It’s freezing in the West Country. Temperatures are stuck around zero and, although we have had no significant snow-yet- all the roads, pavements and steps are icy and treacherous.I’ve decided not to go out unless it is strictly necessary and having cancelled a number of visits both to the MS Centre in Gloucester and to the Physablity physios in Stroud, I’m starting to feel a little stir-crazy. Still , it gives me the chance to look back on 2009, and forward to 2010. It was weird adjusting to my new status as an ex-BBC rugby commentator but I soon found that , with extra physio, part-time journalism -I write a weekly column for a regional newspaper group- and the expansion of Higgy’s Heroes, I soon found myself as busy as ever in the last twelve months. I’d always been sceptical when the newly-retired claimed that they couldn’t imagine how they ever managed to fit full-time employment into their lives. Now, I understand! The twin highlights of the year for me were the London Marathon and the Stroud Half Marathon. For the first time, I wasn’t gallivanting about on the rugby circuit and was able to appreciate at much closer quarters the efforts of both the amazingly dedicated runners and the wonderfully supportive MSRC staff and volunteers. The former made real sacrifices of their time, their energy and , in many cases, their blood ,sweat and tears, to get to the finish line. The latter once again set the standard for every other charity. I’ve lost count of the number of runners- and supporters- who have told me how blown away they have been by the support, encouragement and backing they receive from the MSRC. It makes them feel very special. It makes us special. Long may it continue. Over 130 runners at the London Marathon- brilliant! Over 150 Higgy’s Heroes entered for the Stroud Half Marathon- breathtaking, and incredibly humbling too. And also a huge amount of fun. So much so , that we want to do it again, and raise the bar even higher. Can we get 200 Higgy’s Heroes to the next event? I believe we can, with your help. It’s at the end of October, so you have plenty of time to get fit and more importantly persuade your friends to get fit. And if you can’t run, you can come and support- at London , as well as at Stroud. I promise you, the atmosphere at both events is absolutely brilliant. I look forward to seeing you. In the meantime, a New Year’s resolution- one that, in contrast to previous ones, I can keep. Life is for Living, as we say on the MSRC wristband. I’m going to live my life to the best of my ability in 2010. Happy New Year! |
