I was lucky enough to spend Friday night with my first and only godson, James Junior, who recently made an appearance down under. I have nick-named him Bam Bam given his propensity to ‘search and destroy’. The Christening later this weekend proved to be equally chaotic with a raft of Aussies back from London, guaranteeing that many a “catch up” drink was enjoyed and that physio suffered briefly early Monday morning. Maybe this is the time of year for a natural break in routine… (more…)

As the Christmas period approaches quickly, the balance between work and rest both mentally and physically is once again in question. In my life to date, I can honestly say I’ve never been more committed to a single goal over a 12 month period. Physically it has been incredibly testing but the true core of the challenge rests firmly in the mind. As such, although I obviously need to give myself some time off, my mind struggles with this concept. I guess the many engagements which seem to be filling my diary will, in reality, dictate how the festive season unfolds.

Now that my balance in kneeling is strong enough to remain upright for some time, this week I managed to box with pads in short, sharp bursts for the first time which was very exciting given I couldn’t maintain the kneeling position without support just over six weeks ago. (more…)

After a couple of months off, it was time to go back to the hand specialist to assess whether another dose of Botox in my wrists would enable any further functionality. Following a thorough assessment by my charismatic Swiss specialist, we agreed that injecting into the muscles which allow you to bend your hand towards your body could potentially weaken the minimal movement that I already have. In addition, in her opinion, the opposing movement of extending the hand up was close to full range, albeit quite a struggle to achieve. Therefore I was given the all-clear. (more…)

On Friday night I ventured out to meet some friends for a Thai meal as a number of international visitors were in town. Unfortunately, the combination of hot food with almost 35-degree heat (the restaurant’s air conditioning was down) meant that it became quite uncomfortable for me. Given I am still unable to sweat, cooling down is quite a challenge whether it be after sitting outside in the sun or a heavy workout. Similarly in the winter, warming up is also challenging. (more…)

“Goodnight Mrs Puffin” was the name of the production at the local theatre which a group of us attended earlier this week. The randomness of the title was obviously the main attraction but it turned out to be quite entertaining even though no actual puffins were mentioned or acted in the play. (more…)

After another hectic week, Saturday night a good old DVD came out and to try something new I was transferred over onto the family couch. This was the first time I could enjoy the luxury, knowing that a few hands were on deck to assist me back into my chair at the end of the film. An experience which will hopefully be repeated in the future. (more…)

As many of you know, given there is no miracle cure for spinal cord injuries yet on the market I am endeavouring to try anything to try and recover. As such, over the past couple of weeks, reflexology has been thrown into the fray. Currently, this consists of 2 sessions a week administered by my doting Aunty for up to two hours a session. I am the first to admit I was initially a bit of sceptic, however, it seems to increase sensation (albeit just during the massage) and promotes flexibility in the ankle. I am becoming increasingly fond and thankful for these sessions especially given their therapeutic quality which occasionally culminates in a cheeky afternoon nap. (more…)

I had a very amusing afternoon when a local paper doing a story on my brother, Martin’s, Puffin Paddle (a 2,200km solo mission down the Murray River in a kayak to raise money for the Puffin Magic Foundation) sent two representatives out to the house to interview and photograph Martin and I. On entering the house, I heard the photographer introduce herself to Martin and simply enquire “so are you the quadriplegic?” !!!!!! If this wasn’t enough, on introducing myself, she asked whether it was possible for us to take the kayak to the river at the bottom of the street and take a photo with me sitting in it !!!!!! Hopefully, the Q & A session which followed enabled her to appreciate my predicament more clearly. All in all a very entertaining experience. (more…)

As I sit here tapping away (albeit slowly!) I can’t help but reflect and review what has undoubtedly been the most life-changing, challenging and dramatic 12 months of my brief 30-year stint in this crazy little world we live in.

Even though I’m just at the beginning of what will surely be an incredible journey I am thankful for the inspirational people I have met, the unbelievable stories I have heard and of course the life lessons which will be with me forever. (more…)

The week started with a focus session concentrating predominantly on kneeling and core stability which are necessary to progress my walking. Currently, I am finding it quite difficult to maintain balance, however, I do have the strength to hold myself upright with limited support from my arms. The main benefit of this kneeling exercise is that it takes my feet and calves out of the equation. This is important because my right foot is highly inflexible and when fatigued it has a tendency to point downwards making it very difficult to balance. Similar to trying to stand on your tippy-toes. (more…)