21/05/2018

Next up for Stevie will be https://www.mens10k.com/glasgow/

Still time to sign up for the run. The more Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland t-shirts out there, the greater the visibility, the greater the exposure, to a wonderful cause. 

20/05/2018

Absolute class

From roadside reporter Gillian Bell at the Isle of Cumbrae 10 miles today... 

10 miles in the bag for Stevie Thomson done in 1 hour 13 minutes and 24 seconds...( In the same time I had a short walk and a coffee! ) Well done Stevie T! 😎😜😘!

Magnificent effort  my dear friends x

Brian 

18/05/2018

We have a mystery man 'Ross Ellis' continuing to donate to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland. In the dark as to whether he/she wishes to remain anonymous/incognito but the regular donations are tremendous and I wish to state on record, my continued appreciation.

This weekend (Sunday) Stevie will be on the stunning Isle of Cumbrae https://www.millport.org/
for its annual spectacular 10k. In this weather, what isn't to like? Go well Stevie Thomson

Me? A wee unexpected trip to A&E last week was concerning but ultimately nothing antibiotics at home couldn't sort out. Exercise with Luath, time with Mark now he's home, time in our garden - managing a bbq followed by al fresco dining over two consecutive days must be a record for Scotland? - I'm in a good place emotionally, and physically, every day, I challenge myself to continue to push on.

Brian 

23/04/2018

I spent a hugely enjoyable evening last week, with my wife, at the Tennent's Brewery Cook School in Glasgow. Along with a dozen or so fellow SBH Scotland members, we all were given the task of preparing a two course meal - Chinese style seabass main followed by an Apple Crumble dessert. 

Now historically, my culinary skills have not, shall we say, been exactly flavour of the month, over the years with a demanding public. Since taking a spinal infection in early 2017, which has left me with additional dexterity issues, the idea of being able to properly prepare and cook a meal was basically off the table. 

SBH Scotland are there as much to help with ensuring you can fulfil your potential no matter your limitations and it certainly was a pleasant surprise to achieve as much as I was able to on the night. The meal was a roaring success and it has given me an additional confidence that I can have a level of independence in the kitchen. 

Thanks to SBH Scotland for arranging a top night. For more information on the Cook School see https://www.tennentstrainingacademy.co.uk/leisure#category

Brian 

21/3/2018 

Throughout the fundraising period, I am blogging my own personal  experience of, luckily, living a fulfilling life with the condition and how, with age, I'm learning to adapt to inevitable complications. I hope it may entertain,  inform, rationalise and ultimately benefit those who choose to head on over to https://brainblogs.blog/  

Brian 

21/3/18 Message from Stevie

Due to a period of ill health, its proximity to Marathon day and disruption to my preparation,  it's with regret that I have deferred entry to the 2018 London Marathon. Instead I am running a series of smaller races this year cumulating in  The London Marathon 2019.

The races are as follows ;

Isle of Cumbrae 10 miles. May 20th

10K Men's Run for Health June 17th

Isle of Islay Half Marathon July 28th

Isle of Coll Half Marathon August 18th.

After speaking with Brian we are in agreement that these 4 runs will be the foundation for a year of fundraising activity on behalf of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (Scotland).

We realize that many of you have already donated in support of me Running London 2018. As our intention is to continually raise money we hope that you are still happy with your donation. If you feel you would like a refund for your donation, please contact Lynsey at Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Centre, Cumbernauld  lynsey.hamilton@sbhscotland.org where she will arrange.

Thank you for your donations so far. We will keep you updated on our year of fundraising!

Stevie



Hello & thanks for visiting this Brian's page. Please see below written by Brian.  He talks about inner strength - For me totally inspirational.

1972 - Born with the condition spina bifida/anticipated I
would not have the ability to walk/walking at 11 months

2005-06 - mobility issues begin to materialize and
progressively worsen after slip on ice/MRI scan shows up spinal cord lesion,
recommendation for surgery 

Nov 06 - surgery more complex than anticipated, tumours and
cysts found all the way up the spinal cord/6 months physical rehab follow at
Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Glasgow/mobility compromised to
where permanent use of wheelchair required to mobilise/paraplegia. 

May 07-Oct 16 - adapt relatively quickly and develop high
level of independence/marry Pamela in 2011, move to Inveraray, Argyll

Oct 16 - Surgical intervention after pressure sore develops
into necrotising fasciitis 

Jan 17 - develop spinal infection causing temporary
paralysis in arms/physical rehab ongoing to regain strength 

The year of 2017 has been toughest so far – There has been
good of course but developing an inner strength is playing on a huge part in
where Pamela & I are now. Reflecting on the last year, we have gone through
peaks and troughs of emotions unlike anything we have ever experienced before.
But, perspective is a great thing to keep in mind, particularly during times of
personal trauma. I feel a huge amount of great fortune that unlike many with
spina bifida, I was able to walk unaided for more than three decades before the
condition caught up with me. The last decade has seen some dramatic changes,
learning to adapt to and accept living and loving life in a wheelchair, moving
to a rural location after life in the city, meeting and marrying my rock,
Pamela and gaining the greatest step-son and extended family one could hope for.
I feel funnily enough, great fortune that I have had the experiences I have had
as it has proved to me that in adversity, inner strength you never had to call
upon or know you possessed before, the simple things in life, the love and
support of family and friends, the fantastic staff of the NHS, and the SBH
Scotland, along with a wee bit of Mindfulness for  Health, have helped
give me the perspective to carry on and continue the battles I know lie ahead.
I also know these can be overcome.

I am enormously grateful to my great friend, Stevie, for
choosing to run for such a great cause on my behalf. The London Marathon is one
of the most prestigious and largest donating charity-funding events in the UK
and I hope the exposure and donations received (via Stevie’s Just Giving page)
can support and develop the fantastic work SBH Scotland provides for a small
but no less important section of the community….

Brian