Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, the celebrated Paralympian with 16 Paralympic medals, including 11 gold, has highlighted shocking treatment by airlines during a House of Lords debate. She recounted how her wheelchair disappeared on a flight from Geneva to Birmingham and was later returned to her sawn in half weeks later in Dublin.
Wheelchair Found Cut in Half
Speaking in the Lords, Lady Grey-Thompson said: "It came back to me in two pieces. It had been cut in half and it was suggested I might like to try and duct tape it back together, which didn't work." The former athlete, who was based in Birmingham, shared her experience during a debate on a new aviation bill designed to give powers to fine airlines that fail to properly assist disabled passengers.
Airline's Insensitive Question
When her wheelchair went missing, airline staff asked: "Had I ever tried to walk? Would you like to try to walk? No – can't walk." The airline also attempted to return two sleeping bags to her, claiming they were her lost property, "even though they were clearly tagged to a different airport and another name."
Call for Change
Lady Grey-Thompson argued: "This Bill presents a significant opportunity to do something very different for disabled people." Fellow Paralympic gold medallist Lord Christopher Holmes called for greater transparency, saying: "Come fly with me? Well, not without greater protection and coverage on the face of the Bill, not least for disabled people." Transport minister Lord Hendy acknowledged the "inadequacy" disabled passengers face and said the Government "doesn't accept that that's inevitable."
