All Proceeds From Sales Of ‘The Adventures Of Grandad Wheels!’ Are Donated To Charity

Following the huge success of his first book, Halifax based author and wheelchair user Brian Abram, 63, is launching his second book in the series ‘The Adventures of Grandad Wheels!’ on Thursday 12 November.

These hilarious stories are aimed at primary school age children and tell of Brian’s silly adventures with his grandson Charlie.  And the message is simple – being disabled is no barrier to having fun, even if you need a wheelchair to get around.

The first book, ‘Charlie’s Big Idea!’ was launched with the support of the Leeds office of Irwin Mitchell in 2019 and as with the first book, all proceeds from sales of latest book ‘Chaos at Cheapfoods!’ will be donated to the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and Back Up. 

Both these charities work to improve the lives of people who have suffered a spinal injury.  They helped Brian enormously during the year he spent in Pinderfields Spinal Unit after a 2013 bike accident left him T9 paraplegic and a full-time wheelchair user.

The second book in the series is again illustrated by local artist Lynne Hickin, and follows the exploits of Charlie and his grandad.  When Charlie sees grandad is struggling to push himself around the supermarket, he decides to help. Inspired by a YouTube video, Charlie attaches a big, red fire extinguisher to grandad’s wheelchair and ‘Chaos at Cheapfoods!’ ensues.

Irwin Mitchell is sponsoring ‘Chaos At Cheapfoods!’ and will also be supporting book three in the series when published next year.

Brian loves taking his books into schools where he reads stories with the children and gets them involved in fun activities to help raise their awareness of issues surrounding disability in general and wheelchair users in particular.

Chris Dyson, Head Teacher of Parklands, Leeds said: "The moment Grandad Wheels zoomed into assembly he had the children's attention. Reading the story live and then following with lessons in the classroom really highlighted the adventures you can have in a wheelchair and disabilities shouldn't stop you from following your dreams. 

“The children are simply ecstatic that his new book will be released this week. More adventures and more inspiration covering a very important issue.”

Speaking ahead of the launch of his second book, Brian Abram said: “When I started out on this journey, I had no idea that ‘Charlie’s Big Idea!’ would be such a success.  The opportunity to visit schools has allowed me to see just how much great work is being done by teachers to ensure that children understand the importance of inclusion.  It is wonderful that teachers can use my stories to support this important work.

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“I don’t think any of us imagined that when Brian launched his first book at our Leeds office last year that it would go on to be such a huge success. We’re all very proud to have played a part and are really looking forward to the launch of book two.

“The series ties in with our own I am able campaign and is a great way to advance the message that disability need not be a bar to living life to the full.” Ross McWilliams - Partner

In 2021, Brian will launch two further books.  ‘Grandad goes for Gold!’ will coincide with the Tokyo Paralympics and will feature ‘Hurricane Hannah’ Cockroft, our Team GB gold medal winning Paralympian!  ‘Grandad in the Grotto!’ is a riotous story that will be released in time for Christmas next year.

Where conventional bookshops are closed due to lockdown, ‘Chaos At Cheapfoods!’ and the first book in the series will also be available directly from www.grandadwheels.com