A man who is paralysed down one side has passed his test to drive a 44 tonne lorry - and is one step closer to his dream job of driving for Eddie Stobart..<br /><br />Nigel Bowler, 32, has two hands but is paralysed on his right side, so is unable to move his right hand and foot.<br /><br />Inspirational Nigel has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of lorry driver granddad Ernie Bowler, who delivered for a local dairy company and passed away in 1997.<br /><br />He thought it was out of the question - until he answered a Job Centre call out looking for articulated lorry drivers.<br /><br />Nigel took the rigorous HGV Class 1 licence in an artic - 99% of lorries are automatic - and passed with flying colours.<br /><br />He's now searching for his first job in the industry - with Eddie Stobart the ultimate goal.<br /><br />Nigel, from Wantage, Oxon., said: "When I passed I felt so overwhelmed I just burst in to tears.<br /><br />I just can’t wait to get a career in class one driving<br /><br />"For some people this would be just a job but for me it's a massive achievement - it's huge!<br /><br />"It's literally my dream come true. It's everything I've always wanted to do.<br /><br />"My disability is a part of me but I don't let it stop me - I never have.<br /><br />"I've had to use my left hand every day for 32 years.<br /><br />"My left side has definitely compensated by becoming stronger.<br /><br />"I just want to show other disabled people that you can follow and achieve your dreams.<br /><br />"This world is not made for disabled people to live in easily - it is definitely made for two-handed people.<br /><br />"Some disabled people find it really dispiriting and I just want them to know they can do anything they want to."<br /><br />Nigel's right leg is 3cm shorter than his left, and he has reduced movement in his right arm.<br /><br />The right side of his body is weaker than the left too, because of a condition he's had since birth called hemiplegia.<br /><br />Nigel does weights everyday to keep himself as strong as possible.<br /><br />He struggles with some everyday tasks like tying his shoe laces, and has to drive automatic vehicles.<br /><br />He passed his car driving test in 2014.<br /><br />Nigel wanted to be a lorry driver like his granddad Ernie Bowler, who passed away in 1997.<br /><br />But working as a support worker, in retail, and in skip hire, didn't earn him enough to pay for his training, he said.<br /><br />Nigel also got held back by depression after his mum Carol England died suddenly from a heart attack aged 55 in 2016.<br /><br />But he kept on trucking and found a funded training scheme through the Job Centre at the start of last year.<br /><br />And, on Jan 19, he was overjoyed to pass his test so he can now have his licence updated to say that he can drive the biggest articulated lorries.<br /><br />He said: "I drive with one hand and my lorry driving instructor was amazing - when I started he said 'Nigel, if I can drive this thing with one hand then you sure can'.<br /><br />"My mother and I were very close. I hope she is looking down on me and knowing that she made a brilliant son.<br /><br />"It took a lot of will power and motivation, but I'm extremely proud of my achievement.<br /><br />"Now I just need an articulated lorry job.<br /><br />"I’d so love to work for Eddie Stobart. That would be my absolute dream come true.<br /><br />“I would like other disabled people to know… Things do get tough, but everybody has their own disabilities and difficulties.<br /><br />“Just try to find hope and positivity - find the thing you love and your own open road."
