Mike Nixon, a farmer from England, shares his experience of farming, his life-changing accident, and his journey to adapt to his new circumstances. He talks about the types of livestock he raises, including sheep and chickens, and how he sells eggs from his free-range chickens. Mike also discusses his background in farming and the accident that left him wheelchair-bound. He shares his memories of the accident and the challenges he faced during his hospitalization and rehabilitation. Mike talks about the changes in his life since the accident, including spending more time with his family and his involvement in the gym. He also addresses the accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities in rural areas. In this conversation, Michael discusses his experience as a farmer with a spinal cord injury and how it has impacted his daily life and parenting. He talks about the challenges of using a wheelchair on the farm and keeping it clean. Michael shares his journey as a parent and how his relationship with his son has evolved. He also discusses the importance of spending quality time together and teaching his son about farming. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the joys and challenges of parenting on a farm and the importance of supporting spinal cord injury research charities.

Connect with Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikewheelchairfarming/

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Takeaways

• Mike Nixon is a farmer from England who raises sheep and chickens on his three-acre property.
• He had a life-changing accident that left him wheelchair-bound, but he has adapted to his new circumstances and continues to be involved in farming.
• Mike emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health, which led him to open a gym that is accessible to wheelchair users.
• He also discusses the challenges of accessibility in rural areas and the need for equipment and adaptations to make farming and other activities more inclusive. Using a wheelchair on a farm can be challenging, but with adaptations and support, it is possible to continue farming.
• Spending quality time with children and teaching them about farming can create a strong bond and valuable life skills.
• Parenting on a farm has unique challenges and rewards, and it is important to find a balance between work and family.
• Supporting spinal cord injury research charities can make a difference in improving the lives of those with spinal cord injuries.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Farming
• 03:33 Life-Changing Accident
• 06:31 Hospitalization and Rehabilitation
• 10:25 Adapting to Life After the Accident
• 17:23 Addressing Accessibility Challenges
• 28:01 Opening an Accessible Gym
• 33:42 Farming with a Spinal Cord Injury
• 35:30 Parenting on the Farm
• 40:08 Adapting to a New Outlook on Life
• 47:13 Farm-Specific Parenting Advice
• 53:08 Supporting Spinal Cord Injury Research