There is nothing quite like having a temporary affliction to help you notice the same handicap in others. Last summer, when I had my head shaved, I suddenly became acutely aware of how many other blokes had little or no hair. My trips round ASDA or into town were fascinating insights into male tonsorial trends, something I was somewhat indifferent to beforehand (and am again).

When I broke my leg earlier in the year, I became acutely aware of how many other people had a limp, a walking stick or crutches. When I made use of the ASDA scooter, I became a lot more conscious of others doing the same.

However, a few months ago, I started to notice something a little unusual, occasional people getting round with one crutch although they didn’t seem to actually need it. They tended to look somewhat “scratter”ish and sometimes they were outside pubs or clubs in the smoking areas.

Why did they stick out? I don’t really know, just a feeling that it was a little odd.

Then, I read Barry Beelzebub recently and the penny dropped.

(Why am I mentioning it now? Word association football. It is four months since my accident and I am taking the crutches back to the hospital tomorrow. I haven’t used a walking stick since Barcelona and whilst I’m still slow and tire easily, I managed to cut the grass yesterday afternoon).

(Image from NHS BRI Orthopaedics website page)