OTD 1970: Paralysed Hereford School Teacher

ATV Today reporter Alan Jones speaks with teacher Michael Barnsley who worked at Belmont Abbey School in Hereford despite being paralysed after breaking his neck in a road accident.

Michael is seen coaching boys in rowing in an indoor tank and alongside the River Wye we also see Michael being driven in a Mini that has been converted to accommodate his wheelchair and teaching in the library.

Alan asks Michael about his work and how he affords to support a full-time carer. Prior to his accident, Barnsley was in the Cambridge squad for the 1967 Boat Race although he wasn’t selected to be part of the final crew.