‘Fascinating’ would be an understatement when describing the life-story of IPF member Roger Warner which saw him embrace a new world in Thailand at the age of 37, twenty-one-years after he broke his neck in a rugby accident. 

Having begun his career in graphic design, Roger later moved into magazine and newspaper publishing. An opportunity to work on a Bangkok daily newspaper brought him to Thailand in 1994, where he quickly adapted to the emerging internet era and went on to build a successful website development business. The turbulent years that followed would eventually inspire him to write not one, but three memoirs. 

When speaking to Roger, it’s hard not to be energised by his thirst for adventure and passion for exploring new cultures. 

As he explains, “Through my memoirs, I share the lessons I’ve learned about resilience, love, and the power of embracing life’s sweet moments, no matter how small. 

“Each book is rooted in my belief that no matter what hardships we face, there’s always a “strawberry” worth tasting, a moment of beauty, joy, or meaning.” Hence the title of Roger’s first memoir - ‘Life’s a Strawberry’ - which covers his life from his accident at age 15 to 37. 

Roger’s most recent publication ‘You Can’t Eat Love’ traces his journey to Thailand where he starts life number two, with new parameters, new dreams, and new challenges. 

“The book focuses on rebuilding a life on the other side of the world,” says Roger. “It’s about the struggle of not knowing exactly who I was, or where I was going, but pressing forward anyway. 

“It follows my journey as I carve out an identity in a foreign culture, build businesses from scratch and experience the cross-cultural impact of different approaches in different countries. 

“Thailand was a wonderful place to live. Although there were issuesfor me with accessibility, it is quite easy to live there as a disabled person because so many people are incredibly empathetic and help you around or take your bags for you. I loved my time there. 

“When I went to Thailand, I thought I’d be there for maybe three or four years. Obviously, things developed to the point where I ended up staying for almost 25 years and have family in Thailand.” 

 

 

Roger and his partner have since returned to the U.K. and are making the most of their passion for the great outdoors. Recent expeditions include mushroom picking in Dalby Forest, Yorkshire, an activity that Roger explains has been made possible by the IPF. 

“The IPF helped fund my MTW electric Triride which is wheelchair adapted. I have an electric wheel on the front of my wheelchair and two on the back. That means I can now manoeuvre along the tracks and trails through the forest and join my wife, whether that’s mushroom-picking or just enjoy the scenery together. I couldn’t do that before having the trike.” 

You can watch Roger on one these adventures on his YouTube channel -  https://youtube.com/@warnerswheelingabout4879?si=wElfF2YSE9u2rQZH 

“The IPF have been incredibly supportive over the years,” Roger continues. “They’ve arranged for me to go to a physiotherapy company to get properly measured and tested for my physiology and my condition so I could have my primary wheelchair hand-built to suit my requirements. 

“The charity also recommended physiotherapy courses, which I’ve done, and funded a week at Oaksey House rehabilitation centre which was such an impressive outfit. That really helped me a lot in terms of exercise routines and how I could improve my body. 

“I’ve also been to Bendrigg for an activity course with other injured players as part of the IPF’s Engage Programme which was a lot of fun. I've got nothing but gratitude, praise, and admiration for the IPF. They’ve done a fantastic job.” 

 

If you would like to find out more about Roger’s work visit www.rogerwarner.net 

Both his memoirs are available to order here

Roger’s final memoir is due for completion in 2026. The story continues with his transition from Bangkok to Bali where he tries to rebuild his life yet again.  

Here’s what readers have said about Roger’s work:   

Life’s a Strawberry 

“A beautifully honest, uplifting journey through hardship, healing, and hope. The author’s vulnerability and strength shine on every page, offering a reminder that even in our darkest moments, growth and grace are possible. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after the last page, quietly powerful, deeply human, and ultimately inspiring.” 

Inspirational! A brilliant read that will inspire you to fulfil your desires in life The writer's determination and will to succeed through adversity is truly inspiring, I look forward to reading, You Can’t Eat Love, the next episode.” 

You Can’t Eat Love 

 “Just finished book 2. You certainly ramped up the story in this edition. Seems almost surreal.... James Bond springs to mind. The characters come alive off the page. Looking forward to book 3. Well done and thank you for teaching me how to work out the Thai Buddhist calendar.” 

“This is the second book, and I was hooked again by this guy’s life on a merry go around! It has it all love, despair, success, and fear. In fact, I sat up until 5.50am this morning to finish the book. An interesting insight to starting a life as an expat in Thailand and trying to succeed in a different culture especially as a physically challenged individual due to his accident as a teenager. Well worth a read I can recommend it.” 

  

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