So given the benefit debacle and Maggie’s death it would seem an obvious thing to talk about the political system in reference to disability but instead I’m going to talk about a Hawaiian dolphin trainer. He’s called Adam.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology I received a Facebook wall post from an old friend saying she has a friend passing through London and do I know anyone who could put him up for a few days. I insisted he come to Oxford.

A mere matter of hours later he hopped off the bus and rang the doorbell. I fired up the kettle, did the obligatory and oh-so English cup of tea and we began to chat.

You may be wondering what this has to do with disability. Well it has been a very long time since I have met someone new. It would be very odd if I didn’t talk about the white elephant in the room – my disability and life before and after. Many moons ago I also worked as a dolphin trainer in the same place that Adam did, hence our shared contact. But once we had talked about the dolphins and the staff, we moved onto pastures new.

Thinking about it, I could describe myself as an ex-neuroscientist, ex-entomologist, ex-dolphin trainer and an ex-sommelier. To be honest that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It might sound a bit arrogant but I’ve done some really cool stuff.

Just yesterday I was talking to work colleagues about my burgeoning travel writing.

How did it come about? Via a taxi complaint. I had a driver who was precious about his car and my wheelchair.

I complained to the council, volunteered on the council access forum, landed this column and finally got the travel gig to Germany.

It was really cool telling Adam about my life both before and after the accident. It was really rewarding to think that I’ve cracked having a spinal injury (no pun intended). Is it tenacity? Serendipity? Hard work? To be honest I just don’t care.

A big thanks to Adam for making me realise that I’m onto a winner. I often tell people that becoming a wheelchair user is probably the best thing that happened to me – they don’t really believe me. Yes there are highs and lows, but that’s true of non-disabled people: life is rarely smooth and easy.

When you take a step (or wheel?) back, take stock, and look to the future.

Right now, I can’t help getting the warm and fuzzies...