Moving People To Tears - Rodney's Dancing On Wheels!

His passion keeps him positive

- Ellen Mackenzie

Almost three decades ago, Rodney Bell’s world fell apart when a motorbike accident left him paralysed from the chest down. Fast forward to 2019 and the Te Kuiti local is now an award-winning dancer – and he’s achieved it all from his wheelchair.

“My accident was a blessing in a lot of ways because now I see the world differently and have a different respect for life,” the soft-spoken 48-year-old tells.

But despite his positivity now, there were times he struggled mentally during his recovery from that fateful day in 1990, when he lost control of his bike after having a few beers with friends.

“I had so much support from friends and family, but there were moments on my own when I kept replaying what happened over in my head,” he recalls.