Shane's online for a bright future

When ruthless capitalist Shane Bratby saw his Gran struggling with overflowing carrier bags, rather than rush to her aid he was struck by the idea for his business, Shopping4u: disabled people lacking IT skills can call him up and he’ll order their shopping online. Shopping4u is supported by Sainsbury’s, business is growing and Granny Bratby can put her feet up

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
I see life as more fragile, so I live every second like it’s my last. And being disabled makes me more grateful for what I have.

What makes you angry?
Bullies and name-calling make me so angry. I grew up in a rough environment and saw a lot of violence. I cope by knowing I’m above the bullies.

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment?
“Are you drunk?” I got asked that more than once when as a kid I couldn’t walk in a straight line due to poor coordination. And once, when I was out in my wheelchair with my wife, a stranger shouted “Little Britain” at me.

How do you deal with people who barf on about your impairment? Have you any good putdowns?
They’re beneath me, so I just ignore them.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?
Robot legs! They’d be great for going over steps. Or a flying wheelchair. Or virtual reality.

What do you most like about running a business?
Being in control and proving to all the doubters that I can succeed. I want to show my two daughters I’m not just a waste of space, and I’d like to make money so my three-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy, can have a better life than I did growing up. Ahh, nearly forgot – I like to work from home, too!

And what do you not like about it?
Having to be self-disciplined. It’s tempting to play games when I should be working.

Who’s your favourite disabled person?
Richard Branson, because he never gives up.

Do you have any special or hidden talent apart from shopping?
Hang-gliding. It gives me total freedom. I feel like Superman. And chess; I like thinking games.

If you didn’t have your impairment, which other one would you like to have?
I’d like to be deaf, so I could avoid hearing the TV news.

* www.shopping4u.uk.com or tel: 01709 866370