Book raises awareness of polio

For over six decades, Shirley Hazlewood, QSM, has challenged herself and the world around her on an almost daily basis.

"Just because you're in a wheelchair, doesn't mean you can't do anything."

At just 14 months old Shirley contracted polio, the 53rd reported case in Taranaki at the time. She spent the next six months in isolation at Hawera hospital, "and then I was in and out of hospital until I was about 15 or so".

Regular hospital stays meant her schooling was sporadic, "I didn't start until I was seven, and I left school at 12," however the lack of formal education didn't stop her from expressing herself by writing short stories. "I used a dictionary, I wouldn't let anyone help me with the words."

This independent attitude has followed Shirley through her life, "Dad, (Lou Muggeridge) he always believed in me, he let me do things when I wanted to try. I used to drive his Clydesdale horses in the parade in town, I worked on the farm for him, I milked the cows even".

Ten years ago, Shirley had a leg amputated after an ulcer turned to cancer on the bone. "You just have to get on with life though, no point in feeling sorry for yourself." Shirley certainly doesn't have time to feel sorry for herself, she has chooks to feed, a garden to work in, and a constant stream of phone-calls to attend to.

Those phone-calls are frequent, as she has devoted much of her life to helping others with polio, founding the Taranaki Polio Support group over 20 years ago. The group held its final meeting earlier this year, but Shirley is still at the end of the phone for anyone in need. "I love helping people, I've no plans to stop doing that." Through the years Shirley has helped numerous people, giving her time to groups such as the Taranaki Disability Resource Centre board, CCS and Disability Action, the New Zealand Polio group and countless individuals in need of help or a sympathetic ear as well.

As well as the Queen's Service Medal, Shirley has been awarded a citizen's award, a Kiwibank Local Hero award and the Roosevelt medal, all recognising her dedication to helping others.

Shirley hopes her newly published book, "We Can Do Anything" will raise awareness of the disease that has dominated her life, as well as providing inspiration for others who are living with polio. The book tells of the lives of some of Taranaki's polio sufferers, including Shirley, "so people can read about others not letting it stop them, and maybe that will challenge them to not let polio stop them doing anything".

While Shirley has retired from an active role on the many boards and committees she has been on through the years, she isn't slowing down. She has plans to travel a bit more with her family, and still opens her home to visitors keen to see her large collection of all things equine.

"I've always loved horses, when I used to drive Dad's Clydesdale horses, I didn't feel disabled, I felt like anyone else, that's the magic of horses, they make you feel free." She loves showing her extensive collection of ornaments, puzzles, pictures and other equine memorabilia to visitors to her home, and has no plans to close her informal museum anytime soon. "I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I wasn't busy, I don't think I am good at staying still!"

Tp purchase a copy of Shirley's book, call her on 06 764 6476. Please leave a message on her answerphone if she doesn't answer.