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PUSH - My Father, Polio, and Me
Published by Story Machine (previously Gatehouse Press) 2019
Shortlisted for the East Anglian Book Awards, 2020
Independent bookshop Jarrold's Top Ten Reads of 2019
Longlisted for the Mslexia Prize 2014.
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In 1952 three things happened to Push Pulman: he narrowly missed out on qualifying to row in the Olympics; he married Diana; and six weeks later he contracted polio.
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His life was changed forever.
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"'Push' Pulman was a remarkably determined man who defied everyone not to treat him normally. This engrossing book tells his story with wit and power." Tom Shakespeare
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""This well-researched and endearingly personal book is a timely reminder of the importance of vaccination. Push is a celebration of the skill and determination disabled people have to offer. Sarah’s pride and appreciation in growing up with a disabled parent shines through." Dr Hannah S. Barham Brown
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Latest news
Anchor News
May 2023
What a joy and a privilege to lead Writing Julian, a creative life writing workshop exploring our personal encounters with Julian of Norwich as part of the 650th anniversary Julian Festival. You can read more of the Festival events here.
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June 2022
So very saddened to hear that Polio is in the news again after decades of freedom from fear. I wish it wasn't necessary, but I'm very honoured The Times newspaper invited me to write about the impact of Polio on the family. You can read the full piece here.
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March - May 2022
My new course for people of 70+ A Life Written kicks off again at the end of this month in person at the National Centre of Writing. If they are half as lovely and talented as my last group, this will be a blast. Can't wait to meet them.
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2 March 2021 - Watch PUSH: the show online
Online
A wonderful opportunity to perform our Story Machine Production of PUSH to those who lived with the ravages of this terrible virus; the Summer Plague, the Covid 19 of the last century. Includes Q&A. Hosted by the British Polio Fellowship. All welcome. Book here
23 February 2021 - Rotary's Birthday Purple4Polio Tea Party
Online
Wear something purple to join me for my Marmalade Days reading at the Purple4Polio Tea Party celebrating Rotary’s 116th birthday. Honestly, I could not be more excited to be hosted by two incredible Polio Ambassadors, TV and radio presenter, screenwriter and children’s author Konnie Huq and Anne Wafula Strike MBE, a Paralympian, author, sporting ambassador and polio survivor. Songs, poetry, readings all crammed into one beautiful, celebratory hour. There will even be time for a chat and a virtual cuppa and cake. Yum! Grap your free tickets now!
2 Oct 2020 - Lighthouse Journal 21 Launch
Online
Reading from Our Bodies Are Not Our Identities, article looking at disability equality. Register for free here.
15 Sept 2020 - Norwich Writers' Circle
Online
Setting the brief for the IVY FERRARI CUP Short Story competition (Deadline for entries: 3rd Nov 2020).
Talk and Q&A about writing and Push.
16 June 2020 - '30 Poets: The Cambridge Writers' Retreat Podcast
Online
Join Gaynor Clements and a different poet for every day in June for a new poetry podcast. Because we all need a little poetry in our lives at the moment.
03 June 2020 -
The Lockdown Stage
Online
A virtual poetry evening featuring 10 poets reading 2 poems each. Watch here.
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