Humans of Dublin: ‘People ask me if I would wish for another leg’

The following is an extract from Peter Varga's Humans of Dublin.

Drawn from the archives of the incredibly popular online blog, Peter Varga's Humans of Dublin gives a voice to the people of our capital city.

A collection of portraits, memories and snapshots, Humans of Dublin provides a thought-provoking insight into the Irish capital and its vibrant and diverse inhabitants.

Pictured above is a resident who shares his story of persistence and perseverance.

On the day I was born, the doctors told my mum I would never be able to walk. She said, ‘Of course he will.’

I have only one leg. I was born with a birth defect, so I’m using a prosthetic leg since I was one-year-old. I was actually walking since I was about one and a half.

Every few months other kids had new shoes – I had new shoes and a new leg too. I was a part of the football team in school, I cycle, I do everything.

When I was 16, I even tried to work in a pub, but the bar manager told me he won’t hire me to be lumping around in his pub. Well, he didn’t believe in me either.

I never actually knew how it was to have two legs, and I never felt disabled or in any way less than others.

What is the best thing about having only one leg?

Well, people ask me if I would have one wish would I wish for another leg.

And I always say I don’t think I would waste my wish for that. Having only one leg made me think more and made me more creative, and I think that helps a lot. I see the world differently from everybody else.

I want people to look at me and get inspired by me running after my dreams. I want them to have no excuses and say, ‘If he can do it, I can do it, too … ’

Peter's Vagra's Humans of Dublin is available to buy now.