SNN_Dec 2021 Issue_web low res

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 24
Arni and the Wheelchair Guy
The special friendship that inspired Mike Franklin
to write a children’s book
What do you enjoy about writing?
I enjoyed the whole process from forming the ideas to
polishing up the final story.
I have had a lot of enjoyment from getting to know Arni and
his owners, Duncan and Natalia, during my regular
exercise in their Redcliffs community. Watching Arni and
his adventures inspired me to write the book. During one of
our regular coffees, I asked Duncan and Natalia if they
would be happy for me to write about Arni and they agreed.
I wrote the initial story over lockdown in 2020 and it
provided me with a great deal of pleasure during that
difficult time. I enjoyed thinking about the story at night in
bed and then sketching out my ideas on paper the next day.
The book has also led to me meeting Natalia’s friend and
local artist, Albina [Koldasova], who agreed to illustrate
the book. This has enhanced the story hugely.
There was a lot of work, with ups and downs, getting the
story edited and ready for printing. I now know a lot more
about this tricky process!
When did the cancer treatment and your confinement
to a wheelchair happen?
Arni and the Wheelchair Guy
Mike Franklin has always been an avid
reader but never a writer, until now. The 68
year-old from Canterbury celebrated a proud
moment in May when he released his first
children’s story. It has all the makings of a
Kiwi classic.
The two met in 2019 on the smooth Redcliffs Coastal
Pathway where Mike likes to exercise in his wheelchair.
Arni, a French bulldog, came bounding into his life.
They have formed a special friendship which led to some
fun adventures and helped Mike get through some dark
times as he adjusted to his new life.
In 2001, Mike had intensive radiation to remove a brain
tumour which was successful. But many years later in
2019, he lost his mobility and began using a wheelchair. It
has been an exhausting physical and mental battle.
Mike says he wanted to use the book to teach children
about people with disabilities. It does more than that.
His own story is inspiring in itself.
It shows us that anything is possible after sustaining an
illness or injury and there is always hope.
It’s a long story. In 2000, I was having difficulty lifting
one foot. An MRI scan found an inoperable brain tumour
affecting my motor cortex. I was treated with large doses
of radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy. I made a full
recovery. The brain tumour has not recurred, and I was
able to get back to my previous enjoyment of running,
cycling and hiking. The doctors said at the time that the
large amount of radiation on my brain would mean I
would develop problems with my legs in later life. And
this is what has occurred.
From 2016, my ability to control my legs gradually
worsened. In 2019, I moved into a wheelchair, although I
can still stand with difficulty and stagger short distances.
The brain damage from the radiation also causes me to
get very tired. I get exhausted easily, especially if I am
trying to use my legs. I now find using a wheelchair is
easier, safer and less tiring than trying to walk.
How hard has it been and what is the prognosis now?
Both the brain tumour diagnosis and treatment and the
more recent loss of mobility have been very challenging
for me and my family. I did have a long period of normal
life in between, so I am very grateful that my cancer
treatment was successful over that time.
My whole life I have been very active with running,
mountain climbing, hiking, snowboarding and cycling.
Prior to my brain tumour, I competed successfully in