Under 12s B 5k Fun Run for Surrey Air Ambulance

This morning Duncan Hanwell and his under 12s B Brockham Badgers team organised a sponsored fun run around Brockham and Betchworth, setting off from Brockham Green at 10.30. Around 90 people, mainly children dressed in Brockham Badgers kits, and also adults, joined in and ran the hilly course towards Betchworth Church and over the Chimney Tops and back onto the green to raise money for the Surrey Air Ambulance. Neil and I were amazed and extremely grateful that so many people had taken the time and trouble to take part. Thank you Duncan and well done to you all, you should be very proud of yourselves. You're all helping to raise the total for Surrey Air Ambulance!

Visit to Surrey Air Ambulance HQ

On Thursday 29th May, Neil and I and most of our families together with two of Luke's good friends, Ali and Alex, went over to Dunsfold to visit the Surrey Air Ambulance. We didn't know what to expect and were hoping to meet the doctor and to see the helicopter. We weren't disappointed. We were welcomed by the lovely staff there and were introduced to the doctor, Jeremy Smith, and Critical Care Paramedic, Neil Painter, who both assisted Neil at the accident scene. It was an emotional morning and the sun shone. They were amazed to see Neil looking so fit and well and we were overwhelmed to meet them and to thank them for saving his life. They explained that Neil was in a bad way when they arrived and that the ambulance crew with him were struggling to save him. His head and neck were distorted, his lungs had collapsed and he was having difficulty breathing. They opened the side of his chest at the roadside and performed life-saving surgery. His liver and part of his stomach were in his chest and his ribs shattered on one side and broken on the other, which was hampering his breathing. Their brilliance and expertise undoubtedly saved Neil and they confirmed that if Neil had gone by road ambulance he would definately not be here today. Everyone who has generously donated to the SAA can see that they do make a difference and save peoples' lives.

More Funny Exercises

Just thought you might like to see another one of Neil's exercises from Jane. He thought he looked like an idiot in the last clip but you'll be pleased to know he's not wearing his yellow vest this time! He's now got about 120 degree bend on his left leg, which is fantastic. He's also having physio at Dorking Hospital once a week and using all the gym equipment, riding the bike etc. He's making an improvement each time he has physio with Jane and Dorking Hospital and they are all pleased with him. Hoping he continues to improve.

Great Game

What a game for all that are interested in football last night. The match could of been decided either way. It was a credit to English football. I felt for JT and others when they missed their penalties but some one has to miss. For John, he must feel very low but I'm sure his family will look after him, these are the most important people in his life. He's a good guy and this will make him stronger. In away I could relate to the penalty miss last night because Luke never felt comfortable in taking penalties.
I went to the church last night about midnight to tell Luke how well Chelsea had played and that we lost the game on a kick on goal. Also said that no team deserved to lose in this way, but credit must go to Man Utd and remember it was won by an English team.

Weekend Of Comfort

Hi All, Been away this weekend upto Liverpool to a 'Bereaved Parents Day'. Sal and I were wondering what we were doing up here in Liverpool, obviously apprehensive about what we're we going to achieve.
We arrived just after 9.30am being greeted and made very welcome by Brian and Pauline and Nich who were our facilitators for the day. They were on our table with various other parents who are going through similar tragic losses to their families. There was no pressure put on any individual during any part of the day. You could participate as much or as little as you wanted to. Our table consisted of other parents who had lost their children through road traffic accidents. For us it was comforting to know we were amongst parents who are grieving like us and at the end of the day became good friends, we will keep in touch. There was about 60 people who turned up for the event. We found the day uplifting, well organised and look forward to the next get together.
People who I spoke to in Liverpool were very friendly even if I did mention on a couple of occasions that Luke and I were Chelsea fans! Bye for now x.

Difficult Day!

Hi All, We've had to do the hardest thing that we'll ever do in our life today. We have laid Luke to rest in Brockham church where there is a lovely stone in his memory. It was a lovely sunny day where we had a short service taken by the vicar Jonathan with Luke's grandparents. It will be a lovely place to go to remember him. We will be going regularly to the church to have a chat with Luke about day to day issues.
I personally get great comfort sitting outside the church and think about all the wonderful times we had with our son. He will always come first before anything else. Nothing is more important than this.
Hope all is well with everyone and see you soon. Love Always x.

Hi Everyone

What a day. Managed to get a ticket for the Chelsea v Bolton game, cheers Alan. Enjoyed it very much but well done to all you Man Utd fans you've been very consistent over the year, well deserved. My only issue today from one referee to another was scholes should of gone for an early bath but I'm sure that would of not changed anything. For all you Fulham fans, how things have changed over the last six games, great stuff, all that hard work has paid off!
Got a busy week ahead, back at work for a few days, as well as other very important matters to sort out with my family. I'm getting pretty impatient about my fitness levels on my left leg, but I'll just have to wait and realise it takes time to mend. Hope you've all enjoyed the sunshine, love to you all. x

Seen The Treehouse At Last!

Went to the treehouse tonight with Sal for the first time and my first thoughts boys and girls were that you all did a great job. I could not believe how high you all went up the tree. Luke didn't take after his dad on this one, I'm totally scared of heights! The football shirts, socks, flags, towel and even a chelsea teddy gave me thoughts how caring you all are. Thanks also goes to Mums & Dads for planting bulbs etc around the tree, look forward to seeing them come out next year. My hope is you all have good lives and get repaid in kindness. Love to all x.

Physio That Makes a Difference

A lovely friend of ours, Jane Hoggarth, who is a qualified Paediatric Physiotherapist, has been kindly dropping in to see Neil once a week for the past month or so and putting him through his paces with some physio! He has improved tremendously with Jane's help and can now bend his knee to about 90 degrees. His lungs are much better than they were but still not as good as they are hopefully going to get. He now walks with barely a limp but his leg does stiffen up if he over does it (although that didn't stop him from refereeing the boys' matches on Sunday!)

Thank you Jane - you have truly helped so much and are very encouraging. Here's a little clip of what they get up to!!!

Thank You All For Your Tribute

For those that don't know, Brockham Badgers FC held today a fun day of football for all boys and girls of all ages. Over 200 children came along and enjoyed playing all day with a free lunch provided. Organisation again was superb with plenty of volunteers making another event go smoothly. This year not taking Luke I found really hard when I woke up this morning. I thought of him throughout the day how he would of played with his mates.
Thank you so kindly Grant Ashley and the commitee for Lukes tribute today it was really humble and obviously something I will never forget. I will talk to Luke in my own way and tell him how wonderful everyone has been. Love always Neil & Sal xx.