but I have also been atetra for 17 years and I know how muchthey have helped me, and many othertetras all over the world, grip numerousobjects. I just didn’t want the opportunityfor others who may benefit from them

to pass and people not know aboutthem. I was also interested to note thatthree pages after the article there wasan article on FES and health whichfeatured two photos both of whichshowed tetras using FES equipment andboth using Active Hands gripping aids.To me this illustrates how often ourequipment is used and furtherhighlighted their omission from theGetting a grip on life article.

Keep up the good work,Rob Smith C5/6 Long-term tetra and SIA member.Email [email protected]

After sales servicein this edition of forward, on page 35, you will see an article i wrote about myamazing round the world trip. what thatarticle does not mention is the difficulty i had along the way with my wheelchair.while i was on the ship, two days awayfrom singapore, the bearings in mycastors disintegrated. My chair wasunusable and i did not have any sparebearings with me as this is not a problemi have ever experienced before. i did notrealise that the bearings in my castorswere unsealed. nor did i know that if salt water got into them they would very quickly rust and fall apart.

i was not completely strandedbecause the ship does have a wheelchairon board which i was able to use;although it was huge, cumbersome andin any other circumstances i would nothave been seen dead in such a model!however i did feel immensely vulnerableas i knew that we would be leaving theship shortly after arriving in singapore so i needed to get my wheelchair fixed as soon as we arrived.

i was convinced the spare parts ineeded would be available in singapore.My chair was brand new just before i left

the uK, so i was pretty confident that if i could get in touch with the suppliers of my chair they could arrange for newcastors to be waiting for me when wereached singapore. however i am sorryto say the suppliers of my chair, geraldsimonds healthcare, did not provide the back up that you would hope forhaving just spent over £3,000 buying one of their chairs.

while at sea we had no phonecoverage and only limited access to aspecial email system called telarus. usingthat, i was able to email people whoseaddresses i knew. i didn’t know geraldsimonds address, so i emailed friendsand family asking them to contact geraldsimonds and let them know what hadhappened to me. this they did by bothtelephone and by forwarding an emailfrom me asking gerald simonds if they could contact ti Lite suppliers insingapore and locate some castors for when i arrived.

if they had been feeling very helpful,they could have offered to DhL somenew castors to singapore. however, allthey did was to email the names, postaladdresses and phone numbers of three ti Lite suppliers in singapore. no emailaddresses or websites or anything that i could use from a boat at sea, with noaccess to a phone. they also didn’t sendme the specification for my castors orwhat i needed to ask for – bearing inmind i am not in any way technical. they told me that the ti Lite suppliers in singapore would be able to access my specification details from the ti Litedatabase, however this was not the case.

Luckily, i have friends who live insingapore who were able to phoneround various wheelchair suppliers untilthey found one that had the same castorsas the ones that i was using. when wearrived in singapore my friends came to the ship, collected my chair, took it tothe suppliers, got the new castors fittedand brought it back to me. without them

4 l forward thinking l MaILbOx February 2014

MaILBOX

editorial & advertising Lynne punchard l tel 020 8361 6971 l email [email protected] l Next copy date 3 March 2014 l Published by spinal injuries association, sia house, 2 trueman place, oldbrook, Milton KeynesMK6 2hh l tel 0845 678 6633 l Fax 0845 070 6911 l email [email protected] l Freephone advice Line 0800 980 0501 Mon-Fri9.30am to 4.30pm l text messaging text sia and your enquiry to 81025 messages will be charged at your standard networkrate l registered Charity no 1054097 Chief executive Officer paul smith l design & print tu ink www.tuink.co.uk

You write to us

MaILbOx l forward thinking l 5www.spinal.co.uk

The views and opinions expressed in forward are not necessarily those ofthe spinal injuries association. we reserve the right to edit letters sent for publication.the deadline for receiving contributions for the april 2014 issue is 3 March 2014.

i do not know what i would have done. i should say that two days after i contactedgerald simonds, by which time i was insingapore, i finally received an emailfrom them with the specification of mycastors. however, by this time i had sortedit out myself and my chair was back onthe road. this was the information that i had needed two days earlier, but by the time they sent it, it was too late.

when i got back to the uK icomplained about the service i hadreceived at which point they were onlytoo happy to replace my castors for free – completely missing the point that itwas when i was stranded on the otherside of the world that i really needed their help, not once i was back in the uK!the lessons i have learnt from this are toalways take spare bearings and castorsaway with me and not to expect toomuch from my wheelchair supplier. i felt they should have appreciated theurgency of my request for help andunderstood how vulnerable i felt stuckhundreds of miles from home and landwithout a functioning wheelchair. Anne Luttman-Johnson T11

Have your say – what should sCI researchersinvestigate?you may remember an article in theOctober 2013 edition of forwardwhich explained the formation andobjectives of the spinal Cord InjuryPriority setting Partnership (sCI-PsP).Trustees dave bracher and Christadyson sit on the steering Committee as Patient Representatives and wantedto provide an update on progress so far with this important initiative.

To recap, the ultimate aim of the SCI-PSP is to generate a Top-10 list of questions for researchers toinvestigate that will improve thequality of life, care and treatment for those living with an SCI.

To that end, an invitation wasextended to anyone with an interestin spinal cord injury to take part in asurvey. This survey was designed toidentify all the questions that peoplehave that they would like research to investigate; questions that ifresearched might help with futuretreatment and care.

This first phase of the SCI-PSP was open for three months betweenSeptember and December 2013. Atotal of 413 people took part in thesurvey and submitted 808 questions.The Steering Group met in December2013 and was delighted with both the number of respondents and theproportions of the differentrespondent groups.

The next stage of the SCI-PSP is to review the 808 questions and sortthem into topic areas, before checkingthem against previous research to see if they have already beenanswered. Once all questions and true uncertainties have been sorted, a second survey will be launched.

This second survey will askparticipants to rate which of all thesequestions is most important to thosewith an interest in SCI. From this,

a Top-10 list of research questions for publication will be generated. We anticipate that this second surveywill be ready for completion in March / April 2014.

Thank you very much to those ofyou who completed and/or promotedthe first SCI-PSP survey. We would liketo encourage you to do the same withthe second survey when it becomesavailable. Please keep an eye on SIA’swebsite, Facebook and Twitter feedfor details.

This PSP is seen as a uniqueopportunity to help shape future SCI research by the very people wholive with, care for, work as healthcareprofessionals with or have an interest in this field; all are valuedstakeholders and we want as manypeople as possible to take part.

The SCI-PSP website can be foundat www.sci-psp.org.uk and thank you again for your support so far.Dave Bracher T10 and Christa Dyson C4SIA Trustees

For more information, please visit theBritish wheelchair Bowls association:www.bwba.org.uk

Q If I’m over 65, can I still join the Motability scheme?

a if you are 65 or over and youreceive the higher rate Mobility

Component (hrMC) of the DisabilityLiving allowance (DLa) or the warpensioners’ Mobility supplement(wpMs), and have at least 12 monthsremaining on your allowance, you’reeligible to join the scheme. theDepartment for work and pensions

(Dwp) currently has no plans tointroduce personal independencepayment (pip) for those over the age of 65. if you were aged 65 or over on 8 april 2013, you will not be able toclaim pip and will continue to receiveDLa for as long as you satisfy theeligibility criteria. For information please call 0845 456 4566 or visitwww.motability.co.uk

Q Do you have the dates for theMobility Roadshow in 2014?

a yes and no! after celebrating the 30th anniversary of the

Mobility roadshow at telford in June 2013, Mobility Choice, the charity responsible for its organisation,has announced a major review of itsactivities. this is to ensure that itcontinues to meet the needs of people with mobility issues in the light of the ageing population and recent changes to benefitentitlements. unfortunately, while this review is taking place, there will be no Mobility roadshow held in 2014. For more information please visitwww.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

February 2014

Q What is the maximum I can earnunder the Permitted Work rules?

a the permitted work rules set outhow much a disabled person can

earn through employment withoutlosing their disability allowances. asfrom october 2013, the maximum thatcan be earned for permitted work is£101 a week for 52 weeks.

Q Are there any dating sites for disabled people?

a there are quite a few dating sitesavailable both in the uK and

worldwide. those listed below are forpeople living in the uK to check out:www.disableddating4u.co.uk www.disabledsinglesdating.com www.specialfriendship.co.uk www.enabledating.co.uk Don’t be afraid to try mainstreamdating websites either!

Q Do you have any information on taking up bowls?

a although no longer a paralympicsport since 1996, bowls is played

by hundreds of people in great Britainboth as a leisure activity andcompetitively. anyone with a physicaldisability such as spinal cord injury,cerebral palsy or a visual impairmentcan play and like many paralympicsports, bowls is inclusive and can beplayed alongside non-disabled athletes.

Q I get so fed up with thedisabled parking bays at

our local car park being used bynon-blue badge holders. Do youknow where I can buy a sticker to place under their windscreenwiper, asking the driver not to park there in the future?

a this is a really big problem at the moment. there is a

company called gpsp Ltd who cansupply you with various stickers

(some funny) at a reasonable cost. in fact, they supply various stickers,signs, driving and other usefulhousehold gadgets. Please call GPSP Ltd, Tel: 01522 688388 or visitwww.disabledstickers.co.uk

You ask us...Q&a

6 l forward thinking l MaILbOx

February 20148 l in the news l FroM SIA

GoverningCouncil Elections 2014Enclosed with this issue offorward is a nomination form for those SCI members wishingto put themselves forward forelection to the Association’sBoard of Trustees, known as the Governing Council.Following the changes to themake up of the GoverningCouncil, which were approvedat the SIA AGM in November2013, there are three Trusteespaces to be filled at the 2014election. The nominationprocess commences from thebeginning of February, with theclosing date for the receipt ofnominations being Friday 25April 2014. Should a ballot benecessary (ie should the numberof nominations received exceedthe number of Trustee placesavailable) then ballot paperswill be circulated to eligiblemembers during the month ofMay, with voting closing at theend of June. The nomination form is alsoavailable to download from the SIA website www.spinal.co.uk by following the relevant linkfrom the Home page.

Special Patient RegisterIn the December edition of forward, in an article about AutonomicDysreflexia, we wrote about theSpecial Patient Register. The ideabehind this scheme is that if you are pre-registered and you have to call 999, your name will be flagged up to ambulance crew and they willknow about your special conditions,such as autonomic dysreflexia, and

We are pleased to announce thelaunch of our new DVD, MovingForward Together, which is aimed at the families of spinal cord injured people. Throughinterviews with siblings, parents,partners and children of SCI parents,this film provides the opportunity to hear from others who have gonethrough the experience of having a relative who is spinal cord injured.Individuals speak of their feelings at different stages during their injury and rehabilitation and how their lives have developed post injury. They describe how they coped with the impact of this life changing event and what it meant to them as an individual and in their relationship with theirrelative. To obtain a free copy of the DVD please contact SIAon 0845 678 6633

Family DVD

prompt treatment can be given. Wesuggested SCI people should contacttheir GP to obtain an application form.

We have since discovered that this scheme is operated by Vocare, a consortium of GPs in the north-eastof England. It appears that there are no similar schemes for therest of the country, but if you know ofanother one, please get in touch withthe SIA Advice Line on 0800 980 0501.We apologise for the misleadinginformation and any confusion caused.

Brain & Spinal Cord InjuryConference 14 May 2014

Save the date!

Following the great success of last year’s conference, SIA is onceagain working in partnership withHeadway to deliver a joint Brainand Spinal Cord Injury Conference.This year’s conference will takeplace on 14 May. More details will be on our website soon!

For further details of any of these courses, please contact our Education andTraining Co-ordinator. [email protected] or call0845 678 6633 ext 221

First Statutory Provision ofCare Training a success! Our Continuing Healthcare Adviser,Brian O’Shea, delivered SIA’s veryfirst Statutory Provision of Carecourse on 28 November inManchester. This course, aimed atlegal professionals working withinthe personal injury field, receivedoutstanding evaluations so we areplanning to repeat it later in 2014.

www.spinal.co.uk FroM SIA l in the news l 9

Training NewsAs we begin to plan the 2014/15 SIA Academy Training programme it seemslike a good time to look back on how successful the past year has been.

In September 2013, in response tomembers’ feedback, we launched a

brand new Master Class on Motoring &Mobility aimed at SCI people. We havebeen working very closely withMotability and the Forum of UKMobility Centres on this Master Class,with staff from both organisationsdelivering a range of presentations onthe subject at their venues. This hasenabled us to provide sample vehiclesfor people to view at the end of the day.The course has been very well-received,and has clearly identified an area onwhich people appreciate havingadditional information, particularlywhen newly injured. There is a sessionstill to run in March 2014, so visit theSIA website to book a place.

Our existing Master Classescontinue to be well-attended and very positively received byparticipants. They are invaluable inproviding information and guidanceon what are often bewildering topicsand the newer subjects such asChoosing your wheelchair and Options:Life & Work after spinal cord injury haveproved popular. Between April andNovember 2013 over 400 people

attended our courses.We are continuing to expand and

develop the training programme bylaunching a new Master Class in 2014on the issues faced by SCI people asthey get older. If you have any otherideas for topics we can develop intopossible new Master Classes, thenplease let us know.

The training schedule for April 2014 – March 2015 is being finalised, and willsoon be available on our website.

The following Master Classes are still to run in February and March 2014:Choosing Your Wheelchair11 February 2014 (Sheffield SCIC), 26 March 2014 (SIA House) and 29 March 2014 (Salisbury SCIC)Funding & Managing Your CareNeeds 18 & 25 February 2014(Stanmore SCIC) and 21 & 28 March 2014 (Southport SCIC) Housing11 March 2014 (Stanmore SCIC) Motoring & MobilityMarch 2014 (exact date & venue to be confirmed, but to be held inHarlow or another SE location).

February 201410 l in the news l FroM SIA

Study days for healthcare professionalsIn response to requests from the healthcare professionals who attended the 2012 generic Study Days, we have run two specific days during 2013 to address the Moving and Handling of SCI patients and Bowel and BladderManagement. So far over 260 healthcare professionals from District General Hospitals and community settings have attended the Study Days, which have been held around the country.

Each day provides an overview of the need for specific treatment

for SCI patients and gives thedelegates an opportunity to get some hands-on experience. Staff from the specialist SCI Centres deliverthe presentations and workshops,along with presenters from theorganisations that sponsor the day:Wellspect for the Bowel and BladderStudy Day and Active Assistance for the Moving and Handling day.Pannone Solicitors kindly sponsor both days.

At the Moving and Handling StudyDay healthcare professionals have theopportunity to practice log-rolling andpositioning in order to maintain andmaximise joint preservation, as well aslearn techniques for moving patientssafely in bed and getting a sling inplace with limited rolling and staffinvolvement.

“I gained knowledge of the importanceof avoiding pressure sores. I knewbefore that they should be avoided,but I was not aware of the extra risksfor SCI patients.”

The Bowel and Bladder ManagementStudy Day provides:• insight into how the neurogenicbowel and bladder functionfollowing SCI• an opportunity to see the range of catheters, bags and ancillaryequipment available to enable good management• demonstrations on how the variousirrigation systems work and thenuances needed for manualevacuation and digital stimulation.

We still have two sessions of thisparticular Study Day to run beforethe end of the current training year-one in Manchester on 27 February2014 and one in Birmingham on 3 March 2014. Visit our website to book, but be quick as places are limited!

“From an acute point of view it’s beengreat to hear about what facilities are available for SCI patients, how to access SIA and how important bowel and bladder care actually is.”

User perspective on these days is, of course, key, and this is currentlyprovided by our Regional PeerSupport Officers and, in the case ofthe Bowel and Bladder Managementdays, by Alan Cook and StephenBurns, who are SCI representativesfrom Wellspect.

We will be holding a Moving andHandling Study Day in Leeds, on 24April. Details of future study days willbe available on our website.www.spinal.co.uk

All presentations from the days will be made available to you via SIA’s Health Professionals’Portal on the SIA website shortlyafter the event. For moreinformation please [email protected] call 0845 678 6633 ext 221

FroM SIA l in the news l 11www.spinal.co.uk

Eat well, live well with spinal cord injuryby Joanne Smith and Kylie Jameswww.eatwelllivewellwithsci.com

This publication, whichwas funded by theParalyzed Veterans of America EducationFoundation, is acomprehensive,practical guidewritten specificallyfor individuals with

SCI, as well as their families, friends,carers, health and medical professionals.The authors, one of whom is spinal cordinjured, are both qualified nutritionists,and feel that nutrition plays a vitaltherapeutic role in the lives of individualswith SCI. The book is split into chaptersthat focus on specific secondary healthcomplications that commonly developafter SCI such as bladder, bowel, pain andstress. The final chapter looks at ways ofmaintaining your overall health with SCI.

The Accessible Home: designing for allages and abilities by Deborah PierceISBN 9781600854910

This book (anAmericanpublication)shows how homeowners can work with architects tocreate functionaland attractiveaccessible homes.The first section

reviews the accessible home byexamining the different activitiesundertaken there. The second part looks at case studies using 25 real homes and aims to show that the bestdesign is built in, not added on, and that accessible can be beautiful andfunctional. The author is an architectwho became paralysed, so can identifywith the reader from a professional andpersonal perspective.

Assistive Technology for People withDisabilities (2nd edition) by DianePedrotty Bryant and Brian R BryantISBN 9780137050093

This book looks at devices andsoftware aimed at enhancing thelives of disabled people andpromoting theirindependence.Updated with newresearch, content

and features to address developmentsin the field, the book discusses the useof current technology in areas such asspecial education and rehabilitation.

Featured devices and software help the reader understand how areas such as mobility, communication,education and independent livingimpact on and affect the lives ofdisabled people.

New books for the SIA library

Alice Petersen has already published You, Me and Him; Tenyears on; Monday to Friday Man and Letters From My Sister. By my side is her latest book. When Alice was eighteen, shewas diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and as a resultshe had to give up her tennis scholarship in America. Alice s very familiar with how an illness or a disability can change a person’s life and bring a lot of sadness and heartache. The subject of disability features in this author’s work but not in a sad, depressing or gloomy way.

By my side is a story about a young woman, CassandraBrooks, also called Cass. She is a twenty-three-year-old medicalstudent who volunteers to help animals and loves her boyfriend.Cass is full of life and very enthusiastic. But, in the blink of an eye,her life is turned up side down when, due to an horrific roadaccident, she sustains a spinal cord injury and becomesparalysed at the thoracic level. One moment of distraction and Cass will be a wheelchair user for the rest of her life.

Cassandra’s boyfriend left, friends became very distant,rehabilitation in a specialist SCI Centre proved to be hard.Cassandra had to learn how to take care of herself becausenow every simple task turned out to be more difficult thanbefore. After been discharged from hospital, Cass moved backto her parents’ house. She thought her independent life was

over. But her family didn’t give up on her, even though it was very challenging to keepCassandra’s spirit up. Her mother introducedCass to Canine Partners. A charity that trainsdogs to assist disabled people in their daily lifeand to help them live more independently.Once Ticket, arrived in Cassandra’s life, shechanged. She became more open, optimistic, started meetingpeople and throwing herself into all sorts of challenges.

Whilst reading this book I cried my eyes out, laughed and held my breath, anxious to know what would happennext. It’s an amazing story. It makes the reader reflect oneverything we take for granted. It touches a variety ofimportant aspects of life: disability, love, friendship, carers,parenting, grieving and so much more. Sooner or latereveryone will be facing some of those things in their life. My only criticism is that Alice definitely skipped the subject of personal care. Management of bowel and bladder isactually a very daunting part of life with an SCI. It’s time-consuming, takes a lot of getting used to and can rule aperson’s day-to-day life, as any SCI person knows. I, just likethe main character, sustained an SCI in a traffic accident and I have also been involved with Back Up and Canine Partners. This book is much more than a love story or a sad depressingtale about disability. For family members and friends of aparalysed person, it will help them to understand life’schallenges and its ups and downs.

Book review by Marzena Kapuscinska T5By my side by Alice PetersonISBN 9781782061816

12 l in the news l FUNDrAISING February 2014

Three peaks and Tough Mudder Challenge Three fundraisers, Pete, Nick and Rob,undertook to complete the Three Peaksand Tough Mudder Challenges within 36hours, to raise funds for SIA. This not onlyinvolves walking some of the highestmountains in the country but alsoinvolves a 13-mile obstacle coursedesigned by Special Forces to teststrength, stamina and determination.Rob gives an overview of this awesomechallenge below.

“We completed the whole challengeon 5/6 October in just under 30 hours,with the Three Peaks taking 23 hours and34 minutes. The Challenge was moredifficult than we imagined and the 13-mile Tough Mudder Challenge after theThree Peaks Challenge was pretty

painful. However, the whole weekendwas well worth it and we are very proudof the money we have raised. My fatheris paraplegic, so we have close links withSIA and we were very happy to help inthis way. It was also nice to be the firstpeople (that we know of) to do thedouble – Three Peaks and Tough Mudder straight after each other!”

The lads raised £4,173 for SIAthrough hard-earned sponsorship –a truly incredible total. A huge thank you from everyone at SIA! If you are inspired to take part in achallenge next year contact Elizabeth,our Community Fundraising Manageron 0845 071 4350 or [email protected]

Hidden treasurein every home Did you know your home is atreasure trove? There are lots ofways you can support SIA besidestaking part in a challenge orholding an event. The best bit is you won’t even need to leave the house… all you need to do is have a tidy up…

Then, in an ordinary envelope,send SIA any of the items listed to‘Fundraising at Home’, SIA House, 2 Trueman Place, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2HH.

Raising Funds...GETINVolVED

RGK Maxima wheelchair + Coyote S7 Handcycle £2,500RGK Maxima: Twin Axle and Brake position for cycling and everyday use• 24” Mountain Bike Wheels Schwalbe Land Cruiser Tyres• Folding Backrest • Fixed Aluminium Sideguards • Adjustable FootrestPurchase a Team Hybrid Coyote Shimano 7 and RGK Maxima chair and save nearly £500Exclusive to SIA members – only available from Team Hybrid direct – offer closes on April 30th 2014

01329 832068 www.teamhybrid.co.uk

Exclusiveprice for

SIA members

Make the Batter Matter

• USED STAMpS• ForEIGN CoINS• olD jEWEllErY

We can convert all these items intocash to help fund SIA’s services.

Enclosed with this issue offorward is a recycling envelope.Please use these to send us any oldprinter cartridges and mobile phones.

Register now foryour Fish andChip pack! Getyour family, friendsand colleaguestogether on Friday 16 May and hold a Fish and Chip Supper for SIA!

You can hold your supper at home, or at work, or in a local community venue– you can even hold it at lunchtime!

By inviting eight other people andasking them to give a £5 donation you will raise at least £40. We can giveyou even more fundraising ideas bysending you a fundraising pack full of fun and fishy ideas. To request your pack please go towww.siafishandchips.co.uk or [email protected]

FUNDrAISING l in the news l 13www.spinal.co.uk

With only a couple of tables left andalmost all sponsorship opportunitiessnapped up, don’t hesitate to ensure that your company has a table andsponsorship representation at thisglamorous occasion.

The legal profession of London will be well represented by 300 solicitors,barristers, case managers and expertwitnesses. Tables of 10 are £1,500.

Great news! Adidas Half Marathon has now changed its entry requirementsto include wheelchair users who are not elite. If you would like to apply fora place please send an email with your level of injury and your contactdetails and you will be assessed by the London Marathon team. For further details please contact Elizabeth Wright on 0845 071 4350or email [email protected]

LAST CHAnCE FoRAdidas Half Marathon

We have 20 people signed up to undertake our SIA 40th Anniversary CycleTrip in May to celebrate Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day but you still havean opportunity to join us! Sign up today by going to www.spinal.co.uk/page/londonparis40

LAST CHAnCE Tojoin the london to parisAnniversary trip!

Tickets selling fast for SIA’s SocialCalendar 2014!The third bi-annual legal Dinner on 27 February 2014, Grange St pauls Hotel, london

Annual oil and Gas Quiz on the 6 March 2014 at the GrandConnaught rooms, london

Quiz teams from London andAberdeen will battle it out to win the coveted Oil and Gas Trophy.

The quiz will be hosted by LordMoynihan and promises to be aneventful and entertaining evening.

Tables of 10 are £1,950. Ticketsare £195 per guest.

Annual Cornflower Ballon 20 March 2014 at the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport

This wonderful Concorde themedevening will be filled with over 500 guests from many practices and professions, all there to support SIA and celebrate our 40th Anniversary.

It’s the party of the year so delve into the party bags, don the

pilot caps, toss the airplane confetti and have your picture taken inConcorde! Tables of 10 are £1,250.To purchase tickets, book tables or to take sponsorship at any of theseevents, contact Michael Bloedorn on 0845 678 6633 ext 224 [email protected]

XCR Cross Country HandcycleThe XCR Cross Country Handcycle is lightweight, fast and equipped with high quality components. Specification includes • Disc Brakes on all three wheels • Alfine 8 or 11 speed internal geared hubs • Three speed chainset or Schlumph Mountain Drive

Exclusive to SIA members – Only Available from Team Hybrid direct – Offer closes on April 30th 2014

01329 832068 www.teamhybrid.co.uk

Exclusive

offer 10 % discount

to SIA members

ITDoESN’T GETBIGGErTHANTHIS!

February 201414 l in the news l FUNDrAISING

Raising Funds...GETINVolVED

Peer Support officer for the Armed Forces

0900hrs My day begins at the main gates of the Defence Centre for RehabilitationMedicine, Headley Court. I drive throughthe camp, passing the stunning, ivy-covered Elizabethan Farmhouse whichdominates the site, enjoying the well-maintained gardens full of impressivetopiary and neatly trimmed lawns. Myoffice is based in the Therapy Centre ofComplex Trauma, which helps those withsevere physical injuries such as spinalcord injury and amputations. In thissetting it is not hard to imagine thepresence of RAF Serviceman Sir DouglasBader, a double leg amputee who was a fighter pilot in the Second World War.

On the way to my office I take theopportunity to informally catch up witha few of the patients who are on theirway to their morning gym session. This is a good opportunity to let patientsknow that I am at the Centre should theyneed to drop-in for some advice. I arriveat my office, ensure my Spinal CordInjury Resource Area is ready for patients,and prepare for my first appointment.

0930hrsMy first appointment arrives and for thefirst 15 minutes of the session we have a general catch-up about his life outsidethe Rehabilitation Centre. This is usually a good way to gauge a patient’s frame ofmind and gives me an insight into howthey are coping with their rehabilitation.After this, we use the sessions to discussany issues the individual needs to talkthrough – these topics can vary greatly.Today, the patient needs to talk aboutself-intermittent catheterisation andwants to know more about handcycling.At the end of the hour I always confirm

A Day in the Life of...lee Cairns

that they are willing to see me again the next week and then they move onto the next appointment in their daily rehabilitation schedule.

As I have a small window of timebefore my next appointment, I take theopportunity to visit the AdministrationTeam. They schedule the Monday toFriday rehabilitation programme for allthe patients. I have to let them knowwho I am planning to see every week so they can schedule the appointmentsinto the patients’ individual programmes.The patients at the centre all have a fullrehabilitation programme, including peer support, hydrotherapy and gymsessions, to aid their recovery andindependence.

1100hrs My last appointment before lunchcommences, and follows the sameformat as the previous session. All my

time with patients is spent discussingspinal cord injury and the effect it hashad on their lives. I enjoy using myexperiences to support people andhopefully make their life a bit easier.

1200hrs Lunchtime arrives and I quickly catch up on my emails before visiting theVocational Occupational Therapists to plan a Vocation Clinic which isscheduled for the next week. Ensuringpatients have plans in place for work,volunteering, education or training afterthey have been discharged from HeadleyCourt is incredibly important. It is afrequent topic of conversation in peersupport sessions at the centre. I knowfrom my personal experience of havingto leave the RAF after sustaining myinjury, it is very difficult to think of a lifeoutside the Armed Forces, but coming to terms with this is a very importantpart of the rehabilitation process.

1300hrs After lunch I have two moreappointments with spinal cord injured people.

1500hrsI finish off my day by catching up withthe physiotherapists and social workerswho are supporting SCI people. With athree-hour commute home to consider, I make plans to leave for the day.Tomorrow I plan to work from home,which will mean catching-up on emailsand phone calls, and I will be back at Headley Court the following week forappointments with the people I support.

Thanking our fundersThis service would not exist without the support of our generous funders,ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, SeafarersUK, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Royal British Legion.

As well as funding the service, the organisations listed provide valuablesupport to individuals from the Armed Forces family and have been aninvaluable link for SIA.

FUNDrAISING l in the news l 15www.spinal.co.uk

0114 2353150 www.morerehab.comSpecialised Neurological Physiotherapy,Occupational Therapy & Speech Therapy

We have clinics in South Yorkshire,Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. We are happy to do visits toyour home, school or work place.

> Hands-on Therapy> Exercise Programmes> Hydrotherapy> Electrical Stimulation (Upper & Lower Limb)> Gymnasium Work> Splinting (Upper & Lower Limb)> FES Bike Assessments & Programmes (We have a bike in our clinic)> Carer Training> Accommodation Assessments> Equipment & Aids Assessments including wheelchair & posture > Vocational Rehabilitation

and much more, please contact us for more details.

Expanding the ServiceThe Peer Support Service for theArmed Forces has been providingsupport predominantly in DMRCHeadley Court since April 2012.Through discussions with the ArmedForces Benevolent Funds and BLESMAit has now been identified that thereare a large number of ex-servicemenand women who have been retiredfrom the services for some years whowould not have had access to peersupport at the time of their injury but who would benefit from thatsupport now.

In order to reach these individualswe are expanding the service bypiloting a volunteer scheme in threeregions. Volunteers will be SCI peoplefrom an Armed Forces backgroundwho are able to provide peer support.

We are delighted to announce thatthis development is being funded bythe Armed Forces Covenant LIBORFund who have awarded £59,550 overtwo years.

The intention of the Libor Fund is tosupport the two key principles of theArmed Forces Covenant, which are thatthe Armed Forces Community shouldnot face disadvantage in the provisionof public and commercial services, and that special consideration isappropriate in some cases, especiallyfor those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.

SIA’s Chief Executive, Paul Smithwas in good company on 8 October2013 when he attended areception at Downing Streethosted by Samantha Cameron.

The event brought togetherserving soldiers, veterans from allthree services and senior militaryfigures. This was a fantasticopportunity for Paul to meet withseveral of the organisations whohave supported SIA’s Peer SupportService for the Armed Forces,including ABF The Soldiers’ Charity,The Royal Navy and Royal MarinesCharity and the Royal Air ForceBenevolent Fund.

Major General Martin Rutledge,Chief Executive of ABF TheSoldier’s Charity said: “We arehugely grateful to SamanthaCameron for agreeing to host

An evening at Number 10

us, and it was a particular honour tointroduce some of our beneficiariesto senior military and political figures.”

Samantha Cameron with ex-service personnel at no 10

If you are a member of theArmed Forces in need of supportor an ex-serviceman or womanwho would like some supportthrough this project or if you are interested in volunteering,please contact Lee Cairns byemail [email protected] telephone 0845 678 6633

16 l advertising feature l CoNTINENCE MATTErS February 2014

Subtle changes lead to greater discretionin urine drainage bag development

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• Neutral grey leg bag strapsmeans they are less visiblethan white straps, even underlight coloured clothing

If you would like to receive a sampleof the Simpla profile urine drainagebag or further information, thenplease contact Charter Healthcareon freephone 0800 220 622, or visitwww.coloplast.co.uk

The look and feel of Simpla profile and Simpla plus urine drainagebags have remained unchanged for many years now and we havegathered together your comments and feedback.

You tell us that it’s important urine drainage bags should not only be secure, but also visually appealing, whilst providing a real sense of discretion. As a result of this feedback, we are upgrading the design of Simpla profile and Simpla plus ranges of urine drainage bags and here’s how we’re doing it...

We have collated your commentsregarding the look and feel of

urine drainage bags and have madesome improvements to the way theSimpla Profile and Simpla Plus ranges urine drainage bags look. The reliability, functionality andcomponents all remain the same, but visually we’ve made someimprovements, which ensure theproducts are a lot more discrete and more visually appealing.

So, how have we done it...?The Simpla Profile and Simpla Plusrange of urine drainage bags willmove to having a semi-transparentmaterial on the reverse, making the

CPUCC Simpla 500ml with straps Simpla Plus syphon with straps

bag blend in better with skin tone,which means that together withurine content it’s close to invisible,even under thin, light-colouredclothing. In addition there is to be a small polka-dot pattern printed on the front which gives the urinebags a non-medical look, whilstmaking them less conspicuous. Weare also introducing neutral grey leg bag straps, as these are lessvisible than white straps under light clothing.

The final improvement is to thepackaging as you will see this changefrom a green colour to white and willincorporate a turquoise touch point,indicating where you tear, or pull

in order to open the packaging. Through listening to your

valuable feedback and comments wehave been able to incorporate someof these improvements into theSimpla Profile and Simpla Plus rangesof urine drainage bags, which all help to ensure your products are morediscrete and easier to use.

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The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. © 2013-08 All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark.

The catheter and bag set reinventedIntroducing SpeediCath® Compact Set – for simpler everyday catheterisation

Place the coupon in a sealed envelope and send it to: Charter Healthcare, Nene Hall, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6FX

To receive a sample, simply complete this form

What size of product do you currently use: CH

Your current product is called:

Please confirm that you are currently using intermittent catheters and have been taught by a healthcare professional

Men only:Do you use your intermittent catheter for dilation?

Enter your details so we can send it to you:

Title First name

Surname

Date of birth / / Male Female

Address

Town/City Postcode

Telephone

Email

AvailableNow

Small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag, SpeediCath Compact Set redefines the concept of the all-in-one catheter and bag set.

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TRYSCCS-02/01

The information you provide to us will be used to process your orders and for general administrative and record-keeping purposes. We will only disclose your personal information (including details of the

information in the manner described above and to us contacting you by email and/or telephone and/or post in order to keep you informed of Coloplast products and services that we think may be of inter-

Please do not contact me by telephone Please do not contact me by post Please do not contact me by email

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February 2014

public Affairs Diary

December 2013/January 2014

The public Affairs Team share their

meeting diary for the past two months

• Clinical Reference Group on SCI

• All Party Disability Group

• NICE Spinal Trauma guidelines

• Specialised health services: Five year strategy

• Clinical Reference Group on SCI

• Royal College of Physicians

• Specialised Healthcare Alliance

• British Association of SCI Specialists

• NHS CHC Stakeholder Group

18 l in the news l pUBlIC AFFAIrS

rEMINDErBowel Survey Our latest survey on BowelManagement is still open forresponses. SIA would like tohear about your experiences of bowel management, good or bad. You can complete thesurvey via the campaigningpages of the SIA website.Alternatively you can callCatherine Stribling on 0845 6786633 ext 206 for a paper copy

Neurological Commissioning Support

Following a successful survey with a number of focus groups carried out in Manchester and Cornwall earlier in the year, final reports have now been produced.

The research is part of a project with fellow SCI charities, Back Up

and Aspire, aimed at examining theprovision and quality of NHS services in Manchester and Cornwall. The work has been supported byNeurological Commissioning Support Group (NCS).

The final reports highlight theissues of concern that were raised in both Manchester and Cornwallincluding GPs, wheelchair services and community services. The reportsprovide recommendations for NHSCommissioners on how the threecharities believe services could and should be improved.

In both Manchester and Cornwall,GPs were held in high regard despite their limited knowledge andunderstanding of SCI. It was agreedamongst those living in both parts of the country that as long as the

GP acknowledged their lack ofunderstanding of the condition andwas willing to listen to the SCI patientthis had a positive impact. Despitepraise for their GPs in Cornwall,physical access to GP surgeries did facecriticism. Lack of parking spaces andexamination benches being too highwere examples of difficulties faced bypeople when trying to visit their GP.

Other similarities between the areasincluded community services anddistrict nurses. Overall responses inboth Manchester and Cornwall werepositive with the exception of a fewnegative responses in Manchesterconcerning difficulty in accessingcommunity services and district nurses.

Cornish respondents to the surveydid not rate the wheelchair servicewell. The Cornish service now operatesfrom one single outlet in the countyand this has not been popular. A delay

in getting spare parts has meant thatmany people have purchased theirown rather than waiting for the NHS to supply them. In Manchester mostpeople told us that they received agood service and that the wheelchairservices do get it right most of thetime. However, when it did go wrong,this had a significant impact on theindividual.

District General Hospitals (DGHs)caused most concern in Manchesterand Cornwall for both surveyrespondents and focus groupparticipants. A lack of knowledge of SCI by healthcare professionals inDGHs was a common complaint andone that worried people the mostabout being admitted to hospital. Basic awareness of the importance of bowel care, pressure relief and skincare were all areas that the majority of people said needed vastimprovement.

You can read the reports forManchester and Cornwall in full on the Campaigning pages of the SIAwebsite. SIA, Aspire and Back Up arecurrently seeking to raise these issueswith local Health Commissioners in an attempt to improve services for SCI people. www.spinal.co.uk/page/campaigning

rEporT UpDATE

20 l advertising feature l INDEpENDENT lIVING February 2014

This article is brought to you by Ejaz M Nabi, Managing Director Active Assistance

and Tom Nabarro, Active Assistance client

Travelling with your PA Active Assistance clients continue, with the help of our pAs, to visit numerousdestinations around the world. one of our clients even went overseas to getmarried! on the whole they come back with some fantastic pictures and most importantly our clients and their pAs have some great memories.

Ihave previously written, in theFebruary 2013 edition of forward,about the importance of planning.

I present a case history of one of ourclients, Tom, and his ‘stag do’ andother trips.

“I flew to Ibiza for 10 days for my stag party with a load of mates.Following a snowboarding accident, I am a C4 tetraplegic, and rely onothers, including my ActiveAssistance PA, for support andassistance.

In Ibiza, after the customaryuncomfortable transfer back to mywheelchair from the aircraft, we wereescorted to the taxi rank by bubblyand friendly ‘airport wheelchairassistants’ wearing fluorescentjackets with large wheelchairsymbols emblazoned on the back.

I was concerned about transportaround the island, but we found iteasy to pre-book adapted taxis,though reversing the wheelchair into them with the joystickoccasionally required nerves of steelin the early hours of the morning.

We went clubbing a lot on the do, but the first, and my favouriteclub, was Space. After talking to the friendly door manager and

explaining we were looking to seehow accessible it was (because wehad tickets to the next day’s openingof ‘We Love’), he let the four of us infree. This unprecedented generositygave me an instant liking for Space,and its layout made for a pleasantwheelchair experience, as all themain areas were accessible. Wepartied in Space until closing time onanother four occasions on that trip.

The Hotel Sirenis Goletawww.sirenishotels.com in Playa d’en Bossa was as accessible as wecould have hoped, with a walk-inshower, enough room to manoeuvre,understanding and friendly staff andentirely wheelchair-friendly grounds.Although the pool had no specificfacilities I still managed to get in for a quick dip.

Other trips in the past couple of years have involved a friend’swedding in France, visitingSwitzerland every July (for five yearsnow) for Paléo paleo.ch, a worldmusic festival, and visits to themountains around Davos, inparticular to our friends in Malans.

The Cinque Terre in Liguria, Italy,is my favourite destination thanks tothe food and breathtaking coastline.

I’ve also been to the Italian GrandPrix at Monza, hosted by somefriends in the VIP area (that would be very uncomfortable without theVIP hospitality).

I’ve also enjoyed skiing (or beingsteered in a ski cart) in Sweden withBack Up www.backuptrust.org.ukVarious visits to the extremes of the UK have included Devon andScotland, most recently toexperiment with my head-controlledBoma off-road wheelchair.

One of the most important factorsfor me is care: I do almost everythingthrough the help of others. The moreclosely I can work with my ActiveAssistance personal assistant, themore efficient performing most tasks becomes. I therefore spend asignificant amount of time planningprior to a holiday.

Packing is critical. The number of places you can purchase specialistequipment and supplies is limited. I always have two or more peoplecompile independent lists (or use aprevious list) and cross-reference toensure I don’t forget anything vital.

Above all it’s a holiday and I aimto have a great time!” Tom Nabarro C4

w w w . a c t i v e a s s i s t a n c e . c o m

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since 1992, providing a fully managed live-in home care service designed to

give you superior continuity of support and greater flexibility. Active Assistance can help you regain control of your life.

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Ican remember very clearly the firststirrings of the fledgling organisation; it came about as a result of my own

experiences as a spinal cord injured (SCI)person and those with whom I came intocontact. After I left hospital in 1959 andcame to live in Yorkshire, I discoveredthere were many people who had spinal cord injury who were beingtreated in General Hospitals and gettinginto disastrous situations with pressure sores and depression.

Having been created a Life Peer in theHouse of Lords in 1970, I was frequentlycontacted by SCI people asking for myhelp and advice when they felt that noone was listening to them. I can wellremember travelling miles across countryto visit a family with a newly injured son.They had so many practical questions onhow they and their son would cope butnowhere to turn to for answers. There

was a lack of suitable housing and publicbuildings had no access. I saw a need fora charity run by SCI people that couldpromote their unique needs.

So it was against this background that a number of like-minded SCI peoplecame together in 1974 and set up theSpinal Injuries Association (SIA). At theheart of our list of concerns was the needfor an organisation that truly representedand spoke for us – the SCI communitywho, for too long, had had no voice. Ourmeetings had a clear consensus – our new charity would be the voice of SCIpeople and, to ensure this, only those withSCI would be elected to serve as its Trustees.

Our philosophy of self-determinationhas endured over 40 years and hasbecome something of a model for otherorganisations for disabled people. Fortyyears ago, our stance was unusual, butgradually other organisations sprang up

to truly speak with their own voice. I like to think that we led the way anddemonstrated the strength and powerbehind the personal lived experience of disability.

Often, our campaigning focussed on the practical – for example, who nowremembers that one of SIA’s earliestbattles was the fight for the issue ofsuitable wheelchairs for SCI people, orthat we campaigned vociferously whenthe Department of Transport decided to withdraw our ‘til 70 driving licences,insisting that newly injured peopleshould retake their driving test? We wonour campaigns on both counts, thanks to our SCI membership who, as always,supported our approach, wrote to theirMPs, and joined with us in our lobbying.These were early demonstrations of thepower, previously untapped, thatdisabled people could exert given the right channel, namely a user-ledorganisation to voice their concerns at the highest levels of Government.

Our 40th Anniversary, while a time tocelebrate our success, is also a time to saythank you for the strong support of manynon-disabled people who saw therightness of our cause and have stoodbeside us and to remember all those whohave brought us to our current position.

For my own part, I would like to paytribute to those early ‘pioneers’ whohelped establish the organisation and toour first Director, Stephen Bradshaw. Theywill be fondly remembered for the vitalpart they played. Without them we wouldnot be where we are today, growing andthriving and facing the next 40 years withan enduring determination to continue torepresent and give voice to SCI people.

Baroness Masham of IltonFounder and President

22 l forward feature l SIA 40TH AnnIvErSAry February 2014

AnniversarySIA40

40th Anniversary Messagefrom Baroness Masham of Ilton

As part of SIA’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2014, Baroness Masham would like to invite10 SIA members to join her for a special event at the House of Lords.

You will be joined by supporters who haveplayed an important part in SIA’s 40 years ofwork in the historic setting of the House ofLords in the summer of 2014. If you would like to enter your name into adraw for the chance of attending this eventplease send us your name, address, telephonenumber and an email address if you have oneeither by email to [email protected] by post to House of Lords Event, SIA House, 2 Trueman Place, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2HH by Friday 7 March

Would you like to attend a specialevent at the House of Lordshosted by Baroness Masham?

SIA 40TH AnnIvErSAry l forward feature l 23www.spinal.co.uk

new opportunities in our4040th year

Regardless of whether you have adisability or not, work can, and usuallydoes, have a positive impact on your life. Social interaction, boost to self-esteem, motivation and participation in purposeful activity; working definitely has its benefits.

‘Work’ is defined as ‘physical ormental effort made in order to achieve or make something’ and doesn’t put anyemphasis on full-time, paid employment.Part-time and unpaid work can offer a return to purposeful activity, and hence many of the same benefits.

SIA knows how important work is to SCI people, and our dedicatedVocational Support Service is designedto offer the most comprehensive advice

and information to anyone seeking a return to employment, study orvolunteering after a spinal cord injury.

This year, SIA will help facilitateVocational Clinics at every SCI Centrethroughout England and Wales. Whetheryou’re an inpatient or an outpatient, youcan have an appointment within one of these clinics. This will allow you todiscuss your vocational aspirations and action plan for a brighter future with a member of SIA’s Outreach Team, alongside an adviser from the National Careers Service and an OT from the SCI Centre.

SIA knows how difficult it can be to reintegrate back into the workplacefollowing SCI. We will offer follow-upsupport to each and every person seenwithin the clinics with regular contact,helping to ensure that anyone whoembarks on the journey back to workhas the best possible chance of success.

Alongside the Vocational Clinics, in2014, SIA plans to go further in offeringSCI people the chance to gain valuableexperience in a workplace setting.

To celebrate our 40th Anniversary,SIA will create 40 work experienceopportunities for spinal cord injuredpeople across the country. Theseexciting placements, in a variety of jobroles, departments and sectors, willoffer the participant an insight intoworking life as well as the opportunityto gain a better understanding of howto manage their impairment in theworkplace. SIA’s Outreach Team willprovide support prior to, during, and after each placement.

SIA is also looking for willingparticipants in an exciting scheme we’repiloting in the West Midlands later thisyear. If you’re interested in developingthe skills employers are looking for,boosting your self-confidence, andimproving your chances of finding work, this could be just what you’relooking for!For more information on any of thevocational services SIA has to offer,please contact Jamie rhind, ourvocational Support Officer on 07800854605 or [email protected]

"Far and away the best prize thatlife offers is the chance to workhard at work worth doing" Theodore Roosevelt

February 2014

The nomination period is open until 28 February so make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to highlight a shining star of the SCI world.

The awards will culminate in aglamorous ceremony at the HiltonBirmingham Metropole on 5 June 2014.

One person who can share with youhow worthwhile an award nominationcan be is one of our 2013 Women inSpinal Cord Injury winners, Wendy Slater.

Last June, Wendy, Specialist Nurse andGeneral Manager at Salisbury SCI Centre,was awarded our Outstanding Women – Salisbury award for her dedication tothe Centre. Wendy says:

“It was such a lovely surprise to havebeen nominated and awarded a Womenin Spinal Cord Injury award. I amenormously grateful to the Spinal InjuriesAssociation (SIA) for the award and for

the support and help that they give to patients, relatives and carers.

“The Women in Spinal Cord InjuryAwards Ceremony was a wonderful,glittery evening, which was a privilege toattend. We were all very well looked afterby SIA and left feeling like stars.”

The award categories this year are:1 Outstanding Sports

Achievement Award2 Armed Forces

Achievement Award3 Inspirational Achievement Award

for Young People4 Inspirational Achievement

Award for Adults5 SIA Community Star Award6 Inspirational Carer Award7 Liz Martin Award for Achievement8 Outstanding Nurse Award

9 Outstanding Physiotherapist10 Outstanding Occupational

Therapist11 Outstanding Healthcare Assistants12 Outstanding Consultant13 Outstanding Case Manager14 Outstanding Psychologist15 Outstanding Team16 Excellence in Legal Care Award

Nominate someone you know atwww.spinal.co.uk/page/rebuilding-lives or email [email protected]

We all know an individual or a healthcare professional in the SCI Communitywho goes the extra mile. Why not celebrate their achievements bynominating them for a rebuilding Lives after SCI Award?

Strolling out for SIA – a promenading pledge to walk 5000 miles along the GB Coast

Make 40 Matter in 2014

“For the last couple of years I havedreamed about walking the coast of theBritish mainland. With time, the dreamhas grown from a whimsical privatethought to a burning obsession thatarises in every conversation.

In November, I finally decided thatmaybe it’s time to justshut up, stop ramblingincoherently and get onwith actually doingsomething a little bitdifferent and hopefullyworthwhile.

And so it is done. TheMake 40 Matter pledgehas been made sealingmy commitment to walkthe GB Coastline in

2014. I am supporting two charities, one of which is SIA. I chose SIA as mygood friend, Graham Anderson, is SCIand last year he began working as aPeer Support Officer. Hearing moreabout SIA from Graham has made merealise how important their services are

to SCI people, andtheir families, as asource of hope,reassurance andinspiration.

Training for thewalk has been goingwell, I have beennotching up 70+miles a week bywalking variousroutes through the

Leicestershire countryside, I am alsobeginning to schedule in dates for ‘stopoffs’ and collection and drop off points.This is no longer a pipe dream. It will behappening, and happening soon…Peter Hill, 50, Leicestershire

Keep up to date with Peter’s training progress and actual coastal walk by reading his blog at petehill7.wordpress.com

If, like Peter, you wish to help uscelebrate our 40th Anniversary and ticksomething off your bucket list to boot,why not sign up to our Make 40 Matterpledges? All you need to do is completeand return the form opposite or visitwww.spinal.co.uk/page/make40matterfor more information.

Wendy Slaterwith Tim Farr,Paralympic

skier

24 l forward feature l SIA 40TH AnnIvErSAry

www.spinal.co.uk

raise awareness by...

� Wearing my SIA pin badge every day

� Wearing my SIA wrist band every day

� Using my SIA trolley token key ring every time I shop

� Wearing SIA clothing items at fundraisingevents

� Signing up 40 people as new SIA members

� Emailing 40 contacts about SIA’s tribute fund

� Getting 40 contacts to write to their local MPusing our campaigns tool kit

� Promoting SIA’s House of Lords event 40 times

� Emailing my company about SIA’s RubyCorporate Partnership

� Adding SIA’s Make 40 Matter slide to any work powerpoint presentations

� Voting for my company to make SIA our Charity of the Year

� Subscribing to forward to keep up to date with the 40th Anniversary news

Join the digital revolution by...

� Joining SIA’s Linkedin group

� Following SIA’s Twitter feed

� Liking SIA’s facebook page

� Recommending SIA’s facebook page to 40 facebook friends

� Updating my facebook cover photo to SIA’s for 40 days

� Updating my facebook status to “Make 40 Matter with SIA” 40 times

� Using the hash tag #Make40Matterin 40 tweets

� Reposting 40 SIA social media messages

Be an SIA Community Star by...

� Attending a Great British Fish and Chip Supper

� Organising my own Fish and Chip Supper

� Distributing 40 Fish and Chip Supper posters

continued overleaf...

To Make 40 Matterin 2014 I pledge to... (please select at least one option in each section)

�Carefully detatch your Pledge Form along dotted line

40How will you Make 40 Matter in 2014?


� Promoting the Fish and Chip Challenge to my local chippy

� Baking and selling 40 cakes to friends, family and colleagues

� Holding a ruby themed mufti day at work or school

� Organising a 40 sponsored pub crawl

� Holding a 40 stop relay challenge

� Holding a forties inspired tea party

� Celebrating your 40th with SIA

Show my support by...

� Distributing 40 donation boxes in mycommunity

� Donating £4 a month as a committed giver

� Donating £40 to the Make 40 Matteronline fund

� Texting DSIA01 £4 or £40 to 70070 to make a one off donation

� Donating £40 to SIA Xmas Star appeal

� Buying 40 SIA Christmas cards

Join Team SIA by...

� Promoting London to Paris bike ride to 40 contacts

� Joining the London to Paris Bike Ride

� Swimming at an event in 2014

� Running at an event in 2014

40 years of rebuilding lives after spinal cord injury

Registered Charity No: 1054097. Registered Company No: 3175203

Please provide your contact details so we can assist you as you take on your 2014 40th Anniversary pledges!

your details...

Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone

Email

Please return your pledge form to...Make 40 MatterSpinal Injuries AssociationSIA House2 Trueman placeOldbrookMilton KeynesMK6 2HH

Carefully detatch your Pledge Form along dotted line

�


ruby Partners SIA is pleased to announce its ruby Corporate Partner programme for the 40th Anniversary celebrations! Launching the programme for January and February we have Stewarts Law and Helping Hands.

has been a long-standing supporterof SIA and wanted to continue theirsupport during this significant year.Solicitor Paul Paxton said, “StewartsLaw is delighted to be supportingSIA during this important 40thAnniversary year and we lookforward to working together during 2014”.

Generous support from TheStewarts Law Foundation over the last few years has been usedtowards funding SIA’s Public Affairsand Continuing Health CareServices. The demand on theseservices is increasing significantlyand without the support of StewartsLaw we would not be able toprovide the necessary help to SCIpeople. www.stewartslaw.com

“Here at Helping Hands,we offer specialist spinalcord injury nursing-ledcare. In every case weconcentrate on the thingsyou can do, not what yourinjury prevents you fromdoing. In our 25 years as anaward-winning home care provider, wehave helped many clients manage theirimpairments and have enabled them tolive independent lives in the environmentthey know best – their own home.

“Our staff are highly experienced in providing care for paraplegics andtetraplegics with both complete andincomplete injuries. In the majority ofcases our clients have a T1 to T5 injuryand their live-in care plan is alwaysflexible and bespoke.

“There is no need for a change inroutine or existing lifestyle as our carerscan provide SCI home care that caters to the needs of our clients. We cansupport people with complex care

needs, including PEGfeeding, stoma care andhoists. Our care plans havea strong focus on regular

physio-led exercise to helpwith muscular spasms and

timely administration of oralmedication or baclofen pumps.

With autonomic dysreflexia on many of our clients’ minds, our carers are alsotrained to look out for the tell-tail signs of an imminent attack and take steps to manage it.

“When you choose a Helping Handscarer, you can rest assured that you willget the best quality SCI care. All of ourstaff go through a rigorous selectionprocess, monitored by our team ofspecialists and care managers.

“Getting a good match between acarer and yourself is also vital. We do not just look at a carer’s experience and knowledge. As important is havingsomeone with the same interests, likesand dislikes and a sense of humour toensure that people feel completelycomfortable together. Our carers want to support you to achieve the things that matter most – whether that is finding employment, having an activesocial life, learning new skills or justfeeling good about yourself!

“At Helping Hands, we believe care ismore than just a service; it is a way of life.” For more information about our SCIcare services please call 0808 180 1553or visit www.helpinghands.co.uk

A Helping Handsclient enjoys a gameof snooker with his PA


3 Feb Take part in our 40 yearsof SIA Quiz – before 31 March, see page 31.

The winner will receive a bottle of Champagne.

10 FebNominate someonefor a RebuildingLives after SCIAward before 28 February – see page 8.

27 FebLaw professionals areinvited to the LondonLegal Dinner.

Email Michael [email protected]

to book your table – details page 13.

20 March Celebrate our 40thAnniversary in jet-settingstyle at the CornflowerBall. Board Concorde andspeed away for a fun filled night of glamour,dancing and celebration. Contact Michael at

[email protected]

17 Feb Share your experience of SCI. Complete our onlineform at www.spinal.co.uk/page/share-story

2 March Make 40 Matter and joinTeam SIA as we tackle theAdidas Half Marathon atSilverstone. Register foryour place at:www.spinal.co.uk/page/adidas-silverstone-half-marathon

6 March

Oil and Gas professionals

will test their knowledge

at our annual Oil and

Gas Quiz in London.

Contact Michael on

[email protected]

What’s happening? February – April 2014AnniversarySIA40


30 April Join us at Ascot for anafternoon of great foodand horse racing.

For more informationplease contact Michael at

[email protected]

20 March Celebrate our 40thAnniversary in jet-settingstyle at the CornflowerBall. Board Concorde andspeed away for a fun filled night of glamour,dancing and celebration. Contact Michael at

[email protected]

21 April Run in the 2014London Marathon. SIA running vests are available to all our marathon runners.

Contact [email protected] for more information

11 AprilMake the batter matterin 2014. Plan to hold a Great British Fishand Chip Supper in your community on SCI Awareness Day

on 16 May. visit

www.siafishandchips.co.uk

1 AprilHighlight SIA’s 40th Anniversarymerchandise in a unique way –see page 30. Take them onholiday, on day trips out or givethem to a celebrity to wear thenget snap happy with your camera.Email the photos to Helen [email protected] 29 August for the chance to win a bottle of Champagne.

What’s happening? February – April 2014


AnniversarySIA40

MerchandiseWe have produced three pieces of branded merchandise for you to use tohelp promote SIA in it’s 40th Anniversary year. Each piece could be yours inexchange for the donation of £1. Please complete the form below or visit theonline shop on SIA’s website – remember to have your payment card handy.

Item Quantity Donation per TOTALrequired item (min £1)

Pin badge

Key ring (including token for supermarket trolley)

Wrist band

I would like to make an additional donation to support SIA’s work in the 40th Anniversary year

TOTAL AMOunT

Key ring (including token for supermarket trolley)

Wrist band

Pinbadge

I wish to pay by: Mastercard / Visa / Maestro / Switch (*delete as appropriate)

Card number nnnn-nnnn-nnnn-nnnn Issue numbernn

Name on card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

n Gift Aid Tick here if youwould like the tax reclaimed onthis and futuredonations.

I confirm that I am a UK taxpayer, and the amount of tax I pay exceeds theamount I would like SIA to claim.This action willenable SIA torecover a further 25p for everypound you donate.

Please enclose a cheque made payable to Spinal Injuries Associationor complete the form below with your card details.

1974 SIA was officially formed on 23rdSeptember 1974 and we continue to gofrom strength to strength. The BBC alsolaunched a service on the same daywhich has now ceased…what was it?

1975 Who took part in the “Thrilla inManila” in October 1975?

1976 Which future British multi-OlympicGold medallist was born in May 1976?

1977 Which British town declaredindependence from the UK as a publicitystunt in April this year?

1978 Which 2 Popes died in this year?

1979 Which British Politician & formerColditz prisoner was assassinated at theHouses of Parliament in March 1979?

1980 Which Star Wars film was releasedthis year?

1981 Which United Kingdom entry wonthe Eurovision Song Contest in this year,and what was the song?

1982 The Falklands War took place thisyear…on what dates did it start andofficially end?

1983 Richard Noble set a new LandSpeed record in Thrust 2 in Nevada thisyear. What speed did he achieve?

1984 Which British Comedian died onstage on April 15th this year?

1985 Which two cities hosted Live Aidthis year?

1986 Which Soviet Nuclear Plant suffereda catastrophic accident in this year?

1987 Who famously failed to predict ahurricane hitting southern England onOctober 15th this year?

1988 How many digits does this yearhave when written in Roman numerals?

1989 France celebrated the 200thanniversary of what this year?

1990 Which world famous monumentclosed to the public in January this yearamid fears for visitors’ safety?

1991Which worldwide coffee shop chainopened its first store this year (in California)?

1992 This year saw the first woman to beelected as Speaker of the House ofCommons. Name her.

1993 Which former English footballcaptain died in February this year?

1994 The Channel tunnel opened thisyear. On which date?

1995 Who was arrested in March this yearfor his role in the collapse of Barings Bank?

1996 The first successfully cloned mammalwas born this year…what was its name?


The BIG SIA40yearsQuIz

A quiz based on the 40 years of SIA.There is one question relating to each year of the life of SIA.

WIn! a bottle ofchampagne

� Cut o

ut and

return


AnniversarySIA40

1997 Diana, Princess of Wales died inAugust this year following a car accidentin which Parisian road tunnel?

1998 Which musical Judge died onMarch 12th this year?

1999 Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones became the first people tocircumnavigate the globe in what?

2000 Charles M Schultz died on February12th; which dog was his most famouscreation?

2001 This year saw the start of whichcrisis in the UK on February 20th?

2002 Which two prominent members ofthe Royal family died in 2002?

2003 Which aircraft made its finalcommercial flight in September this year?

2004 Which Social media site was launched?

2005 The Queen conducted anInternational Fleet Review to mark 200years since which event?

2006 Having written “When I’m 64” at theage of 16, which Beatle celebrated his64th birthday in June this year?

2007 The final book in the Harry Potterseries was published this year…what is its title?

2008 Which two European countriesadopted the Euro from January 1st this year?

2009 Michael Jackson died in thisyear…which former member of Charlie’sAngels died the same day?

2010 Which two countries took part inthe FIFA World Cup Final in South Africathis year?

2011 Where in London did the weddingof Prince William and CatherineMiddleton take place?

2012 Who became the first person tobreak the sound barrier withoutmechanical assistance in October 2012?

2013 The third in line to the Britishthrone was born this year. On what date?

ENTRY FORM

This pic £18 -OK?

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Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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I enclose a donation of (minimum £5) £ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please return the form and your donation, by 31 March, to SIA Quiz, SIA House, 2 Trueman Place, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2HH for your chance to win a bottle of champagne. All winning entries will be entered into a prize draw.

34 l forward feature l HEALTH February 2014

Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rareauto-immune neurologicalcondition where there is an

inflammatory attack to the myelin sheath surrounding the spinal cord.Inflammation can occur anywhere on thespinal cord and the person affected canexperience symptoms from the point ofattack downwards in their body. If thecervical region of the spinal cord isaffected, the person may experienceproblems in their arms and hands as well; in the thoracic region, problems areexperienced from the chest downwardsand in the lumbar region, problems areexperienced from the waist downwardsincluding bladder and bowel.

TM is typically a one-off attack (a smallpercentage of people may experiencerecurrent attacks) which can occur over a matter of hours, days, weeks or months.TM results in people experiencing on-going residual symptoms that can belife-changing: partial or total paralysis or muscle weakness and hence mobilityissues, bladder/bowel dysfunction, sexualdysfunction, chronic neuropathic pain,intermittent muscle spasms or constantstiffness known as ‘spasticity’, fatigue,and/or depression. Neuropathic pain isdifferent from nociceptive pain. It resultsfrom the injury to the spinal cord andcomes from problems with signals

from the nerves.Neuropathic pain isoften associated withabnormal sensationssuch as a stabbing,pins and needles,buzzing, numbness,itching, burning,

coldness or heaviness. Neuropathic paincan also be caused by non-painful stimulisuch as hot and cold water, when aperson is touched by someone or even by wearing clothes.

Steroids are often given to reduceinflammation. Plasma exchange or moreradical immunosuppressant therapiesmay be used if steroids do not work.Neuro-physiotherapy is given to helpregain muscle strength, reduce stiffnessand spasticity, improve sensation, andmanage pain, balance and gait issues.However, neuro-physiotherapy is notalways available and may not alwayshave these outcomes.

There is no set pattern to the recoveryprocess from TM; it is uncertain and theprognosis is unpredictable. Everyonerecovers differently and at different rates.Some people who get TM make a full ornearly full recovery with a few residualsymptoms. Others make a partialrecovery and may have mobility issues.Others make little or no recovery and

have to use a wheelchair for part or all ofthe time. There is currently no cure for TM.

TM is a variable and fluctuatingcondition. The experience and impact of TM can vary from one individual toanother. Some people may experience all or some of the above mentioned on-going residual symptoms to varyinglevels of degree over a period of time.Changes in the weather can also have animpact on the severity of symptoms on a daily basis. However, some symptoms do not fluctuate such as paralysis andbladder/bowel issues. If a person hasrecurrent TM, each episode may bedifferent.

The Transverse Myelitis Society is a UK-based charity with approximately1,300 members whose main aim is toprovide support and information to thosewho may have, or know someone withTransverse Myelitis and its associatedconditions such as Acute DisseminatedEncephalomyelitis, Neuro Myelitis Opticaand Optica Neuritis. A key activity of theTM Society is its support groups. Thesegroups meet three or four times a yearand anyone living with TM or one of itsassociated conditions, their families,friends and carers is welcome to attend.Given the rarity of these conditions,people find it very beneficial to meetothers in a similar situation, shareinformation and advice, and learn that they are not alone.If you would like to learn more and find a support group, please visit ourwebsite at www.myelitis.org.uk

Recent national publicity on Transverse Myelitis has generated lots of enquiries to the SIA Advice Line so we asked Barbara Badcock of the TM Society to explain more about this condition.

Transverse Myelitis

HoLIdAyS & TRAvEL l forward feature l 35www.spinal.co.uk

At around the same time I saw that the Jubilee Sailing Trust was planning to sail one of their

ships, the Lord Nelson, round theworld. They had divided the trip intodifferent voyages and the thought ofsailing from India to Singapore, acrossthe Indian Ocean, held huge appeal forme. Singapore is approximately halfway to New Zealand, and I was goingto need to take some unpaid leave inorder to do the sailing trip. I spoke to my employers, Irwin Mitchell, whowere very enthusiastic and agreed tome taking a four-month sabbatical to travel round the world! After thateverything else fell into place.

I used Trailfinders to buy my round-the-world ticket. They were incrediblyhelpful and arranged with the airlinesall the assistance that I needed.Because of the countries I chose tovisit I was able to use the air carrieralliance between Virgin, Singapore Air

and Air New Zealand, which arearguably the three best airlines in the world.

I did have one hiccup at thebeginning because I needed aninternal flight in India and Air Indiarefused to take me because I wastravelling on my own. Fortunately, I was able to fly with Jet Airways who did not insist on me having acompanion, although they did insistthat my doctor completed a medicalform which included questions like,“Was my condition offensive to otherpassengers: (smell, appearance,conduct)”!

In the end, the flights all went verysmoothly and on most of the long-haul flights the cabin crew foundspace for my wheelchair in the cabin,which meant I did not have the fearthat my wheelchair would get brokenin the hold, or not be on the flight atall! On the Singapore Air flight, my

Annie

Holidays &Travel

FreewheelFor many years I have wanted to visit New Zealand, but have beenput off by how far away it is. But, when I hit fifty last year, I decidedthat I needed to make a plan or I would never get there.

On board Lord Nelson for five weeks, Anne sometimes found

the sailing challenging

>

36 l forward feature l HoLIdAyS & TRAvEL February 2014

chair, when folded down, was smallenough to go in two overhead lockers– one for the chair and one for thewheels!

India is a beautiful vibrant countrythat assaults your senses in everypossible way. It is colourful, loud,pungent and the people are incrediblywarm and friendly. I spent the wholetime in the southern province ofKerala, which I understand is one ofthe wealthier areas. There is a hugefocus on education, and as a result Idid not see the extreme poverty andbegging that much of India is knownfor, nor did I spend the whole time infear of pickpockets or muggers. Sadly, I did see a lot of rubbish, especiallyplastic waste everywhere.

The sailing was challenging. We leftIndia and sailed to Sri Lanka, where wevisited Galle for three nights. Originallywe were only supposed to be there fortwo nights, but there was a tropicalstorm brewing in the middle of theBay of Bengal, exactly where we weresupposed to be going. The captaindelayed our departure by 24 hours so that he could assess the situationand work out an alternative route.Fortunately for us, the alternative

involved sailing south to the equator to avoid the storm.

Crossing the equator on a shipinvokes a traditional initiationceremony for all those on board whohave not done it before, which was thevast majority of us. So we were dulyvisited by King Neptune, made togrovel, squirted with unpleasantliquids and finally made to kiss the fish– not as bad as it sounds since the fishwas represented by a tin of tuna! Sonow I can proudly claim that I am nolonger a pollywog – and I have thecertificate to prove it!

From Singapore to AustraliaHaving gone much further south thanwas originally intended, we were nolonger on course to visit Phuket inThailand, however instead we went to Langkawi in Malaysia. This is abeautiful collection of islands withsandy beaches and tree-coveredmountains: a spectacular place tospend a couple of days. The highestpoint on the main island has awonderfully accessible cable car withflip-up seats so that a wheelchair usercan drive straight in and remain seatedin the wheelchair for the journey tothe top. However, to get to theembarkation point involves climbing a flight of stairs with no lift! I couldn’t

help remarking that some joined-upthinking would be advantageous.Fortunately for me, my fellow crewmembers were happy to carry me upthe stairs so I was able to do the cablecar ride. I spent an enjoyable week inSingapore, which is a very accessiblecity. The underground system is onehundred per cent wheelchair friendly. I was able to go all around the cityknowing that I could get on and off at any underground station. It is astunning city to visit with its mixture of old and new. The national pastimeof Singaporeans seems to be shopping– I have never seen so many shoppingmalls stuffed full of designer outlets.However, alongside these are alsosome of the most delicious foodoutlets serving a vast range ofdifferent Asian cuisines.

From Singapore I flew to Australia,where I spent time visiting family andfriends in Melbourne, Canberra andSydney. I would definitely recommenda guided tour of the Parliamentbuilding in Canberra, and in Sydney I was lucky enough to be able to gettickets for a dance show at the SydneyOpera House.

After three weeks I went on to NewZealand, where a friend from the UKflew out to join me. We hired a car andspent five and a half weeks drivingaround both islands. It was wintertimein New Zealand, however, the weatherwas not all bad. In fact most of the

Golden Bay, New Zealand

>

time we had clear blue skies andsunshine. It was cold, but crisp andfresh. One advantage of travelling inthe winter is that the accommodationis cheaper and generally not bookedup in advance, so it was possible to be fairly flexible about where we went and how long we stayed in each place.

I was very impressed by howaccessible New Zealand is, consideringthe terrain is, in many places, not easy.The country has been shaped byseismic activity over the years, whichmeans that it is a stunning landscapeof volcanic mountains, gorges andrivers. Indeed while I was there,Wellington suffered a series ofearthquakes sufficient to breakwindows and rattle foundations.

We started in Christchurch, which is still suffering terribly from the effects of the two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. They have barelystarted rebuilding the city: in someareas the barricades were still erectedand buildings in a state of semi-collapse. I also heard that somehouseholds have no sewage system or fresh running water!

We crossed over to the west coast of the south Island and went to Hokitika, where they have a fullyaccessible tree top walkway withbeautiful views and a chance toexperience nature first hand. We droveup the west coast stopping off to lookat the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki –where there is a very accessible pathout to the edge so I could see therocks close up.

From South to NorthOne of the prettiest parts of NewZealand is the top of the south islandand particularly Golden Bay, which ison the Abel Tasman peninsula. Westayed just outside Nelson in a veryaccessible two-bedroom property that we rented from an English couplewho had moved out there some yearsbefore. Nelson is a lovely city, wherewe found delicious food, especially the fish. The green lipped mussels, aspeciality of New Zealand waters, haveto be seen (and tasted) to be believed.They are enormous!

On the ferry crossing from thesouth to the north island, we saw hugemussel bed farms, whilst weaving our

way through the archipelago on what was fortunately one of thesmoothest crossings of the month – if not the year!

Wellington was tricky as it is veryhilly and although we had tried to finda centrally located motel the access toit was almost perpendicular! But TePapa, the national museum of NewZealand, was one of the best laid outand most interesting museums I haveever been to. Definitely a good way to spend a rainy day.

After Wellington we headed up toNapier, the art deco city. Having beendestroyed by an earthquake in the1930s, the city was rebuilt to reflect the architecture and style of the time.It is very accessible and surrounded by New Zealand’s oldest wineries.

We went to Rotorua to look atgeysers, sulphur lakes, boiling mudand other thermo-volcanic activity.Again, access to the main tourist spotswas good, although I did appreciatesome help with the hills when getting around Wai-O-Tapu. TheHobbiton movie set in Matamata was not as easy as many other touristsites, despite the fact it has newlyopened and was the most expensiveattraction that we visited on the whole trip!

The peninsula of Coromandel hasmore stunning scenery and hairpin

bends to navigate. I was very glad we were driving this in a car and not a camper van. Another advantage of travelling in winter time is that zthe roads were virtually empty.

We then drove round the coast,straight through Auckland and on upto Kerikeri, where we found a beautifulwheelchair accessible chalet in themiddle of a tropical rainforest, with atop-class restaurant on our door step!We did the usual tourist trip in the Bayof Islands, out to see the hole in therock and back, spotting a school ofdolphins, which came and played inour wake and gave us a wonderfulphoto opportunity.

We flew home via Vancouver wherewe spent one night, because I did notthink I could spend 48 hours withoutgetting off my backside. New Zealandis a very long way away, but I woulddefinitely say it is worth the journey.My only regret is that it has taken me50 years to get there – now I can’t wait to go back again!


If anyone is planning a trip and wants any advice on travelling around, hiring cars,and finding accessible places to stay then do please get in touch via the SIA office.I am very happy to share my experiences. Alternatively I did keep a blog while Iwas travelling, so do take a look at that www.freewheelannie.blogspot.comAnne Luttman-Johnson T11

Anne by geysers in Rotarua

Anne coiling rope

Dave explains, “The plan was to bein Goa for 10 weeks, working withVideo Volunteers – a community

media NGO which facilitates localcommunity media projects. For the trip I needed a PA who was easy to get onwith and open-minded. With his relaxedmanner, mutual compatibility and travelexperience, Nic was ideal! For thisdemanding trip, it also helped that Nic is 6ft 4in and strong!”

Precision planningNic says, “Dave and I share a passion fortravel and pushing personal boundariesand we got on well together when Iworked as his regular PA. When Dave toldme about his wish to do his research inIndia and his need for a PA to travel withhim, it seemed a great thing to do. Ourpre-planning was critical as we tried todevise ways round potential problems,but it was the challenge of managing the day-to-day personal care issues thatas a PA I found most worrying.”

AccessibilityDave admits that even he was a littletroubled by some of the complexities oftravel and disability access in India thatresulted in some pretty rough transfers.The one in the photo (below) of him

being carried down the stairs in theaeroplane wheelchair was a dreamcompared to the one onto the shuttle busat Mumbai airport involving a sling (thinksheet with four handles) and Nic andthree other guys doing some tricky lifting.

“Everywhere we went peoplecouldn’t do enough to help. At VideoVolunteers they built three ramps so Icould get into the building even thoughat 45° these could be a little tricky tonegotiate, particularly in the rain! But,I’ve a philosophy that disabled peoplecan do the most amazing things if theyreally want to, but sometimes you haveto be willing to accept help.”

daily routineNic explains, ‘It took us a couple of daysto sort out new morning and eveningroutines without the usual homefacilities but this soon became easier.Things like not having a height-adjustable bed just made some tasksmore difficult than normal. We also hadat least five transfers to and from the careach day. In the first few days it rained somuch that it was hard to keep Dave dry.”

Dave was conscious that he didn’twant Nic to get over tired on thisarduous trip, so together they worked

Access isa state of mind


In July 2013, with his mantra ‘access is a state of mind’ ringing in his ears,dave Shraga set off to Anjuna, a small village in Goa, India, to undertake

research for his university studies, along with origin PA, Nic Moran andsome big concerns about travelling in the rainy season (monsoon!).


out a routine that, with help from officecolleagues, meant they had time awayfrom each other during the day and Nichad time off.

At the office from 9.30am until 7pm most days, Dave also travelled tomeet people involved with communityprojects a couple of times a week.Unfortunately, it was after an extendedtrip to meet people living in a protectedconservation park that Dave became illand had to be treated in hospital forsepticaemia.

“My strenuous schedule, plus thedifficulties of controlling my temperaturein 34° heat, pushed my body to thelimits. My immune system was low and I got an infection in my ankle, resulting in bad spasms, headache and eventuallya leg swollen from ankle to groin whichultimately required surgery. I was totallyconfident in the exceptional medicalcare I received, which included the verylatest in wound technology and I wasback at work in 10 days,” says Dave.

Dave was treated well in the VisionHospital and, although the nursing staffwere kind, caring and willing to help him,the language barrier made it verydifficult for them to assist. Dave had torely on PA Nic and a friend, Sophia,coming to the hospital every day toprovide his personal care.

Be inspiredNic sums up the trip, “This was my firsttrip to India and it was fascinating. I wasfortunate to get a glimpse of howdifferent people react and cope withdisability. I met many delightful people,ate amazing food and have seen someawesome scenery. But, above all, I haveenjoyed the day-to-day challenges that

have given me greater confidence in myrole as a PA. I feel happy and privilegedthat I was able to help Dave achievesomething he wanted to do.”

Undaunted by being unwell, Davesays, “To make a trip like this you have tobelieve you can do it. Prepare yourself,be confident in and trust your PA,understand the challenge and if there isa problem DON’T PANIC! Just make sureyou have good healthcare and insurancein case you need it.”

Holiday factsDave travelled with Jet Airways. Hestayed in Renes Guest House in Anjunawhich was recommended by a friend. It was not specifically designed forwheelchair access but was ‘mostly’accessible. Dave suggests SCI travellersbook a couple of nights in an accessibleroom in an expensive hotel in Goa to

start with and use that as a steppingstone to find better accommodation in a better location at a better price. Thisusually involves going door-to-door andasking cab drivers. Cab drivers are a greatsource of information and as car hirewould be far too dangerous to considerin India, travellers should find a good cabdriver and stick with him. Loyalty pays!

Before he left Dave asked potentialhotels, guest houses and landlords to email photos of bathrooms,bedrooms, doorways and steps, so hecould make his own judgements aboutaccommodation. Dave also recommendsmaking sure your wheelchair is in topcondition for the challenging terrain youwill encounter and take plenty of spareparts with you; double up on yourmedication and continence supplies andremember that as a Westerner in Indiayou are likely to be an economic target.

If you are planning a trip anywhere, from Australia to Zanzibar and you need a PA to accompany you, get in touch with Origin who can offer a great level of flexibility in providing PA services. Tel: 01524 34100 www.origincare.com

Our luggage disappeared, re-appearing in our cabin a couple of hours later, our car was driven

off to the parking compound, and weheaded on board to check out our cabin– fully accessible as promised.

We are huge cruise fans (this was ourfourth) as the holiday starts immediately.Where a flight is involved we never relaxuntil we, the luggage and my wheelchairarrive at our destination (the chair wentAWOL on one trip to Lanzarote, arrivingthree days later) and I’ve got into thebathroom. I’ve lost count of the timeswe’ve had to take the door off to get intothe supposedly accessible bathroom!

All aboard! The Aurora was fabulous! The access wasbrilliant. I could do laps of the deck andaccess the sports court unaided, playingcricket every day we were at sea.

We were realistic about what wemight be able to see and do during ourstops in the Caribbean – on Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados, Dominica and StMaarten, so booked three accessible tourswith P&O before we left the UK. This wasthe one and only disaster on the trip.

A computer glitch meant the accessibletour bookings were not transferred fromthe UK, so we could not go on any organised trips. We did receivecompensation but this in no way madeup for the loss of the tours whichwould have been by accessible van.

St Lucia was a lovely island andinstead of trying to find an accessible cab,we enjoyed the shopping, music and rumpunch on offer nearer the cruise terminalwhile soaking up some Caribbean sun.

Barbados was magical. Fiona went ona turtle snorkelling trip in the morningwhile I topped up my tan. Then we metup and walked along the waterways intothe centre of Bridgetown where we atelunch overlooking the water. Barbados ismore developed and commercialisedthan Antigua and St Lucia andconsequently much better geared up forwheelchairs. There were plenty of normal-sized taxis and pathways and rampsclearly marked for wheelchair users.

St Maarten – our last Caribbean stop –was fabulous and we could happily havespent a week there. The weather wasglorious, paths to and from the cruiseport were flat and easy to negotiate

and it really encapsulated what we hadexpected of a Caribbean island – sun, sea,sand, reggae music and rum punch. Wehad a very happy day enjoying all of thesethings! The beach was firm enough topush on so I could have transferred ontoa sun bed and relaxed if I’d wanted to.

En route to the Caribbean we hadstopped at Ponta Delgado in the Azoresand on the return leg we stopped inMadeira – a fabulous place with anaccessible cable car, accessible buses and great shops and markets.

We had an amazing trip, and the icingon the cake (literally!) was renewing ourvows in front of the Captain – one thingP&O got right, ensuring it was a realholiday to remember.Ray Cross

When my wife and I were planning a ‘big’ holiday to celebrate our 20th weddinganniversary we chose a Caribbean Cruise (24 nights, cruising to and from Southamptonwith P&o on the Aurora) because it offered total relaxationfrom the moment we arrived at the cruise terminal.


caribbean cruiseRay’s

After some in-depth research and in collaboration with an accredited

Japan specialist, it was a pleasureto make all necessary arrangements fora superb two-week itinerary that takesin the very best that Japan has to offer.With accessible hotels, super-efficientand high-velocity trains, barrier-freecityscapes, incredibly hospitable hostsand guides, and many, many naturalhighlights, Japan is now a genuine optionfor SCI travellers of all injury levels.

With non-stop flights from Londoninto Tokyo’s Narita Airport getting thereis easy. Alternatively, the new super-hub airports of Dubai and Abu Dhabimean that a stopover in one of theseexciting destinations is most definitelyan option. A layover also breaks upflying times for those who need orprefer a shorter time spent in the air.

A two-week itinerary would bebased around stays in Tokyo, Odawara,Hakone, Kyoto, Myajima and Hiroshima.Transport is famously efficient in Japan,so getting around the country is bothfast and fun. You’ll also be able to travelby road and ferry and on the Inter-city‘bullet’ trains. These journeys are asexciting as their train names suggest –Shinkansen Super Express, Hikari SuperExpress and Nozomi Super Express.Even in the mountainous area ofHakone, the Ropeway and cable cars areaccessible so you really can experiencethe stunning natural beauty of Japan.

Your first day in Japan will be afantastic introduction to Tokyo and thechance to get a personal insight notonly into the classic sights, but also into some more unusual and uniquefeatures of the city. With a guide at yourdisposal, you are free to set the pace ofthe day and to be as busy or relaxed asyou choose. Over four days, the guidecan help you discover aspects of Tokyothat you would not find by yourself andcan also help you get to grips with thecity’s excellent transport network.

You’ll have similar guided toursduring your four nights in Kyoto andalso visit Arashiyama. Literally meaning‘storm mountain’, Arashiyama is a


to JapanJourney

It is fair to say that Japan is not the first country that may come to mind as an accessible tour destination. It was therefore exciting to receive such a request from one of my valued customers.

charming district in the north-west ofKyoto City with quiet backstreets, cosycafés and a peaceful atmosphere.

From Kyoto you will head on downthe eastern seaboard west to Hiroshimaby Shinkansen. This journey of nearly400km takes around two hours, duringwhich time the train passes throughseveral major cities along the coast,including Kobe, famous for its top-grade beef.

Hiroshima needs no introduction – it is history personified. Miyajima will be a revered place you may not beaware of however. From ancient times,people have sensed the spiritualsanctity of Miyajima, and have reveredand worshipped the island itself. Themain shrine is said to have beenconstructed in 593 by Saeki Kuramoto.The Otorii (Grand Torii Gate), whichstands in the sea about 16.8 metres inheight, is among the most well-knownstructures of Itsukushima Shrine. Travelwill be by ferry on this amazing one-daytrip out of the three days you will spendin Hiroshima. Cameras a must!

The journey back to Tokyo will be aboard the amazing NozomiShinkansen (the flagship of theShinkansen fleet of trains). You willspeed your way 900km east to Tokyo in around four hours! En-route look outfor Himeji Castle, the impressive Kyotostation building and Mt Fuji. And thenit’s a flight home from what is still oneof the world’s most amazing and leastunderstood destinations. If a journey to Japan sounds exciting - it is!Richard ThompsonTravel Counsellor


Let’s holiday inCyprus this year!

People come to Cyprus for the guaranteed sunshine and they are not disappointed!

As I sit here writing this in the third week of November it is 26 degrees Celsius and I am

still wearing just a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops.

Choose your holiday month withcare, from April until the end of Junetemperatures are consistently in themid to upper twenties and it is verypleasant. In July and August the

summer temperaturescan be very high andthis does not suiteveryone. From earlySeptember until lateNovember we enjoyour ‘Second Spring’.

After spendingtime in the sun,people love to eat anddrink and Cyprus haslots to offer. There aremany traditionaltavernas serving awide variety ofMediterranean dishes,many cooked over acharcoal grill. For

those who prefer traditional Englishdishes, these too are readily available.Cyprus potatoes, if you have nevertasted them, are wonderful. The localfarmers manage to grow three crops a year.

Something to drink? Keo whichmeans ‘King’, is the name of the majorlocal brewery. They produce a veryacceptable lager-type beer which isideal for quenching a thirst.Alternatively, there is a darker beer,brewed by Leon, not quite up to thestandards that UK real ale drinkerswould wish for but still drinkable. Keoalso produces a wide range of whiteand red wines. However the bestCyprus wines come from specialistindependent vineyards. A series ofCyprus wine routes gives you a chanceto explore many of these.

Traditional handicrafts like lacemaking and silverwork can still beseen in the picturesque village ofLefkara. Here the ladies sit out in theshade with a piece of work and chat to each other across the street as theystitch and snip to produce wonderfully

The terrace and view from Villa carpe Diem


david Croft C5/6 writes...I have visited Villa Carpe Diem onthree occasions, each being a totallyrelaxing experience. Theaccommodation is ‘far from themadding crowd’ and it is great tohave almost guaranteed sunshine onany visit. One of my holidays was inDecember when Britain was grippedwith snow! The accommodation hasa wheelchair accessible studioapartment below the main houseconsisting of a double or twin bedarrangement and adjacent doublebedsitting room. Although thekitchen is not fully accessible it can

be easily accessed. Likewise, theapartment has a spacious bathroomcontaining a bath, wheel-in shower,along with a Freeway shower chair if needed. The main bedroom has anoverhead ceiling hoist track systemto enable you take your own hoistmotor with you or hire one shouldyou need hoisting. The main houseabove is also fully accessible inrespect of the kitchen, dining roomand lounge. Hence, the options forholidaying on your own or withothers are extremely varied. Theswimming pool finishes things offsuperbly should you wish to cool

off at times. Although I have alwaysvisited with others, I understandthere is a care agency available thatcan be used. When venturing awayfrom the house I have been to somelovely pubs, restaurants, beachesand the superb Troodos Mountains.The magnificent Roman ruins atCurium make you feel like you are in a scene from Troy! Andy Renalssaw how my house in Cornwall waswheelchair friendly and wasthankfully able to do things on agrander scale in Cyprus. Hence anyholiday at Villa Carpe Diem shouldbe like being home from home!

patterned pieces. Try not to buy thefirst piece that you see and also haggleon the price if you plan to buy. It’sgood fun and expected.

No visit to Cyprus would becomplete without a trip up theTroodos mountains. Mount Olympussits atop the Troodos and you willnotice the scent of the pine trees andthe cooling breezes. It is said that inwinter you can ski here in the morning,descend to the coast and sun batheand swim in the afternoon.

You can fly to Cyprus from many UKairports, look out for flights to Larnacaor Paphos. It will pay to choose theairport of arrival with some care as the time it takes to transfer to youraccommodation will depend on whereyou arrive and where you plan to stay.

If you don’t speak Greek don’tworry, most Cypriots speak very goodEnglish. In fact it’s usually the case thatyou will be asked where you comefrom and then you will be told about a relative who is either studying orliving there!

Cyprus is steadily improving itsaccess awareness and makingattempts to provide access to shopsand public buildings. However, bewarned, there are some challengingramps and some places that are ‘off limits’.

If you are a wheelchair user andplan to venture into the countryside or perhaps visit one of the manyfascinating archaeological sites, comeprepared. Having solid tyres would besensible; if you have tubed tyres then

bring at least a couple of spare innertubes with you. When a good friendvisited last month we ended up withmultiple punctures in both tyres on his chair. We eventually tracked downsuitable replacement tubes but it wasa challenge.

Where to stay? A cautionary note,when searching the internet foraccessible accommodation in Cypruswe found over one hundred placesthat list themselves as such. I’m notsure what “wheelchair friendly” meansand so I’d always choose a specialistprovider! C&A Tourist Apartments inPolis have long been a favoureddestination for many. Run by ChrisNeophytou, himself a wheelchair user,and his family, this 19-apartmentresort offers a full service. Polis is adelightful resort on the North coastabout one hour’s drive from Paphosairport.

Cyprus has a long and colourfulhistory beyond the scope of this short article; sufficient to say there issomething for everyone who choosesto holiday in Cyprus this year!Andy Renals

Useful linkswww.evas-apartments.com www.bestofcyprus.net www.homeaway.co.uk/p80847 www.visitcyprus.com

About the author: Andy Renals, 57, is a retired firefighter who designedand built Villa Carpe Diem, with hisfriend, a wheelchair user in mind.Having also worked in the charitysector Andy has a strong interest inequality and fairness. He is a keenamateur photographer andstargazer. Villa Carpe Diem is ownedby Niki and Andy Renals, who offertheir Villa to family groups of up toeight. The accessible accommodationincludes a wheel-in shower, a hoistand a wheelchair accessible vehicle.Villa Carpe Diem with its private pool and stunning views is locatedon the South coast, a half hour drivefrom Larnaca airport. See advert in the classified section for furtherinformation and contact details.

February 201444 l forward feature l HoLIdAyS & TRAvEL

How did the idea of the trip come up?Over a beer, at a party! After talkingwith a friend, who agreed to come withme, we decided to go and meet thepeople from EMC. We chose Octoberbecause it is a good month fortravelling, the weather is good andthere’s not so much traffic. This alsogave me time to plan.

What route did you take?We chose a long route, because it isdifferent and I wanted to visit Paris. It was a good route and I’m lookingforward to doing it again one day.

What preparations did you need to make?I had to do a full service on the van andlook for accessible hotels en route. All thistook time, especially finding the righthotel for me with a wheel-in shower.

Tell us about the trip...day oneWe had a 5am departure and our firstdestination was San Sebastian in Spain.We had breakfast in Caceres at a verysmelly rest stop (I won’t be stoppingthere again!) Otherwise we only stoppedfor petrol and, at a cruising speed all theway, we arrived at our destination at4pm. We stayed at Playa de la Concha inSan Sebastian which in low season cost180 euros per night. It’s in the heart ofSan Sebastian with fantastic views of thebeach and the city www.hlondres.com

Dinner that night was the specialityof San Sebastian, Pinxtos, small portionsof food like Tapas, eaten in a localrestaurant. The accommodation wasgood and clean. It had a wheel-inshower although there was a beam tothe left-hand side which meant it was a bit uncomfortable.

from Gib to Germanydanny Britto lives on the island of Gibraltar. Last year he decided to takehis drive-from-wheelchair Mercedes vehicle to get the joystick serviced bythe German manufacturer, EMC. The planning and the journey itself were apersonal triumph for danny so we asked him to tell us more about the trip.

Driving

day TwoWe left at 6am for Paris. We stopped inFrance for breakfast – a strong coffeewith croissant and rolls. By the way thecroissant were magnifique as they say in French! In France the speed limit is130 kph and there are plenty of speedcameras but we were going much fasterthan in Spain. What stunned me mostabout the motorways in France was thatthey are wide, with plenty of space toovertake and the asphalt is smooth, like silk. The ‘beast’ was gliding on themotorway. We stayed in Paris because I had never been there before and Iwanted to see that mega-structure, the Eiffel Tower.

As we were in Paris we knew that ahotel was going to be expensive and wepaid 315 euros for one night. It was inthe heart of Paris, 10 minutes walk fromthe Eiffel Tower and right on the ChampsElysees. We booked a garage parkingspace so the van would be safe but infact it wasn’t high enough toaccommodate my vehicle so the girlfrom the reception desk told us wecould leave the van at the front door –which was fine by me!www.lamaisonchampselysees.com

The room was good and big with a large shower and plenty of space tomanoeuvre. The entrance to the hotelhas a small step but you can go over itwithout any problem. Although ourroom was on the ground floor, you hadto get the lift (well a cargo lift!) to reachit. It is an old building, transformed intoa hotel. We had dinner in the hotelrestaurant and I decided that, as we werein Paris, we should have champagne.Well you know what happens with thefizzy and I was in a happy mood quitequickly. The hotel’s speciality is gincocktails so I had a gin and tonic andthen we headed off on foot to the Eiffel Tower!.

Getting back to the hotel was anadventure; we got lost and ended up at the Arc de Triomphe. I couldn’t

remember the way back but Iremembered the hotel address was inthe Champs Elysees so we carried onwalking and asked a few people on theway. French people generally seem tolack the ability to be friendly but,eventually, we stopped a girl and shetold us she worked in the same streetand she would take us there. So, thereyou go, we got back to the Hotel at 2:30am and the next day we had to drive to Germany!

day ThreeWe got up at 11am, ready to drive toGermany. We weren’t in a rush becausewe were near our destination ofKoblenz, Germany. Before we left wehad a brunch of omelette and croissantsat the Basserie du Palais – well you onlylive once (well in my case twice)! At 1pmwe headed out towards Germany. A five-hour drive.

We had booked an Ibis hotel in the City Centre but the Ibis wasn’t veryaccessible, the room was small and thebed was small too. We weren’t going tostay there. Luckily enough the guy on

Reception helped us a lot, he called allthe hotels around the City to find anaccessible hotel (that’s what I call service– German efficiency). We were waitingaround and hungry so they offered usmini sandwiches – so that is what we atefor dinner that night! We were stuck atthe Ibis until 11.30 pm but he found ussomewhere in the Middle Rhine Valley, a World Heritage Region, and situatedon the banks of the Rhine just across theriver from Koblenz Old Town. He even

arranged a taxi so we could have a lookat the room first. The hotel was fantastic,large rooms and a big wheel-in shower.So we stayed here for five nights at 190euros a night. www.diehls-hotel.de

I found Germany fantastic, veryaccessible. The people were very friendlyand helpful. We didn’t get to see verymuch of the area because we very busywith the van and testing the joystick, but we had a great time. However, I amlooking forward to returning in 2015.

Out of 10 I would give this trip 11marks. That’s how much I enjoyed it. The only thing I would do differently isallocate more days – 10 days is too short,you need more days to rest and do a bitof sightseeing. I am very grateful to havea friend like Harold. We have knowneach other since we were 10 years oldand he’s an excellent friend. On this triphe had to help me with everything and I couldn’t have done it without him.Finally, I have to thank the people whohelped me in Gibraltar, without theirsupport and some additional funding I couldn’t have made this trip.Danny Britto C5/6


Danny and Harold made anevening visit to the eiffel Tower


There are few things in life quite assatisfying as jumping into your caron a Thursday, winding down your

window and screaming “See youMonday, suckers!” as you wheel spin out of your work’s car park.

As a nation we have embraced thelong weekend to such an extent that ithas become quite an industry, catering to all tastes however niche or unusual.

Now, I know I have a reputationamongst the readership of forward as acool, tough and – dare I say it – freakishly

handsome individual, but I’m going to let you all into a little secret, I have, onoccasion, been known to attend the oddscience fiction convention. I’m certainlynot ashamed of it, but if you tell anyone I will hunt you down in my mid-22ndCentury Klingon Warbird, replete withcloaking device and photon torpedoes.

Amazingly, the venue for these eventsis usually Butlins, Pontins or similar 1980sholiday parks I didn’t even know stillexisted and, judging by their 1980s-stylewheelchair access, I’m guessing they don’t

know I exist either. It is 30 yearssince, as a proud six year old, I won the 1982 ‘Picture of Health’competition in Minehead. If onlythey could see me now.

Anyway, I appreciate that a Sci-Ficonvention is not toeverybody’s

taste. In fact I’m sure many of you wouldrather spend the weekend Her Majesty’spleasure than mixing with hundreds of people dressed as Stormtroopers.Whilst I don’t necessarily agree with thissentiment, the comparison to a prison isnot wholly unjustified: after all, they’reboth full of blokes, it’s easy to buy a gunand Craig Charles is normally there.

Bring on the girls!Despite traditionally being consideredthe reserve of bookish, acne-afflictedmen, the audience is more diverse thanyou may think. These days you may wellfind one or two girls in those Starfleetcostumes or lining up for R2D2’sautograph. That said, the proliferation of women employed to dress as sexycyborgs and strut around in their tin foilsmalls makes me think that it may besome time before such conventions are truly embraced by our femalecounterparts. However, before we judge all Sci Fi fans to be bespectacledmisogynists, I would like to make a pleathat we give these chaps a break – afterall, when they ask a thoroughly boredlooking Princess Leia for her photographthat will probably be the only time theyspeak to a woman in their entire lives.

So what is it that has drawn me to this particular genre of fiction, other than the opportunity to feel superior tonearly every other human being in thebuilding? Well, when it comes to rolemodels, science fiction does offer uswheelies several strong characters andfancy dress options. For the suave andsophisticated there is balding brain boxProfessor Xavier, leader of the X-Men. For the more highly strung, or those whosuffer from severe sun ageing, there isDavros, creator of the Daleks, and forthose who simply enjoy making non-disabled people feel as uncomfortable as possible there is my preferred option: Superman.

All somewhat better than the usualdepiction of hopeless charity cases orbenefit scroungers, I think you’ll agree.

Getting away from it alldan Burden T5 likes to do something a little different...


There are numerous localattractions including the recently-completed Tamar Trails in

Tavistock which are a network ofaccessible cycle routes. Trampers canbe hired to explore this area furtherand provide that wonderful off-roadexperience. Picturesque Dartmoor isonly a short drive away with its ruggedlandscape and amazing views. TheCornish coast is a must for any visitor to the region with our nearest beachbeing less than half an hour away.There are numerous National Trustproperties nearby, including CoteheleHouse which is within walking distanceof the cottages and offers a wonderfulday out. We are situated at the end ofthe Gunnislake – Plymouth branchlinewhich has been described as one of the most picturesque 45-minute trainjourneys in Britain.

Set in an area of outstandingnatural beauty in the Tamar Valley, thecottages are positioned on our smallfamily-run farm.

The Cider Press and Hayloft areboth 4-star cottages and are graded at M3 mobility level. They both sleepsix people and have a downstairsbedroom and fully-equipped wetroom. A shower chair and hoist areavailable for hire and we can cater forthe needs of all our visitors. We alsohave very good links with local care

providers. We welcome pets in theCider Press cottage and there arenumerous footpaths nearby for dog walking.

As a wheelchair user myself Iunderstand the importance of anindependent holiday and have madeall the necessary adaptations to make this possible. For further details please visitwww.todsworthyfarmholidays.co.ukJonathan Pellow C6/7

Rural retreats– in the southAre you looking for a quiet rural retreat away from the daily hustle andbustle? Then look no further than Todsworthy Farm Cottages. The ideallocation for a relaxing holiday for wheelchair users and their families.

Bridge Bike Hire, on the Camel Trail in Cornwall has recently extended therange of ‘special needs’ bikes available to include the Draisen Low Loader(pictured). SIA member, Lorraine Edwards, and her husband Richard tried it and would thoroughly recommend it to other wheelchair usersholidaying in the area. Bridge Bike Hire has a wide range of cycles for hireand they offer a pick up and collection service too. Visit their website atwww.bridgebikehire.co.uk or telephone 01208 813050. They can alsosupply details of accessible cycle paths and bike trails in the area.

Todsworthy Farm cottages

...and clober Farm before conversion

clober Farm now...

...and in the north

spinal Injuries Scotland owns the ground floor of an adapted

farmhouse in Milngavie, about one-hour’s-drive from the north of Glasgow,which is available to rent for only £50 per night.

Clober Farm was left to them by OT, Viv Donaldson, from the GlasgowSCI Centre. It has taken considerabletime and funds to turn it into anaccessible home. The design both inside and out is totally inclusive anduses the most up-to-date technology.The property is available year-round for short-stay holiday lets and forlonger stays for people havingadaptations done to their own home or waiting for new accommodation.There are three bedrooms, a largekitchen and lounge area and two wet rooms. To find out more view the [email protected] or call0141 427 7686 / 0800 0132 305

WaLkers l forward matters l 49www.spinal.co.uk

Things are beginning to comeclear now. My weakened state is not only as a result of the bed-

rest following my August operation.That was merely the icing on the cake.The deterioration had probably beentaking place, insidiously, over severalyears as I became progressively lessmobile. And I have no one else toblame but myself.

It seemed perfectly reasonable atthe time. Conscious of my unstoppableslide towards early middle age, Idecided it would be less strain on myremaining body if I started using thewheelchair a bit more out of doors. A few years ago, it would have rarelyseen the light of day.

Over the same period of time, mylevel of neuropathic pain became lessand less fun, to the extent that, as Itensed in discomfort, I risked losingmy balance on the sticks. So my foraysout in the vertical plane becameshorter and less frequent.

I also changed my drop-foot splintsand the new carbon-fibre ones, whilemuch better for walking in, left my right heel vulnerable to a succession of ulcers that each took at least sixmonths to heal. I felt another one go theother day, as I lurched between frontdoor and car door. The skin is still intactso I reckon it’ll be May or June before I can take both socks off at bedtime.

Learning to walk again...and again and againObviously I didn’t mean matters to get this bad. When Anna the physiotold me her rule-of-thumb – that oneday of bed-rest needed a week ofrehab if strength was to be maintained– I thought it applied just to being inbed, in hospital. But when I think ofthe number of normal life-days whenmy feet never touched the ground,

the number of weeks required beforefull serviceability can be restoredbecomes bigger and bigger.

When this happened the first time, in 1986 after my recoverybecame apparent, I all-of-a-suddenbecame highly motivated. Part of meexpected a full recovery and therestoration of my professional flyinglicence. I didn’t need physios, I just (inthe manner of Forrest Gump) startedwalking. I walked everywhere. Haveyou ever been to the Farnborough Air Show? Built on the side of a ruddymountain, it is. Over at least a decade’sworth of biannual events I walkeduphill and down dale, from show hall to press centre, static display tochalet row, sweaty and triumphant.

Now I spend hours on the phonenegotiating a parking space as near as possible to the show’s epicentre.

I cop uphill tows on golf buggies. So nowonder my leg strength started to sap.

It doesn’t change anything. I amnow walking to and from the car andoffice. Can’t do steps though so, for the New Year, I am booking some paid-for strength-building physio. Because I now realise I need help to get mewalking for the third time. When ithappened the first time I was twelvemonths old, the second 33 years, now– well, you do the maths. And once I’mthere, to stay on my feet I will need tokeep it up, even on the inevitablyregular occasions when I won’t feel likeit. On the timeline the ups will becomeshorter and more ‘peaky’, the downsmore pronounced and protracted.

It’s a full-time job this paraplegiathing, isn’t it? if I had known at the time,I would never have signed up for it.Andy Healey L1

Bestfoot forwardWhat goes around...

50 l forward matters l parenTing February 2014

much as it is ours. I’ve never taken a careraway with us before but I’m seriouslyconsidering it for our trip to Australia. It makes a huge difference to myindependence to have a paid carer onhand as opposed to a family member or friend. I get terribly frustrated byhaving to wait for other people to dotheir own tasks before being able toassist me with mine. Knowing I havesomeone available to assist only meputs my mind at rest.

Taking a carer awayMy main reason for not doing it beforeis that I struggle to relax when I have my carer around. I feel that I need tooccupy them all the time, otherwise I feel I’m effectively paying for them tosit around doing nothing. This usuallymeans that I have to occupy myself tooor I feel guilty for keeping them busywhilst I do nothing. Ridiculous isn’t it!?!It’s something I will need to get over if I am serious about taking a carer onholiday. We are planning another trip to Cyprus for May next year and we aregoing to take one of my carers with usas a trial run. I will have to negotiatetime off for them (and us!) at certainpoints during each day. I will also needto contact SIA’s Advice Line for someadvice on paying a carer for a holiday.It’s a whole new world!

We plan for our trip to Australia to be the trip of a lifetime and we areconsidering a two-week cruise aroundAustralia from Sydney to Perth. Then we are thinking of hiring an accessiblemobile home for a road trip back toSydney where my brother is living.Because our trip will now coincide withwinter in Australia, we may be severelylimited as to what cruises are available(if any!). This is my project for the earlypart of the New Year; planning ouradventure! What fun!

We have our own accessible villain Polis, Cyprus and I decided,after not being out there for

over two years, that we needed to makeuse of it ourselves rather than let all ourrental clients enjoy it! So, I bookedflights for September and invited myMum and her friend Tony to come onholiday with us (with an ulterior motiveto get them to help out!).

Previously we have always parked atthe long-stay car park and bussed intothe terminal, but Tony made me awareof the airport ‘meet and greet’ service.Oh how I wish I’d known about thisyears ago... I can’t tell you how manytimes we’ve struggled with suitcases,wheelchairs and pushchairs, from car to bus stop, on and off the bus, frombus stop to terminal and then onto thecheck-in desk, with Tim having to run a relay race between us all; or mepushing the pushchair, Tim pushing mywheelchair and my dad loaded up likesome kind of packhorse with three bagsstrapped over him and pulling twosuitcases! We were always exhaustedbefore even getting on the plane! Withthe meet and greet service, you just pullyour car up right outside the terminal,hand your keys to a valet and just crossthe road with your luggage; so muchsimpler and less stressful! And it costthe same as I used to pay for theprevious privilege!

The holiday was fabulous as usual,but it has been a huge eye opener forme and Tim. My brother and his familyemigrated to Australia in October andwe had been planning a six- to seven-week Australasian adventure for early2014 (we wanted to go before Freyastarts school in September 2014, not tobe dictated by UK school holidays). But,since our recent trip to Cyprus, we havepostponed this until the UK summerbreak in 2015.

It is hard travelling with a

holidayWe have travelled to Cyprus twice with Freya; once for her first

birthday and then again six months later. But we’ve stayed in the Uk for holidays since, emily Clacy C6 writes...

wheelchair, toddler and a baby. I am far more ‘disabled’ away from homewithout the right equipment to hand. I use a powered wheelchair out andabout at home but always use mymanual chair when I travel. It’s fine to a point, but I can’t push long distancesand I can’t get up and down kerbs. PoorTim never gets much of a holiday as henow has three people demandingattention and assistance.

We’ve always travelled with friendsor with one of my parents to help lightenthe load, but I never want to burdenthem too much as it is their holiday as

Taking the children on

“I will also need to contact SIA’sAdvice Line for some advice onpaying a carer for a holiday. It’s a whole new world!”

Emily would be pleased to hear from anyone who has made the trip to Australia and can offer advice. Email her at [email protected]

www.spinal.co.uk raCing l forward matters l 51

Now, of course when I say slung my leg over a racingmotorcycle, I really mean that my crew of four ‘carefully’

lifted me from my wheelchair on to the specially-preparedSV650cc Suzuki that had been loaned to me by The BikeExperience(TBE). It was the culmination of nine-monthsplanning and preparation that had begun just before myfather died in December 2012, when he forwarded on anemail from the Manx Motorcycle Club who were inviting pastwinners to attend their 90th Anniversary event in August2013. As a past winner (way back in 1984) I was eligible totake part in the parade lap, and being me, I asked if I wouldbe allowed to ride – a request that was met with a, “Yes, if you can show us you are safe and competent to do so”.

I attended TBE, a charity that runs modified motorbikesto allow disabled riders to get back on a bike, at Silverstonein April and May and decided I was OK to take on thechallenge I had set myself. The principal of TBE, TallanSkeels-Piggins offered to lend me his spare race bike, and in early August I duly had two more practice sessions atSnetterton before setting off for the Isle of Man.

I have to admit that when I was sitting on the bike ready for the start of my lap my stomach was home to aherd of elephants, and it did cross my mind that sometimesI would be better to keep my silly ideas to myself. But whenI was given the nod and my crew duly launched me, thefeeling as I rode off down Bray Hill (it’s a good deal steeperthan I remembered) was one that will stay with me forever.Just two miles later, as I headed out of Union Mills, thevideo in my brain clicked back in and I knew where Iwas, and where I needed to be for the racing line – and that racer’s smile returned!!

I contrived to fall off at Ramsey Hairpin due to a gearselection issue (that’s my excuse) having covered 24.5 of the 37.75 mile lap. And, despite the best efforts of themarshals who helped me back on the bike, the Clerk ofthe Course wouldn’t let me continue. On reflection, hewas only thinking of me ... and he’s given me the perfectexcuse to go back and have another crack next year!

I was, and still am, pretty disappointed, but now knowwhat I need to do to achieve my goal. I would just like to say an enormous thank you to all who supported myreturn to the Island, not least my crew, who kept my feet firmly on the ground all week!Phil Armes T6/7

Manx grand prix

90th Anniversary Past Winners Parade

Footnote: Subject to final approval I will be returning to ‘complete the job’ at the Classic TT on August BankHoliday Monday 2014.

If you want to visit the Isle of Man and are looking for accessible accommodation at any time of the year,try the Joey Dunlop Foundation’s specially designedproperty, Braddan Bridge House. Further informationfrom [email protected] by telephone to 01624 677741

eighteen years and ten days after crashing at the Ulster grand prix andbreaking my back i managed to do something which in all honesty i neverthought would be possible – i slung my leg over a racing motorcycle and set off down the glencrutchery road in the isle of Man to ride on myfavourite track – the TT Course. This was on 28 august 2013.

52 l forward matters l CLassiFieDs February 2014

It’s easy to advertise here! Simply email your request to:[email protected]. The closing date for contributions for the April issue should reach the editor by 3 March 2014

VOLVO V70 se 2.5T r Designtop of the range. 2009, under20,000 miles. One owner (C6/7quadriplegic) from new. Minimalhand controls – will suit anydriver able to transfer who likesluxury, style and power.Immaculate condition, blackpearlescent body, 18” sportswheels, low-profile tyres, 231bhp. Purrs like a panther anddrives as though through silk!Full service record, 10 monthsMOT and road tax. £14,000 ono.Tel: Paul 01977 617050 oremail [email protected]

MaZDa 2 semi/auto 2004. Handcontrols for accelerator andbrake. Lowered suspension andAustralian body kit fitted. Only17,900 miles from new. Excellentcondition. Very striking andoriginal paintwork. £2,995(Lancashire). Tel: 01254 823293

COVers-pLUsWheelchair Cushion Covers & Replacement Upholsterywww.covers-plus.co.ukTel: 01295 810011

Mangar eLk LiFTingCUsHiOn Hardly used, nolonger needed. £100THera FiT aCTiVe/passiVepeDaLs £100Lancashire area. Contact [email protected]

HUnTLeigH akrOn electric tilttable, hardly used. Tray included.£400 ono. Birmingham area.Buyer to collect. Tel: 0121 449 9035

prasCHBerger siTskiComplete ski kit, including fullysorted monoski, bucket/seat size36, Superlight outriggers, legcover, drag lift attachment/quickrelease, Salomon and Rossignolskis. Includes wheeled transportbag – easy to tow at airports etc.A well-balanced sitski, good forboth leisure or more dynamicskiing. £650. Tel: 07764 784240Email: [email protected]

Tarne eT garOnne, sW FranCe Situated in thebeautiful French countryside, 40miles south of Cahors, a restoredand converted farmhouse + barnconversion with swimming pool,games room and secure gardens.The farmhouse is on one leveland has 5 bedrooms, 1 with en-suite wet room, a largekitchen & sitting room. The Barn has 1 ground floorbedroom with wet room, anopen-plan living area and 1upstairs bedroom. 360,000euros. For photographs andfurther information about thearea visit www.bacquies.co.uk or telephone Vernon Lidstone on 01452 741410

Lake DisTriCT, WinDerMereTimber lodge in a 4-star park on the shores of LakeWindermere. 40ft x 20ft timberclad throughout. Includes allfixtures and fittings, includingfurniture, bed linen and beds etc. 42-years left to run on lease. Hire income usually paysthe ground rent. Sleeps 4 in comfort, fully wheelchairaccessible, wet room and family bathroom. View atwww.timber-lodge.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01423 323123

FiaT DUCaTO 2.8 DieseLaUTOMaTiC (sea-CpT) 2006model, low mileage. Very goodcondition. Full work & servicehistory. Sleeps 4, side lift, wheel-in shower & toilet, electric/gasheating & hot water. Handcontrols, drive from swivel seat,reversing cameras, cruisecontrol, bike rack. £26,000. WestMidlands. Tel: 07763 560332Email: [email protected]

WHeeLCHair aDapTeDMOTOrHOMe, 2001 model, lowmileage, good condition. Sleeps2, side lift, automatic Mercedes,hand controls. Wheel-in showerand shower chair, heating/aircon. Experience the freedom to go anywhere. Winchester.£22,000. Tel: 01962 714186 Email [email protected]

Let me arrange all of youraccessible UK, European andworldwide holiday and travelneeds. 30 years experience intravel and 24 years as SCI. Fully bonded and completefinancial security. Call me on 01452 742101 or visitwww.travelcounsellors.co.uk/richard.thompson

FranCe

MaYenne, 18th century stone property with 4 bedroomsand a 3-acre private lake for fishing. Wheelchair accessible, with ground-floor bedroom and en-suite wet room.www.francefishingholiday.co.uk or tel: Darren C6/7 on 01405 816 750

COLLiOUre, sOUTH OF FranCeGround-floor, 2-bedroomedapartment, sleeps 4-6. Level accessthroughout. Designed specificallyfor people with spinal cord injury. En-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, full heating. Height-adjustable beds, pressure-relievingmattresses. Separate upstairsapartment available for family orfriends. www.origincare.co.uk clickon L’Origine or call Nathalie on 00 33 632 56 61 75

prOVenCe Detached single-storey villa adapted forwheelchair user. Owner T3paraplegic. Private gardens, pool and secure parking. Sleeps4 in two bedrooms. One withwheel-in wet room, shower and shower chair, the other with bath and shower. 10minutes walk from the shops at LORGUES and a 45-minutedrive from the coast.www.accessvilladelorgues.co.ukContact Geoffrey Croasdale Tel: 01753 850564 Email:[email protected]

spainLas pieDras aCCessiBLeHOLiDaYs, spainDiscover Beautiful UnspoiltAndalusia. Our stylishaccommodation offers the veryhighest level of accessibility.Wheelchair Accessible Transfers & Transport, Mobility aids and Care available.Las pieDras rUraL HOTeL in a stunning mountain setting oreL pLeaMar aparTMenTright on the MediterraneanContact Hannah or Adrian for a brochure or information Tel: 029 212 54321 Email: [email protected]: www.laspiedras.co.uk

JaVea, COsTa BLanCa, spainLuxury family Villa purposelybuilt for wheelchair owner. Thevilla comprises 3 bedrooms and2 bathrooms. Master bedroomhas en-suite with wheel-in

Vehicles and accessories

Wheelchairs and accessories

equipment

property for sale

Holiday property for sale

Motorhomes for sale

accessible worldwide travel agent

Holiday accommodation

CLassiFieDs l forward matters l 53www.spinal.co.uk

shower (shower chair provided).Private pool with hoist.Restaurants, shops andwheelchair accessible beach are all within close proximity.Alicante and Valencia are thenearest airports. Contact owners Gavin or Lynda. Tel: 01786 811546Email: [email protected]

spain, COsTa BLanCa, JaVeaLovely wheelchair friendly villaset in large colourful gardens onlevel, gated plot. Well equipped,3 beds, 2 baths, master bed with large ensuite bathroom and wheel-in shower (chairprovided), cable TV with Sky and English channels, DVD playerplus DVD library, free broadbandinternet access, wheelchair-firendly gardens, 10 x 5m poolwith easy-to-use water-poweredpool lift and full-size outdoortable tennis table. T1 paraplegicowner. Contact Norman or Sue. Tel: 01900 67280Mobile: 07818 406861 Email: [email protected]: www.accessvillaspain.com

spain, COsTa BLanCa, JaVeaSpacious, fully-equipped, luxury,5-bedroom villa, sleeps 10. 3bathrooms (2 en-suite, I with roll-in shower) Flat plot, fullyaccessible gardens. 12m x 6mpool with hoist. Sky TV. 2.5km tobeach. Vehicle required. Contact John Kenny 07721 336747enquiries@casadefloresspain.co.ukwww.casadefloresspain.co.uk

spain, COsTa BLanCa,TOrreVieJaEstablished, detached family villa with lovely gardens in sunny Torrevieja on the Spanish Costa Blanca. Huge wheel-inswimming pool. Custom-built for C5 owner. Close to beach and all amenities. Airport 20mins. Converted vehicle alsoavailable to hire. For details 01262 676015www.disabledvilla.com

aLiCanTe, spain Spacious 2-bedroom, fully wheelchairaccessible apartment in Rojales.www.disabledapartment.comEmail [email protected] me on Facebook ortelephone Darren on 0751 554 1300

aLCOsseBre Superior, frontline 2-Bedroom apartment withen-suite level access shower.Modern low rise complex,beautifully kept gardens,swimming pools. Large terraceoverlooking beach. Wheelchairaccessible throughout. Levelaccess to bars and restaurants.Secure parking. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01228 561219

pOrTUgaL

aLgarVe, pOrTUgaLYour home from home in the sun including accessibletransport and airport transfers.Owned by C4 tetraplegic, 20minutes from Faro airport withstunning views and privacy. 3 twin bedrooms, 2 with wheel-in showers. Pool with hoistheated to 25ºC. Inclusiveaccessible vans & airporttransfers, electric up and down bed, electric indoor hoist, shower/commode chairs etc. Not to be missed. See full details on ourcomprehensive website. Tel: 00351 289 414 687Email: [email protected] Web: www.ouricodomar.com

aLgarVe, pOrTUgaLSpacious private villa with pool and hoist. 3 bed, 2 bathwith wheel-in shower. Showerchair provided. Well-equippedkitchen. 2 barbecues. All doors 1-metre wide. Level accessthroughout villa and pool area.Paraplegic owner. Debbie Wells. Tel: 01277 354 313

aLaManCiL, aLgarVeOutstanding, fully-accessibleluxury private villa set inbeautiful countryside. 3bedrooms, all en-suite withwheel-in showers. Private pool with hoist. Comfortablelounge/dining rooms and well-equipped kitchen. All you couldwish for in a holiday home and so much more! To contact us call 01530 833690 orwww.villas-algarve.co.uk

CYprUs

pOLis, CYprUs 3-bedaccessible bungalow/villa.Private pool with wide steps and handrails. Ramp accessthroughout villa and grounds.Walking/pushing distance fromshops, village and beach (withbeach buggy/wheelchairavailable in summer holidays).Wheel-in wet room with wall-mounted shower seat.Self-propelling shower chairavailable. Accessible hob andsink in kitchen. Owned anddesigned by SCI person. Call Emily on 01451 822041

MarOni, CYprUs Villa CarpeDiem. Large modern, wheelchair-friendly villa. 5 bedrooms and 4bathrooms. Double bedroomwith hoist, wetroom with wheel-in shower (shower chairprovided). Private pool. [email protected]: 00 35 7 999 68418

FLOriDaOrLanDO, FLOriDaRecently adapted, accessible, 4-bedroom villa, sleeps 8. Poolhoist, roll-in shower and showerchair. Private pool and gamesroom. Very quiet area, beautifulrear views of conservation areas. Short drive to theme parks and amenities. Tetraplegicowner. For details call Simon on 07970 491141www.orangetreeaccessibility.com

Orange Tree, OrLanDO,FLOriDa 5-bed/4-bath, purpose-built wheelchair accessible villaoverlooking lake and conservationarea. Level access throughout,Wheel-in shower and shower chair.Non-chlorine xlarge pool with spa,both accessible by hoist. Free Wi-Fi,sleeps 12, short drive to attractionsand amenities. Paraplegic owner.www.ayersfloridavillas.com Email: [email protected]

OrLanDO, FLOriDaLuxury, 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom villa with its ownprivate pool, set in a small and exclusive private gatedcommunity, close to allamenities. Very spacious, levelaccess throughout and fullywheelchair accessible. The rearof the villa backs onto fields and is not overlooked. Wheel-in shower, pool, hoist etc. All facilities and 24-hourmanagement company. Disney only 10 minutes,Brochure from Roger Whittle. Tel: 01242 573233 Web:www.accessiblefloridavillas.com

engLanD

DisaBLeD HOLiDaYs aTHOMe C4/5 quadriplegic owner.I have spent years looking foraccessible holidays without theprice tag. So, I did them myself! Ihave adapted chalets in England,close to beach and dog-friendly.Mablethorpe, Tunstall nearWithernsea (open 11 months).Both with wet rooms. Showerchair, electric beds and manualhoist provided. Please visitwebsite for more detailswww.disabledapartment.com Email: [email protected] me on Facebook or Tel: Darren on 0751 554 1300

self Catering accommodation

>

TODsWOrTHY FarMHOLiDaYs, Cornwall. 18thCentury Cornish stone and slate cottages on a working farm full adapted for wheelchairusers and their families. Superbrural location. Set in an area ofoutstanding natural beauty. Twocottages, both 3 bedrooms,sleeping up to 6. Perfect fortouring Devon and Cornwall.Open all year. Tel: 01822 834744www.todsworthyfarmholidays.co.uk

TreWOrgans FarMHOLiDaYs, MiD COrnWaLLNewly converted, barns (sleep 4 & 6) that are wheelchairaccessible. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities – each propertyhas one level-access wet room.Adapted kitchens. Accessibledecked patio areas. Detached.Ample parking areas. 4-sectionelectric profiling bed, air mattressand 160kg electric hoists available.Rise/recline chairs. Care availablefrom local agency. Exposed beams,wood burner. Ideal location forexploring the whole county. Tel: 01726 883240 or 07762 173860www.treworgansfarm.co.uk

penrOse BUrDen,COrnWaLLFully adapted cottages forwheelchair users and theirfamilies – superb rural area withoutstanding views. Open all yearround. Wood burning stoves.Colour brochure. Please write or ring Nancy Hall, PenroseBurden, St Breward, Bodmin,Cornwall PL30 4LZ. Tel: 01208 850277 or 01208 850617Web: www.penroseburden.co.uk

CHrisTCHUrCH, DOrseT Self-catering bungalow, sleepsup to six. Ceiling hoists inbedroom and bathroom, wheel-in shower, clos-o-mat loo, low-level kitchen. Contact 01202 481597 Email: [email protected]

DOrseT Exceptional, fully-accessible, 4-star, self-cateringholiday accommodation inbeautiful rural North Dorset.Superbly equipped, comfortableand tastefully furnishedcottages, heated indoor splash pool, stunning views from garden M3(I). Tel: 01258 818 196 for brochure or visitwww.EllwoodCottages.co.uk

Lake DisTriCT, WinDerMereFully adapted, self-cateringlodge situated in a 4-star park.Two twin bedrooms, one withen-suite bathroom. Fully fittedkitchen TV/DVD, central heating, free Wi-Fi. Site shop, bar, restaurant, swimming pool with hoist, Play area. Viewwww.timber-lodge.co.ukand follow booking link. Or Email: [email protected] Open March till early January 2015.

raTCLiFFe DisaBLeDHOLiDaYsC5 quadriplegic owner.Overhead electric hoists.Electric hi-lo beds. Wheel-inshowers. House flats sleep 6-10. Open all year. Heysham

on Morecambe Bay. Superb seaand mountain view Access to 5-mile promenade Caravans on Haven Parks in Southern Lake District and at Filey near Scarborough.www.theukweb.com/disabledholidays or phone for moreinformation Allan or Jan 01274 588142

aBneY, DerBYsHireRoom for All Seasons, fullyadapted, luxury, self-catering

property in the heart of the Peak District National Park.Wheelchair accessible, hoistavailable. Sleeps 3.www.laneendfarmtrust.co.ukTelephone Viv for leaflet or moreinformation 01433 650043

sCOTLanD

HigHLanDs, Farr,inVerness Luxury 4-star,unassisted wheelchair access cottage on one level, sleeping 4/5. Fully adapted for wheelchair users, The Haven has two spacious bedrooms and a wet room. Wheeledshower chair and mobile hoistavailable. Nature trails suitablefor wheelchair users. Visitwww.dalvourn.com Email: [email protected] or tel: 01808 521467

JO-anne’s persOnaLassisTanCe serViCe nOW BOOking FOr 2014NOW BOOKING FOR 2014If you require a personalassistant for home orabroad, a business or pleasuretrip, please call, JPAS on 07500 703004 or 01623 847336Email: [email protected]

CLiniCaL psYCHOLOgisTHeLen sMiTHSpecialist in spinal injuryrehabilitation Available for private consultations on FridaysTel: 07976 354142Email: [email protected]

spOkZ peOpLe is aBirmingham-based non-profitsupport organisation withexperience of SCI. We offer 1-2-1 support, groups, EMDR(Eye, Movement, DesensitisationReprocessing) and more. Find out more atwww.spokzpeople.org.uk Email: [email protected]

support services

54 l forward matters l CLassiFieDs February 2014

>

aDVerTising raTesFull details can be found on sia’s websitewww.spinal.co.uk

Advertisements placed in forward will be posted onto SIA’swebsite at www.spinal.co.uk after the magazine is published.

Member rates The charge is 40p per word with a minimumcharge of £15 for any one advert. non Members The charge is 70p per word with a minimumcharge of £20 for any one advert.

You can email your advertisement to:[email protected]. Please telephone 0845 678 6633 ext 2 to pay by card.

The closing date for contributions for the April issue is 3 March 2014.

Title: DOB:

First name: Surname:

Address:

Town/City: Postcode:

Email: Telephone:

Please complete and return to: Charter Healthcare, First Floor, Nene Hall, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6FX

Designed for active lifestyles, the Conveen Active urine bag and Conveen Optima sheath answer your needs for discretion and comfort. The Conveen solution is a good alternative to pads.

For more information or a free sample please call 0800 220 622 or visit us at www.coloplast.co.uk. Alternatively, complete the coupon below.

PREFERREDBY 2 IN 3USERS*

Mr. Fernandez, Conveen user, France

Scan the code and watch Mr Fernandez tell his story

Try the new, discreet solution for male urinary incontinence

The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. © 2011-11. All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark.

* Chartier-Kastler E et al: Randomized, crossover, prospective, multicentre study comparing quality of life related to the use of urinary sheaths versus diapers in incontinent men, British Journal of Urology, accepted for online publication Sep. 2010.

Mr Reilly, Conveen user, UK

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Holidays and Travel - Spinal Injuries Association · Q&a your questions answered by our experts 6 In the news from sIa Family DVDl gC elections 8 from the sIa academysia training