Posted on August 13, 2025

I woke to the sound of the alarm. Through my half-closed eyes, I could just about make out 06:30 glowing on the clock. Bloody rude, I thought — it’s the school holidays! But reality bites: these days, it can take me as long to get from bed into my wheelchair as it once took me to shower, dress, and be ready to leave the house. I need a head start on life now.

Breakfast was the usual 14 tablets washed down with fresh coffee. Then another coffee. And another. Look, one helps me wake up and the other is just because I love coffee, alright? Don’t judge me.

By 8am, the car was loaded: wheelchair, pushchair, cool bags, three children, and two emotionally drained adults just trying to survive the summer holidays. Destination: Africa Alive in Kessingland, Suffolk.

The Suffolk Operation

Now, as a Norfolk lad, any foray into Suffolk has to be treated as a covert operation. Football fans will understand — it’s not just about Norwich City (the mighty Canaries) versus Ipswich Town (the Tractor Boys). The rivalry runs deep. Get caught on the wrong side of the border and you might find yourself dodging pitchforks and hay wagons.

Our “insertion” into Suffolk went smoothly — no removed signposts, no hay barricades. We’d even split the family into different vehicles and routes, you know, in case of detection. We regrouped at the gates of Africa Alive under the cover of a crowd of eager visitors.

A Hot Day at the Zoo

By 10am, it was hot. I debated bringing my track-wheel attachment for the chair — it makes rough ground easier — and I was glad I had. Accessibility information on most websites is about as clear as mud, and often written by people who’ve never actually tried navigating the place in a wheelchair. Without it, I’d have missed half the park.

The kids were having a blast — it was my nephew’s sixth birthday, and as he’s animal-mad, the zoo was perfect. We wandered past cheetahs, deer, goats, and warthogs under the relentless sun, rehydrating at every opportunity.

Lunch, Ice Cream, and Personal Triumphs

Lunch was a family feast under the shade of a large tree. My wife had packed enough food to feed not just us but possibly the entire park. Rolls, pork pies, scotch eggs, strawberries, grapes — honestly, all we needed was lashings of ginger beer and we’d have been in a Famous Five novel.

Post-picnic, I climbed back into my chair under the watchful eyes of strangers. My wife loudly reminded her mum — and perhaps our audience — that if I wanted help, I’d ask. She’s right; I like to do things my way.

We pushed on to the monkeys and meerkats before I met my nemesis: the Hill. I tackled it like an old infantryman — not straight on, but in a zig-zag “tacking” manoeuvre, like sailing into the wind. Halfway up, a cheerful chap offered help. I smiled and declined. This was personal.

Victory at the summit was sweet — made even sweeter by the sound of an ice cream van. At 32°C, there was no need to justify that purchase.

A Safari and a Special Moment

The rest of the day was a safari of rhinos, zebras, and lions. Eventually, we headed home, the children asleep before we hit the Norfolk border. Crossing back, I smiled. Another adventure. More memories to replace the ones I lost after the brain aneurysm that nearly killed me. I’m grateful for every moment now — so much so that I woke the kids up in the McDonald’s car park for one last treat.

Moral of the Story

Life’s short. Drink the coffee. Take the trip. Eat the ice cream. And never, ever, let Suffolk catch you without a plan.

💬 Over to you:

What’s your most memorable family day out — and did it involve covert tactics, wild animals, or dangerously large amounts of pork pie? Share your stories in the comments, and pass this along to someone who needs a smile today.