The Man – Paul Turner

 

Paul was struck down last year with a form of viral encephalitis. In the summer of 2010 he was brought home critically ill with little hope of any kind of recovery. His illness had left him unable to move, talk, see properly or even eat. Our hearts went out to his wife and children at what seemed to be the darkest of times.

　 

Amazingly, over the last 6 months, Paul has made a substantial, but not full recovery. His eyesight is still impaired, his brain has suffered, and he has restricted and shaky movement on his right side. However, his rehabilitation has been quite remarkable and he is an inspiration to us all.　

 

The Mission – Triathlon on 24 April

http://www.galeforce-events.com/sprintseries.htm

 

As a former Royal Marine, Paul is no stranger to hard physical exercise, so he pushed himself early on to regain some level of fitness – first walking, then running, taking on sessions at the gym, swimming and cycling on the static bike. To fulfil a goal he has set for himself, Paul has entered the Bedford Sprint Series Race on Sunday 24th April 2011 – a triathlon involving a 400m swim, 24k bike ride and a 5k run. Close friend and fellow-triathlete, Matt Davies, will cover the course too, swimming alongside Paul, covering the cycling on a tandem, then running the last leg side by side. Matt’s assistance with balance and vision means Paul can participate in the entire course.

 

The Cause – Church Roof

http://www.buckinghamparishchurch.org.uk/Groups/148858/St_Peter_and/Whats_On/Whats_On.aspx

 

Taking part in this triathlon has given Paul the opportunity to fulfil a second goal – to raise funds for the restoration of the roof of the Parish Church in Buckingham, St Peter’s & St Paul’s, a Grade 1 listed building.  Since his illness, Paul has started attending the church – it has given him comfort during some of the dark times in the early stages of his rehabilitation.  He enjoys the fellowship of the Church and, in attending the services, he finds a place for quiet reflection and　peaceful contemplation – as well as a bit of banter with the Vicar, a former Guards Officer.  Now that his health has improved, Paul has started volunteering at the Church and does a couple of hours a week ‘guard duty’ at the door so small children don’t escape while attending the toddler group!

 

Paul really wants to do well with this fund-raising and is training extremely hard - so please dig deep and donate now!