I haven’t done this writing lark for a while now so I might be a bit rusty,
so please bear with me...
It’s been a topsy-turvy year with plenty of ups and downs. As a family we
started this year with our house on the market; it simply wasn’t fit for
purpose anymore. This is the first time I’ve really told anyone this but I’ve
spent most of 2018 living out of my front room; sleeping on the couch because I
cannot climb my own stairs anymore. The effects of my condition are creeping up
on me at an alarming rate, so much so that it’s even surprised me.
I’ve felt like half the man I am. So when the sale of our house fell through
for the second time, it very nearly broke me. We had an expectation that we
would move into a house that was fit for us, with downstairs living and a wet
room etc for me, but we lost this due to our buyer pulling out on the day of
exchange. So here I am, still living on the sofa and it’s bloody painful!
The weekend that the sale fell through I started to feel different in my
head, the colour was fading to black and white and the joy was leaving me. My
wife kept asking me if I was okay and I just said ‘yes’, when I knew full well
that I wasn’t. It got to the Tuesday morning, I was supposed to be at work and
I found myself just driving around in my car, so very sad inside myself and I
never thought I would ever be happy again.
Luckily I took some advice from my HR department to speak to my GP, and
that’s what I did, through so many tears. She told me that she didn’t think I
was depressed but that I was putting myself under a lot of pressure, and that I
needed to step back from certain things. So that’s what I did and I also had a
conversation with my wife about everything. I always thought it would have been
daft to say certain things, but it really wasn’t. If you’re struggling then the
best thing you can do is talk.
I decided not to worry too much about the house and things I cannot do
anything about; what will be will be. We have tried to make things more
comfortable for myself and hope that we can move house shortly.
I’ve been so lucky with help from family and friends this year. We had a
group of friends come round and they did a mini DIY SOS on our house to help,
and it really has. It’s also some of the same friends that have been
fundraising this year and we have raised the most amount that we have ever
raised so far!
Now here’s a thing about life; when you’re in your hour of need you will
notice those that come running to help, and it’s those people that you should
never forget. Also, you should
always remember there may come a time when they need your help too, so be
prepared to get stuck in.
So we got ourselves back on our feet a little despite this also being a year
for progression with my condition. I have noticed that steps are far more
painful and the energy is fading more and more, and my anxiety in public places
is getting more erratic. But all of my team were pushing themselves; round the
London Marathon, out of planes, cycling 100 miles and so much more!
It might sound silly, but if I keep moving then, well, I keep moving! I
haven’t been fundraising like I usually do, but we have started to pick that up
a bit more lately and I’m starting to feel myself again; physically and
psychologically, which is great for everyone.
A couple of weeks ago I got a surprise email from Muscular Dystrophy UK
telling me that I had been nominated for a national award as ‘Volunteer of the
Year’. This news swept me off my feet. This was recognition for everyone that
has ever helped me to help others. I did not see this as a personal achievement
or a badge for me to wear, this was for everyone; the family, the friends, the
fundraisers, the supporters, those that sponsored and those people that have
read my previous blogs and may well be reading this right now. This is all on
you and I cannot thank you all enough!
It just doesn’t stop either. I am surrounded by people with the same
thoughts as me and that’s to be selfless and human and try to think of others,
those that are grateful for all they have and decide to share a little.
In September there is a 35 mile charity walk in Yorkshire hosted by TheSquare Ball, the award ceremony for Volunteer of the Year is in London on
September 20th and I’m also on my very own fundraising adventure which I can
tell you more about later.
So, as always I’ll finish this in a positive manner...
If you ever need help then ask for it, if you ever feel that you won’t be
happy then talk to someone, quickly. Lastly, as my Dad once said; if you have a
roof over your head and you know where your next meal is coming from then go
and look for someone who doesn’t have those things and help them. You can take
that as a metaphor and use it in any way you wish, just do your best to be
nice.
Most importantly, for myself and others, keep fighting!
#MusclesMatter
Here is my film that we made to promote Muscular Dystrophy UK
In seven weeks’ time I will take on the biggest challenge of
my life and I really can feel it. I am usually the most positive person that I
know but yesterday I filled myself with fear and anxiety.
We decided to go for a walk in our local woods which is located
in the Chiltern Hills, and to challenge myself a little we wanted to take on
some hills as preparation for the upcoming Snowdon climb. I didn’t even want to
start, I had no enthusiasm whatsoever and I think that was my first hurdle, a
psychological one rather than a physical one. I knew I had to bank some steps
and keep my legs moving so we went anyway.
This walk starts with a steep downhill section and I was
gripping onto my wife and my walking stick for dear life, I constantly felt
like I was going to fall but as I said, I desperately needed to bank these
steps. I carried on to the bottom of the valley and actually smiled at the
thought of the climb back up. My son-in-law (a qualified PT instructor) explained
that this was because I simply have no hamstrings, therefore no power or
confidence to hold myself up when I descend and my quads take care of business
when walking up hill.
We reached halfway and I was absolutely shattered. I felt
that I was letting everyone down and I have never been so down on myself. I’ve
always tried to be the best dad I can be, despite my condition I’ve always
wanted my girls to be inspired and get up and get out because of me. I felt
awful, the most insecure I’ve ever felt.
We made it back to the top and I kept whispering apologies
to my wife; Michelle. Sorry for holding her back, sorry for twisting her wrist,
just sorry for being ‘me’ really, totally gutted……
As we got back to the car, totally exhausted, some funny
things happened, in sickness and in health and more. Our Lucie set off with
Nick to make dinner for Nick’s grandparents and Lucie gave me a hug and a kiss
and told me “Well done, I love you Dad”, that made me so happy. As I sat in the
boot of our car staring into space Olivia grabbed my boots and took them off
for me because I couldn’t do it myself, “You do some great things Dad” she
smiled.
I eventually slumped into the driver’s seat pondering when
my car would be able to drive itself, because I was done. Our youngest, Skye,
leaned over and kissed my cheek “Good one today, my legs are tired!”
We drove home and the car was in silence, I think everyone
had felt that hike and Michelle looked at me, grabbed my hand and said “You do
some amazing things”… I had a lump in my throat.
I had gone from one of the worst places to one of the best;
I don’t usually take praise well, water off a ducks back….. but I needed that.
We do what we do because we want to fund world class research into Muscular
Dystrophy, we’ve been through a lot as a family and we don’t want others to
have to do that. The thought of climbing a mountain is really starting to takes
its toll on me, but I’ll be surrounded by great people who will all believe in
each other and spur each other on. In actual fact I’m petrified, but it is a
challenge I’m willing to try and that is all I can ask of myself; to push
myself to the absolute limit and see what happens.
My name is Martin Hywood; I’m living with and
adjusting to a life with Muscular Dystrophy. I decided to raise funds and
awareness for Muscular Dystrophy UK. In 2016 I took on the biggest challenge of
my life. The challenge was to ‘Move a Mile for Muscles’ to iconic sporting
arenas and events in England. This was to fulfil some dreams of my own and that
of others. Despite my condition I pushed myself to the limit both physically
and mentally. Lots of family and friends came with me and here is the story of
our year…
The family - Skye, Olivia, Myself, Michelle and Lucie.
Like the first mile and the Brands Hatch mile
the next challenge was one where I wouldn’t have Michelle beside me. It was
because the British Grand Prix was something myself and friends wanted to see
and the tickets were quite pricey. Luckily mine was given to me by a local
company that wanted to contribute to my challenge and make sure that I actually
got in to see this spectacle. This company also wanted to remain anonymous and
that’s their prerogative so I’ve kept to my word not to tell others, but thank
you!
I find it very lonely to walk by myself; I
suffer anxiety and a fear of falling because I do actually fall quite a lot.
Michelle has these fears too. The thing about being disabled is that it’s not
just you. Every decision that’s made in our family will no doubt revolve around
access for example, if we were going for a meal, if we’re driving somewhere how
long will it be from the car to our destination, every little thing has to be
taken into account, in advance.
We don’t really need to talk much about this
sort of thing at home, we just know. When we said ‘In sickness and in health’
never has a truer word been spoken. I’m lucky to have the wife and the life
that I do have. I know without asking what Michelle and Lucie both think, I
know that they are very protective of me and always care about my welfare
constantly, they see stares from others that I now dismiss, the ignorance of
others because some might say that I walk funny. Lucie once wrote that the fund
raising we do as a family is for other families in the future “I never want
other children to see what I see with my dad, the struggles he faces now and
the struggles he’ll face in the future which we know will come”. I said then
and I’ll say it again now, I couldn’t have put it better myself. Our aim was to
raise funds for research to help other families and of course younger children
that receive a diagnosis. Olivia is very caring and worries lots about me but
like Lucie and Michelle I have to reassure her that we’ll be ok, if I can keep
moving then I will, it’s a simple as that in my opinion, if I stop then
I’ll stop for good and I won’t let that happen. I am the same as any other
father, I am the first role model they ever met and I’ll do my best to be the
best role model they’ll ever have too. If I didn’t fight for myself and others
then what sort of Dad would I be? Lastly, I asked my youngest daughter
Skye if she was worried about me going to Silverstone with friends and without
the family and she replied “Do you think they will ever make a trampoline out
of candy fluff? If they did could you eat it and bounce at the same time?”
That’s the truth right there, out of the mouths of babes. So as a family, this
year we have had anxiety, fear but also sheer joy and jubilation and so we’ll
carry on but this one will be me without them and with a bunch of friends.
Silverstone is obviously very famous for
being an airfield and a racing circuit, it’s also very famous for an
opportunity to experience four seasons in one day and we did!
Another early start, I’ve been to the Grand
Prix a few times over the years and historically it isn’t the best event to get
in and out of but being local we used all our knowledge of lanes and back roads
to get as close as possible before joining the crowds - but strangely there
weren’t any. We arrived at the circuit at about 08:30 on a freezing morning
(the first of the extreme weather) and drove straight to the main entrance. I
had applied for blue badge parking and decided to walk a mile in the circuit
rather than to the circuit. Also, I wanted to do this as early as possible and
then fall asleep or rest myself somewhere before the race started. The
marshalled parking was fantastic, I was asked if I would need a wheelchair
space or if ambulant disabled parking was fine. Booking and parking at this
venue was second to none, totally clued up. Myself and my good mate, Phil
walked into the circuit after a thorough search, I think the search took longer
than finding our parking space and getting inside. First things first, large
coffees then get this done and meet the rest of our group. Lots of us have been
coming to the Formula One for a number of years, but numbers have faded due to
grown up responsibilities. So we started to walk, like Wimbledon, not much
planned just walk half the distance and then walk back and settle in for the
day. I was unsteady due to the ground and gravel that we were walking on, I was
still cold and that was making my legs stiff and painful. Before I knew it we
were half way and had to turn back and it started to rain and then it really
started to rain… And thunder… and lightning! After a while it settled down (a
bit) until the hail storm. The rubbish weather made me want this to be over so
quickly and it was. We hadn’t met up with the others yet but we had just walked
our Silverstone mile. The others had the luxury of accommodation nearby and
they weren’t leaving it with the skies being so black.
Myself, Phil and Guinness, the breakfast of winners!
The Four Seasons of Silverstone
Myself and Phil celebrated with a pint of
Guinness for breakfast and a big pat on the back. I was so happy right now, I
had no idea why but I felt euphoric and adrenaline was coursing through me,
absolutely buzzing! Finally my good old pal, Dean and everyone else showed up
and they were armed to the teeth with seats, small tents, cool boxes full of
drink and umbrellas, you name it and this lot had it, very experienced
spectators. Me? I had a bright orange waterproof and a smile. Dean and Phil
gripped me up from the bench and walked me to our vantage point and what a
point it was, we saw the whole race and all the dramatics that happened that
day, happened right in front of us; we all wanted Lewis Hamilton to win and
that’s what happened, as well as the crashes right in front of where we were
stood. So we got the result we came for and the boys all had a good drink too
(they were all camping at the circuit until the Monday morning). All that was
left for us to do was to drive the 20 odd miles home but as I said, the circuit
is famed for logistical problems and surrounding areas are usually grid locked
- but not today. I dropped Phil off at his house and I was back at mine within
the hour, which is fantastic going for Grand Prix day. I got home, sunburnt,
had a cuddle with the girls, poured a beer and fell asleep in front of the
post-race interviews on my TV, how cool was that!?
Brothers in Arms at the F1.
I know I’ve said this already but my pals
wouldn’t let me down that day, like the challenges before these people know me
and know the signs of when to help me and they never let me down, I always
consider myself lucky to have the friendship, solidarity and sense of humour
with my friends, sometimes I’m not sure if they see a disability at all, they
just see me, Martin - and that’s what I never want to change and I don’t think
they do either.
August 2016 – Mile 11.
It was in 2012 that we decided to go on
holiday to Weymouth, Dorset. We knew we would be able to watch Olympic sailing
from the coast line and little did we know Ben Ainslie would be picking up four
golds during our stay there. This was the inspiration to return this year and
walk to the Olympic rings on Portland Bill. It is the picture postcard resort,
the epitome of the Great British seaside holiday destination and we love going
there.
As this was our annual family holiday I
wanted to complete the mile early in the week so we could then relax and enjoy
the rest of our break. So we set out early on the Sunday morning and it was
overcast, cool and very steep! I parked our car next to an ice cream van and
promised myself that when we were done I would buy all of us a big cornet as a
reward. It was a very tough walk but as we reached the summit at Portland the
cloud had cleared and the photo opportunity was incredible, the Olympic rings
had been moved from what their home was in 2012 to where they are now and that
is overlooking Weymouth bay and Chesil beach. It was glorious, the sun had come
out and it felt like we were in Rio, in fact we were probably in a warmer
environment than that of Brazil. So that was another mile ticked off and a nod
to the Olympics both past and present as we went back to our accommodation and
caught up with all what was going on in South America. The Ice cream was amazing
too and the van owner man even made a donation to my page after telling him our
story.
On top of the World!
August 2016 – Mile 12.
This was to be Chars Mile; I had decided to
dedicate all my efforts for this day to my dear friend, Charlotte. As I
previously mentioned Char was a big music fan and I know she liked 80's music
and lots of colour so that’s what I tried to make happen. The Idea was a 80's
themed party and during the day to cover 50 miles with family and friends by
walking around our local pub in a relay, all of which was made possible thanks
to our great friends and Landlord and Landlady; Gary & Val.
The day started at 13:00 and ten children set
off with parents, family and friends to complete their very own mile, this also
included young Callum who got out of his wheelchair for the last circuit and
insisted on walking the last leg. There was not a dry eye in the house, this
lad wanted to make every effort for others with this devastating condition,
this was a very brave and inspirational young man, what a way to start our day
of fundraising. We were also joined by a friend who asked to be our DJ. Dean
Yorke was not local and also has Muscular Dystrophy but insisted on being part
of the party and getting all his equipment here to play, these are the sort of
things that you do not forget, people who have a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude,
unbelievable.
The groups set off on another mile every
hour, friends I see every day, friends I haven’t seen for years, friends from
all over England and friends that are now friends because of what we did that
day. It seemed a lot of people had heard about this event and the pub was
packed. The BBQ had sold out, raffle tickets had all gone, music was playing
and I think the bar nearly ran dry and people celebrated their own mile and
their own achievement. I was stuck between the emotions of elation and
desperately missing somebody…
When 17:00 came around it was the final mile
of the day; this was Char's mile and time for me to walk it and say goodbye in
my own way. It was painful from the outset but I tried to ignore it, my legs
were burning, I couldn’t raise my arms and my back felt like it was falling in
on its self with no support from lower back muscles. With the help of everyone
around me, including Char's Mum and Dad, I persevered and pushed myself further
than I should have done if I’m honest. At 17:45 I finished my mile and between
us as a group we had moved 112 miles and on the day we raised £1000. I raised a
toast and thanked everyone that was there that day and my thoughts were with
one young lady who wasn’t.
We lined the streets and fun was had for Char. x
This was one big reason why I always talk
about these conditions; people may never have heard of it before speaking to
me, people may never have realised that it has no compassion, doesn’t worry
about being selective and will shorten young lives without a care in the world.
This is why we need to raise awareness and funds to extend and improve the
quality of people’s lives too and that is so important. So I’ll never apologise
for being relentless, I’ll never apologise for shouting from the rooftops, it’s
what I do and what I do best.
September 2016 – Mile 13.
This was the penultimate mile and it was the
only official event that I had entered all year. Parallel London is an
inclusive event designed to bring everyone together. First-timer or experienced
athlete, young or old, whatever your age or ability everyone was welcome. The
ethos of this event is right up my street and it takes place in the Olympic
park, London. So I would be walking a mile at the place that was thriving in
2012, this was where Team GB smashed so many records and collected a haul of
medals, I couldn’t wait to get started with this mile.
We arrived quite late to Stratford and had to
park the car up and because it was an official event I had to sign in, get a
number and a bib to pin it to. I was flustered as we parked the car and I could
also see the Start/Finish from the car park and it wasn’t close to us, well not
as close as I would have liked anyway. Every step counted now as my legs were
so sore and just ached relentlessly, there was no let up now from one challenge
to the next, it was pain all the way.
I
opened my car door, got out, stretched my legs and was greeted by a family also
all dressed in Orange Muscular Dystrophy t-shirts. We got talking and again
this was a family I had heard so much about on Social media but not actually
met until now. ‘Dan’s Hope’ was a team of family and friends doing all they can
to raise awareness and funds for Dan and young people like him who have Ullrich
Muscular Dystrophy. Dan’s parents; James and Debra introduced my family to
their family including Dan himself and his brother Charlie. Together we made
our way to the registration point as we walked on the 11th hour of
my challenge and I was inspired and boosted more than I thought possible.
I
asked Dan what he was doing here today and he explained that so many people
have done so much for him and his charity that he wanted to do something
himself, so he decided - despite his condition - to attempt the 1 kilometre
walk. Dan was full of questions as his dad James explained who I was and what
I’d been doing all year. “How old are you? How many children do you have? What
is your Muscular Dystrophy called? Do your legs hurt? What’s your favourite
food? What football team do you support?” Dan made me laugh out loud as I tried
to answer everything he asked.
We
made a vow there and then that we would walk together and support each other
doing this challenge. We just had some time to see some stalls and take in the
magnificent event that had been put on and before we knew it we was asked on
the P.A. system to get to the start line. It was busy and buzzing with so many
people all around with so many fantastic stories that we could hear being told.
We started walking and I had disregarded the idea of timing myself, this mile
wasn’t about me anymore it was about who I was walking with and I felt honoured
to be with such a determined person.
As we
got near the finish Dan had told me that he wanted to celebrate by doing the
Mo-bot, a gesture made by Mo Farah after he completes a race. Now for someone
like Dan this would be difficult for him to get his hands on his head but I
said that if he did then I would get a photo of us together and I would pose
like Usain Bolt, which would be equally as difficult.
We
made it! We crossed the line together and there were a lot of tears from
everyone, except Dan. All Dan wanted was his medal and our photo, so that’s
what we did - and it’s one of my photos of the year, I know how difficult it
was to get the picture but it just goes to show what we can do if we really,
really want to.
We
have since stayed in touch with James and Debra and we will meet the boys again
one day too, I really want to help ‘Dan’s Hope’. Everything about that day got
flipped upside down because I wanted to concentrate and write about the venue,
an iconic location that was riddled with so many fantastic Olympic and
Paralympic memories. This part of writing was supposed to be all about that and
how great 2012 was but it wasn’t about that at all. It was about amazing people
pushing themselves to the absolute limit with no boundaries or restrictions.
This was very inclusive and the team at Parallel London should be very proud
but for me, Dan stole the show, all year I have used the strap line “If I Can,
You Can Too” well… If Dan can, you can too!
If Dan Can, You Can Too!
September
2016 – Mile 14.
I owe
so much to so many, the problem with thanking people is that if you miss
someone out then you may just put their nose out of joint forever so I always
try to tread carefully and thank everyone but there is a man who does need
mentioning.
From
the autumn of 2015 I have been helped by Thom Kirwin. Thom is a Sports
Journalist, Broadcaster, Commentator and Media executive for Leeds united. Now
I didn’t want to start this whole writing process there, I realise that unless
you have an affiliation with a football club it would be of no interest to you
and you would stop reading but this is not about who I support, it’s about who
supported me.
On
January 2nd, 2016 Thom helped me launch my whole campaign at Elland
Road. Thom managed to get our short film on the big screen before kick-off
against the MK Dons, he invited all my family up to see it, put me in touch
with all press associates that were present at the game that day including SKY
presenter; Bryn Law who has also been helping out and staying in touch all
year, constantly asking to help.
So I
am sorry to be writing this part retrospectively and out of the order of events
but it all started at Leeds with the help of Thom and this amazing year will
end there too. I cannot thank you enough Thom, forever grateful.
The
very last mile was the best. The very last mile was a walk to football with
friends, the people that pulled me out of my shell after sharing my stories on
social media, the people that took me in and said “you’re one of us”, the
people that went Marching on Together with me, the kindred spirits that were
here to help.
We met
with a large group in Holbeck Moor Park at 13:00; 10th Sept,
everyone had come together, family and friends that had been with me for
different miles all over England and throughout the year. We were joined by
strangers too, people that had heard my story and promised to make this walk to
football with us. We were again joined by friends with a young son called
Conrad; Conrad also had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Conrad’s mum and dad,
Clair & Richard had become friends on social media and said they wanted to
be here to be part of this. Just before we started walking I got a call from a
man who couldn’t find his way to the park to join us, the phone reception was
bad and I couldn’t understand who it was but tried my best to direct them to
us. I turned around to where I thought he was walking from and a man-mountain
was walking towards me. The man in question was Jamie jones-Buchanan and what a
fantastic smile this man has, it stood me in good stead as we all got some
photos together and then set off on the final challenge of the year.
Myself, the legend that is JJB and great friend and author, Jon Howe
This was
probably the most emotional mile, in fact probably one of the most emotional
things I’ve ever done in my life. Everything hurt, everything was white hot
with pain and I especially had a problem with my calf muscles, they just kept
pinging with pain and telling me to stop, I’ve come too far to stop now, all I
could think of was Billy Bremner's statue, quite selfishly I had nothing or
nobody else on my mind. And then I stopped, truly exhausted, I was in a place
of pain and discomfort that I’ve never experienced before…
It was
on the roundabout near Lowfields Avenue, close to the underpass on Lowfields
Road, just a few hundred metres from Elland Road. I’d been here for years, I’d
walked this walk many times, I was so close but felt so far away. I was thinking
a lot, maybe too much. As Michelle massaged my calf muscles, trying to get some
feeling back I was pondering, contemplating the future and what it might hold
for me and I must say this… I do not fear a wheelchair or what’s coming, I have
a good idea. I am realist and seeing my older brother dealing with this
condition makes it easier to set myself up. Organisation and positivity work
for me, it’s my coping mechanism, also the Mrs! Michelle once helped me out so
much when I was stubborn and so very low, she told me to concentrate on what I
can do and not what I can’t and I’ve done that ever since – that was me told.
As I
came around and out of what felt like a day dream of pain I just thought that I
would carry on regardless, even if it took all day, even if I crawled, nobody
was timing me and I would make it off my own steam, this is the end and I’m
surrounded by people who care, but still I didn’t want to let anyone down. I
hid my pain away, I tried my best to let it go unnoticed, but it must have been
written on my face as Michelle and our Jo grabbed me under the arms as we
walked the last few steps towards Billy’s Statue. Josh joined us too and we
only had a few steps left, the last part of the challenge was to climb the
steps of the statue and touch the famous shirt, I couldn’t make it, I couldn’t
lift my arms high enough but as the tears flowed and the relief was felt, I
reached the shorts of our famous number four. I was done, I had given every
fibre of myself and I had succeeded, the impossible task had just been smashed
and I had surprised myself and pushed myself beyond what I thought I could
possibly do.
I got there thanks to Michelle and Jo
Marching On Together!
What
was needed after this mile was for me to be somewhere very comfortable and I
was. Thom had arranged for us to be seated in the Norman Hunter suite and there
we would have lunch before kick-off. I was so tired and I couldn’t really get
my head around the menu to place an order for lunch. It was then that I noticed
Norman Hunter was in the room, Norman was one of the reasons I went to Wembley
to walk a mile, I had gone to pay homage to a couple of fantastic football
players. It was exactly 50 years since England won the world cup and part of
the squad was two of my favourite players. The Leeds United representatives in
1966 were one-club-player in Jack Charlton and the aforementioned Norman
Hunter; one of my heroes, sat just across the room from where I was. I wasn’t
going to miss an opportunity for a chat and as I walked across to say hello we
was asked to take our seats in the stands for the game. I kept going the
opposite way to everyone else and as I got in front of Norman my mouth was bone
dry, I had the worst case of cotton wool mouth and speechlessness that I could
think of but I held out my hand, he shook it and we had a chat. Not sure how it
happened but the whole of the banqueting suite had emptied and Norman asks to
come and sit with my family and wanted to know all about my challenge. For
about 5 or 10 minutes I had this legend to myself and I got to ask him
everything I ever thought I would. I will put this down to the generosity of
others for giving me this opportunity to be in the right place at the right
time, something I will never forget.
A Hero of Mine - Norman Hunter
My
year of challenges was complete and in dribs and drabs my fundraising page kept
slowly creeping up and then one day in the week after we had walked to Leeds I
got a message from a man called Gary O’Leary-Steele and the message read like
this… “Hi Martin, long time follower on twitter and admirer of your fund raising
work. I’m a security researcher at a company based in Leeds; from time to time
we are awarded prizes known as bug bounties when we find security flaws. If we
donate the reward then it gets doubled by the sender. I would like to donate my
reward to you; it will be in the region of £4,850. Keep up the good work mate.
Marching On Together!”
My
first thought was that Gary was going to ask for my credit card details and
that I was dealing with some sort of internet troll or distributor of spam but
I was wrong and Gary did make that donation and alongside everyone else’s
generosity my total for the year was over £15,000!
This amount of money equates
to 428 hours of research paid for by my challenge, that is 18 days of constant
work to find treatments for these conditions and we did that, all of us.
I had
an Idea and I had pulled it off. It seemed ridiculous and unrealistic but I had
done it and I had shocked myself because of it too. I’ve always known to push
myself because I’ve always had to. I never want to just drift through this
life, I wanted to challenge myself and you can too. I think it’s important that
we take stock of our own lives and look around and appreciate what we have and
if there is an opportunity to help others then we must do that. It is so easy
to be selfless and the chances are it will cost you nothing but a bit of time,
which is what we have plenty of but others may not and we need to change that.
