Oil & Gas Quiz - Spinal Injuries Scotland · 16 Oil & Gas Quiz 20 Clober Farm ... Festival Business Centre 150 Brand Street Glasgow G51 1DH ... e and tuition, ations still elopment

Oil & GasQuiz

Venue AccessibilityDay out in AyrInside Clober Farm

NewslineSPRING 2015

02 Welcome

03 News

05 Sporting News

06 Accessible Venues

08 Member Profile - Jack Sutherland

10 Safe Drive Stay Alive

12 Days Out – Discover Scotland’s Bard

14 Travel – Sharm El Sheik

16 Oil & Gas Quiz

20 Clober Farm

21 Hair Raiser!

22 Legal Eagle

23 Welfare Advice

24 Facing Feelings and Emotions

25 Never Let An Opportunity Pass You By

27 Jogle4Jinx

28 Thank You to our Fundraisers

30 Classified Advertising

ContentsSpring 2015

All enquiries and applications to our address at:Spinal Injuries ScotlandFestival Business Centre150 Brand StreetGlasgow G51 1DH

Tel: 0141 427 7686 Fax: 0141 427 9258Freephone Line: 0800 0132 305Email: [email protected]

SIS is a company registered in Scotland byguarantee and recognised as a charity.Scottish Charity No: SC015405. ISSN 1363-6723

Any opinions expressed in the SIS Newsline arethose of the person writing and not necessarilyshared. Articles from Newsline are available ondisc or in large print on request.

Spinal Unit Visit TimesSpinal Injuries Scotland staff andvolunteers are in the spinal unit everyMonday and Thursday from 1.00pm to1.30pm in the day room and from 1.30pmto 3.00pm on the ward. Anyone wishing to speak to any of our staff or volunteersoutwith these times please call ourFreephone Line 0800 0132 305 to arrangea spinal unit visit at Glasgow QENSIU.

Legal and Welfare Advice ServicesIf you are concerned about legal or welfare issues, please call the office on our Freephone Line 0800 0132 305 andwe will put you in touch with our advisors.

Freephone Line 0800 0132 305If you need someone to talk to aboutanything, use the above number forenquiries great and small. If no-one isavailable then please leave your name andnumber with your message and someonewill get back to you as soon as possible.

Honorary PresidentHRH The Princess Royal

PatronsPaul WarwickHarry BrownTracey Brown

Board of DirectorsJoanna MartinDoug RossKevin ConlonJennifer AllanMaureen MorrisonLinda BamfordIke Curran

In the OfficeOperations ManagerCalum Murray

Peer Support Manager Dougy Johnstone

Peer Support AdviserLaura Torrance

IT and Media OfficerKieran Wild

Administration Officer Rosemarie Boyle

Cover Photo: HRH The Princess Royal

Editorial Agency: Crossan CommunicationsTel. 0131 553 1872. www.crossancom.co.uk

Designer: Karen Hall @ Clear Design (North)

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25

Newsline Summer 2014

02

The Editorial Team

Welcome

Newsline Spring 2015

Page 12, Robert BurnsBirthplace Museum

Page 8 & 9,Jack Sutherland

Page 16 - 19,Oil & Gas Quiz

Date for your DiaryAugust can be a slow month for some,but not for us. Plans are underway to run theinaugural SIS Barbeque and Activity Day, withWednesday 19 August 2015 a definite date to put inyour diary. Supported by Digby Brown Solicitors and

hosted by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park at Castle SempleVisitor Centre, Lochwinnoch, it’ll be a great day out.As well as the chance to catch up with friends in thefantastic surroundings of the Park, SIS Members will havethe opportunity to try sailing, canoeing, powerboatingand handbiking under expert guidance and tuition,together with a host of other demonstrations stillunder development.

Watch this space and our website/futureFacebook updates for furtherinformation.

Spring is definitely here and although we can’t guaranteesunshine we can promise to brighten up your days with a fewinspiring Newsline articles. Read all about a recent trip toEgypt on page 14 and plan a day out at The Robert BurnsBirthplace Museum in Ayrshire this year, lots of informationon page 12.

We have recently enjoyed another fantastic Oil and GasQuiz in Aberdeen. This is an amazing fundraiser for us and we must thank all of the sponsors who get behind this every year and lend their support. The centre spread of this issue reveals all about the event.

We interview one of our younger members, Jack Sutherland, on pages 8 and 9 and he shares his love of karting and handcycling. Another SIS member,Mohammed Sohail, shares his emotional journey on the road to recovery on page 24. If you have a similar story we would love to hear from you. Sharing yourexperiences can really help to inspire others, so please get in touch.

Some brilliant fundraising initiatives are under way over the next few months and more news of this can be found at the back of this issue. A huge thank yougoes to all of the individuals who give up their own time to get involved with these brilliant and often challenging events.

And never forget that this is YOUR magazine. We really want to hear directly from you. Let us know your views and ideas or submit a story or article to Newsline.

Happy reading.

ESCIF is currently undertaking a project essential to thesuccessful re-integration of people with SCI. As with allother ESCIF projects, the overall aim is to provide memberorganisations with information, shared experience andrecommendations that will help them in their efforts toimprove the quality of life of people living with SCI in their countries.

The specific areas being looked at are:

• Education and paid work (including vocational (re-)training after SCI)

• Social and leisure activities (including sports, creative activities, voluntary work)

• Family roles (adapting to possible changes in familyrelationships after SCI)

• Quality of life (including taking charge of one’s life, self-determination, access to information as a tool to enhance independence)

• Mobility aids and assistive devices (which are essentialto survival or give added quality of life)

The project will be completed beginning of 2016. Anyonewanting any further information should go to the ESCIFwebsite – www.escif.org

European Spinal Cord InjuryFederation (ESCIF) Project

Driving Licence Requirements and SCIThe Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that youmust notify them if you have a driving licence and you develop a‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability.

Following a Spinal Cord Injury this obviously applies, whether youalready have a licence or are applying for your first licence. All theinformation you need, along with the forms to fill in, can be found on the DVLA website at https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions. Follow the links for ‘Check if you need to tell DVLA aboutyour condition’ and then your condition – ‘paraplegia’ or ‘spinalproblems and injuries’ for example. You will then be directed to fill in the required forms.

Once you get your licence back make sure you check that it has the correct codes printed on it. These numbers indicate whichadaptations you need to drive your car, for example code 78 is for a car with automatic transmission and code 30 is for combinedbraking and accelerator systems.

“When my licence was issued to me years ago I put it straight in mywallet and forgot about it. However recently I had a look at the codesand found one was wrong. I contacted the DVLA who said it was theirmistake as they still had my original application form so they changed it for me. I know of at least one other person that has discovered one of the codes on their licence was wrong too. Apart from the obviouspunishment of a large fine or losing your licence, not having the correctdetails could affect your car insurance if you have to make a claim.Check the codes and also the Categories and Dates. If in doubt call theDVLA for clarification.” Said Dougy Johnstone, SIS Peer Support.

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News•News•NeArt WorkshopsThe Art Workshop Programme is currentlywell underway at the Spinal Unit in Glasgow,running on a weekly basis for six weeks inconjunction with Art in Healthcare.

Classes are going really well, with the patientsinvolved getting a lot out of the two hours andenjoying working on different projects. Someof the initial artwork is shown here.

<Slovenia Hotel

Dom Paraplegikov is a new hotel

that is totally wheelchair accessible.

It currently has eight rooms, with plans

to expand, and offers rehabilitation

services as well as the usual holiday

amenities. The hotel is situated in the

northern part of the Piran peninsula in

Slovenia and is owned and run by

The Association of Paraplegics of Slovenia.

www.domparaplegikov.si

People•People


New Staff at SISCalum Murray, Operations Manager“Prior to arriving with Spinal Injuries Scotland I was a police officer, having worked in a fair number of the divisions covering the West of the country and a few specialisms in headquarters. My last territorial posting was asDivisional Commander, Argyll, Bute and West Dunbartonshire Division, transferring to Head of Policy, National Reform and then onto Project Manager, Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill prior to retiring from the Service in October 2014.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be working with such a fantastic charityas Spinal Injuries Scotland. I’ve been consistently impressed by the dedication and commitment of the people I’ve encountered to date and look forward to working with the directors, staff and volunteers as we promote and support the charity’s vision, values, aims and objectives.”

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Kieran Wild, IT and Media Officer“I have been a Councillor for the Canal Ward inGlasgow City Council since being elected in 2007and re-elected in 2012 for the Scottish Green Party.I am still intending to stand again for Council in 2017.Being a Councillor is a part time job so I am delightedto be able to have joined Spinal Injuries Scotland inthe part-time role of IT and Media Officer. Prior tobecoming a Councillor I worked in IT Support for alegal firm and have experience of building websites.Over the next few months I will be designing a newwebsite for Spinal Injuries Scotland.”

It was with deep sadness that I learned of the death ofPaul Smith, SIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Paul hadbeen ill for a short time and he passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve with his family beside him.

Paul started work with SIA in May 2001. For over 13 yearshe worked tirelessly for SIA, transforming it into theleading user-led charity for SCI people that it is today.

I met Paul at various functions and meetings over theyears when I was Chair at SIS and saw him at a widevariety of events. Whether it was a Parliamentary function,a SIT meeting, the ESCIF annual congress, a fundraisingevent or just a chat over a pint, he would always greet youwith a broad smile. He was a lovely person and one of thegood guys of this world. I considered him not only acolleague, but also as a friend.

OBITUARYPaul Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Spinal Injuries Association

I am sure that Paul will be missed by everyone at SIA. Indeed, he is a sad loss to everybody who knew him and those who care passionately about those whose lives are touched by spinal cord injury. He will be a difficult man to replace but I have no doubt he would want SIA to prosper so that everybody affected byspinal cord injury has access to the support and informationthey need to rebuild their lives. He was testimony by exampleon how to move forward with your life after SCI.

Paul is survived by his wife Christine, his step-daughter Susan,step-son Richard and his two granddaughters Rebecca andEmma.

Adrian O’Donnell, Former Chair SIS

ParaclimbThe Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is the largestindoor climbing centre in Europe, and in November 2014 itwas the venue for Scotland’s very first ParaClimb Festival.The event attracted 31 entries and provided taster sessionsof Paraclimbing.

One of these newcomers was SIS member Graeme Hood.Graeme got the hang of it very quickly and found himselfcompeting in the speed climbing competition for hiscategory, along with other wheelchair users, and he wonhandsomely.

Graeme put his success down to the gruelling trainingregime he has for his usual sport, which is adaptive rowing.He explained that the equipment used for his speed climb(a T-bar shaped clamp that was pulled down to lift you up arope) used similar muscles and, once he found the correcttechnique, it felt pretty natural to him.

Paraclimbing seems to be an adaptive sport on the rise andcould provide great fun for SIS members and their families.Contact Ryan MacDonald of TSsport on 07975 538142or [email protected]

ParagolfThe Paragolf taster sessions took place in Januaryat Glasgow Indoor Golf Academy, and Peer SupportVolunteer Jim Marnell went along to try it out.

Ryan MacDonald, who organised the sessions, said:The taster sessions went fantastically well, with your very own Jim Marnell coming along on the Saturday afternoon.Jim played very well and took to it like a duck to water but, unfortunately, he just missed out on the closest to the pin challenge. He got plenty of banter going between the people there on the day, especially with his chat about the upcoming old firm game. We were absolutely swamped over the two days which was superb.”

Jim said: “At first I doubted that I would have had the abilityto even hit the ball, but within a short space of time and a bitof coaching, my balls were going a fair distance. TheParagolfer allowed me to take a decent stance and kept mesecurely in an upright position.

“I also enjoyed the social aspect of my afternoon. Hopefully I will get the chance to follow up, and perhaps even get on toa golf course one day. I fully recommend that, if given thechance, everyone should give it a go. You might just find a new and enjoyable hobby.”

The Paragolfer will be stored at Mearns Castle GolfAcademy and will be available for public use at any time.If anyone would like a one-to-one session to try out theParagolfer, Ryan would be happy to arrange this.

To find out more contact Ryan MacDonald, Project Leader,TS Sport on 07975 538142 or [email protected]

Pedal the Park Pedal the Park takes place on Sunday 26 April 2015 at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It is a festival of all things cycling with at least four ride options suitable for families, novices, mountain bikers, road and hand cyclists. The Event Village includes lots of exciting bike related activities, entertainment and exhibitors.

Pedal the Park Hand Bike Time TrialA level 10km off road route on tarmac overlooking CastleSemple Loch. Cyclists can sign-in on the day if there arestill spaces available, however it would help the organisersif you register in advance. Each activity will have staggeredstart times and a limited number of places. The Family Ridecould head off at any time between 1000 hrs and 1500 hrs.

Refreshments, toilets and mechanical assistance will beavailable at the start/finish point for all rides. The HandCycle Time Trial will be signed and marshalled at busyjunctions.

All finishers will receive a Certificate of Completion and a goodie bag plus the opportunity to join Ride 63

Community Cycling Club and enjoy the wide range of entertainments and exhibition activities in the ‘Event Village’.

Register at the event page on the British Cycling website: http://bit.do/PedalthePark

See the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park for more information: http://bit.do/ClydeMuirshiel

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Sport Sp<<

<<

<<

SIS was recently contacted by a member who hadpaid £30 for a telephone call to the SSE Hydro tryingto get tickets for Kevin Bridges, having been kepthanging on the Freephone Accessible Booking Line.These calls, unfortunately, are not free from mobilephones and currently cost anywhere between 14pand 40p per minute, depending on the provider.

Another member posted a message on her Facebookpage regarding difficulty in accessing tickets whichresulted in further posts on the subject. A group ofSIS members got together to discuss the situation,and a letter and questionnaire was sent to 10 venuesin Glasgow and Edinburgh, the ones where issues hadbeen raised. Only three of the venues responded.

Of the three venues who responded – The TheatreRoyal Glasgow, BT Murrayfield and SSE Hydro/SECC– The Theatre Royal and Murrayfield advised thatthey request proof of DLA prior to issue of tickets.Both of these venues also advised that they would

welcome a relevant national scheme requiring usersto register their disability in advance. While the SSEHydro/SECC stated that they would not considerbeing part of such a scheme, they also state that theywould use the scheme currently being set up by theNational Arenas Association.

A national Access Card is currently being set upcreated by Nimbus, a social enterprise consultancyrun by disabled people. Nimbus requires applicantsto take a single assessment on their impairment andwhat it means for them when they apply. This helpssimplify the process for disabled people and theprovider to make sure they are meeting the patron’sneeds as well as proving the access needs of thepatron are genuine. We have been advised that acouple of Glasgow venues have joined the schemeand we will explore this scheme and report back in a future edition of Newsline.

“I have missed out recently on amusic gig at Murrayfield with thetickets being sold by Ticketmaster.After navigating their automatedaccessible booking line (ironicallynot that easy or accessible touse!), I finally managed to speakto an agent and was told that allaccessible tickets had been sold –within two hours of the ticketsgoing on sale.”

“My worst experience wasat a concert at MeadowbankStadium in Edinburgh. The wheelchair platform was at the other end of field,nowhere near the stage. Evenwith screens at the side of thestage it made no difference.It felt like the accessible areawas an afterthought.”

06

AccessibleVenues


“On a positive note, the O2Academy venue at EglintonStreet in Glasgow is normallyokay for disabled access andviewing areas and the staff arealways very helpful both on thephone when booking ticketsand when you get there.”

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“I was booking tickets for a gig at Edinburgh Corn Exchange. They were on Ticketmasterwhich advised disabled tickets should be boughtfrom the venue. The Corn Exchange managertold me to book tickets as normal and call themon the day to give them my details and mycarer’s name, to be added to list for the disabledsection. I asked him what happens if 200 peoplephoned for the one gig which he said wouldn’thappen. We arrived to find the platform was veryfull. Eventually they started asking carers andmore able bodied to move to the standing sectionto make room for wheelchair users. I just stayedin the standing section, so didn’t see a thing!”

The Corn Exchange was not contacted as this quotecame in just before Newsline went to print.

“The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow has good accessand a good nearby car park. There is a mini lift to aviewing platform which has a good view of the stage.”

“I have tried a few times over thelast couple of years to get tickets to concerts at the Hydro/SECC.Going online I found the tickets soldout within minutes, but the strangething is that all the accessible areaswere sold out too. I find it verydifficult to believe that so manypeople with a disability got througheither online or through the specialaccess phone line. Also, theaccessible areas show up onlineand can be booked but becausethey are lumped in with non-accessible areas I can’t see how youwould know you would get anaccessible space. The Hydro hasgood accessible viewing areas butthey are difficult to book.”

“The King’s Theatre inEdinburgh only has fivewheelchair spaces and each timeI have tried to get tickets I havebeen told that they are gone and‘can I go up one step and transferto a seat?’. Also there is nonearby disabled parking.”

“I wanted to buy threetickets to go to SaturdayNight Takeaway with myhusband and 9 year old son,however the Hydro wouldnot sell me three tickets forthe disabled section. I had tobuy four tickets, and myniece came along and satwith my husband elsewhere.It is not right that you can’tenjoy a concert as a family.”

“I was in the disabled section ofthe SECC and two guys arrived,one of whom was usingcrutches. I noticed them dancinglater, crutches nowhere to beseen. When I asked them aboutit they told me that they hadbrought the crutches in order to get free carer’s ticket.”

“I booked tickets to goto a few concerts atWembley Stadium - theyrequired proof of DLAentitlement before theywould sell me tickets.Checks of some sortreally need to beintroduced elsewhere to cut down on abuse.”

“Not being able to bookonline like everyone elsemakes my blood boil.”

“I find it frustrating that wheelchair users who attend concerts/eventswith a group of friends can’t all stay together and you are forced to sitby yourself or have a single friend stay with you. A new organisation I saw this week, set up by former Radio1 DJ Jameela Jamil, is lookingto change that - http://www.whynotpeople.com.”


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JackSutherland

Member Profile

Jack Sutherland was only 16 years old when he wasinvolved in a dreadful car accident that resulted in a T2/3 level injury. He spent four months in RaigmoreHospital in Inverness with a serious head injury beforebeing transferred to the Spinal Unit in Glasgow, wherehe spent the next six months.

“The staff at the Unit were really good,” said Jack. “When Iwas down in the dumps they were able to encourage me andreally were supportive and helpful. That emotional supportwas really important as I was the youngest patient in theUnit at the time.”

Now aged 20, Jack is back at home in Brora, a village inthe east of Sutherland, in the Highlands of Scotland. Withunder 2,000 of a population, Brora is not exactly full ofamenities for young people but Jack is finding a way tostay active.

Jack enjoyed moto-x and go-karting before his accidentand remembers the buzz he felt when speeding round thetrack with his adrenaline pumping. “My dad has his owncompany and had organised a corporate day, that was myfirst experience karting at age 11 and I loved it.”

Jack is into ‘hand cycling’ and hehas his own carbon bike and hasalready competed in a time trialin Aviemore and Jedburgh.

The outdoor track at nearby Golspie is still apopular haunt, although not much use can be made of it during the freezing winter months. He is hopeful that he will be able to race again in the future. He has worked with his dad to modify the controls for his kart and is confident that with a bit of practice and further modifications this willhelp him achieve that goal.

He has already campaigned for and succeeded ingetting an important rule changed in karting.“When drivers stop or crash on the track they aresupposed to vacate their karts in 10 seconds or less, butobviously that is not really possible for me. I would becrawling around the track and it would be reallydangerous. So now when you sign in for a session youcan highlight that you need to stay in the vehicle aftera spin-out and the governing body has accepted this asan official change. This is great news for disableddrivers,” said Jack.

Jack is also into ‘hand cycling’ and he has his owncarbon bike and has already competed in a time trialin Aviemore and Jedburgh. Jack is hoping to

compete in a few races this year, although most aresouth of the border. Jack’s ultimate goal is to takepart in the Paralympics and represent his country.

Jack is currently studying at Highland College inInverness. His part-time course in MechanicalEngineering was a subject that had appealed to himbefore his accident and he is delighted to be twoyears into his studies now, with probably two moreto go. “I really enjoy the course and drive myself tocollege two or three times each week. It is about anhour’s commute from Brora and I am not yet sure whatI plan to do at the end of the course,” said Jack.

Living with his mum Tracy, his dad Richard and his17-year old sister Megan, Jack’s accident obviouslyhad an impact on all the family. Tracy said: “It hasbeen a difficult time for all of us but we are extremelyproud of Jack and how he has faced up to the situation.As a family we are trying to support him in as manyways as we can but we are learning as we go along.It’s been tough but we are adjusting as a family and ithas been heartening to see him get involved again withvarious activities.”

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This annual event delivers thought-provokingmessages to young drivers. It demonstrates, indirect and realistic terms, the potentially lethalconsequences should they fail to understand andaccept their responsibilities when getting behind thewheel of a car. The show is delivered to 4th, 5th and6th year pupils from all the high schools within theForth valley area.

SIS Peer Support Volunteer, Keira Procter, gives her experience of representing SIS at the event:“I was one of the volunteers from SIS that went alongto support the Central Scotland’s Safe Drive StayAlive road safety event which was held at theMacroberts Arts Centre at Stirling University inFebruary.

“It is the second year running that I have attended thisevent and it is by far the hardest hitting road safetyproduction I’ve seen. It was as heartfelt this time as thefirst time I saw it. I needed hankies, and I suspect therewere few who didn’t after watching it.

“The main part of the show is based on a real RoadTraffic Collision (RTC) that happened in CentralScotland. It is told by a variety of amazingly strongpeople, all of whom had a real role to play in managingthe effects of this collision, immediately after it hadoccurred – paramedics, police, firemen and nursesamongst them. The power of the way it is told grippedmy attention and I was teary eyed before I knew it.

I’m so focused on the stage, processing the story as itunfolds bit by bit. I know what’s coming, I saw it lastyear, but it doesn’t stop me feeling emotional and Isuspect there is a bit of the show for all viewers thathits a bit harder than the rest of it, either from personalexperience or just because you’re human.

“For me the toughest bit to watch is when a mother of a spinal injured person takes the stage. This isprobably because it’s very similar to the process myMum went through when I was the passenger in a RTC when I was 19, on Mother’s Day of all days. This mother comes out on stage and gives her versionof events around her daughter being a passenger in aRTC. Her part isn’t any less powerful than the mainfocus of the show. Hearing and seeing her tell her sideof things really hits home, as that was how it was formy Mum many years ago.

“The tears are worth it. It’s a show with such impact.I drive and sometimes I’m a passenger. The showimmediately makes an impact on some aspect of yourdriving. I’m not saying you’re a bad one when you gointo the show but you’ll be a more aware one when youcome out.

“I think it’s been good for SIS to have the opportunityto work with Safe Drive Stay Alive. Prevention andeducation on collisions on our roads is as importantas the peer support that we might be providing afterone.”

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Safe DriveStay Alive

This annual event deliversthought-provoking messagesto young drivers.

“I think it’s been good for SIS tohave the opportunity to workwith Safe Drive Stay Alive...”

Jim Marnell and Andy Nisbet

Steve Courtney, DJ,speaking to the pupilsbefore the show starts


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Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a trulyunique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son.The museum comprises the famous Burns Cottagewhere the poet was born, the historic landmarkswhere he set his greatest work, the elegantmonument and gardens created in his honour, and a modern museum housing the world’s most important collection of his life and works.

Occupying a striking stone, glass and timberstructure surrounded by stunning gardens, theRobert Burns Birthplace Museum celebrates the life of Scotland’s most cherished poet.

The main museum – a modern, spacious and barrier-free building – houses the world’s largestcollection of Burns’ manuscripts, along with many of the poet’s personal possessions, from his desk,chair and writing set through to his pistols andwaistcoat buttons. Listening posts play evocativerecordings of his most popular works, and there’seven a jukebox where you can select Burns songscategorised by styles such as ‘punk’, ‘tear-jerkers’ and ‘power ballads’.

Displays also give a flavour of Burns’ colourfulprivate life – a glance at his family tree reveals he’dfathered thirteen children by five different women by the time he died, aged 37.

Access to the main museum is good, starting withthe six disabled parking spaces near the front door,which is opened by a touch-pad control. Inside, thelarge reception desk is a good height for wheelchairusers and is fitted with an induction loop. There’s a large and spotless disabled toilet in the foyer, with another one at Burns Cottage. There are twowheelchairs available to borrow, and the museumis on one level throughout.

Outside, wheelchair users can easily navigatePoet’s Path through the lovely grounds to reach themodest Burns Cottage, where Burns was born in1759, though some of the neighbouring sites – whichfeature in the poet’s work – are less accessible, suchas the Auld Kirk (which has a few steps) and Brig o’Doon, which is cobbled. Museum staff will be happyto assist with any special access requirements tohelp all visitors get the most from their visit.

Days Out

DiscoverScotland’s Bard

For a’ that, an’ a’ that.Our toils obscure an’ a’ that,The rank is but the guinea’s stamp,The Man’s the gowd for a’ that A Man’s A Man For A’ That by Robert Burns

Photographs ©MarcinKlimek and the NationalTrust for Scotland

ADDRESS: Murdoch’s Lone, Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PQ Tel: 0844 4932601www.burnsmuseum.org.uk

HOURS: Daily 3 Jan-31 March, 10am-5pm 1 Apr-30 Sept, 10am-5.30pm 1 Oct-31 Dec, 10am-5pm

ENTRY:National Trust Scotland member Free;Adult £8.50; Concession £6.50; Family £21

Admission includes entry to exhibitions and Burns Cottage and is valid for 3 days.

SOME FACTS ABOUT ROBERT BURNS

• Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759

• He was born in the “auld cley biggin”that is now known as Burns Cottage

• Robert Burns died in 1796 aged just 37 years old

• The day of his birth is celebrated todaythroughout the world as Burns Night

• Burns’ song Is there for Honest Poverty waschosen to open the new Scottish Parliament

Sharm El SheikEgypt


14TravelBy Laura Torrance Level T6/7

My friendSharon and I wanteda week’s break tosomewhere warm inFebruary. We originallythought about Lanzarote orTenerife, as the Canariesare usually the warmerareas to go inwinter.Egypt was never a place I’d considered, as I’ve heard

it’s not the most wheelchair friendly, but Sharon isexcellent at researching hotels and finding out aboutaccess and facilities. She used a mixture ofTripAdvisor and a number of disabled accessibletravel websites to check the reviews and the exactfacilities available and we decided on Sharm El Sheikin Egypt.

We chose the Maritime Jolie Royal Peninsula Hotelas it offered a large spacious room with a wheel-inshower and access throughout the entire complex.All was great with the room and my travel agentasked if I needed a shower chair when I initiallybooked but I said no as I prefer to take my backrestand cushion off my own chair and use that. It usuallydries pretty quickly in the heat but there is risk of yourbearings and wheels rusting and seizing up, so makesure of good maintenance of the chair before andafter any holiday. They did put a plastic garden chairin the shower which I used for my towel andshampoo.

Flying from Glasgow was pretty straightforward.They had excellent wheelchair assistance at eitherend and couldn’t be more helpful. There was a bit of acommunication break down at Glasgow and we hadto wait at the gate for around 15/20 minutes whilsteveryone else had boarded. I needed the aisle chair toget onto the plane as I cannot walk and had explainedthis to them initially but they were great and veryapologetic and offered us a few free drinks on theplane which we happily accepted.

At Sharm El Sheik airport they were very helpful too.They have an accessible ambi-bus that comes rightup to the aircraft door and gets you back on to yourown wheelchair plus you and a companion to themain building safely and quickly. They helped find ourcases too. They, of course, have a different way over

there and asked for a tip quite abruptly which threw me slightly as he barely pushed me 50ft but apparently that’s just the norm there.

The hotel was huge with 319 rooms and 18bungalows. Apparently there are only a fewdesignated bungalows for wheelchair access. We actually asked if we could be moved to one closerto the reception as it was a good 15 minute push toget there from the room but I’m glad they couldn’tmove us in the end as we found out on our firstmorning that we were situated closer to the pool,buffet restaurant and bar area. Albeit another fiveminute push but it was mainly flat and if I struggled,Sharon would give me an extra push. If you neededanything from the reception you could just call fromyour room but there really wasn’t any need for us togo there apart from wi-fi access, which might be anissue for some.

Our hotel rep told us where to find things, mealtimes and offered a range of excursions.We, unfortunately, didn’t do any activities as we were quite apprehensive. Visiting pyramids and riding camels isn’t something I thought was possible, plus it was a 45 minute plane journey to Cairo andanother expense onto what was meant to be a cheapbreak away. There were options for snorkelling too,but the beaches we saw were down stairs along therock face and I didn’t see how I would be able tomanage safely. I think if there were a group of usI might have been more confident.

I’m not usually afraid to try new things within reasonbut as there is no proper access it would involvecarrying me in my chair and hoping for the best. The Egyptians are happy to help but my fear is if theyfall or slip whilst carrying me down some rocks toaccess the beach then that’s not my idea of fun!

Once we came home I actually spoke to anotherparaplegic woman who had tried diving and someother activities, so if I went back I would get heradvice on more accessible things to do and give it a go.

In the evenings we would all meet at reception at11.30 pm for the minibus to a different nightclubeach night. The minibus had a side opening door andwasn’t overly high, Sharon offered, along with theanimation team, to help get me in so that’s what wedid. We got to skip the queue at the clubs, and got atable located next to the toilets as the clubs werereally busy. They were all accessible but I didn’t findone disabled toilet in any of the clubs. It was thesame scenario as the hotel toilet, they were large butthe actual cubicles were a struggle. Again I wore myindwelling catheter and tried to be discreet inemptying it with the help of Sharon using her longblack cardigan as a shield.

We booked ourselves in to the spa on our first day,as it was raining, for a back, neck and shouldermassage and we were given a tour of the spa

facilities. There were a few stairs throughout to get todifferent areas but the guys had no problem lifting meand my chair down, and again in the treatment roomthe beds were far too high for me to transfer onto butSharon helped me on. At the end of my treatment thetherapist just picked me up and put me on my chair.She was a strong woman and only trying to be helpfulbut, I have to admit, I was a bit scared about puttingmy trust in a stranger, but I was given no time toprotest.

Overall the hotel food was good, the grounds werelovely and mainly all flat and accessible. I wouldrecommend this hotel if you can manage with thebasic facilities and are willing to push or be pushed.I didn’t look into additional aids and equipment butthat’s not to say they are not available.

Sharon and I are talking about going back in the nearfuture and this time with a few more people.Meeting up with the fantastic animation team again,as they really made it fun, and doing some more‘tourist things’ rather than just partying, althoughwe will always try and burn the candle at both ends.

Overall the hotel food was good,the grounds were lovely andmainly all flat and accessible.

Sharon and I are talking aboutgoing back in the near future andthis time with a few more people.

The Oil and Gas Quiz never fails to disappoint andthis year’s event was no exception. In addition to a fantastic meal in the fabulous setting of theMercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel, guests hadthe pleasure of the company of Her Royal HighnessThe Princess Royal and the opportunity to hear atruly inspirational talk from our guest speaker,wheelchair athlete Sammi Kinghorn.

The annual quiz is run simultaneously with theevent in London, run by Spinal Injuries Association.This year’s overall winners were again Chevron from Aberdeen with a score of 49 out of 70.Congratulations to the Chevron team.

With over 20 years under its belt, the eveningcontinues to be a highlight in the industry calendarfor the Oil and Gas sector. None of this would,however, be possible without the generous andcontinuing support of the main event sponsor,ConocoPhillips who, together with other contributorcompanies – Nexen Petroleum, Bond Helicopters,GDF Suez, CAN Offshore, Addax Petroleum and BG Group – ensured the evening went ahead and was well supported.

Charlie Richmond was again our expert compèrefor the evening, keeping us on track with our Londoncompetitors as we negotiated meal courses and quizrounds, ably assisted by Lynn Newborn and her teamof volunteers from ConocoPhillips.

Sammi Kinghorn took to the stage and shared herstory, giving diners an insight into her journey andamazing achievements thus far on the track and inher life. Everyone was encouraged to join her positiveoutlook for the future. Newsline profiled Sammi in a previous issue.

David Chenier, UK President, ConocoPhillips,highlighted what the evening had contributed to the cause of spinal injury over the last 20 years andits significance to the charity. All agreed when hecommended those who, in what is an increasinglychallenging time for the industry, continue to support the event.

Continued on page 18

Oil andGas Quiz2015


16Photographs ©Ken Taylor Photography

17

Guests had the pleasure of the company of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and theopportunity to hear a truly inspirational talk from ourguest speaker, wheelchair athlete Sammi Kinghorn.

Above: Abigail Urquhart and JackMarshall present flowers and a penmade by Ike Curran to Her RoyalHighness The Princess Royal.

Above, top: CharlieRichmond, compère.

Below: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, with David Chenier,UK President, ConocoPhilips and PaulWarwick, SIS Patron, on either side.

Above: Chevron,the winning team

Our thanks on the eveningwere voiced by MaureenMorrison, SIS Trustee.

18Oil and Gas Quiz 2015 Continued

Her Royal Highness eloquently explained the aimsand objectives of SIS. Having described our activitiesand the challenges faced by our members, togetherwith the vital role events such as the Oil and GasQuiz play in assisting us achieve our goals, ThePrincess Royal made it clear that we are ambitious todo more. That the charity wants and needs to evolveas it develops new services, reflecting the changingneeds of our members and the world in which theylive.

Fundraising continued throughout the evening, witha silent auction and balloon raffle and, of course, thehighlight of the fundraising activity, the raffle for theprize of a car. We are extremely grateful to everyonewho donated items, including a pendant donated byour patrons Chisholm Hunter Jewellers, an overnightstay at Trump MacLeod House and Lodge donated byTrump International Golf Links, a unique bowl createdby Ike Curran, one of our Trustees, signed celebritybottles of whisky from Edrington Distillers and manymore items donated by local and national businesses.

The lucky and delighted winner of the Fiat Pandathis year was Joe Farrell of ConocoPhillips.

The evening proved particularly poignant for oneguest – Lynn Newborn – as she leaves to start herwell-deserved retiral in Corfu. Lynn has proved a greatsupporter of SIS and the Oil and Gas Quiz over theyears and we wish her well in the future.

Our thanks on the evening were voiced by Maureen Morrison, SIS Trustee, acknowledging thecontribution by our guests, sponsors and the workand effort behind the scenes to deliver what was afantastic evening for all in great company and for agreat cause. It raised over £50,000 for SpinalInjuries Scotland.

All in all, a great night’s work and a huge thank youto everyone who makes the night possible. We lookforward to seeing you next year.

“Very often it’s not about what you think can beachieved, but what you can prove can be done”

HRH The Princess Royal

Below: Winner of the Fiat Panda, Joe Farrell, ConocoPhilips (far right).

Above: Maureen Morrison, SIS Trustee

Photographs ©Ken Taylor Photography


19

“Very often it’s not about what you think can be achieved, but what you can prove can be done”HRH The Princess Royal

Above, top (L-R): Lynn Newborn and Glynis Odlin Above: Auction and raffle prizes

Below, Back Row: Roderick Kinghorn;Calum Murray; Rosemarie Boyle; IanMirfin, Para Events Lead, ScottishAthletics; Charlie Richmond

Below, Front Row – Isaac Curran; CarolineCurran; Mrs Celia Innes, Lady in Waiting;Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire CarolKinghorn; Samantha Kinghorn

Clober Farm


“As soon as we walked inwe could see how muchwork has gone into CloberFarm, everything has beenconsidered. We willdefinitely be back.”

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Clober Farm is in an ideal location, being seven milesfrom Glasgow city centre and is situated close to theWest Highland Way, Loch Lomond and the TrossachsNational Park, and has some great local facilities. We have welcomed a number of guests for varyingperiods, including long term, short breaks, weekendsand overnights stays. Feedback has been very positivewith all of our guests saying that they would definitelyreturn.

The accommodation has level access throughout,sleeps 5/6 and comprises an adaptable fully equippedkitchen, two double bedrooms, one with heightadjustable profiling bed with air mattress, tracking hoistand ensuite wetroom with shower chairs, and a singlebedroom, plus a separate modern accessible bathroom.It also has an accessible garden complete with patioarea and raised beds, and private parking.

Jacqui and Tony Steeple have had several stays atClober Farm: “When Tony was admitted to the QueenElizabeth Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow, we were verykindly given the opportunity to rent Clober Farm throughSIS. Being far away from home and with a newborn baby,we were very grateful to have such a great facility for us tobe together as a family. During Tony’s eight month stay atthe spinal unit, he stayed at the house for every weekendpass. The house is well equipped for anyone with a spinal

injury. After discharge from hospital and back home toOrkney, we have since returned to stay at Clober Farmfor hospital appointments, concerts and a weekend break.It’s the comfort of knowing everything you need is providedwhich can be an anxious time for anyone with a spinalinjury. We would definitely recommend the house and welook forward to our return visit later this year.”

Elizabeth Ferris, Chairperson of Scotland WheelchairRugby League: “I used Clober Farm for an overnight staywhen travelling down from Dundee to a Rugby match atScotstoun. It was an absolutely fantastic experience andmy only regret was not booking a few more days so as toreally enjoy the house! It’s so reasonably priced comparedto a hotel or B&B, and you know exactly what you’regetting; there’s no worry about which definition of’accessible’ has been used when describing the facilities,everything has been thought about with contemporary,independent living at its core.

“The house doesn’t feel like a hospital, it’s a beautifullypeaceful space that just happens to cater for every need of those with SCI. If you have reason to stay over nearGlasgow for a night it’s a no-brainer - book it!"

The next time you are planning a break or overnightstay near Glasgow contact the SIS office to checkavailability – as Elizabeth says it’s a no-brainer!

“What a fantastichome from home – we had a great time.”

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“A wonderful facility, crammed with fantastic equipment. Certainly the best accommodationin Scotland for disabled people.”

“I came to Glasgow for a concert withfriends and stayed in a hotel – I can’tbelieve I didn’t think about CloberFarm. It would have been less thanhalf the price of the hotel rooms. I will definitely book Clober Farmfor my next visit to Glasgow.”

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Cameron Halsall, a school teacher, is currently inthe Spinal Unit and he and his family, friends andcolleagues and pupils at Montrose Academy havebeen fundraising for Spinal Injuries Scotland.Cameron says: “I was in a very serious car accident inSeptember 2014 that resulted in multiple fractures tomy back, neck and spine and significant damage to myspinal cord.

“Having been touched by spinal injury personally, and benefiting from the amazing work of SpinalInjuries Scotland, who visit the spinal unit every weekand provide myself and my relatives with support tohelp me come to terms with my injuries, I think thisis a really good cause. It also helps me feel like the 12 weeks of enforced bed rest and months inrehabilitation won’t be for nothing.”

Cameron set up a Just Giving page with an initialtarget of £1000 which was very quickly exceededand is currently sitting at £4120.89, resulting in itbeing in the top 1% of Just Giving earners in 2014.

As well as the donations made to the Just Givingpage, there has been a variety of fundraising activitytaking place.

Fourteen year old Jack Dunn, a former pupil ofCameron’s, had his head shaved and raised £600through sponsorship and donations, the money beingsplit equally between Spinal Injuries Scotland and

Cancer Research UK. Jack wanted to do something“to help and support a fantastic teacher and a lovelyman”. Cameron said “Young Jack made me veryproud. I used to take the mickey out of his hair, I’mtouched by his tribute”.

Cameron’s friend, Lisa Marie, organised a dress downday at her work, law firm Pinsent Masons, and raised£338.92.

Other activities included a school’s Young Enterpriseproject selling bags, a baroque ensemble Christmasconcert organised by Beth Wylie, another dressdown day, a pupil’s parent organised a charity eventat her work, and a whip round by senior pupils atMontrose Academy.

A former pupil, Codie Petrie, plans to do a 5k for 50 days challenge and donate half of the proceedsto SIS, and Cameron’s cousin, Julia MacFarlane, will be running the Edinburgh Marathon.

To date Cameron and his supporters have raisedover £5000 for Spinal Injuries Scotland and we are extremely grateful to them all. The fundraisingis ongoing, with Cameron himself planning tofundraise as he gets further on in his recovery. He also writes a blog to raise awareness of spinalinjury.

We will update you on Cameron’s progress andfundraising in future editions of Newsline.

Hair Raiser!

“Young Jack made me very proud. I used totake the mickey out of his hair, I’m touchedby his tribute”. Cameron Halsall

Jack BeforeJack After

Above: Cameron Halsall

Fundraising

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This regular column is where your legal questions will be answered by our resident Legal Eagle. Please be aware thatit is not possible to answer your queries directly. If you want a personal reply please use the SIS advice line. Pleaseraise any legal queries you have either by e-mail to [email protected], tel 0800 0132 305 or fax to 0141 427 9258.

Legal Eagle


Q. A few years ago, my (elderly) mother’s solicitorarranged for my mother to grant Power of Attorney to me and my sister. I understand that there is a provision in that Power ofAttorney so that, if my mum could no longer make decisions forherself, then my sister and I could make decisions for her. This pastyear, my mother has developed dementia and I am certain we havereached a stage where she can’t make decisions for herself. Hermemory is so poor. However, I heard from my friend who works fora bank that these Powers of Attorney may not be valid any moreand we might not be able to use the Power of Attorney to operatemum’s bank accounts or pay her bills for her. Can you tell me if thisis true? They refuse to pay anything to us. Can this be right?

Siobhan, East Kilbride

Q. My parents are now in their 70s and my dad’s health hasdeteriorated over the last few months. He has developed severedementia. The social work department has become involved and, at our last meeting with the social worker, it was agreed that my dad would have to go into a care home. My mum just can’t cope with looking after him on her own. But my mum is beside herself with worry that she will be forced to sell their home to pay for dad’scare home fees. Can you tell me if she will have to sell their house?

Alex, Carnoustie

A. The Charging for Residential AccommodationGuidelines (CRAG) which can be found on the ScottishGovernment website will provide the answers to questionsyou have about charges for residential care. For the situationyou describe, you should consider section 7.003, whichconfirms that where a resident no longer occupies a house, its value should be disregarded where it is occupied in full or in part by:

• the resident’s partner or former partner (except where the resident is estranged or divorced from their formerpartner)

• a lone parent who is the resident’s estranged or divorcedpartner

• a relative of the resident, or a member of their family who:- is aged 60 or over, or- is aged under 16 and is a child whom the

resident is liable to maintain, or- is incapacitated

Section 7.007 also confirms that where the local authorityconsiders it reasonable to do so, they can disregard the valueof the house in which a third party continues to live. Localauthorities will have to balance the use of this discretion with the need to ensure that residents with assets are notmaintained at public expense. It may be reasonable, forexample, to disregard a dwelling where it is the sole residenceof someone who has given up their own home in order to carefor the resident, or someone who is an elderly companion ofthe resident, particularly if they have given up their own home.

Q. I was badly injured in an accident when I was helping out my friend whoowns a caravan park. He needed to move a couple of caravans on to new plots.My pal owns a tractor which he uses for work around the caravan park. He wasusing his tractor to tow the caravans to their new plots. I was standing on a plot,shouting directions to my pal who was driving the tractor, so that he could guidethe caravan into place. My pal reversed too quickly and I was hit and knockedover by the tractor. Because of my injury, I doubt I’ll be able to go back to my jobas a plumber. My pal feels terrible about the accident and has made enquirieswith his insurers to find out if I can make a claim against his insurance policy.However, the insurance company say that, because I wasn’t an employee andonly helping him guide the caravans into place, I can’t make a claim. Can you tell me if this is right enough?

Jack, Inverness

A. It sounds like your friend has enquired with his Employer LiabilityInsurer about a possible claim. The policy will protect only employees of yourfriend’s business and will not extend to people who are “doing a favour” foryour friend. However, if your friend has motor insurance over his tractor, youmay be able to make a claim against the motor insurers. The law has changedquite drastically recently so that it may well be possible to bring a claim againsta motor insurer when the accident has not happened on a public road but onprivate land. In addition, it may also be possible to make a claim against themotor insurers even when the tractor was not being used simply to transportsomeone, but was being used as a piece of machinery to tow the caravan intoplace. The European Court of Justice issued a decision last year (Vnuk vZavarovalnica Triglav) which concerned a Slovenian national who was injuredwhen a tractor with a trailer attached reversed in the courtyard of a farm. The trailer struck a ladder, which caused a man to fall from the ladder andsuffer injury. In that case the European Court of Justice decided that therequirement for compulsory third party motor insurance must extend to cover:

• any motor vehicle;

• any use of that motor vehicle (provided that use is a normal function ofthat vehicle); and

• anywhere in the Member State

You should ask your friend if he has a policy of motor insurance for the tractor.If he has motor insurance for the tractor, you should make a claim with thatinsurance company. If he does not have insurance for the tractor, you may stillbe able to make a claim to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which is a body thatcompensates victims of negligent, uninsured motorists.

A. Last year, some doubt had been created regarding the validity of thousands of Continuing Powers of Attorney. A Continuing Power ofAttorney is a power over the granter’s property or financial affairs whichis intended to continue, or to start, to have effect once the granterbecomes incapable of making decisions on their own. The uncertaintyarose following a judgement issued by Glasgow Sheriff Court whichstated that the wording of a Power of Attorney (which is the samewording that has been used in thousands of other Powers of Attorney)did not comply with the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.However, the Inner House of the Court of Session (which is the highestcivil court in Scotland) has issued a judgment in December 2014 whichconfirmed that the wording did indeed meet the requirements of the2000 Act.

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What is Carer’s Allowance?Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers. It is paidat £61.35 a week (2014/15 rate). You do not have to havepaid National Insurance contributions to qualify forCarer’s Allowance. It is not a means tested benefit basedon you and your partner’s income and savings. However,there is a limit on how much you can earn and still beentitled to claim Carers Allowance.

Carer’s Allowance is taxable. However, carers will onlyhave to pay tax if they have other sources of taxableincome such as an occupational pension or earnings.Carer’s Allowance on its own is below the threshold forpaying tax.

Who can claim Carer’s Allowance?Not every carer can get Carer’s Allowance. You may beeligible if you meet all the following conditions:

• You look after someone who gets a qualifying disabilitybenefit such as Disability Living Allowance (middle or high rate), Personal Independence Payment(Daily Living component), Attendance Allowanceor Constant Attendance Allowance

• You look after that person for at least 35 hours a week

• You are aged 16 or over

• You are not in full-time education

• You earn £102 a week (after deductions) or less

• You satisfy UK residence and presence conditions

If you meet the above conditions but already receivecertain earnings replacement benefits (including State Retirement Pension), then the amount of Carer’sAllowance you may be entitled to will be affected.

Protecting your National Insurance recordYour National Insurance record is used to work out yourentitlement to some state benefits, eg State RetirementPension or contribution based Employment and SupportAllowance. If you have to take a break from working to look after someone you may be worried about what willhappen to your National Insurance record and any futurepension. When you receive Carer’s Allowance you areautomatically awarded a National Insurance credit whichwill protect your record. Credits can also count towardsBereavement Benefits for your spouse or civil partner.

Carers who do not receive Carer’s Allowance need to claim the Carer’s Credit by contacting the Carer’sAllowance Unit.

If you get Carer’s Allowance you do not need to claimCarer’s Credit as your pension is already protected.

How do I make a claim?You claim Carer’s Allowance by applying to the Carer’sAllowance Unit of the Department of Work and Pensions:

• Visit www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claimif you want to apply online or download a claim form

• Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit on 0345 608 4321(text phone 0345 604 5312) to request a claim pack

When to claimIf you claim Carer’s Allowance within three months of the person you care for getting a decision about theirDisability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance(AA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’sAllowance will be paid from the date these benefits were awarded (as long as you meet the conditions for the whole period).

If your claim is made after this you should tell DWP onyour claim form if you want your claim to be backdated.Claims can only be backdated three months and you musthave met all of the conditions for the whole period.

Carer PremiumIf you qualify for Carer’s Allowance and you are receivinga means tested benefit you will be entitled to a carerpremium added to that benefit. (If you are receivingPension Credit this premium is called a Carer Additionand in Universal Credit it is called a Carer Element). To claim this premium you should tell the departmentpaying your benefit that you have been awarded Carer’sAllowance. If you cannot receive Carer’s Allowancebecause you already have another earnings replacementbenefit you will be told you have ‘underlying entitlement’to Carer’s Allowance. This ‘underlying entitlement’ alsoqualifies you for a carer premium.

Jacqueline LangeWelfare Rights AdviserDigby Brown Solicitors

Carer’sAllowance

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Having faced the trials and tribulations of a spinalinjury, I am aware first hand of the dilemmas,emotions, feelings and behavioral changes that aperson undergoes after their accident.

My road traffic accident resulted in cervical neckfractures at C4, C5 and C6 level with paralysis in mylimbs. I went through a phase of denial and was initiallymuddled and confused because so much was goingthrough my mind which did not make sense. Why didthe accident happen? Why did I receive such severeinjuries whereas others escaped unharmed? How willI care for my family and look after myself?

Having led a successful international career, it wasdifficult for me to accept what I was experiencingphysically and mentally. I had to rely on others to assist me with everything and became resentful,remembering who I was before and doctors wereunable to explain to me the likelihood of recovery. This was a very frustrating aspect and it is only later onwhen I undertook more research that I realised that theoutcome of spinal injuries is so diverse that it is difficultfor medical professionals to advise the exact level ofimprovement during rehabilitation.

Whilst in the spinal injury specialist unit, I noticed thateach person had a different way of dealing with andexpressing their feelings. This was often related to the kind of lifestyle they led before their accident andthe impact it had made to their future mobility andindependence. Some patients would be very expressiveabout their worries and concerns, whilst others choseto remain silent and somehow deal with their problemsfrom within. There were others whose anger andfrustration was self-evident.

Just before I was discharged, it started to dawn on methat I would leave the comfort zone of the spinal unitand would have to deal with the outside world. Thiswas daunting and, arriving home, I felt lonely, scaredand alone, although surrounded by people. My weak

and frail body was hard to handle as far as mobility andmovement was concerned and suddenly I felt that myloved ones in my eyes looked like my carers and not myfamily members. I also felt that everyone was getting onwith their lives, whereas I was stuck in the same placesince my accident. At home the thinking processaccelerated and there were days I had no control overmy mind which resulted in mixed emotions, anger andfrustration pouring out. My family took the brunt of myemotions and it was difficult for them to know how toassist me or support me emotionally in case I took theirsupport in the wrong context.

I had to somehow restore my self-determination andpositive mindset. It did not mean that all the problems,worries and medical issues had vanished, but I knewthat I had to move forward and deal with my affairs withminimum assistance or input from others. Remainingstrong and positive is not a simple and easy task. Itrequired a realisation that the only person that couldhelp me was myself. I accepted that it was OK to feeldown or upset sometimes but also to acknowledge thatI will get through this phase of my life.

Over a year has passed since my accident and I havegood days when I feel on top of the world and there aredays when I feel lost and in a bubble which I cannotpenetrate. I have learnt to accept my feelings, setpositive goals for myself and work towards improvingmentally and physically.

Acceptance of the situation assists in the healingprocess and it allows the mind to know that what hashappened has happened and as a person I cannot do anything to change it and physically it allows the body to set a benchmark for rehabilitation and futuretreatment. In my case, I have been very fortunate tostart walking again, considering I was a quadriplegic,however to the outsider I look normal whereas I am stillaware of all my medical and emotional problems.

Facing Feelingsand Emotions

By Mohammed Sohail

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In January 2011 I sustained a Spinal Cord Injury afterthe removal of a tumour on my spinal cord. I quicklyrealised I had two choices… Give up – get angry andupset about the situation or Get On.

I chose to get on with my life, and put a smile back on my face, taking every opportunity given to me. I can honestly say the past 12 months havecompletely surpassed any expectations I had and I’menjoying my new life as a wheelie and supposedly ‘elite’athlete.

I’ll never forget that day four years ago when I woke upfrom a long operation unable to move – it was prettyscary, as were the next long and hard six months spentin the QENSIU. I soon realised that life doesn’t endwhen you’re in a wheelchair. It didn’t and doesn’t. As long as you have a positive attitude, and arepassionate about something, which for me was sport.Nobody can say they want to be in hospital for sixmonths but I know it’s an amazing place. In particular,I lived for the Wednesday afternoon sports sessions.I was able to try every sport you could think of, andwasn’t great at most but I loved every one of them and, in particular, was hooked on wheelchair rugby. I just loved the speed, the aggression and the fullcontact. For the first time I didn’t feel I had to bewrapped up in cotton wool – sport could be excitingagain.

I enjoyed playing rugby for the first couple of yearsafter I left hospital and loved every second. But at the beginning of 2014 I was given a different sportingopportunity, which has taken sport from a fun pastime,to a full time career. I was asked to try out for a fasttrack programme with British Athletics calledGirls4Gold. I didn’t really know what I was getting into– I just had this niggle inside me saying I had to giveit a try. After being tested, prodded and examinedI was accepted onto the programme and was instantlycatapulted into this new world of elite sport. I was givena full time training programme, expert coaches and Ientered into a season of competitions as a seatedthrower of Club and Discus.

Before February last year I had never seen a Clubbefore and I had never tried to throw a discus so Ireally was starting from the bottom but, as they say,the only way is up. I trained hard, at least six days aweek, learning this new sport and after entering my first competition it became clear I could be pretty good.That in itself is an amazing motivation. With thesupport around me, particularly from my two coaches(Shona Malcolm and Phil Peat) I was going fromstrength to strength and soon became number 1 inBritain in both Club and Discus. The major goal of 2014was the European championships in August. I knew toachieve selection in such a short space of time wouldbe a massive challenge but I believed I could do it.

Continued on page 26

By Joanna Butterfield

“Never Let anOpportunityPass You By.” Leaving Lossiemouth

Joanna Butterfield Continued

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The day I got the call to tell me I had made the cut for the team will stay with me forever. I didn’t believethem at first. Then the kit arrived and in my hand I washolding a GB vest. Proud doesn’t even come close tohow I felt. Then competing at the championships andwinning the Gold medal with a new European recordwas beyond what I had expected. An amazing year hadended perfectly but inside I knew this was just thebeginning.

The focus for 2015 is to gain selection for the WorldChampionships in Doha in October with one eyealways looking forward to the big one in Rio in 2016.In truth, I still struggle with the phrase ‘elite athlete’,in my head it conjures up some kind of super human.I don’t feel like a super human, I’m just me, but I’ve beenoffered an amazing opportunity. I know I can go far inthis sport with the support I have and I’m so thankful toeveryone who is helping me along the way – l couldn’tdo it without them.

So life after spinal cord injury… Definitely! And not just because of this great sporting success. Today, I’mable to appreciate small successes. I’m a much morethankful person now than I ever was for every little thingthat I can do. I have no fear, I’ve been through a spinalinjury and I’m all right so I kind of feel nothing can touchme now.

ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR...

2014 English Senior Disability Champion F51 Club and Discus

2014 Scottish Senior Disability Champion F51 Club and Discus

2014 IPC Grand Prix Final Champion F51/F32 Club

2014 IPC European Champion F51/F32 Club

Feb 2015 New European record for F51 Club

Feb 2015 New European and World record for F51 Discus

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On 30 May SIS supporter Phil Thornley will besetting off to cycle 1,050 miles from John O‘Groat’sto Lands’ End, fundraising on behalf of both SpinalInjuries Scotland and Spinal Research UK.

In September 2013, Phil’s wife Nikki suffered lifechanging spinal injuries (T4) after coming off hermotorcycle at the start of a European road trip. Nikki remained at the National Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow for 12 months, initially being treated forher life threatening injuries and then focusing onrehabilitation, before returning home in September2014.

Phil completed the London Marathon in 2014 and the Etape Caledonia, cycling 82 miles in thePerthshire Hills fundraising for Spinal Research UK,whilst friends Colin Murray and Mike Muircompleted the Mongol Rally on behalf of SIS.

Phil was asked by Nikki’s friends, family and workcolleagues if there was something that they couldalso do to help and raise awareness of just howspinal injuries affect individuals and their families.The idea for JOGLE4jinx was born – JOGLE meaning John O’Groat’s–Land’s End and Jinx isNikki’s nickname – and planning and training is now well underway.

Phil and his team of 14 riders from across the UK are made up of complete novices to former semi-professional riders, former colleagues and friendswho wanted to take part out of respect for Nikki’sdrive and determination to not let her injury affecther positive outlook on life.

The 2014 Mongol Rally team is reuniting, as Colinis part of the cycle team, whilst Mike will use hisskills and experience of the rally to drive the supportvehicle.

The team aims to take ten days to complete thejourney, assembling in Wick a few days before thestart to prepare for the more arduous journey southand into the predominant south-westerly headwinds. A pub quiz is planned for 5 June at Portisheadnear Bristol, where Nikki will greet the team on their arrival, and we hope to raise further cash and celebrate the team for making it that far with a pasta party, before setting off the following day tocomplete the remaining three days to Lands’ End.

All being well, the team aims to reach its destinationaround lunchtime on Monday 8 June 2015.

The team is made up of Darren Higgs, HardyHussain, Chris Kedward, Sarah McElroy, LaurieMorgan, Colin Murray, Trevor Radnedge, Ken Read,Lee Stefano, Mark Stickley, Alan Thomson, PhilThornley, and Leslie Wallace (Physio at QESIU).Helping with the driving and admin are Mike Muir,Den Shay and Andrea Hannah. To track their dailyprogress, visit the team website athttp://jogle4jinx.wix.com/ride

If you would like to sponsor the team, please visithttps://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jogle4jinx

If you have friends, contacts or associates that maybe able to provide support in the form of bike sparesor food, then all donations will be very gratefullyreceived!

Fundraisingby Phil Thornley

Jogle4Jinx

Some of the team in training,from l-r: Darren Higgs, PhilThornley and Colin Murray

Thank You


28

Thanks to all of thosewho have been fundraising

in the past few months. Hereare just a few stories aboutthese efforts and we cannotthank you enough.

Fundraising & Donations

Sincere thanks to Karen Darke,Paralympic silver medalist andmember of the British Cycling GBSquad, and to the Royal Collegeof Physicians for the donation of£2565 – Karen gave a lecture tothe college and the money wasraised through donations, a raffleand an auction.

Many thanks to the Lynda TurnerSchool of Dancing for the £105raised at their Halloween fundraiser.Thanks also to Lynda for sellingChristmas cards on our behalf,raising over £400. We reallyappreciate all the effort made by Lynda and her dancers.

<<

Thank you for thedonation of £250from the ThursdayBingo Club at theLadies Vale ofLeven BowlingClub.

Thank you to Drummond MillerSolicitors for the donations theyhave sent – we really appreciatetheir continued support.

<

<

Many thanks to Kimberley Bassford fromKettering, Northants and Paul Higginsonfrom Dundee for the donation of £50. Paul didsome work on Kimberley’s house plans andrequested a donation to SIS in lieu of payment.

Thank you to

everyone involved

in the craft fair held

at Ardrossan Branch

Library which raised

£224.44 for SIS.

Not to be outdone by his neighbours on each side – theDuncanson and Byrne families got soaked in the ice bucketchallenge to raise funds for SIS – Gary Bridges of Allantondecided to get in on the act. He and fellow Shure Thingband members Billy, Scott, Des and Gordon raised £169bringing in 2015 in style at Allanton Miners’ Club – andhave offered their services for another fundraiser this year.Thanks to all the guys, a great night was had by all.

Thank you to Anya-Foxworthy Bowers ofBoroughmuir High School who undertooka 10k run as part of her S4 Religious,Moral and Philosophical Studies Value inAction Course and raised £40, which shevery considerately donated to SIS.

Thank you also to Emma Scott of Miltonof Campsie who participated in theTenner Competition for school, sellingbags of sweets. She raised £50 and kindly chose to donate the money to SIS becauseof the work that we do helping people who have sustained a spinal injury.

Thank You...>>

Sincere thanks toShirley Anne Cowdenfor the donation shemade in grateful thanks forthe care given to her friendMay in the Spinal Unit.

29

Many thanks to Neil Thomson for hisdonation and to Mrs Davie, Gordon Fraser andKathleen and John Neville for their donationsand continued support which is very muchappreciated.

We have received a number of donationscollected at the funerals of SIS members andfriends and we are very grateful to the families forthinking of us and offer our sincere condolences.Nicola Laurensen is raising money in memory ofher father Alexander Stephen. As well as donating£400 collected at Alexander’s funeral, Nicola isundertaking a number of cycling events this year.Previous fundraising by Nicola helped us start upthe art workshops currently being run in the SpinalUnit, due to the enjoyment that Alexander gotfrom participating in an art session whilst in theUnit. Many thanks to Nicola and her family for thecontinued support.

On the subject of Ice Bucket

Challenges, in the last issue of

Newsline we reported that over

£300 was raised – we have since

discovered that the figure was

actually over £1000 and we

are extremely grateful to

everyone who took part

on our behalf. <

Many thanks toSt Cadoc’s ChurchBridge Café, NewtonMearns for thedonation of £100.

30

Holiday Classifieds from SIA’s forward magazine

HOLIDAY PROPERTY FOR SALE

LAKE DISTRICT, WINDERMERETimber lodge in a 4-star park on the shores of Lake Windermere. 40ft x 20ft timber clad throughout.Includes all fixtures and fittings, including furniture, bed linen and beds etc. 42 years left to run on lease. Hire income usually pays the ground rent. Sleeps four in comfort, fully wheelchair accessible, wet room andfamily bathroom. View at www.timber-lodge.co.uk Email: [email protected]: 01423 323 123

VILLA CARPE DIEM, CYPRUSSpacious wheelchair-friendly private villa surrounded by lovely gardens with large in-ground pool (and hoist).Four bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 with wheel-in showerincluding shower chair. Level access throughout. Ample parking space, wheelchair accessible vehicle.Electric profiling bed with Easytrac hoist. Care availablefrom local agency. Well equipped kitchen, wifi and more.3km to the beach. Call Andy 00 357 999 68418 oremail [email protected]

ACCESSIBLE WORLDWIDE TRAVEL AGENT

Let me arrange all of your accessible UK, European andworldwide holiday and travel needs. 30 years’ experiencein travel and 24 years as SCI. Fully bonded and completefinancial security. Call me on 01452 742 101 or visitwww.travelcounsellors.co.uk/richard.thompson

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

FRANCEMAYENNE18th century stone property with four bedrooms and a three-acre private lake for fishing. Wheelchairaccessible, with ground-floor bedroom and ensuite wet room. www.francefishingholiday.co.uk or telephone Darren C6/7 on 01405 816 750

COLLIOURE, SOUTH OF FRANCEGround-floor, two bedroom apartment, sleeps four/six.Level access throughout. Designed specifically for people with spinal cord injury. Ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, full heating. Height-adjustable beds,pressure-relieving mattresses. Separate upstairsapartment available for family or friends.www.origincare.co.uk click on L’Origine or call Nathalie on 00 33 632 56 61 75

PROVENCEDetached single-storey villa adapted for wheelchair user.Owner T3 paraplegic. Private gardens, pool and secureparking. Sleeps four in two bedrooms. One with wheel-inwet room, shower and shower chair, the other with bathand shower. 10-minute walk from the shops at Lorguesand a 45-minute drive from the coast.www.accessvilladelorgues.co.uk Contact Geoffrey Croasdale. Tel: 01753 850 564 Email: [email protected]


SPAINACCESSIBLE ANDALUCIADiscover beautiful unspoilt Andalucía. Stylish accommodation offering the very highest level of accessibility. Wheelchair accessible transfers andtransport. Mobility aids and care available.

LAS PIEDRAS RURAL HOTEL, in a stunning mountainsetting, heated pool with hoist, or,

EL PLEAMAR APARTMENT, right on the Mediterranean,pool with hoist.

Contact Hannah or Adrian for a brochure or information. Tel: 029 212 54321. Email: [email protected]

ALCOSSEBRESuperior, front line two bedroom apartment with ensuitelevel access shower. Modern low rise complex,beautifully kept gardens, swimming pools. Large terraceoverlooking beach. Wheelchair accessible throughout.Level access to bars and restaurants. Secure parking. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01228 561 219

COSTA BLANCA, JAVEASpacious, fully-equipped, luxury, five-bedroom villa,sleeps 10. Three bathrooms (two ensuite, one with roll-in shower). Flat plot, fully accessible gardens.12m x 6m pool with hoist. Sky TV. 2.5km to beach. Vehicle required. Contact John Kenny 07721 336 [email protected]



SPAINCOSTA BLANCA, JAVEALovely wheelchair friendly villa set in large colourfulgardens on level, gated plot. Well equipped, three beds,two baths, master bed with large ensuite bathroom and wheel-in shower (chair provided). Cable TV withSky and English channels, DVD player plus DVD library, free broadband internet access. Wheelchair-friendlygardens, 10mx5m pool with easy-to-use water-poweredpool lift and full-size outdoor tennis table. T1 paraplegicowner. Contact Norman or Sue. Tel: 01900 67280 Mobile: 07818 406 861 Email: [email protected]

COSTA BLANCA, TORREVIEJAEstablished, detached family villa with lovely gardens in sunny Torrevieja on the Spanish Costa Blanca. Hugewheel-in swimming pool. Custom built for C5 owner.Close to beach and all amenities. Airport 20-mins.Converted vehicle also available to hire. For details 01262 676 015, www.disabledvilla.com

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATIONPORTUGALALGARVE

Your home from home in the sun including accessibletransport and airport transfers. Owned by C4 tetraplegic,20-minutes from Faro airport with stunning views andprivacy. Three twin bedrooms, two with wheel-in showers.Pool with hoist heated to 25ºC. Inclusive accessible vans &airport transfers, electric up and down bed, electric indoorhoist, shower/commode chairs etc. Not to be missed. See full details on our comprehensive website.Tel: 00351 289 414 687. Email: [email protected] www.ouricodomar.com

ALGARVESpacious private villa with pool and hoist. Three bed, two bath with wheel-in shower. Shower chair provided.Well-equipped kitchen. Two barbecues. All doors one-metre wide. Level access throughout villa and pool area.Paraplegic owner. Debbie Wells. Tel: 01277 354 313

ALAMANCIL, ALGARVEOutstanding, fully-accessible luxury private villa set inbeautiful countryside. Three bedrooms, all ensuite withwheel-in showers. Private pool with hoist. Comfortablelounge/dining rooms and well-equipped kitchen. All you could wish for in a holiday home and so much more!To contact us call 01530 833 690 or www.villas-algarve.co.uk

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

CYPRUSPOLISThree-bed accessible bungalow/villa. Private pool withwide steps and handrails. Ramp access throughout villa andgrounds. Walking/pushing distance from shops, village andbeach (with beach buggy/wheelchair available in summerholidays). Wheel-in wet room with wall-mounted showerseat. Self-propelling shower chair available. Accessible hoband sink in kitchen. Owned and designed by SCI person.Email Emily at [email protected]


AMERICAORLANDO, FLORIDALuxury, four bedroom, four bathroom villa with its ownprivate pool, set in a small and exclusive private gatedcommunity, close to all amenities. Very spacious, levelaccess throughout and fully wheelchair accessible. The rear of 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 573 233 or visit www.accessiblefloridavillas.com

ORANGE TREE, ORLANDO, FLORIDAFive bed/four bath, purpose-built wheelchair accessible villa overlooking lake and conservation area. Level access throughout. Wheel-in shower and showerchair. Non-chlorine x-large pool with spa, both accessibleby hoist. Free Wi-Fi, sleeps 12, short drive to attractions and amenities. Paraplegic owner.www.ayersfloridavillas.com Email: [email protected]


ENGLANDHEREFORDSelf-catering accessible holiday cottage with wet room. 1 double bedroom (+ sofa bed in lounge). Internal connecting door to adjacent cottage whichsleeps 6. Property can be booked as one large house to sleep 8. [email protected]. Tel: 07890 921 686

CORNWALL, TWO-BED ACCESSIBLE BUNGALOWClose to Portreath Beach and Tehidy Woods. Owned byC8/T12 tetraplegic. Master bedroom with ensuite wetroom plus twin-bedded room, family bathroom, fittedkitchen and Wi-Fi. Open all year. To book visitwww.cornishholiday.com or Tel: 01527 837 683

31

Holiday Classifieds (continued)

32

Holiday Classifieds (continued)


ENGLANDTREWORGANS FARM HOLIDAYS, MID CORNWALLNewly converted barns (sleep four & six) that arewheelchair accessible. All bedrooms have ensuitefacilities – each property has one level-access wet room.Adapted kitchens. Accessible decked patio areas.Detached. Ample parking areas. Four-section electricprofiling bed, air mattress and 160kg electric hoistsavailable. Rise/recline chairs. Care available from localagency. Exposed beams, wood burner. Ideal location for exploring the whole county.Tel: 01726 883 240 or 07762 173 860.www.treworgansfarm.co.uk

DISABLED HOLIDAYS AT HOMEC4/5 quadriplegic owner. I have spent years looking foraccessible holidays without the price tag. So, I did themmyself! I have adapted chalets in England, close to beachand dog-friendly. Mablethorpe, Tunstall near Withernsea(open 11 months). Both with wet rooms. Shower chair,electric beds and manual hoist provided. Please visitwebsite for more details www.disabledapartment.comEmail: [email protected]. Catch me on Facebookor telephone Darren on 0751 554 1300

TODSWORTHY FARM HOLIDAYS, CORNWALL18th Century Cornish stone and slate cottages on a working farm fully adapted for wheelchair users andtheir families. Superb rural location. Set in an area ofoutstanding natural beauty. Two cottages, both threebedrooms, sleeping up to six. Perfect for touring Devonand Cornwall. Open all year. Tel: 01822 834 744 Visit: www.todsworthyfarmholidays.co.uk

CHRISTCHURCH, DORSETSelf-catering bungalow, sleeps up to six. Ceiling hoists in bedroom and bathroom, wheel-in shower, clos-o-matloo, low-level kitchen. Contact: 01202 481 597 Email: [email protected]. www.31aha.co.uk

ABNEY, DERBYSHIRERoom for all Seasons, fully adapted, luxury, self-cateringproperty in the heart of the Peak District National Park.Wheelchair accessible, hoist available. Sleeps three.www.laneendfarmtrust.co.uk.Tel: Viv for leaflet or more information 01433 650 043

RATCLIFFE DISABLED HOLIDAYSC5 quadriplegic owner. Overhead electric hoists. Electrichi-lo beds. Wheel-in showers. House flats sleep six-10.Open all year. Heysham on Morecambe Bay. Superb seaand mountain view. Access to five-mile promenade.Caravans on Haven Parks in Southern Lake District and at Filey near Scarborough.www.theukweb.com/disabled holidays or phone for more information Allan or Jan 01274 588 142

VOSE FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES, MID CORNWALLTwo purpose-built, single-storey stone cottages (sleep6). Open views. Level access inside and out. Wheelchairaccessible. Private gardens, patio, BBQ and parking.Master bedroom with ensuite wet room. Two twinbedrooms and large bathroom. Fully fitted kitchen.Televisions in lounge and bedrooms. Free wifi. Tel: 01872 530 520 or email: [email protected]


SCOTLANDCLOBER FARM, MILNGAVIE, GLASGOWSpinal Injuries Scotland were bequeathed this GradeC-listed property and have converted it to fully accessible accommodation, with extensive gardens,situated around 30 minutes from Glasgow city centre.The accommodation sleeps five/six and comprisesadaptable kitchen, two double bedrooms, one withensuite wet room, a single bedroom, plus a modernaccessible bathroom. For further information, see the SIS website www.sisonline.orgEmail: [email protected] Tel: 0141 427 7686 / 0800 0132 305


WALESGLAN Y GORS COTTAGESnowdonia. Fully accessible, self-catering cottage inbeautiful rural location, with open views of Snowdon and surrounding mountains. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,large kitchen/diner, lounge with log fire. Ground floorbedroom and shower room. Hospital bed and mobilehoist available. Sleeps 10 (12 with sofa bed), reducedrates for smaller groups. See website for details: www.wilsons-holidays.co.uk,[email protected], Tel: 01286 870 261


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Oil & Gas Quiz - Spinal Injuries Scotland · 16 Oil & Gas Quiz 20 Clober Farm ... Festival Business Centre 150 Brand Street Glasgow G51 1DH ... e and tuition, ations still elopment