It is now four and a half years since I broke my hip in a high speed cycling accident and found myself in a hospital ward to have three titanium bolts inserted - they are still there! What struck me was how fortunate I was compared to the other guys on the ward: their hip fractures were due to simple falls around the house but they were considerably older and suffering from osteoporosis. Their prognosis was not good: some would never make it out of hospital, others would survive a relatively short period afterwards due to the trauma and the 'lucky' ones would have to get used to severely reduced mobility. For all of them it was disorientating and deeply depressing.
This bone disease affects a phenomenal proportion of older people, up to 50% of women and 30-40% of men succombe to it as some point. There is no cure but the disease can be managed through weight bearing exercise and the incidence of broken bones can be mitigated by programmes of education and support to those most at risk. The NOS funds research into the causes of osteoporosis and also trains nurses to pass on the preventative advice that can make such a difference.
I will be tackling the 4k swim, 180k (112 mile) cycle and very hilly off-road marathon of the Forestman triathlon on 12 July http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/09Forestman.htm. The training has gone well, with the inevitable ups and downs as the photos illustrate. I think I can do it despite the titanium bolts, but your sponsorship would add that little bit of extra motivation to get me through the inevitably tougher moments and would be hugely appreciated by everyone at the NOS for the benefit of people like my ward-mates.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
