Early June, at long last, provided us with some proper summer weather. We were very lucky to choose the best Sunday in the month to host an extended-family barbecue in our garden. Our daughter, Fiona, and son-in-law, Tudor, took on the organisational duties, including procurement of the food and drink. My brother-in-law, Dave, was easily persuaded to bring along his gas barbecue and do the cooking. All Doreen and I had to do was enjoy it! It was a really lovely afternoon, much enjoyed by everyone, especially the children. Our son, Adam, was back staying with us and, although he has no children, and little regular contact with them, he happily took on the role of ‘playmate-in-chief’, much to the children’s delight.
We’ve been really spoiled with visitors this month, including (on separate occasions) my sister, our friends from Stamford and Wirksworth, and Roger, an old Nottingham school friend who now lives in Worthing, but was back here staying with his sister. On Father’s Day, Fiona and family came over, and Fiona cooked us all a splendid Sunday lunch. It is wonderful to be able to socialise again, albeit with some continued Covid restrictions. I still haven’t been to the pub, though!
As some of you already know, Martin Sarsfield, a very good friend of my sister and brother-in-law, took on the challenge, on my behalf, of swimming 30 miles in 30 days in June. Sponsorship proceeds would go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. His objective was to raise £500 for MNDA. He did indeed complete his 30-mile target on 30th, as planned, raising over £2,000 + Gift Aid. His final 200m were even swum butterfly. I couldn’t have swum 200m butterfly at age 19, never mind at Martin’s 69; and having just completed a 2.5km swim! A very big ‘thank you’ goes to Martin, and to all of you who very generously contributed. To read more, or to sponsor him, please see: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martinsarsfield .
Physically, there are no significant changes to report this month. My right arm and shoulder muscles are getting noticeably weaker, and my hand function continues to deteriorate. Ironically, my right hand remains more functional than my left, but it is at the end of the weaker arm. Sod’s Law!! I am also finding it more difficult to turn over in bed which limits my options on sleeping positions. As the night wears on, I find myself moving more frequently from one position to the other, as each one becomes progressively less comfortable.
In last month’s blog I mentioned a BBC interview with former Scotland rugby union international, Doddie Weir, who is also living with MND. Brenda Walker, a Scottish friend from Cuckfield (Sussex) replied to me with the following anecdote:
“I always remember watching England v Scotland at Twickenham one year. My husband, Alan, and I had been invited to the hospitality section (we used to have friends in high places) so were there after the game. Whilst walking through the car park we met a very tall man to whom Alan said, “What a pity about the result, but a good effort” or words to that effect. He replied, “We just couldnae get into the game”. To Alan’s total embarrassment I asked the man, “Could you not get a ticket?”
I don’t think he actually heard me as I was rushed away in disgust. “Don’t you know who that was – that was Doddie Weir”. Not my finest moment.”
A lovely story. Thank you, Brenda.