Dear All,

I write to you from Louisville , Kentucky , USA where I’m all by myself in a not very glamorous downtown hotel, and it’s pretty late.

I’m here, having volunteered my body ( such as it is ) to medical research, having crashed my bike 19 months ago on what was supposed to have been a fun weekend cycling in the South of France.

I ‘awoke’ weeks later with the gradual realisation that I was paralysed from the rib cage down, and given no hope of recovery.

Too heavily medicated to be shocked, and too emaciated and broken to even try to get out of bed, I had no option, other than a sort of resignation.

Life since then hasn’t been too good, being paraplegic isn’t fun, but nonetheless life has gone on.
We set up a charity to help people with Spinal Cord Injuries to get something positive back through the medium of sport.

We’ve had a few events already, and the next one is a ‘white collar boxing night’ – 9 pairs of total amateurs learn to box, then go 3 rounds in front of their colleagues, friends and families, in a proper ring, with a real referee, 3 proper judges, and a lot of cameras.

On March 14th at 8pm in The Park Club, in Acton, West London, you’re invited to come and support 20 brave total ameteurs.

It would be pretty cool if you all came to support them , and my charity.

Tickets you get from

http://www.theparkclub.co.uk/sections/parx-boxing/pages/charity-boxing-event

The venue is really brilliant , a big tennis dome in lovely grounds, free parking included, lots of really hi tech AV and lights.
A few celebs will be kicking around, and none other than Johnny Nelson, former world champion and Sky Sports Ringside presenter, is the chief judge.

There will be an amazing atmosphere all night, inspired by the determination of the boxers ( all really nice, regular guys, like you lot ) and the absolute support of their friends.

Please do your best to come.

I’m back from the States for a week, to come to the event and to see my wife and be home for my daughter’s 11th birthday.

You don’t need to book a table or anything complicated, you’ll be able to wander about and find eachother on the night, and please feel free to invite your husbands/ wives/ girlfriends/ secretaries/ mates/ employees ( delete as appropriate) It won’t be really bloody, there won’t be any knock outs ( or it’s unlikely ) but you’ll see 100% commitment.

So please come, have a great time, and show some support.

Thanks so much,

Russ Dawkins.