An open letter to the woman who pushed me on Saturday as I was near the top of the slope in Salisbury train station:
Please don't push strangers in wheelchairs. I know you thought you were being kind. I know it looked as if I was struggling. But next time, please don't push. For three reasons:
- you're invading my space. It's hard to think of an able-bodied parallel, but it would be as if I picked you up without warning when I was walking behind you up a hill and carried you to the top.
- I could fall out. My balance is very poor and if I'm not expecting to be pushed, the change of pace might make me come out of my chair. A particularly bad idea as we were right beside the train tracks.
- I need the exercise and I need to build up my stamina. The only way I'm going to get stronger, fitter and push less painfully slowly up hills will be through practice.
I imagine you were trying to be kind and helpful, so thank you for the thought. I hope you had a good time in London.
Yours etc
