My accident

[Woodcrafter]

Good luck to Nikki and a great charity.

Hope your doing well Sean.

[sean]

Many thanks for all your support:thumbup:

[sean]

Its been a year and a bit since my accident and i have been out of hospital since August. What a roller coaster!! I am about to try and write a summary on how life has been since being home as it has been a while. Things have just been so hectic that updates have taken a back seat. I will be in touch shortly though however.

 

As always many thanks to all those that have supported me, sent their regards, asked after me and generally been brilliant.

[David Humphries]

Glad you've kept up with posting on AT

Always interested in your welfare and the images you share.

 

All the best mate

[headgroundsman]

Its been just over 12 years now since I was discharged from Oswestry spinal injury centre. My roller coaster ride has had more ups than downs over those years although it took a few years before I would have said that. I hope in years to come you will be able to say the same! I went gliding yesterday with sportability (look them up if you don't already know about them). I am finding some of the more difficult transfers, like into and out of a glider, a bit tricky as I am getting a bit long in the tooth, but I am more willing to accept help these days too. Good luck mate!

[sean]

An all too familiar sight for me. I'm starting to realise how inaccessible my beloved countryside is to me due to steps, stiles, kissing gates etc.

prior to my accident I wanted to complete the 42 mile Forest of Avon path which circumnavigated Bristol. The aim was to record all the veteran/ ancient trees that grow within 15mtrs (the Reccommended RPA as instigated by the ATF). This is something that I am still determined to do at some point. I have in fact started looking at the maps etc. this will now involve willing mates to help me achieve this if at all. I do not mind dragging myself along the ground to by pass kissing gates, try and get over stiles etc as they carry my chair over. As well as fulfilling a personal ambition I could show the difficulties the disabled face when it comes to getting in to the outdoors. I'm not advocating ripping up the countryside in fact I do not know how I really feel on the subject to be honest. I know that a mission such as this will fulfil a number of things though.

[silky fox]

A worthwhile mission Sean!

[Thesnarlingbadger]

Hi Sean, I think this is a great idea. Maybe look at possible alternatives that would make countryside walks more accessible for the disabled.

I'll pm you and I would be keen to help you out if you'd like.

[headgroundsman]

Good luck I know how tricky it can be. I don't think people have made paths difficult for chair deliberately and your efforts just might make some of them easier. I was asked for some advice when a canal tow path was being opened nearby and on one steep bit I suggested a viewing area that was level so pushers and these able to push themselves had a good excuse for a rest. The volunteers started almost as soon as I had suggested it and 2 hours later there it was just needing a fence round it as a steep drop to the canal. I look forward to seeing and hearing about you efforts.

 

Paul

[David Humphries]

Powerful image Sean

 

If you haven't already, have a chat with the ATF about the access issue.

I'm sure they would be very interested.

 

You're probably well versed and aware of the 'The Disability Discrimination Acts, 1995, 2005 and the Disability Discrimination Regulations, 2003'

 

An interesting look at how it applies to countryside/woodland access here.....

 

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/OPENspace_Disabled_access_Task1.pdf/$FILE/OPENspace_Disabled_access_Task1.pdf

 

 

 

 

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