Hands on the Wheel Premiere Celebrates Resilience, Reinvention and the Power of Community

The film premiere of Hands on the Wheel, a powerful new feature-length documentary directed by Dan Prince and produced by Local Heroes, took place on Thursday 30th October 2025 at Gosforth Civic Theatre in Newcastle.

Supported by the North East Combined Authority, the event marked a major milestone for Local Heroes, showcasing its first feature-length film to an audience that included cast members, stakeholders, contributors, charities and local and national organisations.

Hands on the Wheel follows the remarkable journeys of five individuals rebuilding their lives after life-changing spinal injuries. Through powerful storytelling and intimate visuals, the film reveals how tragedy can give rise to hope—not only for those injured, but also for the people who stand beside them, helping them to rebuild and reimagine their futures.

Based in the North East, yet resonating far beyond, Hands on the Wheel offers an uplifting look at how community, determination, and compassion can transform even the darkest of moments.

At the centre of the story is Drew Graham, a former elite athlete and professional athletics coach in the USA until a spinal cord injury in 2014 left him paralysed from the shoulders down. He turned his passion for fitness into Gym Possible, the North East’s first fully wheelchair-accessible gym, creating a space where people with physical disabilities can train, gain independence, and redefine what’s possible.

The full-house film premiere had over 100 guests in attendance, and featured a screening of the documentary followed by an engaging audience Q&A with director Dan Prince and cast members from the film which was moderated by Richard Moss, the BBC political editor for the North East and Cumbria.

Guests were also able to enjoy live music from David & The Devil, dinner by Northumberland-based street food business Gnocchi Gnights, and a Local Heroes gift bag with goodies provided by Bidfood, who are a proud supporter of local businesses.

Drew Graham, owner of Gym Possible said, “Hands on the Wheel isn’t just my story, it’s about showing what’s possible when people refuse to give up. The North East community has been a huge part of my recovery and Gym Possible only exists because of that support. To see it all come full circle on screen tonight is something I’ll never forget.”

“I was blown away by the honesty of the film,” said Hannah Graham, a storyteller and illustrator who attended the film premiere and did live illustrations throughout the evening. “It’s emotional, but also full of hope. You walk away thinking differently about what resilience really looks like and about how much strength there is in community.”

“This film is a story about people who have experienced the biggest challenges in life, faced adversity, and came through the other side motivated to find a new purpose in life,” said Dan Prince, director of Hands on the Wheel. “Not only for people who are in wheelchairs, but the people who help them live a fulfilled life.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said “I was absolutely inspired by Drew's story when I met with him at this year's Great North Run, and now I’m delighted that we could support a project like this that shows off the very best of our renowned North East spirit.

“I want the North East to be the UKs first Region of Sport - a place where sport unlocks opportunities for all, transforms lives, empowers our communities and improves wellbeing.

“Drew, and those featured in Hands on the Wheel, reflect beautifully what makes the North East so special - resilience, a desire to help each other, and using the power of sport to connect our communities.”

From L - R: Back row - Susan Justice, Bidfood; Rosie Jenkinson, Local Heroes; Chris Jewitt, Local Heroes; Dan Prince, Local Heroes; Lesley Strickland, North East Combined Authority; Natalie Bell
Front row - Drew Graham; Gym Possible, Aidan Logan, Sam Beecroft, Abbie Potts, Kev Wilkinson

Hands on the Wheel marks Local Heroes’s first feature-length film, and represents a bold new chapter in its mission to celebrate the resilience and creativity of the North East.

As a regional storytelling platform, Local Heroes shines a light on the people, places and stories that define, inspire and connect communities through live events, film, podcasts, documentaries, and creative projects.