Now breathe

If there was ever a film that makes the case for the importance of pushing boundaries, daring to challenge ‘the way things are done’ and being brave against all odds – its Breathe.

Breathe is the true story of Robin Cavendish who in 1958 was paralysed from the neck down by polio. At 28 years old and given three months to live, his gut reaction to his diagnosis was to “turn off the machine” so his wife Diana could start again.

Turning off the machine was not ever an option for Diana. Contrary to all advice she brings Robin home and he defies medical experts by becoming one of the longest-living polio survivors in Great Britain. He died in 1994.

Robin was a 'responaut', wholly reliant on a machine that breathed for him.

Robin’s friend Teddy Hall, invented a wheelchair with a respirator built in so Robin could get about. Robin and Diana travelled the world campaigning to transform the lives of other disabled people. Often using himself as the guinea-pig, Robin tested and helped to market equipment that has changed the lives of countless disabled people.

Amongst the tears of laughter and sorrow there are many poignant lessons about what is possible when you have belief, a group of courageous friends and the audacity to push the boundaries of what has never been achieved before.

Breathe is about life, love, innovation and persevering against what the ‘experts’ say – this is it. Go watch it.

Breathe is produced by Jonathan Cavendish, Robins son. Thank you for sharing your fathers’ story with the world so beautifully.