There will Always Be an England, Beyond the Call of Duty Department

A Paraolympian whose wheelchair and artificial legs were taken when his car was stolen earlier this month had lost all hope of walking his sister down the aisle on her wedding day today. But for the heroic efforts of a group of artisans who stepped in to help, he would have had to wheel her down the aisle in his borrowed wheelchair.

We often hear of English jobsworths in government positions. They are said not to exert themselves unduly except to boil the kettle for another cup of tea, and would not extend a finger to help their own grannies in some essential task. The team who helped out in this case are entirely unlike that and are examples of the best of British skill and heart. The amputee, who walked his sister down the aisle, and those who stayed in Friday night to help, are my “Bricks of the Day” (pace Fr. Madpriest).

Now let’s see if he gets his car and the gear inside back.

3 Responses to “There will Always Be an England, Beyond the Call of Duty Department”

  1. mikieslife says:

    OK, but why were his legs and chair in the car when stolen? I mean how did he get from the car to where ever he was when the car was stolen? I have never met an amputee who just carries his or her legs around in a car unless they are in transit to the prosthetist for repair or fitting issues. It just makes no sense.

  2. chrishansenhome says:

    I can think of any number of reasons. Perhaps he was at the gym swimming and thus left his legs and wheelchair in his car as he didn’t need them in the gym. There’s one for you. A friend perhaps helped him inside. I have a friend in Sacramento, CA who was born with stunted legs. He gets around just fine for shorter distances by using his hands (in suitable gloves).

  3. kehf says:

    Very cool! There are heroes everywhere– you just have to know where to look 🙂