INSPIRING personal stories of disabled people who have overcome barriers in their individual journey to employment are told in a new book. Published by The Papworth Trust, Overcoming Barriers features two people from Fenland who have battled against the

INSPIRING personal stories of disabled people who have overcome barriers in their individual journey to employment are told in a new book.

Published by The Papworth Trust, 'Overcoming Barriers' features two people from Fenland who have battled against the odds to turn their lives around.

Martin Grimmer almost died in a car smash which left him with serious brain injuries and Promis Christodolou was forced out of his job suffering from serious depression.

The book charts six personal journeys of people who have regained their confidence and self-esteem to make a valuable contribution at work, achieving their full potential and more.

Overcoming Barriers is published by the Papworth Trust and costs £7.99. Contact The Papworth Trust, Bernard Sunley Centre, Papworth Everard, Cambridge CB23 3RG. Tel 01480 357200.

Martin Grimmer

Martin Grimmer was driving home to Wisbech from work in December 1999 when his car left the A47, he was thrown through the windscreen and landed in a field.

The 29-year-old was in hospital for six months and was told by doctors it was unlikely he would walk again - he proved them wrong. Martin progressed from a wheelchair to walking and keeps fit with regular visits to the Hudson Leisure Centre.

Now aged 36, Martin works part-time at Choice Landscapes in West Walton where he is involved in building greenhouses, laying pipes and setting up fountains.

In the book he says: "The people from the Papworth Trust still come back every six months to carry out assessments and to see how I'm getting on. It's very reassuring to know that they are there if there's anything I might need some help with."

Promis Christodolou

Promis Christodolou has always had a passion for fixing cars but he was left with an uncertain future when depression forced him out of his job.

He decided to relocate to Wisbech and after about six months saw an advert on television about the Papworth Trust. He said: "I thought I would give them a call as really I didn't have anything to lose."

The Trust put Promis in touch with Enterprise Fenland, a group that provides advice on setting up a business. He set up his own business as a mobile mechanic and then took over one of the garages he was working for.

Promis said: "The Trust gave me lots of practical advice and helped me get back my self confidence. That is irreplaceable and I know that if they can do it for me, they can certainly do it for other people as well.