Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I decided to do something in order to raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance by doing a walk, while still in hospital, I needed to give something back to the organisation who had helped save my life! If you don't know my story, I had an accident at home on 7th June 2008, falling from the extension roof, 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 was Air Ambulanced to Stoke, and spent 9 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 I probably didn't make it home till 3 o'clock in the morning! (probably).Austin has since written to me to tell that going out and a having drink, then falling off a roof is bad for your street cred'!*
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.
Air Ambulance is very dependant on contributions to allow it to do the kind of rescue that saved me, so it is very close to my heart! Just a shame I was un-conscious throughout the flight, and never enjoyed it!
I decided to do the 95 mile Staffordshire Way, in three days to raise sponsorship.
I finished the walk on 7th June 2010, after 3 days, on the second anniversary of my accident; 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.
I was surprised at what a beautiful and varied County I live in. Unfortunately it was misty over the Cloud so I did not see the best of Cheshire, Manchester, and North Wales; when on the second day we went over Shugborough and Cannock Chase I was surprised by what a different view I got over an area I have been walking most of my life. Day three was a reel eye opener, I was expecting it to a dull trudge on the last day; but couldn't have been further from the truth. Very varied and picturesque. I was lucky enough to pass people on the rute who swaped a tale, and even contributed to my charity efforts.
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 two pages because I wanted to raise money for the Firefighters Charity aswell. If you decide you can spare a few pennies, either choose your favourite, or decide how much you want to give, divide it in two, and give half to each.
The link for my Firefighters Charity page is http://www.justgiving.com/neal-evans
*PS Austin was joking, it was so good of him to write and give me a his signed picture!
So please dig deep and donate now.
