We all know there are problems for disabled people in the UK, but the issues don’t stop at the borders of this country. Here Co-editor Martyn Sibley talks about his recent involvement in an epic campaign in Poland, one that included a volunteer wheeling herself 2,500km.
A few weeks ago I launched a crowd-funding page for a brilliant project called Dignity and Equality, a Polish campaign started to raise awareness of disability and demand government change. It’s something I have supported this ever since meeting Boguslaw on my Epic European Disability Roadtrip, an ex-national and international speedway champion, who now uses a wheelchair after and accident. Since becoming disabled, he has become invisible to his previously adoring public.
Boguslaw told me all about life in Poland with a disability: the lack of funding, lack of equipment, lack of care, their basic government disability policy and the negative attitudes of society.
Something has to change, and sometimes, a ‘mad’ stunt is the best way to do it. To get the cause noticed, one lady aimed to go wheel herself 2,500km, meeting people, gathering petition signatures and changing the world along the way.
After raising over £800 I’d agreed to join the team for the last 2 days. Here’s the amazing video of how it all went last weekend:
It was fantastic! To ride along the roads to cheers, give nationwide media interviews and support such great people. The long-term outcomes remain to be seen by the government, but I’m proud and privileged to have been a part of this.
You can support the project on my Please Fund page.
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