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

So! Today at my new hospital the hard work starts! Firstly my beautiful wife and girls will arrive mid morning from their holiday. I can’t relay how relieved I am that they’re finally back, it’s seemed like an eternity. After hugging and kissing my girls for a few hours I get my first physio assessment at 12. They’ll establish just how much strength, balance, mobility and mindset I’ve got, I guess. Then there’s a meeting at 3, with ‘the team’ to set objectives for my stay here based on what’s realistic and what I want to prioritise I think. I’ve always been very ‘ own body aware ‘ and have realised that the reason I struggle with sitting is that my spine vertebrae are almost completely immobile (3 months lying down/ lots of titanium inserted, no surprise then ), so getting some movement back is key to progress Ive lain in bed repeatedly trying to arch my back for the last 2 days, with definite improvement , and also prompting all kinds of twitching in my left leg in particular, and my pelvis area. Whether this is a reason for optimism is unknown to me, but shit it makes ME feel like its positive. All leg movement is good! My new room has a view of a brick wall. Not quite the Shard or the Thames as now used to, but I shouldn’t moan. So I won’t. Actually I can see 2 brick walls, so twice as interesting as I’d thought. The lovely Pia and Kim helped me move by bringing all my accumulated stuff ( Amazon and the confectionary industry have done well out of my well wishers), unpacking it all this end in a logical way, so I can SEE from my bed the things I need most. If I can’t see it, I sort of forget I’ve got it… I’ve got a fridge full of chocolate, so please no more for now!! On that note, it’s breakfast time, and I’ve gotta eat, as instructed, til I’m bursting. Laters, Russ 🙂 PS massive gratitude to Monique, who flew in from bloody Canada just to see me for 3 hours. She immediately assumes first place in distance travelled to see the patient ( mind you, my parents did the same 3 months ago, so joint first..) Anyway, fantastic to see her. I only know her cos the poor girl had the misfortune to sit next to me on a plane! ( I made her drink wine from London to Vancouver, I think an education for her, and certainly an insight into Welshness) She runs ultra marathons for fun, the weirdo.