I stood and sat next to the team’s mechanic called Doz, he was kind enough to explain the rules and how the game was played. Shortly after the coach Archie came over introduced himself and asked what I had wrong with myself which he could relate to with a lot of experience. Archie said if you’re up to it we will be restarting in the New Year, Mondays 12 to 1500 hours and Wednesday 12 to 1400. You would be most welcome to come along and give it ago.
My wife drove us home, as we were driving along she turn to me and said how are you going to get there when I go back to school, you’ve not driven this far in years let alone gone out on your own without your dog. Well that was the kick start I needed to start a new life and on track again.
My wife and I over the Christmas holiday went out driving and me in the driving seat using my hand controls as my legs are not in control. A few bits of encouragement from my wife and we were off on the road for more independence. By the time my wife had to back to school we had been all over the place, all that was left was to go out on my own, which I didn’t I took my dog for back up.
Came the day to go on my own to Aspire Stanmore, I was very nervous and shell I or should I, well I did. I set off at 10 and drove along at 55MPH as I felt safe at this speed, might take me a bit longer to get there but I felt in control. I got there just before 11 and went up in the lift and got a coffee. At 10 to 12 went down in the lift and was greeted my every one and they made me feel at ease.
Archie ask Doz to go back up to the balcony with me to see if there were any rugby chairs that would fit me; we went through every one even removing side guards for me to get into. I am 6 feet 3 inches tall and weigh in at just over 20 stone, NO luck I was too big in all way. Yes I was disappointed but not down and out. Doz said to me that they had some bigger chairs at Stoke Mandeville; next time I am up there I will pick one up and bring it down here.
