For those of you who are Close Friends or Family, you will know the challenges that Helen and Andy (My sister and brother-in-law) have recently faced. I use the word ‘Challenges’, however Monumental and Constant are words that come to mind.

For those of you who don’t know, Andy, with no warning or previous medical symptoms had a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage (a bleed on the brain, specifically brain stem) with no cause found. Although Helen, who was 3 months pregnant with Lyra at the time, was on hand to immediately call for an ambulance, early mistreatment of the bleed and a 60 mile journey to the nearest big hospital left Andy fighting for his life. Andy now has difficulty mobilising, talking and swallowing meaning he has to be fed via a tube. Although showing early progress, poor understanding of Andy’s situation alongside the 'Covid scare' meant he was often isolated and unable to re-establish neural connections during the key stages of neuroplasticity post injury.

It was only 20 months later, after being moved around 3 different hospitals in two different countries, that he was placed in Stanford Hall Military rehab facility for 3 months that fostered the environment he needed to recover.

Throughout the above traumatic process, the RAF benevolent fund (https://www.rafbf.org/) offered support and were a light of positivity for the family. They firstly gave Helen and newly born Lyra a temporary home in Newcastle to be near Andy and family during a challenging time of his rehabilitation. Then also stepping in to help financially where needed for the purchase of essential equipment thereafter.

To help raise awareness and show our appreciation for this fantastic charity, I have signed up for what is the most challenging event of my life so far, the Geordieman on 3rd September. This is a 'Full Distance' Triathlon similar to an Ironman https://geordieman.com/ and totals 140 miles (225km) and will take me around 12 hours to complete. Although, I can put my hand on my heart and say this will only require an echo of the perseverance and strength Andy and Helen has had to show these last few years.

My call to action: Please donate what you can, leave a loving message for Helen & Andy, and finally if you can share this page and word of the good work that RAFBF do we would all very much appreciate it.

Thankyou for reading, stay positive and always try to make the world a better place. Jonathon :)