Richard Brookes
Richard's raising money in memory of Helen Lees.
Fundraising for Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my page, this is something that really means a lot to me and I’d be over the moon if you could spare a pound or so to support me on this journey and more importantly support the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Last year my cousin Helen died at the age of just 40 after suffering from a brain tumour. Helen was unbelievably brave throughout the last stages of her life, always upbeat and always smiling regardless of what life thrown at her. (She really didn’t like the idea of someone calling her brave! She said “it’s just bad luck”).
I saw Helen a few months before she passed away, her sight had started to fade and treatment was taking its toll on her but it didn’t stop her from keeping the vibe a positive one.
I owe Helen (and my other cousin, Helen’s sister Louise) so much for the happy memories they’ve given me from when we were kids.
The thing that breaks my heart the most is that I never got the chance to tell her just that, that I’d absolutely loved that time I’d spent with her. That there wasn’t a happy childhood memory without her in it and that I thought the world of her - she might not have realised just how much an influence she was in my life.
“There’s nothing like regret to remind you you’re alive”. The problem is, as I got older life happened and before you know it had been years before we’d see each other, I kinda took for granted that Helen would always be there, “I must ring / text / call Helen and see how she is” but I never did. Always a poor excuse, too busy, busy working, I’ll do it tomorrow and so on...
There can be no tomorrow now.
I’d always ask my Auntie Wendy or Uncle Vic how Helen and the family were and hearing / knowing she was okay was somehow enough. It shouldn’t have been I should’ve just called. It’s a regret that will haunt me forever. If you’ve got loved ones, let them know.
I’m so very proud to say Helen was my cousin, she’s a huge miss in a lot of peoples lives and by raising some money for the amazing people at the QE Hospital (Helens chosen charity) I’m hoping she might just be a little proud of me too.
So after a year of training, on Sunday 15th July 2018, in memory of Helen, I’ll be at the start line of Ironman UKTriathlon. I’ll be swimming 2.4 mile, riding 112 mile and running 26.2 mile in the hope that i can make it to the finish line within the 17 hour cut off.
I know there’ll be times throughout that day, tough times, there’ll be times I’ll want to quit, there’ll be times that my body will hurt, that I’ll think I can’t do it but I’ll be reminding myself just how lucky I am to be taking part. It’s nothing to what my cousin went through, I’m sure she faced dark times and she did it with a smile on her face. That’s how amazing she was.
Please spare a pound or so & let’s celebrate a life well lived. ... Helen, this ones for you.
A huge thank you to my wife Susan, Mom Pat & Dad John, Anya, William and Spencer, Batesy - for all your support in being able to make it to the start line.
Last year my cousin Helen died at the age of just 40 after suffering from a brain tumour. Helen was unbelievably brave throughout the last stages of her life, always upbeat and always smiling regardless of what life thrown at her. (She really didn’t like the idea of someone calling her brave! She said “it’s just bad luck”).
I saw Helen a few months before she passed away, her sight had started to fade and treatment was taking its toll on her but it didn’t stop her from keeping the vibe a positive one.
I owe Helen (and my other cousin, Helen’s sister Louise) so much for the happy memories they’ve given me from when we were kids.
The thing that breaks my heart the most is that I never got the chance to tell her just that, that I’d absolutely loved that time I’d spent with her. That there wasn’t a happy childhood memory without her in it and that I thought the world of her - she might not have realised just how much an influence she was in my life.
“There’s nothing like regret to remind you you’re alive”. The problem is, as I got older life happened and before you know it had been years before we’d see each other, I kinda took for granted that Helen would always be there, “I must ring / text / call Helen and see how she is” but I never did. Always a poor excuse, too busy, busy working, I’ll do it tomorrow and so on...
There can be no tomorrow now.
I’d always ask my Auntie Wendy or Uncle Vic how Helen and the family were and hearing / knowing she was okay was somehow enough. It shouldn’t have been I should’ve just called. It’s a regret that will haunt me forever. If you’ve got loved ones, let them know.
I’m so very proud to say Helen was my cousin, she’s a huge miss in a lot of peoples lives and by raising some money for the amazing people at the QE Hospital (Helens chosen charity) I’m hoping she might just be a little proud of me too.
So after a year of training, on Sunday 15th July 2018, in memory of Helen, I’ll be at the start line of Ironman UKTriathlon. I’ll be swimming 2.4 mile, riding 112 mile and running 26.2 mile in the hope that i can make it to the finish line within the 17 hour cut off.
I know there’ll be times throughout that day, tough times, there’ll be times I’ll want to quit, there’ll be times that my body will hurt, that I’ll think I can’t do it but I’ll be reminding myself just how lucky I am to be taking part. It’s nothing to what my cousin went through, I’m sure she faced dark times and she did it with a smile on her face. That’s how amazing she was.
Please spare a pound or so & let’s celebrate a life well lived. ... Helen, this ones for you.
A huge thank you to my wife Susan, Mom Pat & Dad John, Anya, William and Spencer, Batesy - for all your support in being able to make it to the start line.