Winter white

With the newspapers and TV news programmes full of global warming ,nature chose for Britain to freeze over the festive season.

The snow fell across the east side of the country in the week before Christmas and although Wigtown was spared for many days, it fell heavily on Saturday night. Sunday saw snow everywhere and the snow is still around days after Christmas. More falls are predicted. There may be a White Hogmanay, or New Year, to go with the White Christmas.

The children had a great time sledging and making snowmen. However, Sharon's wheelchair does not feature a skis option and so she is happily wrapped up in the warmth indoors.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009

Lovely people make flying a breeze

Lovely people make flying a breeze

Travelling in a wheelchair isn't easy but the friendliness and skills of the people who work at airports go a long way to making things a lot less stressful.

Sharon travelled through Spain's San Javier Airport, Murcia, on her way to Prestwick, Scotland, to spend Christmas with her family. The smiling faces of the teams that assist disabled travellers, at both ends of the flight, were waiting for her.

“I am always impressed by the way I fell so much at ease with the helpfulness of everyone,” said Sharon. “Being in a wheelchair is difficult enough, but when travelling it can be even more frightening. But the helpfulness of the disabled helpers at the airports is wonderful. They take me through check-in, security, up the steps in a special stair-lift chair and right into my seat. They help me with my bags and everything.

“I feel that it is not just a job to them but that they actually love their work and they love to help people like me who need help. They are obviously very patient people, very kind and understanding and often ask me things about my well-being that surprise even me. They think of everything.

“If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't fly because I would be too afraid. So, a big thank you to them all.”

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©Phillip Bruce 2009.