Episode 14 Going Back Giving Back

One of the things I love about us Brits is our spirit of generosity.

If I can give back to somebody who had a similar struggle to my own,

then that's what I'd like to do.

Last year, nearly three quarters of us gave to charity.

But, what if you had the chance to

go back and relive moments from your past?

I wish I was 18 again.

THEY LAUGH

I'm expecting mum and dad to walk out now and say, "Hello".

-You know?

-Yeah.

Moments which would inspire you to want to help someone today.

I want to give back to those people that are going through that,

that I went through at the beginning.

If I can give something to somebody else that would change their lives,

-I'd really love to.

-Fantastic.

Someone who had no idea this life-changing windfall was coming.

I have got potentially her dream...

in my hand.

-How are you feeling?

-Nervous.

'There'll be surprises.'

-How are you?

-How good.

Thank you so much!

Thank you!

'With acts of generosity that will change people's lives...'

-Aww.

-I'm really excited.

-We are all crying.

-Do you need a hug, as well?

-Yeah, thanks.

THEY LAUGH

'..forever.'

-Wahay!

-That's brilliant.

Somebody that just does that for people, it's just amazing.

It really is.

This is Going Back Giving Back.

Today we're going back to Buckinghamshire to hear the story

of a born survivor, a man who beat the odds and now dedicates his life

to helping others.

How did this man find the strength to carry on

after his life changed forever?

I'm still very, very lucky to still be here as well,

so every day's a blessing for me,

every day is a miracle I'm still here.

What's inspiring him to want to give something back to someone today?

This is where my new life started.

And it's saved my life as well.

Can he help a young boy achieve his dream?

How does it make you feel when you actually hold that sword and you

-start fencing?

-Happy.

'And there's an air of anticipation

'as we prepare for the big surprise...'

-You nervous?

-No, not at all,

I'm more excited, if I'm really honest with you.

I'm excited too.

'..with the ultimate gift.' THEY CHEER

-That's amazing!

-Thank you.

You're welcome, give me a high five.

Eight years ago, the man I'm about to meet was given just days to live,

but fate was on his side.

He defied the doctors, checked out of hospital and discovered

a new passion and love for life.

I'm looking forward to meeting him.

42-year-old Adrian is a retired wheelchair fencing champion,

who has represented his country.

Today he uses his life experiences to tour the world as a

motivational speaker, and he's

an ambassador to various charities.

-Adrian, how are you?

-Aled, how are you, sir?

Yeah, good. Not bad at all, how about you?

-Fantastic, what a beautiful day.

-Yeah.

'He lives in Warrington in Cheshire,

'but I'm meeting him in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.'

So, go on, what's motivating you to give something back today?

Eight years ago I went to bed perfectly fit and healthy,

no symptoms.

I think that's the worrying part about it,

there was nothing wrong with me whatsoever.

And I woke up in Warrington hospital three days later,

and I'd been in a coma and I woke up.

Doctors were surrounding me and I was so confused and dazed.

I just didn't know what the heck was going on.

Adrian had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage.

But doctors believed this was a symptom of something else.

They gave Adrian four brain scans,

then they delivered the worst possible news.

So they said, "Yeah, we've found a tumour.

"Unfortunately for you the tumour is four inches long,

"an inch wide and six inches deep into the brain."

Oh, my God.

And, em,... "We'll give you five days to live."

So, just like that,

my life had changed forever.

However, Adrian defied the odds and after five months,

doctors sent him home.

But his life had changed overnight.

He had been a seemingly healthy,

tower of a man at six foot four,

with his own business, and father to two young girls.

When you were told you had five days to live, how did you feel?

It started to slowly hit me and I just,

obviously was in just disbelief.

And just angry as well.

-"Why me?" kind of thing?

-Of course, especially, as you say, cos you were fit and well.

-Fit and healthy, no symptoms.

-You're still here.

I'm still here, but even though it's been eight years,

I can still go to bed and never wake up. So...

it's always there and there's not a reprieve, unfortunately.

But that must get you down all the time, mustn't it?

Sometimes, but I think also as well I'm still

very, very lucky to still be here, as well.

So, every day is a blessing for me,

every day is a miracle I'm still here.

Although Adrian survived, the tumour is inoperable

and will never go away.

It's left him with stroke-like symptoms

and he relies on a wheelchair.

After leaving hospital,

the enormity of his illness took him to a really dark place.

But then, something incredible happened.

Sport seem to have a huge impact on your life?

It saved my life, in a way.

And I remember just sitting at home

and I saw the Paralympic Association

were holding tryout for Great Britain in 2012.

By this point it was 2009,

literally a year after them saying I had five days to live.

Adrian went to the events that was spotted by GB Paralympics,

who were trying to find future athletes.

He tried over a dozen Paralympic sports and discovered he had a

natural talent for wheelchair fencing.

It's transformed his life.

Had you ever fenced before?

Not really, no. But I picked up the sword,

the sabre sword for the first time and I felt it was destiny, in a way.

You turned into Zorro overnight.

Yeah! You know, Musketeers, you've been watching.

But, yeah, it was a wonderful feeling.

As well as sport, Adrian is heavily involved in charity work and

coaching children with disabilities.

And he would now like to help disabled youngster reach their full

sporting potential.

And now, the flipside is you want to help somebody else?

Most definitely.

Incredible that sport changed your life and now you

have the power, if you like, of

helping somebody else's like change?

Most definitely, most definitely.

Listen, in order for you to give back,

-I think we first need to go back...

-Sure.

-..on a little journey,

-if you fancy?

-I'm excited.

-OK, great.

Well, I'll go and get the car and we'll get going, shall we?

-Wonderful.

-I'll see you in a bit.

OK, see you in a minute.

We are taking Adrian on a trip back in time to remind him of what he's

achieved since his life changed dramatically.

And we're hoping it will make him more determined

to help someone today.

So, have you got any idea where we're heading off to?

Erm.. Well, we're in Aylesbury, so I'm thinking maybe

-home of the Paralympics, Stoke Mandeville?

-Could be.

I think so, anyway.

I remember some of the streets.

We are indeed heading to Stoke Mandeville,

the home of the Paralympics.

The Stoke Mandeville Hospital was founded in 1832,

but it was during the Second World War in 1944,

that its National Spinal Injury Centre was opened to treat

military casualties by a renowned specialist, Dr Ludwig Guttmann.

He strongly believed in sport being crucial to building up

physical strength and self-confidence.

And it's where Adrian first discovered his

hidden talent for wheelchair fencing.

Sport's gave me a passion, gave me a life, again in a way.

Actually, sport saved my life.

Because it gave me something to wake up for in the morning,

to help me just to try and, not overcome my disability,

-but to deal with it.

-Right.

Where you sporty before?

I never really honestly thought about competing for Great Britain

in any way, shape or form, but it turned out that way,

and it's just been an absolute phenomenal journey.

And wheelchair fencing, who knew?

Who knew?

The roots of competitive fencing date back to the 15th century when

it was developed from traditional swordsmanship skills that had been

used for centuries in duels and as self-defence.

In modern-day fencing, two competitors score points

when their swords make contact with their opponent.

With the winner being the first to reach 15 points.

And how did you feel then, when you started fencing,

-was it the most natural thing in the world?

-Erm...

Yeah. In a way it was, actually.

I thought, "This is actually really cool", and then you started to talk

about the psychology side behind sport,

behind my chosen weapon.

And that just blew my mind.

Wheelchair fencing was developed at Stoke Mandeville.

Fencing is one of the core sports that's featured in every one of the

modern Olympic Games and the Paralympics.

Sadly, despite Adrian's promising wheelchair fencing career,

his ambitions to take part in the 2012 London Paralympics

were dealt a cruel blow.

Because you were training for the Paralympics,

-but then you got injured, didn't you?

-Yeah, I was devastated.

I was training so hard and it was going amazingly well.

And then we were in Spain for warm-weather training.

A nice, light competition before London, and I blew my rotator cuff,

which was absolutely devastating for myself.

I was crushed.

Especially with everything you'd been through?

I ended up going to London, but as an athlete and a spectator,

-you know, shouting on and cheering on Team GB.

-How was that?

It was amazing, but also really devastating.

Although taking part in the 14th Paralympics wasn't to be,

wheelchair fencing transformed Adrian's life.

I guess you've probably guessed where we're going now?

Ah, yes. We've just turned the corner

to Stoke Mandeville.

It was on this site where the idea of the Paralympics began.

In 1948, the hospital's spinal specialist, Dr Guttmann,

organised the first Stoke Mandeville Games

for disabled British World War II casualties.

It was a big success, and for 12 years,

the International Stoke Mandeville Games For The Paralysed

were held here.

In 1960, the competition was moved to Rome,

where the Olympics were being held.

And from then on in, we officially had the Paralympic Games.

Such was the importance of sport to the hospital

that a stadium was built in the grounds in the 1960s,

which got a complete refurb in 2003.

So this is it, isn't it? This is the main reception?

Yep. This is it, Stoke Mandeville Stadium

and home of Team GB.

And, wow, it hasn't changed whatsoever.

-No?

-No, not whatsoever, it's absolutely...

Cafe's still there where we used to throw carbs down ourselves

just to prepare for another eight hours of training.

-We'll pop-out, shall we?

-Yeah, definitely.

-OK.

This is where Adrian used to come for one week every month to train

and compete for his national and international competitions

as a wheelchair fencer.

-This is it.

-Here we are, Stoke Mandeville.

Is it a feeling of coming home, almost?

Definitely, it's definitely nostalgia, you know...

I can feel the pain in my muscles already

thinking about all the training I used to do here.

But also, as well, it's...

just the smell and the atmosphere of Stoke Mandeville,

there's nothing like it. It is very special.

-It's full-on, isn't it?

-Yeah.

Obviously this is where we used to train.

If we wasn't actually competing or fencing, this is where we were,

lots of core work, because obviously we're wheelchair users so it's all

about the core moving.

It brings back some amazing, amazing, painful memories.

-Plus some amazing ones, as well.

-I tell you what, it worked.

-Shall we carry on?

-Yeah, yeah. Definitely.

-Where next?

-OK, we're just go around the corner here to the hall.

This is where we used to train as well in fencing.

Lots of international training as well as competing, as well.

Adrian had been training for a place on the wheelchair fencing team for

the London 2012 Paralympic Games

in this very sports hall.

Yeah, I'm just looking at it. I just want to kind of, just...

savour this moment, just for a second. It's absolutely amazing.

It's like...ah!

It still smells the same, as well.

-Does it?

-Yeah, hard work and sweat, definitely.

When was the last time you were in here, then?

This was what, five years ago. Right.

Five years ago. So, we um...

-It smells like a gym, doesn't it?

-It does, it's a big, big, big gym.

And obviously we've got the auditorium, there,

so everyone can watch.

Athletes don't just train in wheelchair fencing here,

other sports include Paralympic table tennis,

and volleyball, and wheelchair badminton and basketball.

This room has seen a lot of sport, hasn't it?

It has, it has, a lot of sport,

and me included in it as well, in fencing.

What's it like being back?

Yeah. Goose bumps, this is where it all started for me.

This is where my new life started.

And... Yeah.

It saved my life as well, just being here, competing, training.

-Especially at elite level as well...

-Yeah.

..and, obviously, very, very proud.

It's an incredible place, it's massive.

Where do you think you would have been without this place

and without sport?

Erm, honestly, I don't know.

I was so low, and...

I was given this constant death sentence.

You know, "Any time now, any time now."

But do you think having the sport was almost a release from...

-the sentence you were under?

-Yes.

It was the getaway and it was something that my home life

and my personal life was here, and it allowed me to get away from that

home life and personal life to a stadium like Stoke Mandeville

that was full of inspiration, anyway.

So, how does it work? If you and I were fencing,

and even the thought of it, I have sweaty palms.

ADRIAN LAUGHS

-So, you would be there?

-Yeah, I would be in a piste,

it's a metal piste and because we lunge so much, it's so aggressive,

-we have to be strapped in.

-OK. So you're strapped in there?

So we'd have clamps, we're strapped in.

-Where would I be?

-You would be basically there.

-In this position?

-Yeah.

-Right.

-And you'd be strapped in.

-OK.

And, erm, hundredths of a second...

You can train for four years for the Paralympics

and in a 15-point

competition could be over in probably 30 seconds, if that.

So, you can train for so long and it can just be over with,

especially in Sabre, which is very, very fast.

I'm really pleased for you to come back here. Shall we carry on?

Yes, let's definitely do.

He may not be a Paralympian,

but Adrian did win three silver medals in

British national wheelchair fencing competitions.

One of the competitions was held here, at Stoke Mandeville.

Well, at that spot over there, Aled,

was the first place I won my first silver medal,

-competing at the Nationals, so the best of the best for Great Britain.

-OK.

And having just held a sword for three weeks prior to that was

really daunting. But it brings back great memories.

-How were you feeling when you were there?

-I was so nervous.

So nervous. We were surrounded, there where chairs everywhere,

lots of people and lots of noises regarding people shouting and

calling your name. It was absolutely fantastic.

This place is incredible, isn't it? You get that sense of greatness and

achievement for the whole of Stoke Mandeville really, don't you?

Most definitely, you go down the corridors and there's always lots of

pictures of past Olympians and Paralympians,

And you just really get that feeling that,

wow, this was the start of it in 1945.

-I'm glad we came back here. Come on, let's go.

-Thank you.

Coming up, the team have been on the hunt for a youngster with

disabilities, who's got the desire and determination

to succeed in sport.

And we think we found them.

He's a young boy with a big passion for wheelchair fencing,

so we think his story will resonate with Adrian.

He and his family think we are making a programme

about aspiring athletes.

They have no idea the real reason behind Adrian's visit.

And that they could be in for a generous gift.

Adrian has been on quite a trip down memory lane,

but there's one last place we've arranged for him to revisit,

this unassuming social club.

When he wasn't at Stoke Mandeville, Adrian came here to train.

Just reminds me of all the times that I've actually been here,

four times a week, four or five hour training sessions.

It is absolutely amazing, it hasn't changed a bit.

Inside, we've arranged a long overdue reunion with

the man who made it all happen.

-Adrian.

-And here's the man himself,

it's like he's never left after six years.

-How are you, man?

-How are you, John?

-Good to see you.

-Oh, it's good to see you.

John Townsend was Adrian's first coach and the man who

discovered his talent for fencing.

-It's like you've never gone.

-No! And you're...

My goodness.

79-year-old John was a national fencer for Team GB in the 1950s and

used his local club for Adrian's training.

-This little social club, it's where I learned everything.

-That's right.

-That's it.

-You know, and...

-from the master.

-Well, no, not all, you did have a little bit.

Maybe a little touch, but you gave me finesse.

Remember, you kept saying, "Adrian, fast is good but finesse, with finesse."

-That's right.

-And I'll never forget that.

It brings back so many memories.

It does. I can remember the first time I saw you.

I was down at Stoke Mandeville and I was giving a lesson and I looked up

and this face appeared at the door.

So, if you remember, I went down and opened the door and said,

"Would you like to come in?"

And you came in and you sat there for half an hour.

And I went...

"He's obviously very interested."

So I said, "Would you like a lesson?"

-And he said, "Yes."

-And we did.

-And you had your first lesson.

I did. And it was...

It was blatantly obvious that you were going to be a good fencer.

John put Adrian through his paces, but it was all worth it in the end.

I remember I was mainly on this side

and you gave me the lesson from here.

And this is where I learned.

You kept saying, "Adrian, fast, but finesse, finesse, finesse."

And it was just... It was vigorous, as well, because it just wasn't

-one hit and that was it.

-That's right.

It was constantly backwards and forwards to get my core muscles

-all working again.

-That's it.

That force to be reckoned with was just because of the training

you gave me, but also the knowledge

as well of what fencing's really about.

Because it's not just about wielding a sword around...

-Oh, no.

-..it's a chess game with swords, in a way.

-Exactly.

-And you taught me that, and taught me

what fencing really is about.

Well, you fell into the idea, the true idea of fencing

very, very quickly.

The vast majority of people think it's attack, attack, attack, attack.

-Yeah.

-And it's not.

-No.

You know, half of it's action

-and the other half is reaction.

-Mmm.

And it's reaction you used perfectly.

-Definitely.

-And that's what improved your fencing so fast.

Yeah. Also, I had a great coach as well, this is why...

Who was that?

ADRIAN LAUGHS

Reliving the intense training he went through to become a competitive

wheelchair fencing is spurring Adrian on

to want to help someone else.

It was fencing,

it was yourself who gave me that passion for the fight to live again.

-Oh, definitely.

-And I think,

it would be really good to do something for a child who loves

-sport as well.

-Oh, absolutely.

-What do you think?

-Yeah, absolutely brilliant.

No, I'm thrilled.

And if there's any way I can help, please me know.

OK, I really appreciate that, John, thank you.

Well, John, it's been a real pleasure.

Thank you so much for having me.

It's been a marvellous pleasure seeing you again.

It's fantastic to see you.

-Absolutely fantastic.

-And I really appreciate it.

I can never thank you enough.

-All the best.

-Take care.

This has been quite an emotional reunion for Adrian.

Coming back to the social club where I trained, and meeting John,

really stirred up so many memories in regards to

just how much sport helped and saved my life.

And it just made me feel even more

that giving back

is definitely something that I want to do.

Retracing the journey that started at Stoke Mandeville when he

discovered his talent for wheelchair fencing

has been truly motivating for Adrian.

-What's it like being back?

-Goose bumps.

-Really?

-Yeah. This is where it all started for me.

This is where my new life started.

But most importantly, reliving it all has helped focus Adrian's mind.

Sport changed your life and now you have the power, if you like,

of helping somebody else's life change.

Most definitely.

Taking Adrian back to where sport turned his life around,

was just incredible.

What a journey he's been and is going on.

You know, Adrian is passionate about helping young people,

so we found a very special little boy whose story

we think will really resonate with him.

Seven-year-old Jamie lives in a village in Northamptonshire with his

mum Lou, dad Andy, and his little sister Phoebe, who's three.

Jamie has cerebral palsy,

a condition that affects movement and coordination.

And for Jamie, it means he is unable to walk.

Having Jamie on a day-to-day basis, it's...

It has its challenges.

Simple things like going up and down the stairs,

getting to and from the car.

You almost take for granted all of the little things which

maybe a more able-bodied child can do.

He's such a lovely boy, he so positive.

He adapts to everything.

Jamie was three years old when he was diagnosed with

the neurological condition. It tore his parent's world apart.

When we were first told he had cerebral palsy, it was hard.

Very, very hard. And it's something we're still coming to terms with.

And I don't think I will ever get over that.

Then reality hit hard, when, aged just four,

Jamie was confined to a wheelchair.

Since Jamie lost his ability to walk, it was a shock, a real shock.

All your dreams you had for your child suddenly changed.

He doesn't know any different,

but it's the life we've lost having him and walking with him,

walking him to school, all the normal things that children do.

It's hard for him sometimes,

being a child he sees other children doing things

that he can't possibly do,

but we just try and enable him to do as much as we possibly can.

Jamie's parents, who are both teachers,

are determined to do everything they can to give Jamie the best in life.

One major decision they made was to move from London to

Northamptonshire, to be near family and afford a larger,

adaptable house for Jamie to grow up in.

It's a move we haven't looked back, the house is perfect for Jamie now.

In here, he can be himself, and he zips around the kitchen

and the hallway on his little skateboard, that he loves.

That, again, makes him more independent.

But the move has also marked another huge, positive effect for Jamie,

who, like Adrian, loves sport.

A year ago, just like Adrian,

Jamie discovered he had a natural talent and passion

for wheelchair fencing.

And incredibly, it was also at Stoke Mandeville.

He likes that challenge. I think it's a feeling of acceptance for Jamie.

He can actually compete and he sees the competition on an even keel.

He loves it. I'm looking forward to him being in the Olympics

as he gets older.

So with all these similarities and joint aspirations,

we thought they should meet.

Well, I'm here visiting Jamie today.

He has an interesting story, just like mine.

And I believe he has a passion for sport.

So, it's something that I'm looking forward to chatting to him about.

It's really important this meeting goes well,

as it could make a huge difference to Jamie.

Adrian wanted to specifically help a youngster in a wheelchair

with a promising sporting career.

The fact Jamie's into fencing is a bonus.

So, let's just hope they all hit it off.

Andy, hi. Adrian.

-Hi. How are you doing?

-It's a real pleasure, how are you?

-Please come in.

-Thank you very much.

Jamie and his family think we are making a programme

about aspiring athletes.

They have absolutely no idea that Jamie could be in for a

generous gift.

-Hi, guys.

-Hi.

-Hiya.

Hi, how are you?

-Good.

-You must be, Jamie?

-Yes.

-My name's Adrian, how are you?

-Good.

-You're looking well.

Let me have a guess, is it Phoebe?

Is that right?

Wow, and this is your sister?

-So, how are we today?

-Good.

Jamie was at a wheelchair sports camp for children at

Stoke Mandeville when the fencing bug took over,

and he hasn't looked back.

I've just noticed that you have

a sword on your couch.

-Is that right?

-No.

That's not a sword, is it?

-What is it then?

-It's a foil.

Wow, so how long have you been fencing?

-I don't really know.

-Not long?

-Just under a year, now.

-Just under a year? Wow.

And are you enjoying it?

What do you like about it?

Well... It's just good.

Can I have a look at it?

Let's have a look. Wow.

-MUM:

-Pass it over.

-Do you want to pass it to me?

Wow, this is a really cool foil.

That's absolutely amazing.

You've got your glove there as well?

With a special message on the thumb.

"The boss!"

I'm not the boss yet.

Not the boss yet.

Jamie has a real talent for fencing and has already started training

once a week with a Paralympian coach.

How does it make you feel when you actually hold that sword

-and you start fencing?

-Happy.

Does it make you happy?

Why does it make you happy?

Well, it just does.

When he first tried it,

he actually went back, rather than having lunch,

he said can I go back and try it again.

And he's really proud of it.

Everybody's proud of you doing it, aren't they?

That's great. Well, give me a high five on that.

Good. And I want you to tell me, as well,

if you win a medal, OK? And I'll come down and watch you as well.

-That would be good, wouldn't it?

-Fantastic, well done.

See you in a minute, bye.

There's no doubt Adrian can see a

little Paralympian in the making in Jamie.

But he wants to find out more about this young man,

and how the family cope.

So, Andy, tell me about Jamie's condition.

Jamie's like any other seven-year-old, loves what he loves,

loves his sport. It's just his legs don't work.

Jamie had a normal birth.

He was diagnosed at age three with cerebral palsy,

when his parents noticed he was late learning to walk.

Our world changed within a heartbeat and I think that was the hardest

thing. Thinking about it, it was tough for both of us, tough on us,

tough as a family as well.

But, you cope.

As devoted parents, Andy and Lou have made it their mission to keep a

positive can-do attitude with Jamie.

-I don't want to wrap my son up in cotton wool.

-No.

You know, yes, he has... He's differently abled...

but I want him to do what he wants to do.

I want him to go to university, I want him to have high aspirations,

I want him to...

be resilient, inspire, succeed, have his own house.

-You know, live his life...

-Mh-hm.

..and I think that's...

-the way we've adapted to...

-Yeah.

.. to Jamie and his disability, really.

Sport is hugely important in the household.

Andy is a PE teacher and, possibly, that's where Jamie gets

his passion and sporting ability.

Tell me about Jamie and sport.

Because he... Just looking at him, he just loves...

I can just tell straightaway.

We've always been quite sporty as a family, anyway.

I've always believed in the power of sport and I believe what it can

offer. I think then especially for Jamie,

even when pre-Jamie's diagnosis of his condition,

we used to walk round the park and play tennis.

I thought I had the next Andy Murray on my hands.

At two and a half, three years old,

-he could hold a rally with me over the net.

-Wow.

At three. I was thinking, "Wow...

"I might have a little star here."

He loves basketball, he loves tennis.

But as soon as he went to this camp,

-there was a coach there who had the try fencing equipment...

-Right.

..and Jamie fell in love.

For Adrian, it's clear Jamie has the drive and the determination to

succeed in his new-found love of wheelchair fencing.

Jamie can rattle off the different commands, the different movements,

the different sets of...

you know, parry, riposte, and...

disengage, and different movement patterns.

And I sometimes have to pinch myself and take a step back and go,

"He's only seven."

But, hey, listen, a budding Paralympian in the making,

it starts now, doesn't it?

I mean, he makes us proud everyday.

Although Jamie is not competing yet,

Adrian wants to find out how he can help this

Paralympian fencer in the making.

Fencing, it's one of the sports I chose to be one of

the most expensive ones, just because of the fact of

-how much kit we have to have.

-Yeah.

What does he have at the moment, is it just the...?

He has the glove and his foil.

At the moment, he borrows everything else.

OK. I think it would be probably inspiring a little bit later on,

once he does it a little bit more and he really likes it,

-that he finally may get his own kit, at one point.

-Definitely.

Cos that makes you feel more part of it than anything else

because, "This is my own kit."

-Not just something...

-He's borrowed.

-..borrowed, and that, in itself

would be pretty cool for him.

Yeah, I mean, it's something that I

didn't know much about really at all.

I think we can safely say Adrian has found a kindred spirit

in little Jamie.

Well, Andy, I really appreciate you inviting me here today.

-It's an absolute pleasure.

-It has been a real pleasure and

meeting your family has been inspirational to me as well.

So, thank you so much for having me into your home.

-Absolute pleasure.

-Thank you.

Thank you.

It's pretty clear Jamie and his family have made

a huge impression on Adrian.

It was great to, not only see Jamie, but obviously his family as well,

who have been affected just as much as he has been.

But I've seen his dad, who is a PE teacher,

you know, encouraging him to sport and obviously, as well,

wheelchair fencing,

which is, obviously, my sport and the sport I'm passionate about,

is absolutely fantastic to see.

Adrian and Jamie obviously share a huge love of wheelchair fencing.

And in Jamie, Adrian can see an enthusiasm and a talent he also

discovered when he started this Paralympian sport.

But, being absolutely sure he should be helping Jamie,

is not a decision to be taken lightly.

So, Adrian is getting advice from the person who knows him best.

His fiancee Lucinda.

I've had this amazing journey, and,

wow, going back to Stoke Mandeville where it first started. And it was

really overwhelming, this journey of

fencing and just going back to where

it all began in the auditorium, which was really, really cool.

And then having this wonderful opportunity to see John again,

which has been so long, and go through how it all started with

him coaching me. So that's been amazing.

I remember how ill you were, and your life had just

changed dramatically, literally overnight, and

that changed my life as well.

The conversations that we had, you know, where's your...

what's the meaning of your life, what's your life going to be,

what's the point of you?

And it was so upsetting to hear, and then you found fencing

and it gave you a purpose and it gave you something to strive for.

To top this journey, meeting this young seven-year-old chap,

and he loves sport and he loves wheelchair fencing of all the sports

he could choose. And it's a...

Wow, he's so passionate about it.

And I thought, "Wow, that's absolutely amazing."

It really kind of touched my heart.

You know how it changed me?

-Yeah.

-You know, for the better, and it got me to where I am today.

Definitely, I think if it hadn't have been for that,

you wouldn't be where you are now and you wouldn't be who you are now.

It was a great opportunity for you.

I don't want, maybe, Jamie or his family to go through all the

struggles we did. Like, financially it cost so much money

-to set up...

-Yeah.

-..and things like this.

I just feel it would be a great opportunity to help them out.

Well, I think if you think that it's something you want to do,

and you are able to do it, then you definitely should.

There's no reason why you shouldn't.

It sounds like you've had a wonderful experience,

so you should definitely help them.

-You should.

-Thank you.

Hearing that Lucinda is all for helping Jamie,

means everything to Adrian.

Now, we've gone back it's time for Adrian to go forward and work out

exactly how he can make a difference to Jamie's young fencing career.

Right, time to catch up with Adrian, I think.

I can't wait to hear what he made of young Jamie.

They're both such courageous people,

both inspirational in their own rights.

And Adrian has been very much a fighter and I think he might have

met his match in little Jamie.

But I wonder if he can find it in his heart to help this

budding fencing talent. Let's go and find out.

I've arranged to meet Adrian just up the road from the park where Jamie

and his family are enjoying an afternoon out.

So time to discover precisely how Adrian intends helping Jamie further

his Paralympian dream.

So, you met up with Jamie, how did it go?

He's fantastic, Jamie's such a great kid, and it was just his family,

as well, the unit, that they are all together as one.

They are going through it all. And, erm...

It was wonderful, really was.

-He loves his sport, doesn't he?

-He does.

And he loves my sport at the best.

Wheelchair fencing, which for such a young child,

normally it's football or rugby, but no, he loves my sport.

He's fantastic, he's really inspiring for me as well.

Could you see and understand, I suppose,

the struggle that he's going through?

Yes, most definitely.

I've also been there myself as well.

So, it was quite emotional for me, if I'm really honest with you,

talking to him.

I can relate to what he's going through, and this is the

reason why it's touched me so much.

It's great he's got the passion, though.

So, do you reckon you can help him at all?

I definitely think so.

I'm really excited about it. I'm really...

-You've a big grin...

-I know. I'm really, really excited.

Just because I know how much it changed my life, and it will change

his and his family's as well.

So what are you going to do?

Well, because he keeps borrowing all this kit,

what I've decided is I'm going to purchase the entire lot for him.

So, not only the training equipment,

but also the competition equipment as well, which is...

..a huge amount.

But for him to take that next up, it's what he needs.

So, I'm going to do it.

Gosh, I wouldn't have no idea how much that stuff sort of costs?

You're looking probably just over £1,000.

-Wow!

-But what I've done,

I've gone a little bit extra because I'm so excited

-and bought him everything.

-Right, OK.

-Just got the shop.

-I've just done it.

So, it's going to be well over that.

Goodness me, that's very, very generous of you.

No, it's my pleasure.

You can tell, it's given me so much... It's just so much

enjoyment to do it.

Have you put all your thoughts down in a letter for the family to read?

I have, I have.

And I'm looking forward to giving it to Andy so he can read it out.

OK, I know they are having a little day out around the corner,

-so let's leave these, shall we, and just go and do it now?

-Definitely.

-Cos that smile on your face says it all. Come on, let's go.

-OK.

It's the moment we've all been waiting for,

coming clean to Jamie and his family about what we've really been up to.

And revealing to them that Jamie's in for a game-changing gift.

So, Jamie and his family are having a little get-together here.

They have no idea we are coming, of course.

-It's great.

-It's going to be a nice surprise, isn't it?

-It is, it is. Really looking forward to it.

-Are you nervous?

-No, not at all, I'm more excited, if I'm honest.

Yeah. I'm excited too.

He such a great kid and it's a wonderful family,

-so, happy to do this.

-I can't wait to see his face.

I know, he's going to be like, "Oh, my goodness, what's going on?"

Look at that branch there, Jamie.

-Hello!

-Hi!

-How are you?

-Hi, guys.

-How are you? I'm Aled Jones from the BBC, nice to meet you.

-Hi!

How are you, nice to see you.

-How you doing?

-Hi, how are you?

-Can you say hi, Jamie?

Now, listen, you thought we were making a programme

about aspiring athletes.

It's not the full story, just to let you know, is it?

It's not, Aled. I was so taken back by Jamie's story,

and just how passionate

you all are as a family,

that I've wrote a few words down in this letter

that I'd like you to read out loud for me, Andy, if you don't mind?

I'd love to. Sorry, it's a bit of a shock. Sorry about that.

THEY LAUGH

I was too busy picking blackberries.

-Yeah, you were. Having far too good a time. Do you want me to take the envelope for you?

-Yeah.

-Right.

"Dear Jamie and family.

"Words cannot express just how inspiring and emotional it was

"meeting you all. Even though it's been less than a week since we met,

"I often find myself thinking, 'I wonder how the fam is.'"

He's fine.

"Andy, our heartfelt chat at the kitchen table still resonates and

"it has truly touched me how a seven-year-old boy's life story can

"be so close to mine. I'm thrilled Jamie has found something that saved my life.

"I was so taken aback by Jamie's passion,

"his belief in himself and his love of sport, which we both share,

"wheelchair fencing. With this in mind,

"I'd like to give Jamie the full practice and competition fencing kit

-"and equipment he needs to take the next step in fencing." Wow!

-Yay!

"It is my honour to play a small part in supporting this inspiring

"young man, and I hope Jamie continues to live by my motto,

"inspire, believe, succeed."

Yay!

-That's amazing.

-Wow, what do you say?

-Wow, Jamie.

-Thank you.

-Gold medal on the way, I reckon.

Definitely. Definitely.

-Wow, Jamie.

-And I want your autograph in a couple of years, as well.

-Will it make a big difference?

-It'll be amazing. Yeah, he's...

We've been fortunate enough to where we are now just having his own foil,

but to have everything, would be...

-Fantastic.

-Oh. And that's...

PHOEBE LAUGHS

Are you happy for your brother, as well?

-I'm a little bit speechless, really.

-I'm a little bit speechless.

Just think, you've got your own competition kit,

your own practice kit, as well, so you have everything.

Is that amazing?

I think he's overwhelmed.

-You've gone shy?

-That's very unlike Jamie, as well.

-JAMIE:

-Thank you.

-You're welcome, give me a high five.

Good job.

Yeah, I think I want one as well. Is that all right?

OK, Aled, would you do the honours, presenting Jamie with his equipment.

Adrian's not messing about. Jamie won't have to wait for his gift.

Adrian's brought everything with him.

Oh, my word.

So, what we've got, we have the full kit here.

So, let's look at your practice kit first.

This is your jacket, and then...

this is called plastron, so this goes underneath your jacket

-to protect you.

-Wow, check that out.

You have your bib, that goes over your jacket.

So... And then what else do we have, it's like Christmas for me, I love this.

So, we have your mask, which is an extra small,

so hopefully that will be good.

I've even bought you Great Britain fencing socks as well.

-Amazing.

-Amazing.

-And then my favourite bits,

I have bought you two brand-new foils.

-Oh, Wow.

-Wow.

So you have two brand-new foils and they're your size as well.

So what do you think about that?

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

-It's amazing.

-Amazing, aren't they?

-Thank you so much, guys.

-Oh, no, it's a real pleasure. It's a real pleasure.

Listen we'll leave you to your afternoon together,

and I can't wait to see you in the gear.

-Yeah, yeah. Definitely.

-See you later.

-Thanks, guys.

-Take care.

Bye! See you later.

-Well done, mate.

-Thank you.

-That was lovely.

-That went well, didn't it?

-Yeah.

It's got your favourite colour on it.

-They are bigger than you!

-I think they're going to go right up to your nose.

Ecstatic. He's been through a lot, and I think to have the opportunity,

it's fantastic. We just didn't expect it.

It was jaw-dropping, I think you could say.

-How is it, Jamie?

-Really good.

-Properly special, isn't it?

-And, look - they go up to here.

It's amazing. I'm really happy

to have more equipment.

That's amazing.

Let's see how that fits. It's even got its own...

You don't even have to slide it on.

The way that Jamie buried himself into his daddy's legs,

I think he was very surprised and taken aback by that appearance.

It was an amazing feeling and I'm completely overwhelmed

and inspired myself.

How does it feel?

Quite heavy.

My next thing is hopefully going to the Olympics

and do wheelchair fencing.

It makes me feel amazing,

just my pleasure to do what I could to help him along the way.

Silence speaks a thousand words with Jamie,

so I think he realises just the enormity of what he's got,

which is unbelievable, an unbelievable gift.

What an overwhelming experience that was.

Adrian can obviously see Jamie has so much sporting potential and now,

thanks to Adrian's generosity, well,

we could well have a future fencing champion on our hands.

Time will tell. We wish Jamie well in all he does.