A Chair for Neil
Guardian angels help Neil Francis in his quest for a 'miraculous' chair that could change his life for ever. Grace Dent tells the story.
Neil Francis loves the outdoors. There's nowhere else he'd rather be than stretched out in a field gazing at the sky, with his dog Bouncer by his side. From his front room he can see the hills that he used to play in as a child. But for now, he can't get up them.
25 years ago, an accident left Neil paralysed from the chest down and since then he's had to rely on 24hr care at home. His wheelchair gives him some freedom but it can only take him so far. Uneven paths, muddy fields and steep hills are out of bounds and being trapped in the same position day after day, for over two decades, is taking its toll. His spine is curving and he endures debilitating seizures.
Neil needs to find a way out of pain and back into the landscape that he loves. He discovers there's a wheelchair that could help him, but it costs a lot of money - too much money. It doesn't look like he can get it. But then, enter two guardian angels....
Presenter Grace Dent. Producer Nicola Humphries.
Further information
SSAFA - The Armed Forces Charity
www.ssafa.org.uk
Southern Spinal Injuries Trust
www.ssit.org.
Last on
Broadcast
- Mon 7 Aug 2017 11:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
Meet the Artist
Hand-drawn illustrations by Niki Pilkington
The Best of The Untold
Gripping real-life stories you won't hear anywhere else.
Podcast
-
The Untold
A series documenting the untold dramas of 21st-century Britain.