The photo on the right shows Gary, with fiancée Mary and Coy, their black Labrador dog.

Roots

I was born – at a very early age – in Gateshead, County Durham. Well, it’s been known as Tyne & Wear for ages now, but to me it’s still County Durham. Hey! Your birth certificate can’t lie…can it?

My 4 younger brothers and I had a pretty normal, north-eastern working class upbringing. My dad was a coal miner for most of his working life and I’m still amazed that he and my mam managed to provide for a family of 7 on just one salary. Both of my parents deserve special mention and, in the not too distant future, they’ll be the subjects of an article each.

Although I still visit family in the area when I can, I haven’t lived there since I left home to become a member of the Armed Forces. Despite not living there any more, I’m still fiercely proud of my Geordie roots.

In uniform

At the young and tender age of 17 I joined the RAF (Royal Air Force) and stayed in uniform until I was 30 years old. During my 13 year career I was based at various locations in the UK, north west Europe and also managed a 2 year tour on the beautiful island of Cyprus.

After leaving the RAF in 1986, I lived a very nomadic and unsettled life for a while. The first 4 or 5 years were spent as a square peg, desperately trying to fit into a succession of round holes. Ex-serviceman and servicewoman often find it very difficult to settle into civilian life.

Academia

Thinking I could change my future for the better, I decided to study for a Degree as a full-time, mature student. After completing an Access course, I duly started my studies at The University of York in 1992.

Four years later I graduated with an Honours Degree in Biology/Education. Without a science-related CSE (Certificate of Secondary Education) or GCE(General Certificate of Education) to my name, I now have a science degree – it’s a funny old life. What’s still weirder is that 4 years previously I couldn’t even spell graduate…and now I are one!

Post-Graduate

After graduating, I spent a year as a Research Assistant on the ASSEN (Accessing Science for Special Educational Needs) project in Liverpool. This was a very rewarding and educational time for me, as it introduced me to the needs and requirements of individuals with disabilities.

Scotland

In December 1997, I arrived at The University of Glasgow’s research and teaching facility at Rowardennan, Loch Lomond. It was supposed to be a 9 month contract, but I was kept on part-time for a while. Thirteen years later and I’m still in the area, living near Drymen – The Gateway to East Loch Lomond.

I was so taken by the natural beauty of the area that I just stayed. I worked for myself for a few years as a freelance IT trainer until, in early 2001 I became ill with a variety of mental health issues and have been unemployed since then.

Early in 2008 I became interested in the issues surrounding accessibility and web sites. I discovered Accessify Forum and learned a lot from a bunch of really great people. I’m now a Moderator at Accessify Forum and can be found there most days.

Bloody Hip

In 2009, I felt well enough to re-launch myself as a self-employed web designer and website accessibility auditor. The launch was delayed as I needed surgery for a simple hip replacement.

It’s been nearly 15 months since that first operation and I’m still not fit for work. So far I’ve needed 9 operations and spent more time in hospital than I have at home. I’ve tried to set the business up 3 times and, on each occasion, have had to shelve my business plans.

As I type this, I have a temporary hip, have to wear a hip brace and can only get around with the aid of elbow crutches. I have to stay with Mary as I’m unable to cope in my own flat.

My biggest frustration is that I’m unable to put boots and pack on and take Coy for one of our long walks in the hills and forests. My life, and Mary’s, has been on hold since last year.

Further surgery is planned for January, 2011. I really, really hope it works this time.

Thanks for dropping by.