Frank Gardner

Speaking from personal experience here, I have a brother who uses a wheelchair and despite what some people may believe, travelling with a wheelchair is really no major issue at all but of course it is an issue, but in saying that there would be no touble in travelling and secondly I know a few people and have heard from others that the Middle East - in this I mean the stable countries such as Egypt, Dubai etc - is one of the most friendly of all regions in the world for people in wheelchairs to visit - so that should be no problem if he is reporting from a stable area of course.

And besides has no one ever seen the ABC Correspondent who also uses a wheelchair and has reported for years in the likes of Israel, Yemen etc. - and a whole host of other Arab countries. There is a lot of sterotyping of people in wheelchairs and all more often than not many people fail to fully understand the issue and seem to believe that all people using wheelchairs are somehow 'utterly helpless'. Of course he'll be able to visit foreign countries, he even said so last night on Hardtalk because he was talking about a recent trip to Tailand. Last year he went to Germany, Italy and America so that would be no problem if he wanted to. I wish him all the very, very best.

I saw him on the 6 o clock news last night, he admitted himself that he wont really be able to travel abroad for stories. Of course he could still go on holiday, but it would not be practical for him to quickly hop from one end of a country to another as reporting often does. is there any chance he will be able to walk without calipers?

Saw some of the programme on tuesday night, started to wonder if it was fiona's story rather than frank's. every other shot was of her giving empathic gazes and thoughtful expressions.

I noticed Frank Gardener reporting for CBBC Newsround tonight, in the studio talking to the presenter.

I must say over the past week, since the bombings, he has provided fantastic insights and information accross News 24 and the National bulletins. His expertise really casts a shadow on rival programmes, in particular ITV's "Target London".

Frank's knowledge and expertise in middle east issues are without equal. I'm sure he will continue to be a valuable contributor to BBC News although not in the same way he used to.He's also a bloody nice guy!

I dont mean to be cynical, but I suppose because the attacks were in London he was able to play a more active part than if they had been abroad, though I suspect he will probably always be studio or newsroom bound.

I'm glad to see though he is doing his job and doing it well, i'd hate to think the BBC kept him on out of pity.

Hes been on BBC World alot lately being a guest and telling us more on the London Bombings.

I've noticed when they interview him on Breakfast and Newsround he comes into the studio, whereas when he's on the main BBC One news, they link to him in the newsroom. Perhaps the national studio isn't wheelchair friendly.

He's been in the national studio as well on occasion.

He's been in the main studio for the One O'Clock on two or three occasions since last Thursday.

I can understand him not being there for the Six, as the guest has to stand up.

Don't know about the Ten.

Funnily enough, Frank was on his way to the airport for a flight to a speaking engagement in Germany when he heard about the bombs on the radio, and turned back to TVC.

Frank recieved the OBE today

bbcnews.com