Man paralysed down one side close to achieving dream of driving 44 tonne lorry
- 2 months ago
A man who is paralysed down one side has passed his test to drive a 44 tonne lorry - and is one step closer to his dream job of driving for Eddie Stobart..
Nigel Bowler, 32, has two hands but is paralysed on his right side, so is unable to move his right hand and foot.
Inspirational Nigel has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of lorry driver granddad Ernie Bowler, who delivered for a local dairy company and passed away in 1997.
He thought it was out of the question - until he answered a Job Centre call out looking for articulated lorry drivers.
Nigel took the rigorous HGV Class 1 licence in an artic - 99% of lorries are automatic - and passed with flying colours.
He's now searching for his first job in the industry - with Eddie Stobart the ultimate goal.
Nigel, from Wantage, Oxon., said: "When I passed I felt so overwhelmed I just burst in to tears.
I just can’t wait to get a career in class one driving
"For some people this would be just a job but for me it's a massive achievement - it's huge!
"It's literally my dream come true. It's everything I've always wanted to do.
"My disability is a part of me but I don't let it stop me - I never have.
"I've had to use my left hand every day for 32 years.
"My left side has definitely compensated by becoming stronger.
"I just want to show other disabled people that you can follow and achieve your dreams.
"This world is not made for disabled people to live in easily - it is definitely made for two-handed people.
"Some disabled people find it really dispiriting and I just want them to know they can do anything they want to."
Nigel's right leg is 3cm shorter than his left, and he has reduced movement in his right arm.
The right side of his body is weaker than the left too, because of a condition he's had since birth called hemiplegia.
Nigel does weights everyday to keep himself as strong as possible.
He struggles with some everyday tasks like tying his shoe laces, and has to drive automatic vehicles.
He passed his car driving test in 2014.
Nigel wanted to be a lorry driver like his granddad Ernie Bowler, who passed away in 1997.
But working as a support worker, in retail, and in skip hire, didn't earn him enough to pay for his training, he said.
Nigel also got held back by depression after his mum Carol England died suddenly from a heart attack aged 55 in 2016.
But he kept on trucking and found a funded training scheme through the Job Centre at the start of last year.
And, on Jan 19, he was overjoyed to pass his test so he can now have his licence updated to say that he can drive the biggest articulated lorries.
He said: "I drive with one hand and my lorry driving instructor was amazing - when I started he said 'Nigel, if I can drive this thing with one hand then you sure can'.
"My mother and I were very close. I hope she is looking down on me and knowing that she made a brilliant son.
"It took a lot of will power and motivation, but I'm extremely proud of my achievement.
"Now I just need an articulated lorry job.
"I’d so love to work for Eddie Stobart. That would be my absolute dream come true.
“I would like other disabled people to know… Things do get tough, but everybody has their own disabilities and difficulties.
“Just try to find hope and positivity - find the thing you love and your own open road."
Nigel Bowler, 32, has two hands but is paralysed on his right side, so is unable to move his right hand and foot.
Inspirational Nigel has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of lorry driver granddad Ernie Bowler, who delivered for a local dairy company and passed away in 1997.
He thought it was out of the question - until he answered a Job Centre call out looking for articulated lorry drivers.
Nigel took the rigorous HGV Class 1 licence in an artic - 99% of lorries are automatic - and passed with flying colours.
He's now searching for his first job in the industry - with Eddie Stobart the ultimate goal.
Nigel, from Wantage, Oxon., said: "When I passed I felt so overwhelmed I just burst in to tears.
I just can’t wait to get a career in class one driving
"For some people this would be just a job but for me it's a massive achievement - it's huge!
"It's literally my dream come true. It's everything I've always wanted to do.
"My disability is a part of me but I don't let it stop me - I never have.
"I've had to use my left hand every day for 32 years.
"My left side has definitely compensated by becoming stronger.
"I just want to show other disabled people that you can follow and achieve your dreams.
"This world is not made for disabled people to live in easily - it is definitely made for two-handed people.
"Some disabled people find it really dispiriting and I just want them to know they can do anything they want to."
Nigel's right leg is 3cm shorter than his left, and he has reduced movement in his right arm.
The right side of his body is weaker than the left too, because of a condition he's had since birth called hemiplegia.
Nigel does weights everyday to keep himself as strong as possible.
He struggles with some everyday tasks like tying his shoe laces, and has to drive automatic vehicles.
He passed his car driving test in 2014.
Nigel wanted to be a lorry driver like his granddad Ernie Bowler, who passed away in 1997.
But working as a support worker, in retail, and in skip hire, didn't earn him enough to pay for his training, he said.
Nigel also got held back by depression after his mum Carol England died suddenly from a heart attack aged 55 in 2016.
But he kept on trucking and found a funded training scheme through the Job Centre at the start of last year.
And, on Jan 19, he was overjoyed to pass his test so he can now have his licence updated to say that he can drive the biggest articulated lorries.
He said: "I drive with one hand and my lorry driving instructor was amazing - when I started he said 'Nigel, if I can drive this thing with one hand then you sure can'.
"My mother and I were very close. I hope she is looking down on me and knowing that she made a brilliant son.
"It took a lot of will power and motivation, but I'm extremely proud of my achievement.
"Now I just need an articulated lorry job.
"I’d so love to work for Eddie Stobart. That would be my absolute dream come true.
“I would like other disabled people to know… Things do get tough, but everybody has their own disabilities and difficulties.
“Just try to find hope and positivity - find the thing you love and your own open road."