Past Events 2014

Past Events 2014

To The Top

Pen Y Fan was the mountain that used the elements against us in the Three peaks challenge and it was my aim to prove that mother nature would not get the better of me and of course my fantastic team of supporters was right behind as we talked about completing this climb only this time I was in a wheelchair full time and if I was to climb Pen Y Fan then the Chair was coming too.

Pen Y Fan stands at 886m / 2907 ft. And the climb is not forgiving and if you are on foot it is steep slippery and hard but in a wheelchair it is simply mind blowing.I was under no allusions that this challenge was going to test my will my strength and if anything was going to break me then this was the place it would happen.

The video below shows how I took a simple chair that I had when I first went into a wheelchair full time and adapted it to cope with the terrain ahead. The little wheels would never mange the rough ground so we added a large front wheel, tyres needed to be better gripping and harder wearing so we tracked down a set of mountain bike tyres that would fit me 24” rims. I didn’t want to fall away from the chair through fear of it landing on me so I use a waist strap leg strap and foot strap so I was fully secure and I added a camel pack to the back so I had water as dehydration could not become an issue, my little pack also allowed me to carry some first aid supplies. The team was as always a big part of this challenge working and as well asThomas Lewis and Natalie we need a lot more support if anything went wrong and as soon as my story started to spread around my works the team began to grow and soon we had first aid covered strength and moral support all areas covered and the challenge was on.

Every inch of this climb was hard and even though I had completed the three peaks earlier on in the year neither Owain or I could ever imagine how hard this would be but we did it we completed the climb and decent in 4 hours and 21 minuets and even though I think everyone who completed that climb had in their own mind achieved a little satisfaction for me it was a mile stone after all if I can climb a mountain and the biggest in south Wales then there is very little I cant do.

Off The Beaten Track

Before my life changed so dramatically myself and my wife used to go walking all the time we loved waterfalls, being in the country and simply being together and without no notice this all changed.I love spending time with Natalie and things have not been easy we have had to adapt and change our hobbies and interests to suit my needs and again this has not been easy, we have often talked about this walk but never attempted it and then one day we decided that the sun was shining I had an off road chair and why not get out into the country and spend some time together this was not just a test of my ability this was a chance for Nat and I to take control and enjoy a little bit of our past.We decided to do this as a first walk together just the 2 of us we knew the route we knew it was possible so we set off and the sun was out and shining down on us to make this one of the most perfect days I could ever have wished for.

We had to take on a few obstacles but once we where off the beaten track the the experience was just amazing I used the same chair I planned on taking to the top of Pen Y Fan and It worked perfectly.We followed the path up to the waterfalls and I was almost able to touch the water something I never thought I would ever be able to do but with a little help from Natalie I was simply feet away the feeling was so special and it made me feel alive.From the moment I went into a chair I had to start planning everything calling ahead to see if my chair would be a problem but out here in the fresh air it was a case of give it a go lets see what happens and I would change it for the world one of the best days and a fantastic feeling. My advice to anyone would be to stop wondering if it was possible and get out there and find out for yourself.

Cwmcarn Forest WalkWalking as I have mentioned many times before was a very favoured pass time for me and my wife be fore my condition and it is the number one thing I miss the most taking to the hill walking through the forest or walking around a lake well basically we just loved being out.For Christmas Natalie bought me a Freewheel its an attachment that clips on the front of your wheelchair raising up the front two wheels so that you can take it off road and to give it a little test we decided to hit the woods at Cwmcarn and what a treat it was to feel a bit of freedom.The weather was brisk and fresh as you would expect 2 days after Christmas but amazing to be out and about together and to work off a bit of the Christmas dinner, sweets and chocolates.The path was some gravel some mud and a bit of Tarmac and nothing slowed me down well except the hill bits but then that’s where my amazing wife came in .
Now don’t get me wrong this was not really a challenge for me not after climbing Pen Y Fan in my To The Top Challenge but it shows that you don’t need to walk to enjoy time outside spending time with family and loved ones and enjoying the fresh air and as my next big challenge is fast approaching this was a great place to have a bit of training at the same time.
The views and scenery where amazing with waterfalls, streams and wild life everywhere what a great way to spend the day with my wife I cant wait to go and do it again as the seasons change.
The water was so clean and clear and as well as the ducks you could see the fish at the bottom of the lake so pretty I bet this place will be amazing in the summer.

Taking to the ice

There are times in the year that are all about friends, Family and loved ones and Christmas is one of those times.

Christmas 2014 is my first Christmas in my chair and it was a miles stone in many ways its the closure of my first year as a chair user its the land mark of my first winter and and it was a celebration of some of the amazing people I have met along my journey.

This year we decided to really make the most of things to get out and enjoy life to its fullest one of those make the most of it events was to go ice skating and the Cardiff winter wonderland, to drink mauled wine to eat hod dogs straight off the coals and to indulge on candy floss and to enjoy this with some of our close friends.

To say taking to the ice was a frightening thought was an understatement we waited in line and thoughts went through my head like there was going to be 250 people on the ice, what happens if I fall out? What if I hit someone over? What if I go backwards and hit my head? What if I get on there and cant move? And how the hell do I get on the ice in the first place?

Well these thoughts I am sure are perfectly normal but I was determined to give this a go and see what happens . As it happens the staff where all great and very helpful my wife lover cant skate so I know she would be no real help on this one but take to the ice I did.

It was amazing moving was strange at first but I soon realized that I needed to simply start slow and work up to it, the other people on the ice where fine they just skated around us an I never bumped into any one, and I was shocked at how stable I was on the ice I even pulled a wheelie just for a laugh.

The best part for me was when my wife held onto the back of my chair and I pulled us both around for the first time in ages I was able to help her with something I was able to support her when she needed it and as strange and small as that may seem for me it was massive.

All in all it was an amazing achievement I tried I tested and I survived and it is just one more thing I can tick off my list so don’t be afraid to try thing don’t feel you cant do something because you think it is impossible hit the ice and see where it takes you because life can be slippery at times but it can also be fun and exciting as well.

Bowling

Now here is something that takes some adapting and even then you are going to either love or hate but it is very common and your fiends children and family will often arrange this as a night out or family party event.

So I cant lie I did put this off for as long as I could but then a group of fiends convinced me to stop worrying and they had a point Nathan who has done a few things with me now spoke sense when he pointed out that no one cared if a won or lost it was about having a laugh a few drinks and winding up the kids.So off we went now I was offered for the barriers to go and my top tip take the offer but for me oh no I was fine.I choose my ball and the pins where set and I was terrible I would have one great shot and then send the ball in some random direction and I think I even lost that’s right the kids demolished me..

But I loved it we had a few drinks we smashed a few pins some smashed more than others but I had the time of my life.I have been bowling a few time since and I have not got any better but I now use the barriers with no shame at all, cant keep letting the kids beat me. Its great fun and sometime when you completely get it wrong it is best part but when you throw that one strike you are the king of the lanes and no one will tell you different.A few top tips for you to always remember

  • Always put your brakes on.
  • Use the barriers there is no shame.
  • And a heavy ball is NOT the way forward.
  • And what the hell let your hair down no one cares if you win or loose.
Riding the Seven Bridge
South Wales and England is separated by the river Seven a mass expanse of water that is crossed in two main places by to iconic bridges. Originally the Seven bridge that made up the M4 motorway and after many years in full service this was replaced by the new Seven Bridge river crossing.The old bridge then became part of the A48 and is still used by 1000’s of people everyday. Once a year 1000’s of motorcyclist cross the bridge on a route and raises a lot of money for some great causes. As a biker I used to complete this event nearly every year and when I became a wheelchair user I sold my bike and started to take interest in handcycling and the idea of crossing the bridge was one that a really good friend suggested to me so we set about and decided we would do it ASAP.
I didnt go into great planning we simply loaded my handcyclle and his mountain bike into a van and we set off. The route was not massively challenging the first half was a steady incline and the views where just amazing I have crossed that bridge millions of times but this was the first time I had the opportunity to stop and look at the bridge from this fantastic position. The wind was blowing and every time a lorry passed by the whole bridged rocked but we where safe on the side path and the experience was simply mind blowing, the view right up the river was breath taking.

Sometimes its not the big challenges in your life that you need to think about it can be the little things that stick strongest in your mind.Crossing this bridge was not about pushing my limits or testing my strengths it was about doing something I can with an old mate and being together with no limits.When I became I full time wheelchair user things changed people around me needed to help me they needed to adapt to my way of life and its been tough but for me cycling across the Seven Bridge with one of my very dear and close friends was a massive milestone for me that I feel very grateful for. It made me realise that I am still me and still a normal person and a moment I will treasure for along time.Sometimes its the simple things in life that mean the most…………………

Volunteering work

Getting back into the working world can be one of the biggest challenges you may have to face. Being around people who dont know your abilities or treat you like you cant do anything or constantly worry about your safety and well being the list goes on, its hard nerve racking and can be very frustrating well you are not alone with these feelings we all go through them but you can do something about it. Sometimes you simply need the opportunity to discover your new strengths and learn new skills and the best way to gain this experience is by volunteering it can be so rewarding and gives you a great opportunity to get back out and to try new things you can learn from other people and it is the best way to help towards your recovery.

The video above shows me doing a wheelie over wood chip bark but I done this while helping out at my local community farm and was building the Santa’s grotto ready for the 2014 festive season. I have helped out at the farm for a few months and really enjoy trying new things at my own pace, I have fed the animals and helped with cleaning out some of the enclosures, I have met some great people who dont hold me back they help me with my skills and not keep telling me I cant do this cant do that. I have also helped with the Out Reach program a program where we take small animals out into public places and work with children giving them the opportunity to interact and learn.

I have always had a love for animals and more so since the chair they don’t judge me and animal therapy has to be one of the best forms of therapy available I have also always wanted to work with young people and again with my role at the farm this may become a great opportunity for me to do that.Below is a great link to the Community Farm Facebook page for you to see just some of the many great things we get upto but also keep and eye out on the See No Bounds page where I will post some photos and videos of my antics.I recommend volunteer work it will help you in so many ways never let your disabilities hold you back instead take your abilities and grow on your strengths.

 

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