Fighting chance

For wheelchair users, every un-dropped kerb comes close to provoking the ‘bitter’ stereotype. But as soon as the obstacle is overcome, the aura of sweetness and light is restored to its former brightness. The trick with all disabilities is not to let temporary frustration boil over into longer term anger and bitterness. That way lies demons.

It had to be frustrating for Mat, as he saw the bar being continually lowered to the point where the fight started to lose its meaning, re-labelled an ‘exhibition match’. But as his coach put it, martial artists like to test themselves – and so he did. Few people pit their skills in such an extreme way

In giving and accepting help, the secret is to strike exactly the right balance. Don’t ask what that balance is – it is almost impossible to say. Just get it right, is all.