The 25th of this month (May 2007) see me notch up a quarter of a century on this planet.  Whilst that may be an ambitious target for the England cricket team, it was one that at one time or another many have believed to be beyond me.  Thanks to brilliant medical teams from Northampton (as a kiddie) and Oxford (as a growed up), I've celebrated many more birthdays than I may have otherwise.

Although I may not be a picture of health, I could certainly pose for happiness: I am surrounded by family and friends whom I love very dearly and who love me just as much in return - that's you that is!  I'm blessed to be in a position where I don't really want for anything more than a new pair of blowers to enjoy your company all the more.

Because I consider myself to be so lucky and to be in need of so little, I have decided this year I would rather put all of your love and good will to use and ask you to make a donation to charity rather than buying me anything or sending me a card.

I don't expect huge sums, all I ask is that whatever you would have spent on me, if anything at all (even if it's just £1.50 for a card and a stamp), you instead donate to the CF Trust through this page, where you can also leave me a birthday message.  Life the ad says, every little helps.

For the traditionalists who still want to make contact on my birthday, you can email me or text me and help save not only trees, but perhaps some  lives, too.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Thank you so much for your time, love and donation.

With huge love and best wishes,

Oli
xx