<p>That's right. Hems really has lost it this time!</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff; text-decoration: underline;">The Story</span></strong></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">As some of you may already be aware, this summer has certainly been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Hems family. In September, my Dad (Alistair), underwent an operation to amputate his left leg from below the knee. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">The news came fast and was obviously a shock to not only Dad but the rest of the family, still you do the best with what you have got. Over the next couple of months, Dad will be fitted with a prosthetic leg, followed by an intense rehabilitation and conditioning programme in order to adapt to this drastic change of lifestyle. This will undoubtedly challenge him both physically and mentally.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff00ff; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Plan</strong></span></p> <p>On Sunday 15th April 2012, I hope to sprint, run, jog and possibly even at times, crawl, the Rock 'N' Roll Edinburgh Half Marathon. So as more of an Oscar Pistorius than a Paula Radcliffe this will be interesting! The main idea is that while Dad is faced with his challenge, I am also going to face a challenge which will also take a great deal of hard work and while doing so, I hope to raise money for the <span style="color: #ff00ff;">Limbless Association</span>.</p> <p><span style="color: #ff00ff; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Charity</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><span style="color: #000000;">The Limbless Association offer support to individuals of any age, whether they are about to have an amputation or are already living with congenital or acquired limb-loss and offer assistance and information to carers, family members and friends if they require it. They also run sports programmes and events for amputees and their families.</span></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff00ff; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>How You Can Help</strong></span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Any support in variety of form will be hugely appreciated. This can range from a donation towards the charity, a kind word, a running playlist, a running partner or any words of wisdom you may have to pass on. Anything and everything will be greatly received.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;">There are no boundaries!</span></strong></p> <p>Many thanks for checking out my page!</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Much love,</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">Lucy xxxx</span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p> <p><span style="color: #000000;"> </span></p>