Over the weekend it was that time of year again where the Boat Race and the Grand National coincide for a weekend of rare sports viewing for me, very much from the comfort of my wheelchair and the excellent media coverage.

I usually watch both of these events with friends, and the family has a sweepstake each year.

Sadly I missed out on victory with the nags but it was nice to see the Oxford Blues wins and especially to have the women featured so heavily.

You know I love a bit of equality!

Oddly though these events have another effect on me too.

They make me look back and think what I was doing this time last year or five years ago or certain people, and places I have been.

It is a bit ‘where were you when JFK was shot?’ This leads to an odd feeling. Perhaps it’s because my life has changed so significantly in my recent memory, or maybe just that I am sentimental and choose to dwell on these events.

It’s not always sadness pertaining to times before my accident.

In fact I recall lots of good times too.

Let’s take the rowing for example. I have now been part of the City of Oxford Rowing Club Adaptive Squad for three years.

This means I row each Sunday for about an hour with the help of volunteer coaches and fellow volunteer rowers.

The club has fundraised for adaptive boats and the crew consists of people with all sorts of disabilities and we row alongside other members of the club – it’s inclusive.

If I wasn’t disabled I doubt I would be rowing. Most of my friends in Oxford don’t row so I feel quite privileged.

As each year passes and I learn more about the techniques I enjoy the boat race more and more as it’s interesting to watch the race from a technical point of view.

It also has a strange effect in a less positive direction – that the men and women who row are clearly at the peak of physical fitness and have a perfect physique.

As a once-a-week rower who rows only with his arms, my physique is somewhat different and whilst I feel a kinship I also feel a segregation based on my appearance and limited ability on the water.

Watching sports and comparing yourself to athletes is something that segregates most people, I’m sure, but perhaps this is part of the subconscious reflection of how my life has changed and the triggers that these events have mentally year on year.

If you would like to volunteer with the adaptive rowers please email adaptive.rowing@oxfordrowingclub.org.uk (some basic sculling experience would be useful but is not essential).