SWASIE TURNER MBE
Wirral resident and former policeman Swasie Turner is well-known throughout Merseyside for his many and varied fund-raising exploits . Swasie will be joining Wirral Life as a regular feature writer in the next issue . Here he shares with us his story and his passion to raise awareness of disability .
Since the traumatic loss of my police career due to a gratuitous act of violence whilst out patrolling the streets of Merseyside , my injuries were such that it was deemed necessary to amputate my right leg high above the knee .
My ongoing surgery also included three separate knee replacements . Prostheses proved unsuccessful and as a consequence I was forced to adopt a new role as a ‘ wheelchair pilot ’!
I found this to be extremely difficult after an obsessive lifetime in the gym pumping iron , martial arts and boxing . Like all able bodied people I took life for granted until my most rude awakening to my new life pushing a standard NHS issue , 47lb wheelchair with its small front castors . As well as high kerbs , grass and muddy terrain to negotiate , I even found negotiating thick carpets to be an ordeal .
However , worse was to come when my beloved wife succumbed to the dreaded disease , cancer . Totally devastated by the death of my wife and lifelong sweetheart
I became totally obsessed with raising funds to help research into the disease and the hopeful , eventual eradication of such a ruthless and indiscriminate killer .
From the start , I intended each of my ( eccentric ) fundraising efforts would be a first . As a consequence I have now pushed my ordinary chair 38,391 miles worldwide . As well as ‘ my ’ cancer charity , I have also adopted other charities among my physically demanding endeavours . As well as raising funds by pushing my ‘ tank ’ all over the world for various worthy causes , I also give illustrated addresses to numerous organisations , clubs , women ’ s guilds , Rotary , Round Table , Lions , Masonic and being blessed with having written a number of books , I have included these to also assist my charitable causes .
I am also totally devoted to raising ‘ Disability Awareness ’ to all and I am extremely keen to assist the bettering of facilities for the disabled fraternity .
I look forward to writing for Wirral Life and furnishing readers with what is going on and who is doing what so that I will ( hopefully ) generate interest in my future , sometimes possibly controversial scriptures ?
Lastly , and most importantly , I would like to thank profusely , all those who support my ongoing efforts by their continual generous benevolence . Without your benevolence and kind assistance I could not maintain the success I am blessed with constantly achieving .
20 wirrallife . com