Grow Your Garden and Ideas at the Spring Plant Fair This April  

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is inviting all avid gardeners to enjoy a blooming great day out at the Spring Plant Fair on Saturday 11 April 2026, from 10am – 5pm at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Set in the beautiful Parterre Gardens, this free event will feature thousands of plants from specialist growers, along with expert advice to help you make the most of your garden. A convenient Plant Crèche will also be available, so visitors can shop with ease.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “The Spring Plant Fair is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to gather ideas, speak to experts and enjoy a relaxing day in the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens. Everyone is welcome, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned gardener.”

The Spring Plant Fair also marks the exciting lead-in to this year’s Home and Garden Show Ireland, an exciting new chapter for the much-loved event. Taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June at the same location, the reimagined show will bring fresh inspiration for your home, both indoors and out, and promises a fantastic day out for all the family.

Joining David Domoney for the first time is award-winning interior designer Suzanne Garuda, also announced as a show ambassador. Known for her work on Andy Murray’s Cromlix House Hotel and appearances on DIY SOS, Suzanne will share her expert insights into luxury interiors, design trends and creative ideas, as well as meeting visitors and giving advice.

Early bird tickets are available now via gardenshowireland.com for just £10 until Saturday 11 April using code EB26 at checkout.

Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services launch new Coleraine Heritage Trail

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services have launched an engaging new heritage trail for Coleraine, offering residents and visitors a fresh way to explore the town’s rich architectural and cultural history.

 

The initiative has been developed as part of a project supported by the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Fund 2025–26 Revival Stream.
Working in partnership with Primary 7 pupils from D.H. Christie Memorial Primary School, the project has produced a beautifully illustrated guide showcasing more than 20 of Coleraine’s historic buildings. The guide features watercolour images inspired by illuminated addresses held in the collections of Coleraine Museum, the Honourable The Irish Society and Libraries NI, alongside historic photographs from the collections of Robert Anderson and Sammy Walker.
To further enhance the visitor experience, the heritage trail is accompanied by a detailed 3D map of Coleraine town centre, along with scale models of a number of the featured buildings. Using innovative Museum-in-a-Box technology, users can also listen to audio narration that brings the stories behind each location to life.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“It’s wonderful to see our Museum Services team bringing Coleraine’s rich history to life in such an innovative way. This trail not only celebrates the town’s heritage, but also gives residents and visitors a chance to explore, learn, and connect with the stories that make Coleraine unique. “I’m particularly delighted to see young people involved in the project, helping to shape the way we share our local history for future generations.”
The display will be housed at Museum Services’ Coleraine History Hub in the Diamond Centre, where copies of the heritage trail guide will be available.
Designed as the perfect companion for a leisurely walk through the town, the guide can also be collected from Coleraine Town Hall, local Visitor Information Centres and libraries.
It is also available to download via the Northern Ireland Community Archive at: niarchive.org.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council remains committed to preserving and promoting the Borough’s rich heritage, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.

A Pop-Powered Celebration: ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes the Stage!

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Get ready for the ultimate pop concert at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre as ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes to the stage!

Come and join us for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from five of the hottest artistes of the moment in a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement.

Let’s ‘Shake it Off’ to our very own Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves and HOT TO GO! With Chappell Roan, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’

Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.

‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ creates unforgettable memories for children and families. This show is the ultimate concert experience!

So, grab your tickets today and don’t forget those friendship bracelets! See you at the show!

Flowers & Friendship Bracelets will be staged at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Wednesday 8 April at 6pm. Tickets are priced £25 and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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Roe Valley Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

 

Enjoy an ‘egg-citing’ Easter with the whole family on ‘The Great Easter Getaway’. Starting from £249 per room, this includes an overnight stay, Irish breakfast, and full access to their kids activities and leisure facilities including their brand-new water slides. Little ones will have a blast with their on-site petting farm, Egg-stravaganza Hunt, Easter crafts, movie lounge and the Easter Bunny keeping them entertained from morning to night. Whether it’s sliding into the pool, hunting for Easter treats, or sharing a meal together, Roe Valley Resort is the place to make memories together. Offer available 4th –7th April and subject to availability. Visit https://www.roevalleyresort.com/the-great-easter-getaway.html for more information.

 

The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, County Down

 

Spring is a wonderful time to stay at The Old Inn. The blooming flowers and budding trees create a picturesque setting, and the comfortable and cosy atmosphere of the inn provides a tranquil escape. Step into Spring with their special offer starting from £295 per room, based on 2 adults sharing, Sunday – Thursday between March and May 2026. This offer includes an overnight stay, three course dinner with a bottle of house wine, full Irish breakfast, and access to the Treetop Spa from 12 noon on day of check-in to check-out. Visit https://www.theoldinn.com/step-into-spring.html for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 30 March – 5 April

 

  1. The Easter Eggspress at Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Downpatrick, County Down, 5 and 6 April. The Easter Bunny is visiting the Downpatrick & County Down Railway on Easter Sunday and Monday, and his goal is simple: make sure all the children have a great day with their trains and come away with a chocolate Easter Egg. There’s also a fun word hunt, and face painting in the station included in your ticket price.
  2. Easter at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions like the custom of cross-roads dancing, learn about the history of the Easter egg, and leave a message on the Easter Tree. Listen to live music in rural Ulster and America, and take part in traditional games including the classic egg and spoon race. Take a horse and carriage ride and watch an exciting magic show. Try tasty samples of barnbrack and hot-cross buns, plus get some Easter treats from the café.
  3. Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 5 – 7 April. Discover Easter traditions, have a go at nature-based activities and meet their talented makers as they demonstrate heritage skills – including Easter card making in the Print Shop. Get involved with traditional games, watch baking and butter making demos, try tasty cake samples and listen to traditional music. Meet costumed characters and learn all about the history of egg production in Ireland and the connections to the Easter traditions we know today.
  4. Easter at Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, County Antrim, 5 and 6 April. Join Glenarm Castle for a fun-filled adventure in the fresh spring air. Explore the Walled Garden and Woodland Walk, let the kids burn off some energy in the Woodland Adventure Play Area, or hop into the driver’s seat with the Mini Land Rover Experience. Take part in their much-loved Easter Eye Spy & activity sheet while exploring the estate and enjoy great food, shopping, and even a dedicated dog park for your four-legged friends.
  5. Slow Art Sunday at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 5 April. Join the Ulster Museum on the first Sunday of every month for Slow Art Sunday, an opportunity to explore their art collections in more detail. Explore the influences and inspirations that contributed to the artwork and find out the guide’s favourite pieces. Feel free to sketch or bring your own interpretations as the guides bring the artwork to life.
  6. Easter at Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 March – 7 April. Join in on Easter Monday for the annual Easter celebration at Florence Court. With lots of activities for kids to enjoy, live music, treats and of course the ‘Grand Tour’ Easter trail to explore, you are sure for a fun filled day out.
  7. Easter Adventures at WWT Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 31 March – 12 April. Spring has arrived and there is plenty of family fun waiting for you at WWT Castle Espie this Easter. Have fun at the Easter Egg Trail, Pond Dipping Adventures and Easter themed arts and crafts sessions.
  8. Easter Trail at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 4 –7 April. Join this Easter for a fun-filled outdoor adventure, where families can follow a woodland Easter Trail, meet colourful characters, enjoy marshmallow toasting, and dance along at our lively Easter disco.
  9. Easter Adventures At The Argory, Moy, County Armagh, 30 March – 7 April. Explore the stunning grounds of The Argory as you follow the ten points of the Easter Activity Trail. The trail takes you through the beautiful River Walk, offering scenic views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy nature in full bloom. Join for a fun-filled, family-friendly day out with plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy together.
  10. A Puffin Rock Easter at W5, Belfast, 1 – 11 April. Calling all little explorers and grown-ups. Now is your chance to join the Puffin Rock inhabitants and discover more from this beautiful island. Puffin Rock activities are free with general admission to W5.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Derry dancers Maíre and Sarah to perform ‘Encounters’ across the city this weekend 

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Four public spaces in Derry will experience an unusual series of dance ‘Encounters’ this Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March, as part of the Match Make Project.

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Match Make is an opportunity from Maiden Voyage Dance for dance artists based in the Derry City & Strabane District Council area to form new creative partnerships, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and inviting fresh ways of making and sharing dance with communities.

Emerging Derry dance artists Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle began their piece ‘Encounters’ from creative conversations about human encounters and relationships, proposing a new duet exploring how brief interactions between people can shape connection and shared space.

During rehearsals the artists developed the duet through improvisation, partnerwork and choreographic exploration, collaborating with composer Caolán Austin, whose music shaped the atmosphere and rhythm of the work.

Looking forward to the performances, Nicola Curry, Artistic Director of Maiden Voyage Dance said:

“This year’s Match Make programme brings together an exciting group of artists whose collaborations span film, puppetry, voice and movement, reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary practice.

We are very excited to see the culmination of  Maíre and Sarah’s artistic process with ‘Enounters’, a pop-up contemporary dance duet exploring the different ways in which we can coexist, interact and build relationships over time.

These short performances will invite passers-by to experience contemporary dance in everyday settings, bringing the work directly into the city and making it freely accessible to audiences.”

‘Encounters’ will be performed by Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle on the following dates and times, and at the following locations:

Saturday 28th March – Guildhall Square at 2pm and Craft Village at 3.30pm.

Sunday 29th March – Brooke Park at 2pm and Ebrington Square 3.30pm.

The performances are free and booking is not required.

For further information on ‘Encounters’ and the Match Make programme, visit www.maidenvoyagedance.com

Bangor Castle to Welcome Antiques Roadshow

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BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow is coming to Bangor Castle this summer as part of filming for its 49th series. The much‑loved programme, presented by Fiona Bruce, will bring its team of expert valuers to the ground of the historic building on Sunday 26 July.

Visitors will have the opportunity to share their antiques, family heirlooms and vintage treasures with specialists covering jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures, rare books, clocks, watches, militaria and a wide range of collectable categories – from vintage fashion and furniture to film and music memorabilia.

As well as Bangor Castle the following locations will also feature in the upcoming series: Dartington Estate, near Totnes, Devon, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford, East London, Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside and Caerphilly Castle, South Wales.

Presenter Fiona Bruce, who will be filming her nineteenth series of Antiques Roadshow, commented:

“Antiques Roadshow is gearing up to start filming a new series and every year I’m blown away by the variety and volume of objects shared with our team of specialists. There are always exciting moments of suspense and surprise when it comes to valuations as well as reassuring appearances of old favourites from diamond jewellery to fine china. I love meeting our visitors and hearing the personal stories behind their objects and we’ll be travelling around wonderful venues across the UK.”

Speaking ahead of the visit, Robert Murphy, Series Editor, said:
“The Roadshow is for everyone, and we’re looking forward to seeing those special items that mean something to our visitors. In recent years, we have seen a fantastic range of mementoes and treasures: ceramics by Picasso and paintings by Jack Vettriano, a medal for gallantry awarded to a pigeon, a rare Oasis demo tape and a cartoon by John Lennon, letters from poet Dylan Thomas, gold sovereigns and valuable watches by Omega and Patek Phillippe, a jewel-encrusted ballerina brooch valued at £40–£50,000, and items belonging to one of the founders of the SAS. We can’t wait to find out what treasures and surprises we’ll see at this year’s shows.”

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum welcomed the announcement, saying:
“We are delighted to host Antiques Roadshow at Bangor Castle. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors alike to showcase their treasured items in a beautiful and much‑loved setting. Bangor has a strong sense of community and heritage, and we look forward to welcoming the team and discovering the remarkable stories that will emerge.”

Free ticket applications are now open, with limited places available. Viewers can also submit items online for consideration.

For more information and to apply for tickets, visit www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

Watch Antiques Roadshow on BBC One on Sundays at 7pm and on BBC iPlayer.

For more information please contact: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

The ultimate spring family day out: Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal this April

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Down Royal Racecourse confirms Fibrus Broadband as headline sponsor of its popular Family Race Day, returning to Lisburn on Sunday 12th April 2026

Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as the Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal on Sunday 12th April 2026. It’s set to be an action-packed fusion of racing and family entertainment, with headline sponsor Fibrus Broadband back to help transform Down Royal into the ultimate playground for racing fans and families alike.

Now firmly established as one of the most popular fixtures in Down Royal’s annual racing calendar, this year’s event promises another unforgettable day out for families across Northern Ireland, combining top-class National Hunt racing with a packed programme of family entertainment. From petting farm and pony rides to bouncy castles and face painting, the enclosure will ensure a magical day out for racegoers of every generation.

The pre-race excitement has already kicked off in local primary schools across Lisburn and Hillsborough with the “Design a Jockey Silk” competition. One lucky primary school pupil will see their artistic vision brought to life as a professionally manufactured silk displayed at the track on race day.

The continued partnership between Down Royal and Fibrus reflects a shared commitment to bringing communities together and inspiring the next generation of racing fans across the region.

Speaking of the return of Fibrus as headline sponsor, Dominic Kearns, Founder and CEO at Fibrus, said: “Fibrus are incredibly proud to be back as headline sponsor of the Fibrus Family Race Day for a third consecutive year. What started as an exciting new partnership has grown into something special – an event that genuinely brings communities together and creates lasting memories for families right across Northern Ireland.

“At Fibrus, connecting communities is at the heart of everything we do, and this race day captures that spirit perfectly. The atmosphere at Down Royal on Family Race Day is like nothing else, and we cannot wait to see families pouring through the gates again this April for what promises to be our best year yet.”

Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, added: “The Fibrus Family Race Day has grown year on year into one of the standout dates in our calendar here at Down Royal, and the enthusiasm from families across the region continues to blow us away each year. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Fibrus back for a third year, their support has been instrumental in making this event the success it has become.

“With general admission, children under 14 can attend for free with a ticket-holding adult, making it outstanding value for families looking for a brilliant day out this spring. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or bringing the kids to the track for the very first time, this is a day not to be missed.”

Gates open at 12pm on Sunday 12th April 2026. For full details and tickets visit //downroyal.com/.tickets.

Final Line-Up Of Exhibitors Announced As Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Takes Place Tomorrow

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With the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair taking place tomorrow in Belfast, Charity Jobs NI has announced the final line-up of exhibitors set to offer more than 500 paid and voluntary opportunities across Northern Ireland’s third sector.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Free to attend, the event brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in meaningful careers, volunteering opportunities and purpose-led work.

The final exhibitor line-up reflects the breadth of the sector, with organisations working across mental health, disability support, housing, youth services, family support, education, fundraising, heritage, faith-based work, community rescue and the environment.

Among the organisations attending are Inspire Wellbeing, Autism Initiatives, HarmonI, Triangle Housing Association Ltd, Cedar Foundation, Crossroads Care NI, Epilepsy Action and Nexus, giving visitors the chance to explore a wide range of health, disability support and social care opportunities on the day.

Sam Humphries, Chief Executive of HarmonI, said: “If you’re driven by your values and want to find a career in a sector which does so much more than provide employment, this is the place to start.”

The event will also feature organisations focused on children, young people and families, including Action for Children, Start360, MACS and Caring Breaks Limited. Together, they reflect the range of support being delivered across Northern Ireland, from early intervention and family services to youth homelessness and community-based care.

Joanna Malone, Digital Executive at MACS, said: “Whether you’re looking for a paid role, a volunteering opportunity, or simply want to find out more about the sector, it’s a fantastic space to explore what’s out there. At MACS, we’re always keen to meet people who care deeply about young people, who are kind, and who want to be part of something that genuinely changes lives.”

The fair will also bring together organisations involved in community development, learning, advocacy and sector support, including NIACRO, OCN NI, Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland. Their presence adds to a line-up that reflects the wide range of roles, organisations and causes across the third sector.

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said: “Tomorrow’s fair is a chance for people to see just how varied and vibrant Northern Ireland’s third sector really is. With so many organisations coming together under one roof, attendees can explore opportunities they may not have considered before and speak directly to the people behind them.”

The final line-up also highlights the diversity of the event beyond traditional recruitment sectors, with exhibitors including Cruse Bereavement Support, Girls Brigade Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Festival of Fools, Community Rescue Service, Think Design Engineer Foundation, Railway Preservation Society of Ireland/Whitehead Railway Museum and Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK/Ireland.

Also taking part is The Conservation Volunteers, which will be encouraging attendees to find out more about opportunities to get involved in environmental and community-based activity.

Ciara Diamond, Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Officer at The Conservation Volunteers, said the fair is “a fun and engaging afternoon out, a chance to learn about opportunities on your doorstep.”

The fair is aimed at anyone interested in finding out more about careers and volunteering in the third sector, whether they are actively job-hunting, considering a career change, returning to work or simply exploring what opportunities may suit their skills and interests. 

People are encouraged to book a free ticket in advance, although attendees will also be welcome to drop in on the day.

To book a free ticket or find out more, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

They Said I Would Never Walk, I Took To The Skies Instead

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Belfast Man Releases Biography After Making History

A man who was once told he would likely never walk has launched a memoir after becoming the first disabled pilot to land a plane solo at Belfast International Airport.

Matthew Monaghan, from Newtownabbey, has released The Weight of Progress, a deeply personal account of life with a rare neuromuscular condition, the barriers he faced growing up, the devastating consequences of a medical procedure that left him fighting for his independence all over again, and the extraordinary journey that eventually saw him take to the skies.

The book charts a life shaped by physical limitation but never defined by it. From childhood, Matthew, 36, found himself battling assumptions that disability also meant lack of intelligence. 

He writes about having to fight for the right to be educated fairly and for the chance to prove that his ambitions were not unrealistic, just inconvenient to systems that were not built with him in mind.

That experience becomes one of the strongest threads in the memoir. In the book he remembers one particular comment his mum made that has always stuck with him: “Matthew, you may not understand yet, but you are being discriminated against.”

It was an early lesson in how easily disabled people can be underestimated, sidelined or made to feel like a problem to be solved rather than a person to be supported. 

In his book, Matthew writes candidly about the more subtle humiliations of growing up visibly different, including one sports day moment that stayed with him for years. 

“I was very young when it happened, probably about six or seven. I remember winning the egg and spoon race and, for a child of that age, it should have been one of the happiest, most proud moments.

“Not for me, a teacher had glued the egg to my spoon. The memory of feeling so awfully bad that I had cheated will never leave me. I desperately wanted to play fairly, even if that meant losing the race.

“The victory wasn’t mine. It belonged to the glue.”

But The Weight of Progress doesn’t rest on one chapter of Matthew’s life. The memoir moves through adolescence, friendships, work, sexuality and independence, showing how prejudice often follows disabled people into every part of life, not just school or healthcare. 

The most dramatic section of the book centres on 2015, when Matthew’s life changed suddenly and brutally. Just as adulthood was beginning to feel stable, a routine Botox injection designed to improve his joint flexibility and mobility, which was expected to ultimately improve his balance and walking.

In the book Matthew explains how the treatment ironically did the complete opposite and triggered a devastating decline in his health. 

Within days, Matthew was clinging on to the life he once knew, he was struggling to walk, breathe and swallow. The collapse left him terrified and desperate for answers.

“This wasn’t burnout. This wasn’t just ‘fatigue’. Something had gone catastrophically wrong” he explained.

What followed was not only physical trauma but a prolonged fight to be believed. Matthew was faced with months of fear, hospital visits and dismissal, as well as the anger of his family as his condition worsened. 

In the book Matthew recounts one particularly confrontational moment when his mother tells a consultant: “He’s not coping. He can barely walk. He can’t breathe properly. You put this poison in him. What are you going to do about it?”

Eventually, a specialist confirmed what Matthew had known in his own body all along. “This isn’t the natural course of your condition,” he said. “This looks like a reaction.”

That validation mattered because The Weight of Progress is as much about the damage caused by disbelief as it is about physical suffering. For Matthew, talking about the psychological toll of losing the life he had built, the humiliation of dependence, and the slow erosion of confidence that comes when a person is repeatedly told their lived reality is not real was an important part of the story.

“I knew my own body, and I knew this wasn’t what I had spent the last 26 years living with, this was new.  

“It’s difficult when you are up against medical experts who are not only under pressure themselves, but sometimes consumed and restrained by textbooks, forgetting that sometimes there are exceptions.

“The disbelief in my symptoms and reaction was rigid because no one was willing to accept that what was meant to help had harmed.  It sounds grim but medicine can harm and everyone makes mistakes, the problem is, I paid the price.”

Despite this, Matthew’s book is not a story of surrender. He believes that out of that collapse came a new and unexpected direction. He went on to apply for a flying scholarship for disabled people, a decision that would alter the course of his life. Flying became more than a hobby or challenge. It became a route back to himself.

And, in the book he describes the moment the shift became real: “I was going to learn to fly.”

From there, readers can follow his progress through training, self-doubt and determination to a point that once seemed impossible. In one of the book’s most powerful reflections, he said: “Flying wasn’t just something I wanted to do anymore. It was who I was meant to be.”

That sense of purpose would carry Matthew to one of the defining milestones of his life. In 2025, after years of persistence, adaptation and training, he became the first disabled pilot to land a plane solo at Belfast International Airport. It was a landmark moment, not only for him personally, but for what it represented in terms of access, visibility and ambition.

“From being told I’d never walk, to walking unaided. From being told life would be small, to becoming a pilot”, said Matthew: “If this book has done anything, I hope it shows that progress is possible, not just for me, but for anyone staring down their own can’t.’”

Now a pilot, motivational speaker and growing social media commentator, Matthew is using his story to challenge the assumptions that still shape public attitudes to disability. 

The Weight of Progress isn’t written as a tidy tale of triumph. It’s a memoir about pain, frustration, identity, exclusion, reinvention and the hard reality that progress often comes at a cost. It’s also a reminder that people are capable of far more than the limits others place on them.

Matthew’s book offers readers a rare combination of emotional honesty and hard-won perspective. He hopes it will resonate not only with those living with disability or chronic illness, but with anyone who has had to rebuild after loss, fight to be believed, or find a new way forward when life veers violently off course.

The Weight of Progress, published by Excalibur Press, is available now on Amazon.

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