Designs for living
PICK OF THE DAY INVENTING THE IMPOSSIBLE: THE BIG LIFE FIX BBC2, 8pm
LET’S hear it for the boundary-pushing boffins who, over the years, have invented so many of the things we now take for granted. Those brainy sorts who can see a problem, however challenging, and use all their biggest and best ideas and expertise to try and solve it.
Some of these remarkable fixers are offering their services to three incredibly deserving people in the first episode of this new series.
There’s Graham, a passionate snowboarder who was left severely disabled after being buried in an avalanche. With limited use of his arms and legs, the 40-year-old relies on round-the-clock care, but his one wish is to get back on his snowboard and back on the slopes.
So, up steps award-winning engineer Yusuf Mohammed, to see if he can invent something which Graham can control independently.
Materials expert Zoe Laughlin has a very different challenge, aiming to help 25-year-old Alexander. He has a rare and dangerous genetic disorder, which means his skin is extremely sensitive to UV rays and will immediately burn and blister in the sun.
He isn’t able to go outside unless every inch of his body is covered in uncomfortable and obvious protective gear.
And finally there’s Kyle, who’s wanted to be a hairdresser his whole life, but who was born with a deformed hand which makes it impossible.
Engineer Jude Pullen is tasked with coming up with something to help Kyle realise his career ambition.
If you make it to the end without crying, you’re tougher than us.