Hello everyone. My name is Alan Whetherly and I recently joined Through the Roof as their new part-time Project Manager for Integr8. I am really excited about this new role as it gives me the opportunity to develop the excellent work that Tim Wood has already developed. I share the same passion as Tim has for ensuring that young disabled people are fully included in Church and Community life and that they are able to fulfil their God-given talents. ...

Dreaming of becoming a Footballer   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. At that point, they knew that I am profoundly deaf, and the confirmation result came through a brain scan at hospital, when I was 20 months old. The doctors and my ...

Sarah Kyles encourages all of us, including those with learning disabilities like she has, to try new things. My name is Sarah Kyles and I live with my mum in a house in Burton-On-Trent. I have quite a busy week. On Monday I often got out with Becky my P.A., We sometimes go shopping, Becky helps me to choose clothes, or to buy birthday presents for my family. Sometimes I go to my brother Matthew's house for tea and we watch a ...

Born 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...