Page 33 - Kidz to Adultz Issue 19

interest, but I decided to donate any proceeds from the sale of the book to the Spinal Injuries Association and Back Up – two important charities that help people who have suffered spinal injuries, like me.
I self-published my first book in November 2019 and Sir Quentin Blake, illustrator of Roald Dahl’s books described my first book as, “ an impressive piece of work...”
Well, interest grew and I’ve now self-published four, high quality children’s books in the series ‘The Adventures of Grandad Wheels!’
and there are two more stories to follow. I was also encouraged to visit primary schools to read my stories and help children to understand about disability. I’ve now visited
72 schools (despite visits being impossible due to COVID between March 2020 and May 2021). And so far, more than 14,000 primary school children (and many teachers) have
met Grandad Wheels, learning about inclusivity, disability and resilience.
These visits have had incredibly positive reviews from teachers and children:
‘The best visit you could ever hope to have’- Chris Dyson, hugely influential HT at Parklands Primary, Leeds
‘A visit from him should be part a mandatory part of the curriculum’ - Joe Dryland, HT Kirkham St Michael’s Primary, Preston
I’ve also now donated £40,000 to the Spinal Injuries Association
and Back Up. Way beyond what I could possibly have imagined when I started!
In June 2022, my story was featured on BBC1’s The One Show, when they introduced me to one of the people who saved my life back in 2013.
In the meantime, you can find out more by visiting my website www.grandadwheels.com
You can buy the books via the website and there’s also a link
on the home page to watch my appearance on The One Show.
BRIAN WILL BE AT THE KIDZ TO ADULTZ NORTH EXHIBITION IN MANCHESTER ON TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER AND WILL HAVE COPIES OF HIS BOOKS FOR SALE, WITH EVERY PENNY GOING TO CHARITY.
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