Holidays…we all need them and love them.

I have just got back from a trip to the south of France. I was in the millionaire’s playground of the Cote D’Azur, specifically Cannes during the film festival.

This is a VIP event only… everyone had lanyards and passes, big dark glasses and official Cannes bags. This was going to be no easy task to blend in.

Luckily, before my departure I read a blog about how to ‘fake it till you make it’ in Cannes. The article was full of useful tricks but it neglected the best one of all, using a wheelchair.

Being a wheelchair user is often seen as a negative thing, almost pitiful. When I meet new people they often say ‘I am so sorry’.

Don’t get me wrong, I do miss being able-bodied but I’m clever enough to know how to use my new found wheels.

So back to Cannes. I pop on a shirt, some tailored shorts and a pair of Converse – not film star chic, but my friend and I had sneakily packed tuxedos in a suit carrier and headed to the red carpet and the Palais (the cinema where the premieres take place).

Upon arrival we were met with resistance from a guy who said ‘no pass, no entry’.

My plan of wheelchair compassion failed, but when dealing with disability you learn not to give up. Throughout my rehab I fought every decision and found ways around obstacles; physical and otherwise. This principle was applied at Cannes.

I found a press accreditation zone; I am after all a columnist.

Problem being it was downstairs and the only lift access was via the Palais. As we were ushered through, past the guy who had previously denied me, I smiled inside.

The lady usher left us at the lifts and once we were in it was time for a quick change in the disabled loos and into my tux. We then set about exploring.

There were several off-limits areas with steps. A simple confidently spoken ‘can you help me?’ and I was lifted up the steps despite not having a pass.

We ended up on a press balcony overlooking the red carpet arrivals. I’m sure Kirsten Dunst and Ewan McGregor winked at me.

I had a great holiday; one that was made better by being in a wheelchair.

People often think I live a diminished life, one of struggle and missed opportunities.

The reality is being in a wheelchair is empowering and if you choose to embrace it, you can get up to all sorts of high jinks and hang out with A-listers on the red carpet and that’s just the beginning...