Book description
Nigel has a disability - an inherited disease that means his nerves
don't tell his muscles what to do - but he does not consider himself
disabled. His youngest daughter Ellie has been diagnosed with the same
condition. To inspire Ellie, and show her anything is possible, Nigel
set himself a list of fifty challenges. This is the story of that list.
Nigel and his wife Lisa have three children and, like all parents, they
have always wanted the best for their kids. For Nigel, this meant
helping them to understand that life is to be challenged: to be explored
and enjoyed, no matter what obstacles you might have to face.
Even during the darkest times, Nigel has never let anything stop him
from realising his dreams. To inspire his youngest daughter, and let her
see firsthand that anything is possible, Nigel set himself a list of 50
challenges to complete before he turned 50. Some are crazy, wild
physical challenges, others are seemingly simple tasks people often take
for granted. Some are activities Nigel has done before, others are
skills he has learnt to cope with his condition that he wants to share
with other people. All of them hold huge emotional significance to Nigel
and his family.
This is the heart-warming account of the year Nigel completed The 50
List. Inspiring and surprising, it will move you to tears and laughter,
and leave you believing that you really can accomplish anything. Nigel
is 49 years old - he turns 50 in December 2012. He has a disability, and
is in a wheelchair, but does not consider himself disabled.
Nigel has a muscle wasting condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth. It's
an inherited disease that means the nerves don't tell the muscles what
to do. The muscles themselves are fine, but they don't receive signals
from the brain, which means they'll eventually waste away. The
deterioration happens in sudden steps, rather than gradually - one day
Nigel might be able to use a certain muscle fine, the next day he can't.
Nigel and his wife Lisa live in Wellingborough with their three
children. Their youngest daughter Ellie inherited Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
She was diagnosed with the condition when she was five years old.
