AFTER a lifetime of battling disability, painter and decorator Brian Williams has launched his own business to avoid the benefits trap and to pay for a new surgical boot so he can carry on working for as long as possible.
Born without a fibula, one leg is eight inches shorter than the other, requiring the need for a surgical boot he hasn’t been able to update for 30 years.
After losing his last job due to incapacity, he is now purchased a van and set up his own painting and decorating business.
Taking up his story, Brian from Orford, Warrington, said: ” At birth, I was born without a fibula in my leg and was advised to have it amputated. I’ve soldiered on wearing a surgical boot with my leg being 8 inch shorter than the other.
“I’ve struggled through life, and I left school to be a painter and decorator, even with the struggles with my leg up and down ladders.
“After serving my apprenticeship, I got a job decorating at a company in Warrington in 1990, until last year, when I got diagnosed with COPD and a short time later diagnosed with lung cancer.
“I’ve never once asked for help, I’ve even got the same surgical boot from 30 years ago as Warrington hospital doesn’t know how to get the shape right for my foot.
“Long story short, after my diagnosis with cancer, I had an operation to remove the top of my lung and went back to work after eight weeks.
“I was advised by occupational health not to work externally in the cold as it made my COPD worse.
“I lost my job because I couldn’t work externally in the winter after 35 years of being there, resulting in incapacity dismissal.
“I’ve never once claimed benefits, so I decided to buy a van in April and try to start my own business decorating. I’m not doing bad now but would like to get my name out there to get more custom and hopefully make money to go private for somebody to be able to make me a new surgical boot so I can continue working for as long as I possibly can!”
Brian can be contacted on 07473 199288 or via email at bwilliams.bw279@gmail.com
