General Chat

I have never felt as many emotions as I did in 30 minutes on Thursday.
Waiting at the railway station three members of the Team GB Para Olympic Cycling Team arrived to catch the same train.
They had ridden 111 miles that day on the James Cracknell John 'O Groats to Lands End Charity Ride.
They were so tired but so happy because it wasn't "their thing" & none of them had cycled that far before.
The one young man I think will stay in my memory for ever.He had an artificial leg from the knee down an horrific hand injury & had obviously had surgery on his face.Being me I had to ask if he used a different leg for cycling & immediatly apologised for being a nosy tactless c*w.He said it made a change people usually stared or crossed the road.
He went on to tell us that he had been a soldier,the only life he'd known & was in Afghanistan-one day he trod on a landmine & in his words "It hurt a bit then but I'm enjoying life now & it's not going to beat me".
I was totally lost for words,such bravery & determination in someone about the same age as my son.He then went on to tell us about his training for the2012 Olympics because that is his life now & he wants a medal.
I have never felt so much admiration for someone & I hope he gets his dream,I hope it's gold & I will be avidly watching the ParaOlympics 2012 to cheer him on.

Hi Eeyore x
I agree the one young man we talked with, after going through what he did, and now doing what he is doing, sure makes you think how lucky we all are. He deseves to be with a chance to earn the medal he desires. What i was thinking while we was talking was, this is a young man that nearly got himself killed for his country, and yet he still has such determination to overcome his horrific life altering injurys. He set himself a high goal and I think he could get to the 2012 games. Like i said to him at the time, I take my hat off to you and wish you every good luck in gaining what you hope to gain. You're the kind of person this country needs and you have the spark and determination to get what you want.
You know it's not until you meet such a person you think it don't matter what worrys you have they all seem small.

Its very humbling when you meet someone as brave as that young man.
It certainly makes us get our priorities right doesn't it.
Lets all hope this remarkable young man gets his wish at 2012 games. And also spare a thought for those still out in Afghanistan doing their country proud. Heroes all.
Cath

They really are Heroes.
He really was an exceptional young man & we both said it shouldn't take an injury like that or to lose your life to come home,let them all come home safely.

Here here i hope they all come home safe and well, as some of you know my son is in Afghan at the moment, his job is to search high threat areas for explosive devices, and i have to say to hear him talk of the lives that he has saved whilst 'just doing his job' is the must heartwarming and humbling feeling in the world.
Anyone in the Chepstow area next weekend please look out for the Afghan Hero's rally, raising money to send portable dvd players out to the Hospital in Bastion, for those injured whilst 'just doing their job'.
love and proud hugs to all serving boys and girls.xx

Hi Izzy,I didn't know but I did watch a programme about the soldiers who remove the bombs,mines & traps that are set for them & after meeting that young man it really brought it home to me.
You must be incredibly proud of your son & I hope you raise loads of money for the hospital.
All my male rellies & friends had Help for Heroes socks last Xmas,it is now a Charity I support & will until they're all home safe.
x

Hi EEyore,thanks for that story,it will have touched the hearts of many people,I know.

My husband,on leave from the Para's way back in 1969,was horrifically burned when his motorbike petrol tank blew up under him.

He sustained 40% burns to the top half of his body,plus smashed his thigh and left hand.

It took 2 years to reach a stage that he could think about going back to work, and he never stopped grafting until he retired at 61.

On his behalf could I say that please,if you come across someone who is disabled/disfigured,and are curious,just ask politely how it happened.

The worst thing that would happen is they tell you to sod off,but you will find that they are happy to discuss it with you. I have known my OH to keep folk capturerd for hours telling them about his"accident"

How would you feel if people scuttled off to the other side of the street pretending that they didn't notice.

Children are the most candid,and he is always pleased to tell them that this is what happens if you play with fire.

If you have read all this without loosing the will to live thanks for listening.

It really puts everything in perspective doesn't it. Thanks to Izzy for the info about the rally in Chepstow, will try to get there.
Sue

I 2nd the bring them all home safe bit.

Me too 5EXY and the sooner the better