Acclaimed author Hanif Kureishi has shared intimate details about his life in a wheelchair, three years after a devastating fall left him with a broken neck and paralysed.
The Life-Changing Incident
The incident occurred in 2022 when Kureishi suffered a severe fall that resulted in him breaking his neck. This life-altering injury forced him to adapt to life using a wheelchair. During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday, 8th November 2025, the writer spoke candidly about his experiences and the new reality he faces.
A Simple Yet Profound Ambition
Kureishi revealed that his current primary goal is remarkably simple yet deeply meaningful. He aspires to walk from his home to his local Gail's bakery. The author described his dream of leaving his wheelchair behind to "leg it up to the coffee shop" and enjoy a cheesy twizzle stick.
He powerfully framed this personal ambition, comparing it to Nelson Mandela "walking to freedom". For Kureishi, achieving this short walk would represent his own "great walk to freedom", symbolising a monumental personal victory over his physical limitations.
Looking Forward with Resilience
This public disclosure offers a poignant insight into the daily challenges and personal milestones faced by individuals living with paralysis. Kureishi's focus on a specific, everyday activity highlights the profound value of simple freedoms that many take for granted.
His journey continues to inspire, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a positive outlook despite the enormous challenges he has faced since his accident three years ago.
