On 13 October 2012, Bonner Paddock will attempt to be the first athlete with cerebral palsy to master the unforgiving Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. His biggest challenge to date, however, will not be the unpredictable ocean, the gruelling cycle ride or the debilitating marathon. The greatest battle will be against himself. Fancy a… Read more »

The last time I watched a major French blockbuster, I was a university law student. It was 2001 and I was packed into a cold cramped converted theatre in Durham city centre with a few friends. Wedged into our seats by our thick autumn coats and munching on an impossible supply of popcorn, we sat… Read more »

Having been thoroughly entertained by the thrilling sporting events of the Paralympic Games, I thought the bar had been set at its limit. Surely nothing could top the unbelievable feats of physical endurance and mental stamina displayed by these ‘Superhumans’. How wrong I was! For whilst most of us were still basking in the feel-good-factor… Read more »

  “Thanks for the warm up!” proclaimed Channel 4, barely a second after the Olympic flame had flickered out of existence. Now “Meet the Superhumans”. The unashamedly gritty promo which followed, set a gutsy, almost cocky, in-your-face tone for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. After the hugely successful coverage of the Olympics, brought to us… Read more »

  The past ten years have been seen by many as a golden era for children’s literature. Today the market for children’s fiction is more vibrant (and lucrative) than ever, with bestselling children’s books cramming shops and virtual bookshelves. But what are the drivers behind this phenomenon, and is this golden era set to continue?… Read more »