Can you tell us a bit more about your own journey as a man with a disability and how that has shaped your perspective?
Sure. I have cerebral palsy diplegia. I’m ambulant, but I have a distinct walk that differs from the mainstream. As I get older, I’m experiencing more aches and pains—like most people do—but probably more intensely.
My mobility has definitely declined with age, and that’s made me even more conscious of my environment. Whether I’m heading to the shops or going on holiday, I have to plan every step a bit more than most.
That’s one of the reasons I was really keen to become a judge for the Travel for Every Body Awards. Disabled people deserve a high-quality experience when they travel—starting right at their front door and continuing all the way to their hotel, whether it’s local, European or international.
Over the last few years, I’ve travelled a lot more, to the USA, Europe, India, and Dubai, and I’ve realised how important it is to make sure travel environments are accessible. It’s in my own interest and in the interest of millions of others.
As a frequent traveller, where have you been really impressed—and where has the industry fallen short?
There are two sides to it: physical accessibility and the attitudes of staff. Honestly, UK airports still have a long way to go when it comes to attitude. European airports aren’t much better.
On the other hand, I’ve had consistently positive experiences in the U.S.—the staff there tend to be more helpful and understanding.
But the place that surprised me most was India. Now, to be clear, the infrastructure there is not accessible—the moment you leave the airport, you’re at the mercy of the environment. But the attitude of people is exceptional.
During a recent trip to Jaipur in Rajasthan, I stayed at a hotel called the Lemon Tree, right on the airport grounds. The travel agent found it after I mentioned I was travelling with several disabled people. What stood out was that the entire staff was made up of disabled individuals. The level of thought and care put into the guest experience was remarkable.
Interestingly, most of the guests weren’t disabled. It was just a great hotel, full stop. It showed me what’s possible when companies value the life experience of disabled people within their workforce.
You’ve also done advocacy work in India. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes. My family originally came from India—we settled in the UK in the 1960s, and I was born here. As a child, I’d go back regularly on holiday, and over the years I’ve built strong connections there.
But about three years ago, I realised something that frankly embarrassed me: I had never really considered what life was like for disabled people living in India. I had thought about my own experience when visiting, but not theirs.
There’s very little state support, and the stigma is still significant. In the village my family is from, I barely saw any disabled people outside. When I asked why, the answer was simple: they didn’t have wheelchairs. They literally couldn’t afford them.
That lit a fire under me. I’d spent years raising millions for disability projects in the UK, and here I was doing nothing for the place my ancestors came from. So with a few friends, we raised about £2,000 and bought 12–15 wheelchairs and hand-propelled bikes for local families.
We thought that was it—but word spread fast. Soon we had people calling from all over Punjab. The following year, we raised £6,000 and delivered about 50 mobility aids. To date, we’ve delivered over 120 units and funded life-changing surgeries and medical treatments.
One of the most touching cases was a young boy who couldn’t walk because his family couldn’t afford orthopaedic surgery. We covered it, and I just received a video of him walking. That’s the kind of difference just a few thousand pounds can make. We take it for granted in the UK because we have the NHS.
I’ve already raised another £7,000–8,000 for my next trip, and it’s now become a yearly mission.
Your website motto—“While you’re still thinking about it, I’m doing it”—seems to sum up your approach. How has that mindset influenced your work?
I’m surprised that’s still up there! But yes, that mindset definitely defines how I work.
I ran a disability organisation in the Midlands for 30 years—Disability Direct—and I now serve as its ambassador. In the last few years, I’ve been fortunate to receive a doctorate, an OBE, and I now serve as Deputy to the Lord Lieutenant of Derby.
I see these honours as a platform, not a pat on the back. When I see something wrong, I don’t like to sit around thinking about it too long. My grandfather used to say: “What you can do tomorrow, do today. What you can do today, do now.” That’s always stuck with me.
Yes, I procrastinate like anyone else. But when it’s an immediate issue—when a child needs surgery or someone can’t leave their home for lack of a wheelchair—I get on the phone. I’m lucky to know people who will help, whether it’s donating or volunteering.
Just this week, a local philanthropist offered to fund ten more hand bikes. That was two conversations. It’s a privilege and I’ll use it for as long as I can.
Lastly, what advice would you give to travel companies that want to better support disabled travellers?
First, recognise the spending power of disabled travellers. We’re talking billions. Disabled people want to travel just like everyone else.
Then, involve disabled people and organisations at every level—design, planning, marketing. Consult with people who have lived experience. Don’t create travel solutions for disabled people—create them with disabled people.
Also, representation matters. Include disabled people in your brochures and your advertising. Make them visible.
One major hurdle is insurance. It’s often unfairly priced or outright denied to disabled travellers. But the truth is, we’re more cautious than most. We’re not skydiving—we’re planning, assessing risk, and taking care. There’s no reason for premiums to be so inflated.
Ultimately, we need sensible conversations—with underwriters, tour operators, and government bodies. The disabled travel market is only going to grow. If the industry doesn’t catch up, it’ll be left behind.
Deadline extended to midday July 21- get involved at travelforeverybody.com
