In the past couple of months my health hasn’t been as super as I would have liked. Increased spasms, neurological pain, sweating under the level of paralysis and sometimes fever symptoms have all left me lethargic and unable to train at the intensity I would like. Therefore – with a very heavy heart- I have had to pull out of the England Disabled team for the National Triathlon Relay Championships in Nottingham next weekend and the London Triathlon the week after. This was an extremely difficult decision for me to come to however whilst the North West Spinal Injuries Centre investigate the root cause of these problems I have been advised not to push myself physically and in any event I have not been fit enough to prepare correctly for the competitions. This is a frustration of my compromised functionality but I am sure I will be back in full training in no time.
Archive for July, 2008
Health
Jul 29
Vegetables
Jul 29
The vegetable patch has finally started producing crops – and then some!
I attach photos and you will see the bumper harvest I appear to be in for in this my first year of growing. I say ‘my first year of growing’ my father in law, Brian ‘the Duke’ Roberts has retired from dentistry this year and has spent serious time firstly building a patch with raised beds which I can tend from my wheelchair and secondly planting a vast array of potatoes, leeks, carrots , beans, onions, beetroot and sprouts.
If I decide the law is not for me after all these years at least I can become the first paraplegic organic veg farmer in Southport!
Puppy
Jul 29
A week last Saturday we were able to pick up a new addition to the Fletcher household, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy called ‘Ellie’. Lucy took the week off to look after her and Ellie has fitted in without any fuss and appears to be well behaved ( well as much as a 7 week old pup can be!). It is going to be a challenge training her to enable me to take her out in my wheelchair for walks due to the size she will grow to however it is a test I relish! I shall of course post photos and provide updates.
Ride To Work Day
Jul 16
Well,
It is that time of year again – National RIDE TO WORK week. At Fletchers we of course have more reason than most to get involved in this project as we have dealt with more motorcycle accident claims than any other practice in the country over the last 20 years. As a result of our passion for motorcycles many of the staff ride a bike and I am no exception. Despite paraplegia stemming from a motorcycle accident in October 1999 I continue to ride a bike albeit with 3 wheels – My Trike is a ‘Ural’ which is built in Russia and converted in this country, it’s a bit agricultural but GREAT fun.
