Category Archives: Events

Charity.

Events

The last time I came to NY was to run the marathon. 

It was around 2002, and I’d run London 6 months earlier. 
I remember I went through halfway in 1 hour 31 minutes and was heading for a personal best, feeling really strong 
At 16 miles my right knee started to hurt, and I started to slow. The pain wore me down and I began to stop and walk for 30 seconds every half mile or so. 
I finished in 3.14, equalling my London time six months earlier, funnily enough, but in far worse shape this time, limping badly. Anyway, the pain disappeared pretty quickly, I met Dani back at the hotel ( she’d run it too ) and then we hit the bar in the W Hotel. 
It was a fun night. 
We raised quite a lot for charity too, I forget which cause, possibly Breakthrough Breast Cancer. 
Every time I took on a challenge I tried to raise something, including Headway ( brain injuries ), Alzheimer’s , various cancer charities and Shooting Stars hospice. 
I never imagined I’d be afflicted by a condition that other people would raise money for though. You don’t, do you, when you’re fit and well?
My own charity, Back on Track Trust, should be up and running before too long  , and I hope we can help men and women like me to rebuild their lives through sport/ fitness. 
If any of you want to raise money for a cause over the coming years, I’d urge you to consider spinal injuries charities, as the whole thing is very poorly funded by the state, as so few people ( relatively ) are affected. 

Thanks, Monique x

Events

My word- I had no ideas you’d be out and about in NYC. I thought you’d be hanging out with your brothers dealing with her lag in bed, etc. You amaze me. No wonder you’re spent. Poor man. If ur not shopping for yourself then shop for me :). Don’t stop the blog it’s the most you’ve talked in years! It’s an awesome piece of work. Tomorrow you’ll be rested and stronger. Take another breath. Don’t push too hard in all senses of the word. 

Thanks C

Events

Dawkey Dude
 
Fresh home from an Xmas lunch so u won’t get the best of me!
 

Just caught up on yr blog. You are an amazing man – honest & open. You get the absolute best out of life and always will…
 
Cheers Dude.
 
CX

From my Mum in law, who started this bloody blog, along with Melissa.

Events

Hi you
Just been reading all the blogs since you left the UK, again and again. SO, when I read you might stop writing I was quite dismayed. Having been there with you since day 1, the blog has reassured me how totally amazing your recovery has been in the last six months. May I say, miraculous. It helps us all to empathise with how you are feeling, ups and downs, good days and bad days. Hopefully, the feedback you get from being so ‘open’ about your feelings, not only allows you to “off load”frustrations but engenders some massive support from all the lovely people around you. If you bottled all this up, I don’t think you would have come so far.
Also, I do believe that what you write may help someone in your situation down the line! 
Mostly, if you stop, it would be like tearing the last chapters from a book. I am sure you have far to go, much to accomplish and therefore very much to share with all the people who love you.
Hoping the days get better and better in the States. PLEASE don’t stop writing. Xxxx (Grandolph)

Paul,s reclaimed iPad