The Dreams We Have as Children

It wasn’t supposed to be like this… I wasn’t supposed to be where I am today, but I am, and there’s nothing I can do about it apart from dig in and make the most of the alternative opportunities that I wasn’t expecting.

  

I have always been a fixer (or tried to be!); I used to repair broken Walkmans or stereos in my early teens. I remember my dad giving me the use of his soldering iron and other tools and that was Martin’s workshop set up. The 80s was my era for growth, both with business, engineering and just trying to help others make the most of what was then a very expensive purchase that would unfortunately break quite easily. My entrepreneurial instinct was born and I was the go-to kid to get things fixed. 

Another influence was our neighbour, Colin. Colin was part of a banger racing team and I was always at his garage on a Sunday morning stripping cars, installing scaffolding and going for the occasional test drive on private land (much to my mum’s dismay!) 

All I ever wanted to do was fix cars and get involved with motor vehicle engineering, and I also knew that this would take me into a world of motorsport too. It was a massive passion of mine, and it was something I just knew would happen, and what a chance and start I got at it too! 

My parents were adamant that I got a job immediately after leaving school, I needed a trade behind me then I could go off and do anything I wanted and come back to it if I ever needed. I landed on my feet. I started a weekend job at a local Porsche racing team. As you would expect it was all sweeping and tea-making to start with, but things ramped up quickly and I was on body detail before I knew it. Alas it did not last; I had to get a “proper job”, so I did. 

I left school on a Friday afternoon and started my first job as an apprentice motor vehicle engineer on the Monday morning. Again, I started with tea-making and lots of sweeping but before I knew it I was overhauling engines, stripping steering and suspension systems, welding and making modifications. It was a time where people slightly older than myself were driving RS Escorts, boosted Minis or tricked-up VW Beetles. 

We were also carrying out MOT tests and all of this was giving me the knowledge that I craved, like a sponge I was taking it all in, learning more and more. And it was with all this education, and what I consider a natural ability to use my hands to fix things, that I took myself away from this workshop and went to work for another for more money. I had been headhunted and it felt fantastic! 

I wasn’t there long and I had a fall, I slipped in the workshop, dislocated my knee and from there my life was going to change forever….… 

My leg simply would not get better in the time expected and I was transferred from one hospital to another. 20 years ago, pretty much to this day, I was sat in a consultant’s room in a hospital in Oxford and I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. I was told there was no treatment or cure for the condition, and I was also told I would need to change lots of things in my life, including the career and job that I had dreamt of and fallen in love with. All of this, and I had just met Michelle; the woman who I would spend the rest of my life with.  

I knew that I had to be in a place where I could help myself and see what people were doing to find a solution for this problem that I had. I knew that I had to be in a different industry and all I knew was cars! So, naturally and quite quietly in my own time, that’s what I did. 

I had a plan; it was to use all that I knew and transfer that to an office environment. I started as a collection and delivery driver for Volkswagen and luckily got a move into fleet car sales. This also gave me some I.T. skills, and when I was comfortable I used those to move into another profession and industry. This all took place over 15 years and I did have a few breaks and different jobs in between. Now I work in the Pharmaceutical industry and use my I.T. skills to help with clinical trials, and I can see progress in the industry for many different conditions including Cancer, Stroke, Alzheimer’s and, indeed, Muscular Dystrophy. 

Now we’ve gone a bit full circle, as this week I will be fulfilling a dream that actually may not have been made possible without the diagnosis I received. I challenged myself to ‘Move a Mile for Muscles’ once a month in 2016 and one of those challenges was to race a BMW M3 around Brands Hatch; and now I will, all made possible with the help of such great friends.  

My love of motor vehicle engineering, motorsport and speed has been jumpstarted and we go again! 

Keeping The Dream Alive - BMW M3

It may not be much, it might not seem like a big deal, but we should never lose the passion for something we love and have a desire to do in whatever capacity. My miles around the track may not be in a competitive environment, but I’m doing my best to help myself and also now helping others. We have raised £7,346.87 so far this year and this equates to 209 hours of world class research into this condition. 

My condition will not affect the person that I am or want to be, in fact, quite ironically as I get weaker, in many other respects I feel stronger, every day I feel more determined than ever. The dreams we have as children may not be a reality as adults, but we can fight to come close. My desire to keep moving is constantly increased, and with this, my smile broadens as those around me have faith and accompany me on these adventures that are making 2016 one of the best years of my life. 

  

Move a Mile for Muscles in 2016. If I can, you can too!

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#MoveAMileForMuscles

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The Marathon Mile.

I am the furthest away from being a morning person. I am especially fond of doing absolutely nothing on a Sunday morning; a slow rise with a nice coffee and the thought of a gut-busting feast is usually the catalyst for a good, lazy day.

Except on one Sunday of the year; Marathon day! Not that I’m running or taking part but I have always been a supporter, a flag waving, balloon holding, big mouth. And that’s exactly what the participants need; it’s one of the few times in my life that using my loud, vocal ability is welcomed.

There will be around 38,000 runners doing their best to raise between £45,000,000 and £50,000,000 for so many worthy causes. After months of training it all comes down to one day and 26.2 miles.

This year I decided to ‘Move a Mile for Muscles’ to many different sporting events or iconic sporting arenas to raise funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy UK (MD UK). The reason for that is I have a condition called Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy myself and need to try to help those that are trying to help me and thousands of other people in the UK with a neuromuscular condition.

I have great difficulty walking but I still can, so I will, I’ve always been that way; very fortunate to make the best out of a bad situation. Besides, all these miles, all these mountains I’m climbing are actually helping me to keep moving and to stay as fit as I possibly can be whilst being a positive role model for those around me. It’s been a tough year but I’m loving it, I keep repeating all the clichés in my head “Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever” , actually pain lasts for ages in my legs but, you see, there is always people worse off than me and I’m very grateful to be able to move as much as I can.

Another thing I’m grateful for is my family and friends. One friend who I met through MD UK is Bernie Henderson; Bernie is a legend amongst the marathon circuit and is rightfully the Ambassador and the go-to-guy when in need of advice for long distance running. Earlier this year Bernie joined me at the famous Iffley Road track in Oxford where Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile. We were joined by other members of ‘Team Orange’ and it gave us a chance to chat and talk about many different things including the importance of supporters at the London Marathon. Bernie has since put pen to paper and here is what it means from a runners perspective…


The Importance of the spectator.


“The London Marathon holds a special place in my heart since I ran in the first race in 1981. In those days very few people ran and observers would give you very strange looks as you trained along pavements and I'm sure many thought I must have be escaping from a crime scene. I was keen on all sports but was not a runner and I was inspired by Chris Brasher, along with 7000 others, to take up the challenge. I was supported, despite very wet weather, by my mother-in-law, my wife and my 9 month old daughter and a huge throng of Londoners. They were brilliant and I loved it.

Wind forward 25 years to 2005 and that baby had grown up and was a lawyer in London. She challenged me to try again with her and asked me to choose a charity. I spoke to Muscular Dystrophy UK (or Campaign as it was then) as I had worked with many young people with the condition. Little did we know that somebody very precious to us would be diagnosed with Duchenne's three days later.

That race took on a particular significance as we raised over £8000, but injury struck a few weeks before the race. Dreadful pain in my knee told me I couldn't race but there was no way I could back out. Time for fancy dress I thought ...... and the charity's mascot Rupert Bear. The crowd loved the outfit more than me. From the moment I got on the train my photo was taken by everybody (in the days before selfies). During my run (and walk) I was surrounded by enthusiastic fellow runners and the air was filled with the song, "Rupert, Rupert the Bear". At each drink station I'd stop and give my head to a nearby police officer. Most took this is in good spirit but some were unsure quite what to do with it.

That was the day I realised the power of the crowd. It took me over six hours and the route was lined throughout with people staying to encourage us back markers to keep on going. Spectators hung out of windows on high, stood on roofs and sheltered under flyovers where the noise echoed around to create a wall of sound.

This year, at the age of 61, I hope to start my 12th London Marathon. I've raced it in 3hr 7min and experienced a number of slower runs in fancy dress. I've run through to the finish in some with nothing more than tiredness, while I've hobbled in others after picking up some injury or another. I've run it on cold, wet days and, after training throughout the winter months, I've run it in heat waves!

The one constant is the support provided every year by thousands and thousands of fabulous supporters. I defy anybody to fail to be motivated by the generosity of spirit shown at each and every London Marathon. Normally quiet individuals shout and scream names of people they will never see again as if they were their best friends. My favourite place and the star of the marathon is Tower Bridge. As runners, we pass the mile 12 marker then quickly turn right and are confronted by the iconic structure adorned with colours of every hue. Home to supporter points for many charities, the crowds can be 10 deep in places. The noise is incredible and you'll see runners pick up their pace and smile like never before.

After circumventing Canary Wharf, runners come back to the bridge and on to the Embankment. Once again, at the point where you may not know how you can keep going, you are lifted by the crowd. At best you will be tired but at worst you'll be nursing some injury. They appear to have a sixth sense of knowing who to shout for and what to say. They drag you along until you hit mile 25. A mile to go and nothing will stop you now. The final mile passes quickly as you are immersed in the shouts and calls. Finally, you are upon the long, long bend in front of the Palace and then… the finish line. There is a strange hush after you cross the line. Everyone is breathless and, as often happens, after running miles with a 'new friend' you've met along the way, you shake hands and go your own way.

This year will see the one millionth runner cross the finish line for the London Marathon. Many wouldn't have made it without the millions and millions of supporters, who have helped them, year after year, every step of the way. I love and thank them all.”

Myself, Bernie and Mark Sammon - Team Orange. Iffley Rd, Oxford

As well as others, I cannot wait to cheer Bernie on when Sunday comes around. I mean absolutely everyone that passes me by, it doesn’t matter who they’re running for I will shout my loudest and support them, I will look for the name on their vest to give them the recognition and support they deserve. These people are the selfless ones, these people are the ones that have given up lots of hours to be on the tarmac in front of us.

All the runners on Sunday will be cheered by ‘Team Orange’, it’s what we do, and we’re famous for it. I hope that I never know anyone that will need these charities, they are all amazing and the jobs they do are priceless, but if nobody needs them it means my family and friends are fit and well. Cancer charities, Stroke, The Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s and the list goes on, I do hope we never need you because that means we’re ok.

What about me and my miles? Well like I said, it’s been a tough year but the adventure is real, exciting and also exhausting, but I’ve learnt it’s not all about me. When I feel like stopping I can’t, I have to think of others, there is a much bigger picture. It would be easy to stop but then that becomes a habit in life. I realise there are shortcuts out there, easier roads I could travel but that would never inspire anyone. Not that I’m inspirational, that’s a word that I shy away from. Inspirational people are the ones that didn’t need to get involved, inspirational people are the ones that pull on that vest and run. Inspirational people are the ones that say I’ll just keep going for you and all the while they spread the word about it and get more and more people involved. I’m just trying my best to keep moving and I’m having fun along the way.

Thanks to everyone that has helped me so far this year and thank you to the many thousands of people that are running to help someone on Sunday. Soak it up, it’ll be one of the best days of your life and the admiration, respect and jelly beans people will have for you along the route will be thoroughly deserved.


Many thanks Bernie and also to the thousands of others taking part on Sunday.



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#MoveAMileForMuscles

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As Happy as Larry

In the 1890s, before boxing was fully legalised, a man called Larry Foley won the biggest prize in boxing, it was a purse of $150,000, equivalent to $4,000,000 today. A New Zealand newspaper ran the story after the win and the headline “Happy as Larry” has gone on to express how we feel when we simply can’t stop smiling and we’re overwhelmed with happiness, a phrase many of us use daily.

Larry Foley

Don’t get me wrong, I have ups and downs like everyone else, just this month I’ve fallen down the stairs. I’m not too bothered by the initial physical effects of a fall, bruising and pain is something I get used to. It’s the muscle memory change or the fatigue that affects me most, one day you can take a certain step or kerb, no problem. The next day that ability has gone and that’s how quickly my Muscular Dystrophy is affecting me this year.

There is no point in going on about this though, there are far too many good things going on that outweigh the occasional mistimed footing or weak knee. I’ll stick to the positivity, thank you.

I’ve said it many times before in conversation and written on paper; I’m a very lucky man. My diagnosis could have been worse, I have some great family and friends around me, life’s good and I never, ever take that for granted.

Since I started my ‘Move a Mile for Muscles’ event in January it just seems to get bigger and better as we go into a new month and a new challenge. There is not a week goes by that I’m not in touch with The Discovery Channel; they are always asking if I’m okay or need any help at all. I never knew that winning a competition (My World Bigger #MYWB) would be this rewarding, but it is and it’s a fantastic bit of security that comes with a feeling of solidarity and team work. The same can be said of Muscular Dystrophy UK, Jo McGuinness is a Senior Manager, Regional Development in the south and again is constantly in touch to make sure I’m okay, safe and happy as these events draw closer.

Of course I’m supported by my ever-suffering wife and our girls as I come up with what some might say is another ‘far out’ idea. And of course my friends have been fantastic, as always. Just this week my friend Jo Entwistle has been running around Leeds organising our route to the First Direct Arena and sorting prizes out for our raffle taking place at The Duncan pub on Saturday evening. I was again, very lucky this week when another friend; Jon Howe put me in touch with Simon Rix. Simon is a member of the band the Kaiser Chiefs and asked us how he could get involved and help us, his attitude was one of open arms, this is greatly appreciated and I feel extremely humbled by it.

So you see that’s why I’m happy as Larry right now and this nicely leads me on to talk about our mile this weekend.

On Saturday 16th April we will take on Mile 4 of the year and set off from the Queens Hotel in Leeds and make our way to the Josh Warrington fight at the First Direct Arena.

Josh Warrington is the current WBC European Featherweight champion and he is a beacon of inspiration for young people in Leeds and beyond. Not only this, he also unites the community around him and has given tireless support to local and grass roots sport, something I consider to be imperative.

I chose to walk to Josh’s fight because in early January when I first started all of this, Josh was there on social media supporting me, and he vowed to join us on a mile in August which we are very much looking forward to. There was no prompting or asking, it was an offer Josh made and one I won’t forget.

You can count on me to be relentless about this condition and its many different strains. Over the last four weeks I have seen 10-year-old Archie Hill walk with me around the Oval in London whilst tackling his own Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I have had my car washed by a young man called Callum, again with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, who was raising funds for his own specialist power chair, and all the while not one complaint was made and not one moan was heard.

I would like to thank all my friends and family that are helping me this year, far too many to mention. Also, thank you for the many donations. We have raised £7000.00 so far; the equivalent to 200 hours of research, and we need every single minute of that to find treatments.

Finally, good luck Josh Warrington, you should be very proud of yourself, for all that you do and all that you are. You’re an inspiration that certainly keeps me fighting and I’m sure many others too, I do hope that come the end of Saturday night, you are as happy as Larry too.

Marching On Together.

You can follow me on twitter @HywoodMartin

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You can make a donation here https://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Hywood3

 

Influence & Inspiration

To make my world bigger is something I’ve been working on for a few years now, as things have got harder for me physically I seemed to have opened up more doors and gone further than I ever thought possible. This month we won a competition with the Discovery Channel just by telling people my plans for 2016 (and a lot of asking for votes!).

You may ask where I get my sense of adventure from, my direction, and the desire to push myself and learn along the way. I’d said it was definitely from my dad, a man influenced by The Goons and Monty Python. Add in a passion for travel and educating and in some distorted way that moulded me. The comedy element is an important factor because as children that’s how I, my brothers and sister learnt, obviously not orthodox but fantastic nonetheless, I’ll explain…

Our mum used to work as a waitress at the local Berni Inn and our dad used to drop Mum at work for her night shift, drive round the corner and then ask “Who wants to play the ‘Where are we’ game?” We would all shout back “YES!” and then we would either jump in the boot of our car or the back of Dad’s work van. Eyes closed, we would either be driven a few streets or perhaps miles and we would take turns at guessing where the vehicle had stopped, mostly in high-pitched voices à la Harry Secombe or Peter Sellers. Our parents also took advantage of sunny Sundays, and the ‘spare’ fiver or tenner for fuel would take us miles. Dad’s excursions, inclusive of a history lesson, were like his comedy influences, you never knew where you would be taken and the facts would be a bit leftfield.

An example would be a visit to Warwick Castle, we couldn’t afford admission so we’d go as far as the portcullis, and we wouldn’t be told that what we saw before us was built by William the Conqueror in 1068, no, it would be a petrifying story about the holes in the roof above and that hot oil and wax was poured on potential intruders. Sometimes we’d go to the coast on that thin fuel allowance, stop at Lulworth Cove and Dad would say “If you ever need to know about coastal erosion then look up this place; read a book”. Then, we’d get in the car and drive home again. The seed of curiosity was planted and I went on to get an ‘A’ in GCSE Geography, using Lulworth and coastal erosion as my subject matter.

So this then leads me on to talk about my most recent mile, and my next. I wrote about the facts of Iffley Road in my last blog, yet I had no idea how much of a challenge it was going to be. As soon as I stepped out onto the track I had a huge psychological battle which I managed to overcome and win, I couldn’t believe I did it.

What of the Oval then? I can tell you this; it hosted the very first FA Cup Final between the Wanderers and the Royal Engineers in 1872. Morton Betts scored the only goal of the game on 15 minutes and the Wanderers won! A distinctive feature of this ground is its neighbouring Victorian gasometer; built in the 1800s it now has a listed status. Just like my father, I do not feel it necessary to state the obvious, that it is most definitely one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world; read a book.

Saturday is my third mile of the year and like last month’s mile, when I was joined by the fantastic Tommy Lloyd, I will be once again joined by a young man who has also been pushing himself for others.

Archie Hill was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2008 at just 3 years old. Duchenne is a severe degenerative muscle-wasting disease, which will unfortunately lead to paralysis and will significantly shorten his life. Selflessly, Archie and his family have asked to ‘Move a Mile For Muscles’ with me to raise much-needed awareness and funds. Archie has put himself up to help others more than once. Alongside other boys with Duchenne, Archie and the group took their fight for Translarna (the first treatment approved for the underlying cause of DMD,) to the very top and knocked on 10 Downing Street asking for answers on access to rare disease drugs.

Archie at No 10

 

Just like Tommy, I consider Archie to be courageous and he should be an inspiration to many at such a young age. So I can most certainly say that I will complete Saturday’s mile whatever it takes, and hopefully won’t get beat up by myself like I did at Iffley Road.

Archie is moving a mile for muscles and if he can, WE can too!


Thanks for the sense of adventure Dad and for making my world bigger.


“Always look on the bright side of life” x

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