About

brianabram
Halifax, West Yorkshire

Bio: I am 65 years old and live in Halifax, West Yorkshire. I am married to Linda and have two grown up children - Kirsty and Vicky. Charles, my first grandson came along in February 2013 and he is a massive part of my life now. Unfortunately a series cycling accident in August 2013 left me paraplegic and in a wheelchair for life. A few years ago I 'reinvented myself' as a children's author. My books, 'The Adventures of Grandad Wheels!' are self-published and loved by all primary school age children. My story has been featured on both BBC 1's The One Show and BBC Breakfast. I do school visits to show how being in a wheelchair is no barrier to living a full and happy life. I donate all my income from books sales to charity and as at the start of 2023 I have raised £55,000. More details here http://www.grandadwheels.com

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11 thoughts on “About”

  1. Hi Brian,

    I’m Fiona – the Disability Specialist at DisabledHolidays.com. I’ve just been enjoying reading your blog, especially about your cruise – I’m a wheelchair user myself and cruise convert! I was wondering whether it would be possible to talk to you about perhaps sharing your blog with our customers. Could I have your email address please to send some more information.

    Thanks

    Fiona
    Disability Specialist
    DisabledHolidays.com | Discover Holidays Ltd
    fiona@disabledholidays.com
    01457 833 444

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  2. Hi Brian,
    Just been sent your blog details by a friend in Broadbottom. I am the lady who called for help when you had your accident. It is wonderful to hear that you are doing so well. I did fear the worst.
    I lived in Broadbottom until 2 years ago and thought about you every time I walked past that spot.
    This is what I remember from that day.
    I went out for a walk with my dog Oscar, as usual. I always do a big loop on a Sunday as a teat for me rather than the dog. So I headed off down towards the single road bridge towards Glossop.
    Before I turned down the mill road into Lymefield I heard a woman shouting. I ran to see if I could help. This older lady was shouting help and pointing across the river towards the bank near the church. I saw you on the edge of the river but in the water not moving. You were groaning and your bike was on the bank.
    I kicked off my sandals and ran towards the campsite. 2 men were coming out of the gate, I told them to ring 999 and come to help me. We ran back to the river. The older man calmed the lady who shouted for help. I and the other man waded across the river. He asked me what he should do I told him we mustn’t move you (as a PE teacher I am first aid trained and he was only a young man), so we kept you still and held your head out of the water as you were lying in a way that meant you would have drowned with water flowing into your nose and mouth. My dog had swum across the river too and was getting agitated and barking. I took him back across the river to stop it as it was upsetting you. I said I would go to guide the emergency services down to where we were. As it was Sunday morning there were still no other people around.
    The fire brigade was first there and wouldn’t let me go back across the river to see you. They proceeded to rope across the river and rescue you. I carried on walking my dog, as there was nothing else I could do. People who know me in the village told me I should contact you as local people knew it was me but by the time the police and press got hold of the story, it was only the campsite visitors who were around.
    I was a PE teacher and ironically at that time, I was training many school pupils with physical disabilities. Some of whom went on to be National Athletics Champions.
    I wish you every success in working to champion living with a disability.
    Joy Derbyshire

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    1. Hello Joy! I sent you this email a week ago but thought I’d better reply here as well to make sure you see it.
      Oh my goodness I can’t believe I have heard from you. Thank you so much for getting in touch. How did you hear about my website?? Was it from Fran at Mountain Equipment?

      I confess you had me in tears when I read your comment, You have helped fill in gaps in my knowledge about what happened that morning. If you have read my story on my website the you’ll know that I don’t really remember much after hearing that lady shouting. But I didn’t know you had helped me. I think I truly owe you my life and I don’t know how I could ever say ‘thank you’ in an adequate way.

      I found a number some time ago for one of the men who were on the campsite and he got the shock of his life when I contacted him. He had been told that I died. Well I didn’t thanks to you and them!

      Life is good… you get used to being in a wheelchair and I try my best to enjoy every day. it’s been tough of course and there have been a few setbacks in the last few years, (I’m in hospital at the moment due to a pressure sore) but I don’t complain as I have been given a second chance.

      Thank you, thank you again. xxxxx

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      1. Hi Brian
        It is brilliant to hear from you.
        I would love to talk to you.
        Iam away until next Tuesday.
        Can I call you wed/thurs?
        Regards Joy

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      2. Hi Joy,
        Would love to hear from you but am in theatre on Wednesday I hope. Any afternoon the following weekwould be better if that is possible?

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      3. Hi Brian How are you and your family? Regards Joy

        On Sun, 22 Apr 2018 at 08:27, thestrifeofbriandotcom wrote:

        > brianabram commented: “Hi Joy, Would love to hear from you but am in > theatre on Wednesday I hope. Any afternoon the following weekwould be > better if that is possible? ” >

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  3. Hello. I am trying to contact Joy Derbyshire. I don’t know if you will see this at all but if you do could you please eave a reply as soon as possible? Do you have an email address please? Thank you

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    2. Hi Brian How are you doing? Joy

      On Sun, 23 Jan 2022 at 19:23, thestrifeofbriandotcom wrote:

      > brianabram commented: “Hello. I am trying to contact Joy Derbyshire. I > don’t know if you will see this at all but if you do could you please eave > a reply as soon as possible? Do you have an email address please? Thank you” >

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