Peter Thwaites
Bio
I am a Polio survivor from the early 1950's and at that time was given a second chance with life. I have and will always continue to value this wonderful opportunity.
Stories (6/0)
Come Smile With Me - Episode 6
During the late 1980's I was working as a free-lance building surveyor which enabled me to base my working day around my children and allow me the opportunity to generate sufficient income for the annual holiday, running a car, etc.
By Peter Thwaites7 years ago in Longevity
Come Smile With Me - Episode 5
When I left Stanmore almost six years ago I promised myself that I would do everything that was available to me as life is so very precious. Many polio victims that I have met, and will meet in the future, have an inner force that drives us onwards. We are a determined group of people with a zest for life and all that it throws at us. We have beaten the virus (many of us take with us constant reminders of the battle), and through this battle have developed a force of mind and will power that drives us to achieve the almost unachievable.
By Peter Thwaites7 years ago in Longevity
Come Smile With Me - Episode 4
My homecoming is a cauldron of emotions. I am happy, sad, tearful, frightened, worried, and excited all at the same time. The butterflies in my stomach have decided to escape through my throat, and my heart thinks that I have just completed a three-minute mile. I am gently lifted from the ambulance by stretcher and carried carefully into our living room. Mum has set my bed by the window and I can see into our garden. The view is wonderful, the smell is home, and I am exceedingly happy.
By Peter Thwaites7 years ago in Longevity
Come Smile With Me - Episode 3
Although we all loved our house, we very soon started to grow out of it, and we are transferred to a bigger house nearer to the centre of town. My school is a fair distance from home so I travel by bicycle, something that I really enjoy although as the years go by it is becoming very exhausting.
By Peter Thwaites7 years ago in Longevity
Come Smile With Me—Episode 2
I am a big six now and progressing very well, considering the doctors’ prognosis. I am still having physiotherapy, mainly on my legs that don’t want to work too well. I wear a sort of brace during the day, but Mum can take it off when I am in bed, so that’s good. My friends don’t seem to notice that I am wearing anything different, which really helps me get through the days, and at night I feel normal. I have noticed that one of my legs is thinner than the other, but this will get better I am sure. Mum and Dad don’t talk about it much. I don’t want to be special, just normal. Perhaps I am normal already?
By Peter Thwaites7 years ago in Longevity
