My story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In March 2008, I had an accident in a gym and sustained a brain injury which was to change my life. I became isolated, my relationship broke down and gradually, I lost everything that was important to me. The support of my family and loyal friends stopped me from giving up altogether.

Before I had my accident, I had my own carpentry and joinery business, was an amateur boxer and worked evenings and weekends as a Personal Trainer. I was confident, self-motivated and very driven. I believed (and still do), that I am able to achieve whatever I want, but this requires hard work, and for me to take responsibility for my actions.

Due to the combined effects of the brain injury and toxic doses of vitamins and other drugs prescribed for me, my speech, mobility, memory and balance were all badly affected. I lost several stone in weight and had to use a wheelchair. As soon as the effects of the drugs were diagnosed I began to slowly recover.

After spending time at Headway in Leicester, and Tao Gardens Therapy centre in Thailand, I am now walking independently with only a stick, my speech is normal and I have gained weight.

Running will be a big challenge, but one I know I will achieve.

One of my philosophies in life is that of Buddha: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become"

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.

My updates 11

The money is still coming in! Thanks to Tindy and all her family and friends for all their donations and support. Good to meet you yesterday x

12/12/12 10:22

Spoke to the Leicester Mercury today, and their article about the run will be in next Saturday's supplement, not this week (28th) as planned :-(

26/07/12 12:29

.. and a big thank you to Chris Parkinson who put the footage together. Once again, Thank you so much to everyone that sponsored me for Headway Leicester who are amazing, & are astounded by all the sponsorship & support. Ricky Read Chris's article at: www.caparkinson.com

17/07/12 13:56

Thank you so much to everyone! The run was really hard, but I carried on every step of the way. The support was amazing. I need to say a BIG thank you to Dom, Babs & Jamie who helped me get through it and picked me up every time I fell!

17/07/12 13:52

My cousin Wade Patel sadly died on the 1st July aged just 26. You will never be forgotton Pal. Always in our hearts, thank you for the sponsorship pal, all my love to Karen, Barry and Charlie X

17/07/12 13:49

My charity

Headway Leicester

Headway Leicester

Charity Registration No. 1074011

Est. in 1990, Headway Leicester provides top notch support services for adults with acquired brain injuries, their families & carers. They help people come to terms with the devastating effects of brain injury; at their day centre in Leicester & their outreach services across the county & Rutland.

Donations 38

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Rick mate, Well done!!! Take care bro, Daz and family.

Donation by Daz James on 09/09/12

£20.00

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Well done bro....we are all proud of you!

Donation by lee james on 11/08/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Ricky you are amazing! We are so proud of you! All the best from us, our family and friends X

Donation by Natalie Kazaz, jonathon walker and co! on 28/07/12

£100.00

+ £25.00 Gift Aid

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Fantastic run today Ricky, you should be proud of yourself, I know we all are. Best wishes from Karen and Lynda

Donation by Karen Harland on 15/07/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck Ricky x

Donation by Rachael Taylor on 14/07/12

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Good luck an excellent presentation on Tuesday which I am sure was an inspiration to many, many others with and without a brain injury.

Donation by jane simpson on 14/07/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck. You'll be amazing. Such a truly inspirational person and I have only known you a few weeks. xxx

Donation by Michelle Brown on 12/07/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good Luck big man, I know you'll do it but take your time. You've gone through alot and to be at this stage is a massive achievement on it's own.

Donation by Abraham Conteh on 12/07/12

£22.00

+ £5.50 Gift Aid

We have noticed how you have overcome your injuries with positive determination even though we don't know you but live near by. All the best.

Donation by Becks & Geoff on 11/07/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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You are an inspiration, Slick. I am proud to know someone as courageous as you and with such a big heart. Good luck, my friend Glyn and Karen

Donation by glyn curtis on 11/07/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good Luck

Donation by Sunil Chamund on 10/07/12

Donation by daniel tebbatt on 03/07/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good Luck!

Donation by Rosie Sibley on 30/06/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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hi Ricky, good luck, and best wishes for the future from Glenn @ muddimers garage

Donation by glenn willson@ muddimers garage on 25/06/12

£40.00

+ £10.00 Gift Aid

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Hi Ricky. Fantastic progress. I knew you had the will power and positive thinking! Good luck champion!

Donation by SHASHIKANT PATEL on 14/06/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" – Lao Tzu We know you'll achieve your goal. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Bolands xx

Donation by Lisa Boland on 13/06/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

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Good Luck from both of us. Will be there to support you on the day. Keep up the hard work.

Donation by Edward Flint & Joanne Matthews on 10/06/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Heard you on Radio Leicester. Truly inspirational, such a positive attitude. Well done on your achievements. Good luck & best wishes for the future.

Donation by Penny Flint on 10/06/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Hey Ricky !!! Taking on your positivity mate :) Good Luck my friend !!!

Donation by Judi Peatfield on 01/05/12

£5.00

+ £1.25 Gift Aid

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Hi Ricky, good luck with your run. Hope to be there supporting your cause, Best wishes, Chris

Donation by Chris Woodward on 30/04/12

£20.00

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Good luck pal all the best! Liam

Donation by liam colford on 27/04/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Good luck Ricky. You've done brilliantly so far and it's great to know that you are raising money for such a worthwhile charity.

Donation by Laurence Howard and Chris Howard on 26/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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All the best rick, see you soon Adam, Gemma and Laura x

Donation by Adam Mills on 19/04/12

£30.00

+ £7.50 Gift Aid

Donation by Anonymous on 19/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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You should be so proud of yourself Ricky. Good luck for the run and all the best for the future.

Donation by Paul, Kev and Tracey Johnson on 18/04/12

£30.00

+ £7.50 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations$1,872.98
  • Offline donations$2,040.16
  • Text donations$0.00
  • Total raised$3,913.14
  • Gift Aid$364.15

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.