My latest articles: Wheelchair dancing and an interview with ex serviceman Rory Mackenzie

I've got two articles in the latest edition of the Motability magazine 'Lifestyle'.

The first is about wheelchair dancing [see page 35] and increasingly popular pastime and sport for wheelchair users, and the second is an interview with a great guy called Rory Mackenzie [see page 46] who was injured in Iraq but has gone on to do so many exciting things:

http://digital.edition-on.net/links/6716_lifestyle_79.asp

Oscar Pistorius - either way it's a tragedy

It seems that Oscar Pistorius shot his girlfriend - on purpose or by mistake - either way it's a tragedy.

I get the feeling that some of the people passing judgement on the case have no real insight into the crime culture in South Africa - shootings, car jackings and the like.

Sadly levels of violent crime in South Africa are very high - the country has one of the highest rates of gun murder in the world with over 8,000/year.  What I'm trying to say is that if Pistorius thought there was an intruder in the house that it's quite feasible that that would have push him right to the edge.  And it's impossible to know what you'd do in that state.

Whether forensics can back Pistorius's version of events, or disprove it, remains to be seen.  Cremating the body of the deceased so soon seems a little hasty but I guess these people know what they are doing...

This is the story of a disabled man who had it all, a National and International hero at the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.  Whatever happens it's probably going to be very hard for him to get back onto that pedestal.

Ellie Simmonds - what a role model

It's just brilliant seeing Ellie Simmonds popping up on the TV - I've spotted her on Sports Personality of the Year [where she spoke with huge confidence], A Question of Sport [where she got a lot of the answers right and was on the winning team] and this week on The Great Comic Relief Bake Off [where she was made Star Baker].

Her inclusion in these programmes is just so natural, and it's simply great to see a young disabled person [she's just 18 years old] with so much confidence, life and charm.

I hope she realises what an inspiration she is.  I know a lot of disabled people hate the 'i' word but take my son who is also short statured - the only other short statured person he sees is me, so it's just fabulous for him to see someone else who is short not only on TV but right up there with other sportspeople and celebrities.

Let's hope the inclusion of more disabled people like Ellie on TV continues as the norm and doesn't disappear as the memories and intentions following London 2012 fades, what a great legacy that would be.