Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I set out to raise money for the charity after my accident. On 7th June 2008; I fell from the extension roof at home, about 15 foot. I had a brain injury and double fracture of the skull. I was outside the back door till my wife got up to make her breakfast! I'd probably been there, unconscious, for 7 hours! I was Air Ambulanced to Stoke, and spent days there on life support. I don't remember anything about the incident, or the first 3 months in hospital. I only remember playing rugby for the Fire Brigade, about a month before my accident. Funnily enough I was at the St Leonards Rugby club annual dinner for the night before my accident, Austin Healey was the guest speaker, on the night of my fall, so probably didn't make it home till 3 o'clock in the morning! (probably). Austin has since written to me saying, that going out having a drink, then falling off a roof, is bad for your street cred'!* I was air ambulanced to A&E in Stoke where I spent days on life support.
I was in hospital for 6 months; but thanks to the help of my family, friends, colleauges and work, I have made a pretty miraculous recovery, (even if I say so myself) considering I broke my arm, was paralysed down one side, had difficulty recognising my family and friends at first, and had to be told my dad had died 5 years previously! I think 'miraculous' is not too far away from the mark. I decided to walk the Staffordshire Way while still in hospital, I was only walking across the ward at the time! Training started while I was still in hospital, mum and I visited the site of my dads ashes. It was pretty hard going, and I had to hold on to her hand, during the mile over Cannock Chase!
Recovery has continued since I came out of hospital, as people are tired of hearing me say, if you are going to have a brain injury, make sure you are employed by the Fire Service! Jubilee House (the fireservice rehabilitation centre in Penrith) has had a tremendous impact on my life, all it's dedicated staff, particularly Susi, Mary,John & Chris; and anything I can do to raise money for the charity, to help others benefit as I have, is a small price to pay! Walking 92 miles in three days, even for a bloke who was paralysed down one leg, and spent 6 months in hospital, it's the least I can do! My family and friends have been fantastic, and particular thanks are due, to my wife, kids and mum, for putting up with me during my recovery; and its not over yet!
I did a 26m walk in November, and ones of 29m, 20m and 18+ over consecutive weekends at end of march, early April. My training continues, and thankyou to Staffordshire Long Distance Walkers Association who have put up with me! I fell over 10 times on the walk in November, and since I got my eyes fixed, I have remained upright. As well as finishing, I get a particular sense of achievement if I don't fall! I followed up the last walk with 10+ miles localy, on the next day. Its going so well, I said to my mum "I feel at bit of a fraud, only walking 92 miles!"; but she assured me that walking 30m for three days is enough of a challenge, and seeing as she has walked 100 miles non-stop 12 times in under 40 hours, climbed Kilimanjaro when she was in her mid-60's, and had to nurse me and teach me to read again! she should know what she is talking about!
"Your mother is always right!" It was hard but I did it! 95 miles across the county in 3 days. & I have the blisters to prove it!
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.
I have decided to raise for Midlands Air Ambulance, (As they condributed to my survival on the planet, it would be rude not to!) If you decide to give, the choice is up to you, either pick the charity that appeals to you, or decide how much you want to give, and give half to both!
I finshed the walk, not exactly in stile, but I finished! I am now in agony, the day after, but chuffed at how generous you have all been so far, thank you, I can now get on with my life, and work at repaying my wife and family for all the grief I have caused them.
The link for my Midlands Air Ambulance page is http://www.justgiving.com/Neal-Evans2
*PS Austin was joking, it was so good of him to write and sign his picture!
So please dig deep and donate now.
