This winter’s snow might have been unwelcome in some quarters – but for Jonathan Brough it was the first time in more than a decade he’s been able to enjoy it.
Jonathan, 32, from Minchinhampton, has relied on a wheelchair to get him around since meningitis left him paralysed from the neck down. Most chairs don’t perform well in snowy conditions; but, last year, generous help from charities and individuals meant Jonathan was able to purchase an all-terrain wheelchair.
“Previously, even on a pavement my old chairs would skid. This time, I’ve been able to go out onto the common and enjoy seeing everyone building snowmen, and feel the crisp air myself. It was great fun – I was even able to try a few donuts!”
It was in 2007, during a ski instructor’s course in Canada, that Jonathan caught the meningitis that paralysed him. Even so, he welcomed the recent snow.
“I actually enjoyed the memories it brought back of skiing. It felt exciting,” he says.
Jonathan will be continuing throughout 2021 to raise money for NHS charities. Anyone wishing to donate should visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathan-brough6
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