enableafrica.net / About the event


_

	Advertisment:

About the event
Objective / Team / Transport / Route / Projects

Ten years ago this August, as the result of a near fatal road traffic accident, Neil found himself physically a different person. He had been at the peak of mental & physical fitness, representing his university on the rugby pitch and graduating with an Honours degree in Engineering.

It was a very different story in December 1990, after 6 consecutive operations Neil was left with a totally paralysed right arm, partially paralysed right leg, fused left index finger, pinned left wrist and numerous fractures which gave society a completely different attitude towards him.

'Look first at my strength not my weakness.'

It took nearly a year to find a job in engineering and it is this attitude towards disability that Neil wishes to change.

Neil Lawson & Sue Lawson

In April 2000, Neil along with his wife, Sue will be setting out on an expedition across Europe and Africa. They will be working in conjunction with the Leonard Cheshire Charity to raise awareness and to highlight and indeed contribute to the invaluable work that they carry out to "enable" disabled people. Their recently launched "Self Reliance Program" provides training and funding to disabled people across the world, to enable them to adapt to their disability and learn new skills, and do what 'able' bodied people take for granted - to earn a living, to provide for their families, to make the most of their leisure time, to contribute to their community - the list is endless. In short, to develop as unique and valued individuals and finally have the opportunity to cast aside some of the prejudice and ignorance which still surrounds disabled people.

'There are 500 million disabled people around the world and most don't get the opportunity they need to realise their true potential.'

Leonard Cheshire has been "the leading provider of care and support to people with a wide range of disabilities - both in the UK and across the world" for over 50 years and the vast majority of their work has been done within the auspices of a relatively low media profile. With our "Enable Africa 2000" expedition, we hope to re-address some of this balance and ensure that their "Self Reliance Program" receives both the financial backing and the publicity it duly deserves. We were struck by the sheer determination and resilience of many of the people who have already benefited from Leonard Cheshire. Many have been given the opportunity to learn new skills such as dress-making and carpentry and have gone on to set up their own businesses with money from the charity. They are now "employers" rather than "unemployable".

[Read on >>]

Go: enableafrica.net/Front Page

^Top