"The Cheeks On My Seat" recounts the life of the Stewart, who died at the age of 68 last June, and who claimed a bronze medal at the 1964 Paralympics in table tennis doubles.

He was injured in a cycling accident at the age of 64, and lived his life thereon by the motto of "life needn't stop when you are paralysed".

Having been given a life expectancy of just 15 to 20 years, he confounded such predictions in style with his sporting exploits.

"He always had it in the back of his mind to challenge what they said," said Mrs Stewart.

"Every milestone he achieved in life he got satisfaction out of knowing he was beating the system.

"It was his target to reach 50 years in a chair.

"He organised a music concert at Snape Maltings and planned to release his book at the same time to coincide with his 65th birthday.

"He was very proud about that and was even planning another concert for his 70th birthday, although sadly he didn't make it."

Stewart built up strength through table tennis, archery, basketball and snooker after his accident, and finished writing up his story just before his death.


Margaret and her sister helped publish the book a fortnight ago, and proceeds from its sale will go to the Spinal Injuries Association, whom her husband was a trustee of.

"He was always doing something," Mrs Stewart said of the man with whom she shared a fondness for wheelchair basketball.

"It's an amazing game," she said.

"He told me all about when he played - he liked to win.

"He was a very happy, funny, great character and if there was a problem he would get through it."

The book can be ordered online by clicking here. 

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