When a mobility device is broken, deliberately or not – I’m looking at you Menzies – there is a window on the other side which could be days, weeks or months where we need to make do.

That could mean using a loaned chair or scooter, it could be not leaving the house or in my case going manual, as my power attachment was written off.

It was in such a window that I made a work trip to Aberdeen. If you’ve never been to Aberdeen, I often describe it as greyscale Minecraft with hills.

That’s mostly due to the granite buildings, some of which are spectacular to look at.

On my first day, I checked into my hotel in Shiprow. To get to Union Street – the high street – I had to push up a pretty steep hill. It was a case of push for a bit, brakes on, catch my breath, push for a bit.

Two people kindly offered to push me up, which I declined. They respected my answer and told me to shout them if I changed my mind – very considerate and much appreciated.

Getting up was tough, but I managed. Union Street was a bit easier, as it was a lot more level.

I did what I had to do, and went for a wander. Later, I found myself on a hill to the side of Union Terrace Gardens.

So, same technique as before, or so I thought.

I was mid-push when I heard a voice say, “We’ve got this!”

Before I had time to process this, I was being run up the hill by an as yet unseen person.

I slammed my brakes on and told him to stop. I knew this was coming from a good place but it was incredibly dangerous – and I didn’t much like the feeling either.

In one fell swoop this well-meaning person has come from nowhere and was taking me where they thought I wanted to go – at speed!

I explained to him that he wouldn’t see an old person struggling to walk up the hill and throw them over his shoulder – this was no different.

My lesson was interrupted by a man across the street shouting at the “helper”. I then found myself trying to cover for him, before the shouter left.

I turned back to the helper and he was gone. Likely off to “help” someone else.

But the message is simple, offer help before providing it and never push someone’s wheelchair without consent.

You don’t know why they need the chair and a sudden thrust from you could cause injury. That, and it’s bloody weird!

Ask first, and respect the answer.