In the news.....

Andrews story in the paper

Last weekend Andrew visited QA hospital with family to present the Rehab unit with some equipment bought by H+S Aviation Ltd (the company he and my dad work for).  Whilst there a reporter from The News (newspaper) visited to interview Andrew and the family about the accident and his progress.

I won't go into details, as it can all be read (and seen in a video) at the website, Andrews Story

Andrew visits Chessington

Late last month Andrew had the opportunity to visit Chessington World of Adventures with staff and friends from the QEF Rehab Centre.  It was part of a activity day where lots of people with similar injuries could attend and get to meet each other.  In the afternoon Andrew was free to visit the park itself where he could see the animal and even go on some of the rides if he liked.  He has said that he had a great day and really enjoyed himself.  Thankyou to QEF for taking him there and giving him the chance to have a fun day out.

In his 50's and can still show us how it's done

This Sunday 5th May saw my Dad and I cycle the 62 mile route around the Isle of Wight for the 29th Randonnee.  The day started out with a 8-10 mile ride to Portsmouth where we took the Car ferry across.  Once there we signed in at Wootton and then began on the journey clockwise around the island.  Whilst the weather started out a bit murky and miserable, we were blessed with gorgeous sunshine later in the day that lasted all the way through to the end of the ride.

We left the start at 0930hrs and arrived back at 1630hrs, giving us a total time of 7 hours.  However this did include all our stops and by my GPS we did it in 6hrs 12min (5hr 30m for me) moving time.  For someone in his 50's and out of practice my Dad did amazingly well.  He only had to get off twice and that was more due to overcrowding on the hills and getting caught out in the wrong gear :P

We had a great day out and I really enjoyed the chance to do something with my Dad, even more so as it was to raise money for a great cause.

Below is a video I made of the day.

Fundraising progress

We are now at an approximate figure of £700 raised for the HIOWAA.  If you still wish to donate, please feel free to visit My Justgiving page and donate to a great cause.

The day is fast approaching

How to donate

JustGiving Page

At my work (Havant Borough Council)

At dads work (H+S Aviation Ltd)

An update on my training so far

Well, my training's not been going as well as I'd of hoped, but it's not been too bad.  The weather has had a bit of an impact on my cycling, but more importantly I developed a knee injury after a full week's commute.  After 3 weeks off the bike, I spent a 3 hour session at Hargroves Cycles in Fareham for a professional bike fit.  This has hopefully solved the issue and I've spent the last week cycling to and from work pain free.

My dad and I managed to get a 40 mile practice ride in on Sunday, taking in the sights of Soberton and across to Clanfield, then through to Emsworth and finally back through Havant.  According to Strava we managed it in just over 3 hours at a steady average pace of 13mph.  The only issues that occurred was dads chain slipping off a couple of time, but fortunately the old foggie still has quick enough reflexes to stop himself tumbling into a bush.

Fundraising Update

When I decided to start fundraising for the HIOWAA I wasn't expecting to raise much more than a hundred pounds or so, but with a few days to go my Just Giving page has already raised £230 and i've just heard from my dad that he has nearly £100 in cash sponsors from his work.  This is way more than i'd hoped for and can't thank you all enough for your generous donations to such a great cause.

Never Back Down, Never Give Up

On Monday my parents visited my brother at the Queen Elizebeth Foundation Brain injury centre to see how he is getting on.  They were told and shown about his amazing progress, he can now get himself out of his wheelchair and into a car almost un-assisted and he is even able to spend time in the gym on an exercise bike that adapts to his wheelchair.  He doesn't stop at anything, no matter what challenges the staff throw at him, he gets on with it and proves us all just how much of a fighter he really is.
One thing we need to remember though, none of this would have been possible without the work of the Emergency Services, including the HIOWAA on the day.

Check back next week for a full update on how the ride went and for videos and pictures of the day.

The Isle of Wight Randonnee 2013

The challenge ahead

For my first charity ride I shall be taking part in the Isle of Wight Randonnee. As you've probably guessed, it takes place on the Isle of Wight and involves a 62 mile cycle clockwise round the island.  So, on Sunday 5th May, I'll be huffing and puffing my way round a hopefully sunny Isle of Wight.

At first I thought, 62 miles, meh I can do 40 no problem, the extra 22 should be a breeze. However, that was before I looked into it more. If I'd of engaged my brain a bit earlier I'd of realised that the Isle of Wight is just a tad hilly. Upon looking at google maps I've realised i'm in for quite a challenge.

I'll be cycling with a group from the Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club at hopefully a steady 13-15mph. I say hopefully, as any faster and more poor legs might conk out.

The embarrassing bit

My Dad has now decided to join me on the ride, so I may not be the slowest one there :P  But then again, knowing my dad he'll probably be quicker than me, how embarrassing.  Ya never know though, he might get a bike malfunction or something ;) hehe.

Getting ready for it

Although I currently ride 30 miles to and from work a few days a week, I have a feeling that some hill training is in order.  I shall be trying to drag 'the oldie' out for some training sessions too, maybe a few times up and down Portsdown Hill will do the trick.  I'll keep you updated on our training progress and if you're out in the area and see a young, fit cyclist trying to pick a puffed out old foggie off the floor, give us a wave :P

Donations

If you would like to sponsor us please visit my fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/MuddyMonk

Why I am fundraising

Well I guess the first thing to do would be to explain why I am fundraising and who I am doing it for.

For those that don't know,  my younger brother Andrew was a passenger in a car accident last year.  On Sunday February 12th 2012 the car Andrew was in came off the road and hit a lamppost (full article)

Me and Andrew before the accident

Due to the seriousness of his injuries the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was called to assist.  Fortunately a second Air Ambulance was nearby with a specialist Neuro Surgeon on board.  Both Air Ambulances arrived on scene and treated Andrew for serious head trauma and damage to his hips.  He was flown to Southampton General where the specialist care he needed could be given.

Upon his arrival at Southampton General Andrews future looked bleak, doctors were saying that he'd be unlikely to survive his injuries.  To make things worse his Dad Kevin was in the USA on work business,  however his company flew him home as soon as they were aware.  However despite all the medical professionals opinions Andrew made it through the first night and started to make slow progress.  By the time my wedding arrived Andrew was in a stable condition but on life support.  In the beginning of March Andrew was moved to Queen Alexandra hospital which was closer to home.  Again, doctors advised us that his condition may not improve but Andrew being Andrew proved them wrong again.  By mid April he was breathing on his own and still improving.

From then on Andrew has gone from strength to strength,  he has since moved to a specialist rehabilitation centre where he has shown everyone how much of a fighter he is.  He is now able to eat and drink with some mashing of his food,  he can walk using a frame and now visits his family at home some weekends.  Below are a few pictures of his progress.

Andrew showing us his walking

Andrew enjoying Christmas at home with family 

A final word of thanks

If it wasn't for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance then there is no doubt that Andrew would not be with us today.  The service that they provide is invaluable and myself and my family cannot thank them enough for what they did that dreadful day. 

For that reason alone I have made it my goal to raise as much as I can to help keep this life saving service in the Air.  Please keep and eye on my blog for further updates on Andrews progress and my fundraising activities.