Hot. Hot. Hot!!
Finally summer has arrived - with a vengeance! The British really make me laugh because they are constantly complaining about the weather, it's too hot, it's too cold, it's too wet! We Africans hardly ever mention the weather because we can find lots more interesting things to chat about. Anyway,I am very happy the sun is shining hotly everyday so long may it continue.
It's been a very busy few weeks for me since I last wrote and I just haven't been able to fit in the time to write, which has been somewhat frustrating. I have come to realise that writing helps me a lot. 'I write to give myself strength'. I write to share my joys and sorrows and because I like to share life and kindness with my readers. When you are kind to yourself in thoughts, words and actions it is as important as being kind to others.
This is Polio Month, a time we use to remember the devastation polio has caused to millions of lives, and also to address the issues that surround polio today that are less talked about. I am very proud to be an Ambassador for the British Polio Fellowship, and in that role one issue that not only interests me but is also something I suffer from myself, and that is Post Polio Syndrome (PPS), a little known neurological disorder that causes fatigue and pain. There are 120,000 potential sufferers in the UK alone and we believe it is an issue that really needs to be addressed in the UK, though the sceptic in me thinks that this government will do nothing as it continues its onslaught against disabled people and their carers.
On a similar theme I travelled down to Croydon a few weeks ago to lend my support to the lovely Julia Roberts (QVC Presenter) who was swimming 101 lengths of a swimming pool to raise funds and awareness for The British Polio Foundation and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. Celebrities present were; John Salako, Crystal Palace FC legend, James Crisp, Paralympic swimmer, and Bob Ballard, swimming commentator for BBC radio. A lot of money was raised and it was a real pleasure to be a small part of the event.
Columbus School and College in Chelmsford is a place I have close to my heart, and it was a huge honour to be invited to spend the day with the young people as they took part in Olympic Day. It was a fantastic experience to be amongst the learners, parents and staff as we cheered on the young people taking part in sport and enjoying themselves. Their determination and enthusiasm echoes ability, not disability. Mandeville, the Paralympic mascot was a special guest, along with myself.
I also attended an olympic and paralympic day at Nelson Primary School in West Ham.The young people had a lot of fun and I was chuffed to be presented with a special Gold Medal from the School.
The IPC Athletics World Championships are currently being held in Lyon, France, and are being covered by More4 on the TV, which is great, although the constant ads are driving me mad! Team GB are doing well, and it's really nice to see the younger athletes being given their chance to shine, and boy are they doing well. Sad to see my friend Shelley Woods suffering from the heat and a bug, but good to see Jade Jones and Georgina Oliver doing well. Georgina is only 21 and is already eyeing my British records in the 100m and 200m. Good luck to her.
Labels: athletics, bob ballard, columbus school, france, ipc world championships, james crisp, John salako, julia Roberts, leukaemia, Lyon, mandeville, Nelson primary, post polio syndrome, QVC, shelly woods
posted by Anne-Wafula Strike @ 13:11
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