Philip Whitmarsh, a lively four-year-old, was playing in the garden with his brother and sister when he fell over - and found he couldn't get up. Life would never be the same again for Philip. He had been struck down by the 'summer plague' - poliomyelitis. So began a nightmare of isolation wards and surgery, lying for months on end strapped to a metal frame - followed by the long slow climb to recovery. Years of missed education saw him consigned to the dunce's class, prey to the school bullies - but he fought back and, thanks to a life-changing comment from a sympathetic teacher, ended up with academic success and an award for outstanding achievement.His refusal to accept second-best saw him achieve success in a range of different careers before setting up his own business and becoming Mayor of his home town. Now he has achieved another long-standing ambition - to set it all down as an inspiration to others and proof that it's not the hand life deals you that counts, but the way you play it. So when life throws up obstacles, remember Philip's catchphrase - 'I'm not prepared to accept that!'