HE IS MY HERO

From the first time I met him I knew there was something special about him. Since then Christopher Basterfield has never ceased to amaze me. His depth of insight and breadth of knowledge is amazing. But Chris was born with congenital disability that has confined him to a wheelchair, being diagnosed early on with cerebral palsy. However he says he has never thought
himself as being unable to do anything he sets his mind to do. He was one of the first group of local children who went to the Peto Institute in Hungary in the process of setting up what has now become the National Institute of Conductive Education. This charity works ‘to improve the lives of children and adults with neurological motor disorders through the system and practice of Conductive Education’.

Chris’ tells you that he has always been part of the Church as far as he could remember. He was baptised just before he turned two and has grown through the ranks of the Church, from Crèche till now in his late twenties. He was active in the Fellowship of the United Reformed Youth (FURY), and was at one time the West Midland’s FURY representative at the General Assembly in 2004. Apart from all these activities and other involvements Chris sees his Christian faith as a way of life, not just a set of beliefs. After the General Assembly he remarked that the experience has helped him ‘grow spiritually’.

Much of what Mr Basterfield is today, he says, is attributed to the untiring efforts and love of his parents. His Mum Mrs Margaret Basterfield, especially, has single-handedly supported him since the death of her husband (Chris’ dad) fifteen years ago. Last Mothering Sunday I made the point that our mothers go a great length to ensure that we are alright. One of such duties is being our ‘taxi’, literally during pregnancy and after birth. Margaret remains Chris’s pillar of strength.

Politically Chris is very aware. He has been a campaigner towards the change of the public’s attitude towards disabled people. His mother tells me he has met more notable persons already than others will meet in a life time and has been on several radio, television and print media. Seven years ago he got a reassuring letter of support from the local labour MP Gisela Stuart who he had lobbied to have the government do more for Conductive Education.

I have personally been challenged by the life of this young man. Christopher Basterfield is my hero. I admire people with the drive for success despite the odds stacked against them. Indeed, as much as he is happy for people to support him, he does not want people to feel sorry for him. Chris believes in equal opportunities and he tells me he has more able bodied friends than physically challenged people like himself. It does not surprise me then that Chris has just completed a Master of Arts degree in Contemporary History. However, despite his self-confidence Chris will prefer not to be taken unawares because he can get flustered.

But at Easter, I want to introduce you to another hero of mine, who incidentally is also Chris’ hero. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not just our hero, but more especially our Lord and Saviour. He came and gave his life to deliver us all from sin and every bondage. Do you know Him? I think you should. Ask Him into your life today.

Happy Easter!

George
April 2012