Adam Hills expresses frustration after being denied two taxi rides, stating ‘they don’t understand the extent of my disability’
The Australian comedian arrived in the city from Melbourne, where he was scheduled to be fitted with a new prosthetic leg at a clinic about two-and-a-half miles away.
Disabled comedian Adam Hills has criticized Australian cabbies for refusing him a ride from Sydney Airport. This came after two drivers declined the journey, deeming it too short.
The 53-year-old, a Sydney native born without a right foot, often incorporates humour about his disability into his performances. However, upon arriving from Melbourne for a prosthetic leg fitting at a clinic just over two miles away, the Last Leg star was left dissatisfied.
Following the two unsuccessful attempts to secure a ride, Hills expressed his frustration at having to withdraw extra cash to ensure the fare was sufficient for the cabbie. “What concerns me is that they are unaware of the extent of my disability,” he remarked.
He expressed to Yahoo: “While I can manage to move around quite well, what if it were someone with a more significant disability? I understand the guy had been waiting there for two hours, but let’s not forget it’s not my fault the prosthetic clinic is so close to the airport.”
Hills, visibly frustrated, later brought up the matter with authorities at the taxi rank, only to be informed that there is little that can be done about the surge of “unauthorised drivers” in Sydney. Consequently, he had no choice but to shell out $40 (£21) for a journey that should have cost him $21 (£11).
Earlier this year, Hills shared his aspiration to compete in a Rugby World Cup in a Channel 4 documentary titled “Adam Hills: Grow Another Foot.” The Australian, who has even established his own charity for Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) in Cheshire, elucidated: “As a kid, the thought of playing in a Rugby League World Cup seemed almost impossible. Now, I’m on the brink of realizing that dream.
“I’m not sure how I became the go-to guy for Rugby League! I’ve put my comedy career on hold, even turning down some major gigs because they coincide with training nights. Everyone close to me can see how devoted I am to this.”
Hills is also the face of the Super League coverage on the channel, a role the BAFTA nominee likened to intimacy. Risking the disapproval of his wife Ali, he quipped: “Being involved in the Super League coverage is a bit like the act of intimacy. Last year, it was our first time, and we were still finding our feet, but we had a good time. This year, we’re hoping to up our game a bit!”
