On 29th May 2010 our family changed forever when Nicki's car crashed into a tree leaving her with a fractured pelvis, both femurs fractured and most crucially Acquired Brain Injuries. From ITU in Luton Nicki was transferred to Queens Square where she eventually left ITU minimally conscious on her 18th Birthday a month later. We had no idea if she would ever wake up or how severe the damage would be. After six further weeks she went to Northwick Park and in April 2011 to QEF's Brain Injury Centre in Banstead.

In April 2012 Nicki started three years at the amazing National Star College in Cheltenham. At NP she learned to stand up and walk a few hesitent steps. At QEF she started to rebuild her life. The three years at National Star allowed Nicki to rebuild her confidence and independence. As a result she is now living in a shared flat away from the family home.

Star is a remarkable place, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of its first students this month. Founded to help young people with severe, complex and multiple disabilities, including acquired brain injuries, it has changed the life of thousands of young people with disabilities for the better. I can't begin to describe the breadth and excellence of their work and approach. If you want to know more hunt down the BBC documentary "The unbreakables - Life and love on disability campus", or the coverage on BBC News on 11th May. You can also learn more at www.natstar.ac.uk.

What I can do is quote some of Nicki's fellow students. "Star isn't about what I can't do; its about what I can do". "I had never been on a school trip because it was too difficult, and then Star took me away Ski-ing in Andorra". "At Star people don't see the bubble of disability they see you as a person". Finally from a student's mother "To hear my daughter wish me a Happy Mothers' Day and tell me she loved me for the first time is the greatest gift".

Star is the kind of place where Megan who has Cerebral Palsy says "I'd like to do a Marathon to raise money for MND" and the next thing you know she is crossing the finish line at the Brighton Marathon. Because "This Girl Can", thanks to Star

So as a family we are incredibly proud of what our daughter can do  thanks to Star. As you know we raised £5,000 for Queen Square thanks to the support of Nicki's school Friends, I've cycled to Paris with "Paris Bear", and last year Paris and I took on the 100 Miles of Ride London for QEF. Having been pitched at speed into a hedge on that ride I decided to look for something safer, but more challenging. So this time its three days in the Dragon Challenge Etape which culminates  on the last day in 305km (190miles) in the Brecon Mountains climbing the equivalent of Mt Blanc (Europe's' highest Mountain). After last year's crash Paris Bear has a note from his mum, but "Julian Bear" has recklessly stepped up to take his place. Julian Bear was on duty at Nicola's bedside whilst she was in ITU, so if anyone can guide me through the three days of hell its a little bear who has been there and got the T-shirt.

#Backthe Bear

Many thanks for the support and good wishes