Hello Russ,

I have been away and just caught up with my emails and have just read most of your blog – I had a bit to read and catch up on as it’s been awhile sorry for my slack keeping in touch.

I am so sorry to hear about your accident, going in-between tears then laughter at the humour and banter of the good old days and feeling proud of all the achievement’s you have had so far with your long hard journey ahead of you!! I thought your latest video of you sit skiing looked pretty amazing and you were pretty quick I might add!! Sad also to hear about your colleague – Life has certainly dealt you both a terrible blow !!

My heart goes out to you and your family and friends. I know I couldn’t ever imagine how you feel, but it’s wonderful to know you have a fabulous group of people around you and a wonderful family that would go to the ends of the earth for you and love and care so unconditionally to help you through all the hard times to pick you up. ( Literally sometimes) !!

Your shear resilience and determination with dealing with all the horrific situations stowed apon you and all Your courage to deal with all the dark thoughts of inadequacies’ just shows you are a strong willed person who will succeed.

Russ, as you say this is your new life, you have that character to fulfil new goals and aim to do what you can even in a wheel chair, you can’t change that drive it will always be in you as a competitive athlete with big challenges ahead and by the looks your mates and your family are there for you.
yes it’s a long hard climb but you’re already out there doing it, skiing, arm cycling, gym, going back to work it’s so great to read that. 🙂

Thankyou for keeping in touch I am totally in Awe of YOU. Your dahm amazing and I will look forward to hearing and reading your updates on the highs and a few lows, but the Russ I know ( all of 10 days – lol – you can learn a lot about someone in that short time in confined spaces ) you’re not a quitter you’re a doer and always will be no matter how hard things get. You have already achieved so much already. Keep it up !!

Take care, will read and keep up to date with your blog and a big hug to you and your family – keep on keeping on.
Will keep in touch and fill you in on stories from NZ for a change of scenery for you. Or simply just to bore you maybe !!

Arohanui – That’s Lots of Love
Shelene x