Hi Russ, I am obviously one of the many that are in awe of your progress, am an avid follower of your blog and must admit that your inner strength to overcome your accident is no surprise to me, or anyone else that I’m feeding updates to. My parents (Clar & Col), my brother and Tracey are using a phrase that is common place amongst all of your blog followers……….”if anyone was going to beat this, it’s Russell Dawkins”. However, I have have some grit in my eye moments with your humility and honesty about your situation and it is inspiring to hear the amount of support, love and care you receive and how much this means to you. Last week was the Monmouth show and I often recall the times when we would cycle from home to Monmouth through the lanes and camp out before getting up at the crack of dawn to sneak in before we had to pay, maybe this was part of what kicked off your interest in long distance cycling, especially the extreme rush of conquering Gwhelog Hill while I was pushing my bike on foot, never mind the hours we spent under water at Sub Aqua club or me having my arse whipped trying to play tennis, or indeed losing to you (again) at school sports, …………happy days mate, very happy days with a guy I have always been proud to say was one of my best friends. I obviously have no words of wisdom but I hope you keep those dark shadows in a dark shadow cupboard with a bloody big bolt on the door, you are alive mate, you have a wonderful wife, 2 absolutely stunning daughters and a family and friend group that love you dearly. Whatever the outcome of your injuries you will have a life to share with them and they will cherish every moment they continue to share with you as I am sure there would have been times when they thought that they had lost you. Yes life will be different and bring new challenges for you all, but you will be there with them and that is all that will matter. I am friendly with a guy who had an accident, is now in a wheelchair and found enjoyment in wheelchair rugby, he subsequently represented Team GB at the Beijing Paralympics. I know he reflects on his situation and concedes that his participation in the Paralympics, and representing his country is something that wouldn’t have happened if he was able bodied………….do you know what I mean? I suppose what I am trying to say is that I fully expect to hear that Russell Dawkins is the world’s best at whatever you decide to do and may now have the chance to inspire a broader audience with your achievements. Anyway, enough of my babble, I continue to follow your blog and regret the fact that we haven’t seen each other for so long, we have almost 30 years worth of alcohol abuse to catch up on so the sooner we start, the sooner we will have caught up!! Keep going mate and please be inspired by the inspiration you are providing to others you awesome ugly bastard. Cheers Rob

My brilliant and thoughtful staff at work got me a rugby jersey signed by the victorious welsh squad , 6 nations winners of 2012. 

Lots of tests and assessments this week at the new hospital – so the rehab will not properly get under way until next week. A bit frustrating (particularly for Russ) but a completely understandable approach. We had a meeting with Russ’s rehab “team” yesterday. Think there were 7 of them and that does not include any of the doctors from the various specialities who are treating various aspects of post-injury issues. So, a very comprehensive team of specialist spinal rehab folk. I had to be assessed today to ensure I can safely push Russ’s current wheelchair. It’s a mother of a wheelchair but I am pleased to say that I passed (felt a bit like taking my driving test all over again!) and am now all clear to take Russ out and about in St.John’s Wood whenever he has “free time” in his daily timetable. For someone who spent hours on the river pretty much every day of the year (and who has now been holed up in various hospitals for 11 weeks now), I think as much fresh air and sunlight will be truly invigorating going forward. First trip out was to a local park and was well timed to fit in with a splurge of visitors who arrived at 4pm. There were 10 of us in total so Russ was a bit like the pied piper being followed by a whole train of people. It’s like “wheelchair land” around St.John’s Wood High Street, all clearly residents of The Wellington. Anyway, we took in the park and then visited the local ice-cream shop. Hilariously, I then got a slightly panicked call from the ward sister, asking if all was OK as we’d been out for so long!!! :-s Apparently Russ is going to be fitted for a new, slim-line self-propelling wheelchair next week. So, no doubt he will be doing some “timed” laps around Regents’ Park before too long…..Watch this space 🙂 Xxxx

Wonderful news, you have moved. Always onwards and upwards Russ. Sounds as though , from your blog, that you are starting a very demanding regime ; that’s good news for you , we feel that you are ready for this. We shall be willing you on every step of the way. You will definitely be awarded top marks for effort , that goes without saying. Watching your progress is going to be inspirational for us and for everyone else who reads your blog. Thank you from us to the lovely Pia for for her love and care . We are so pleased that Dani and the girls are back , give them a kiss and a hug from us. Love Mum and Dad