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Inspired
An England Footballer (Esther Maycock)
Friday, September 21st, 2007
My hearing parents were wondering what is wrong with me when I was 8 months old, as they noticed that I stopped responding to them when they walked in a room and made a noise. I didn’t look up, just carried on playing with my toys.
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Aaron Fotheringham, California
Friday, September 21st, 2007See what a 14 year-old can do in a wheelchair BUT:
“Don’t try this at home!”
(press the ‘play’ arrow in the bottom left-hand corner of the embedded video to start the video)
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‘Man in Japan (Joshua Grimsdale)’
Friday, September 21st, 2007Born near Toronto, Canada in the 1980s, Joshua became a Christian after learning that Jesus will never leave us and will help us through times of suffering. He was baptized at 16 and graduated from Uni after 4 years of studying Mathematical Sciences.
Nothing out of the ordinary so far – except that Joshua is now working as a Missionary in Japan and has severe cerebral palsy – it affects all 4 limbs and so he uses an electric wheelchair!
His vision is to bring glory to God by being a witness to the disabled in Japan and to equip the local church to do the same. Joshua has had struggles in learning the language, finding a carer to be with him in Japan and finding accessible accommodation but he has already seen many answers to prayer and is loving the adventure.
Dick and Rick Hoyt are a father and son from the USA who together compete in marathon and triathlon races. However, Rick cannot walk or talk. He was born with cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic and without speech. The doctors suggested he be put in an institution!
However, over a twenty-five year period they have completed hundreds of races together where Dick runs, pushing Rick in a wheelchair. When Dick cycles, Rick is in a wheelchair seat, attached to the front of the bike and when Dick swims, he pulls Rick along in a small boat.
“Rick is the one who inspires and motivates me, the way he just loves sports and competing,” Dick said. Rick returns the compliment: “Dad is one of my role models. Once he sets out to do something, Dad sticks to it whatever it is, until it is done. For example once we decided to really get into triathlons, dad worked out, up to five hours a day, five times a week, even when he was working.”
The Hoyts don’t only compete athletically; Rick now works at Boston College’s computer lab helping to develop a system which can control mechanical equipment by a person’s eye-movements, when linked-up to a computer. They are also motivational speakers and Rick believes that he and his father offer a positive, good news message in a world that often dismisses disabled people.
“People just need to be educated. Rick is helping many other families coping with disabilities in their struggle to be included.”
“The message of Team Hoyt is that everybody should be included in everyday life.”
Michael began boxing at 14 years old after being beaten up by the local bully. During his career he won 25 out of 30 bouts, 21 by knockout.
In 1991 Michael fought Chris Eubank for the World Middleweight title and the referee ended it in round 12. Suddenly Watson collapsed inside the ring but there were no ambulances or medical staff at the venue. He endured 30 minutes without oxygen and spent 40 days in a coma after six brain operations to remove a blood clot left him partially paralysed. The time Watson spent without oxygen is one of the longest anyone has ever survived and if it hadn’t been for his supreme fitness, he would almost certainly have died.
Watson woke up from his coma and was told he would never speak or walk again. He spent many years at the hospital, slowly recovering some of his movements, and regaining the ability to eat, read, and write. In 1999 he started getting off the bed and was able to begin walking therapy. In 2003 Michael Watson made headlines and became an instant hero, when he completed the London Marathon after six days. Finishing the race by his side were Chris Eubank and his neurosurgeon, who has become a personal friend of his.
Before the accident Michael wasn’t a committed Christian. He believed in God but didn’t go to church as he was too busy, rushing around, enjoying the fast cars, expensive clothes and girls. One minute he was a top celebrity, in the ring going for the world title, the next minute, he was in hospital, confused and frustrated with strange people all round him.
From the moment he regained consciousness in hospital he turned to God. He became closer to God and found inner peace and strength. Michael didn’t feel anger towards Chris Eubank because he now believes in forgiveness – Jesus is his inspiration.