BRAVE: Bike Ride Across Vietnam Event

Christopher's Story Pt 2

2010-02-03T13:14:00.003Z

If you haven't read part one then you really should as the rest will mean so much more. http://brave-spinal-injuries.blogspot.com/2009/10/christophers-story-how-i-broke-my-back.html

Gary Johannes

Christopher's Story Pt 2

I came round after my operation with a gas mask on my face, pipes and tubes coming off me here there and everywhere. The memories are vague because I was drugged up to my eyeballs on medication. What I can remember and have been told is that I slapped my brother round the face and tried to kiss my sister, which we still laugh about today. I remember I had a drip of morphine all day with a button on it that I was told to press any time I was in pain, well I may as well have had my finger stuck to that button because there wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t in pain. The surgeon came round to speak to me about what they had done and what was to happen next. She told me that she had seen the damage first hand and it’s very unlikely that I will ever walk again, this was the second doctor that had told me that but I still said that they were wrong.

That day was one of the hardest. I was now allowed to sit up and move around and I was never comfortable. I was in so much pain; every little thing wound me up. I must have been a horrible person to be with but my dad never left me, his jokes really weren’t funny, but that was nothing new as we still say today he’s as funny as a broken back.

The next day the nurses came round with morning medication, well I had four tablets and an injection in my leg. The tablets consisted of an antibiotic, two steroids, and a laxative, this was because I hadn’t been to the toilet since I had broke my back and this was four days ago now. The injection was to thin my blood to prevent blood clots, I even got to wash it all down with more laxatives that tasted horrid. The next people to come round were the doctors to see how I was doing, nothing had changed still uncomfortable didn’t sleep and the tube in my back really gets on my nerves. Then the hospital teacher came round, I told her that my GCSE’s were coming up so revising is the best thing I could be doing, but I was given some work that was for primary school children I wasn’t impressed.

One thing I wanted desperately was a shower but I had to stay in bed. Everyone came to see me every day, at one point I had most of my family there, they had come from all over to see me. I was getting more and more unhappy there was no sign of feeling or movement; my stress levels are getting worse everyday. Everyone is trying to help me but I don’t want them to, I will do it myself and if a cant then I’ll keep trying until I can. All these things started getting to me so during one of my sleepless nights I started to doubt that I would walk ever again, my eyes started to well up and I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. I got myself together and said to myself, if I ever want to walk out of here then I have to keep strong and focused.

I woke up with more determination than ever, but still uncomfortable getting really frustrated with having to lift my legs to get them in the right place my arms were getting very tired. I threw myself around so much I pulled the pipe out of my back that was draining any fluid away but the doctors said it wasn’t a problem. The doctors decided it was time to start my physiotherapy. The physiotherapist came round and lifted me out of bed and stood me up. This was the first time my feet touched the ground for a week now, however I still haven’t been to the toilet so as you can imagine I was really getting sick of the laxative every morning. I was in the worst mood that you can think of but my dad was still there even though I was taking it all out on him. To top it all off he had to fill in for the physiotherapists because they all were off for Easter, even though they had said that with out the physiotherapy I would suffer.

The physiotherapist then gave me a wheelchair and showed me how to get in and out using this plastic yellow board, so I had some freedom now but I was only allowed of the ward if I was with someone. The wheelchair was difficult to get around in because it was very heavy and uncomfortable. So people had to push me around most of the time, which made me feel like an invalid. When my friends came to visit me it was nice to see some familiar faces although it felt quite embarrassing for them to see me in that state. I could see that they were trying to act normal around me but you could still sense the awkwardness between us. When my family came from all over the country to see me that really showed me how close we truly are. Even my uncle who can’t stand hospitals came from London to see me even though he didn’t come in but the thought was still there. Having my family there was an uplift for me, as they didn’t treat me like I was in a hospital bed. However I do think they were being a bit nicer to me because I threw a grape at my uncle and it got stuck in his ear, usually he would have done something a lot worse back. Ten days after the accident and guess what…I finally went to the toilet and felt a stone lighter.

The physiotherapist came round for another session she lifted me off of the bed, as my feet touched the floor I instantly felt the coldness of the floor. I said to my mum “the floor is cold isn’t it” and that bought tears to her eyes and a great sense of achievement in myself. A couple of days later I was told that I was to be moved to a different hospital called Stoke Mandeville because they had a specialist spinal unit there. This was a relief, as I could not wait to get out of Addenbrooke’s. I was due to move the next day so all my stuff was ready to go, nobody came to see me because we didn’t know what time I was leaving. The next day I was told I would have to wait a couple more days before moving this overwhelmed me and sent me into floods of tears.

A couple of days later I travelled by an ambulance all the way to Stoke Mandeville which was all the way in Buckinghamshire so it was a long journey, I slept most of the way. As the ambulance doors opened I didn’t know what to expect after the traumatising time spent in Addenbrooke’s. I was very nervous. On first impressions it did not look like a hospital at all, I then went up the lift to some hospital wards with my mum and dad they stayed with me for a while. At this point my catheter had been removed however, I never got much warning before needing to go so every time I did it was a big rush to get me something to go in. There was a big commotion about whether or not I was to be placed on the adult or children’s ward. Because my consultant felt I was too mature to be placed on a children’s ward, and the head of the children’s ward stated that it was against the law for me to do otherwise. While they discussed this matter I was kept on one of the adult wards but my dad had to stay with me over night. My dad then took my mum home and came back to stay with me, which was a four-hour round trip. By the time he got back I was asleep and they put him in a different room anyway, so not a good start for Stoke Mandeville.

The next morning it was decided I was to be admitted to the children’s ward which was called Saint Francis Ward. When I got there a nurse called Sara who was the deputy of the ward greeted me. The attitude that came across from all of the nurses on this ward was unlike any other’s I had encountered before. I was also thrilled to know I had my own room! I also got a new wheelchair, which felt like pushing air compared to the one I had before, I was also shown how to use it properly. But before I was allowed to be set loose on it my consultant Dr. Jamouse decided I would need a body brace to keep me stable until my back had healed. With my back brace on and my new wheels I was ready to face the world. My new environment gave me the motivation I needed. Within a couple of days of being there it was almost like being at this new hospital allowed me to start my journey to being able to walk again. After days and days of trying I was looking down at my toes and they started to move, I realized it was me making them move. It was such a small movement you probably wouldn’t notice, but it was movement none the less and that’s all I needed. It was time for me to meet my new physiotherapist; I was excited, as I had been told all about the specialist equipment. I hoped that this would be much better than it was at Addenbrookes………..

Chris

Part 3 soon

MASQUERADE BALL 22nd MAY

2010-02-03T13:07:00.006Z

Eddie takes up the challenge

2010-01-20T20:03:00.003Z

The 4Networking & Kimeera 2009 Dance of champion takes up challenge

Eddie Johnson of Kimeera has agreed to match me mile for mile on my training.

So every mile I ride anytime I ride Eddie has to get on his bike and do the same amount of miles.

I think he will have to do thousands of miles by October.

Eddie will have sponsor forms and all the money he raises will go to BRAVE

We will publish his antics regularly

Christmas Dinner Time

2009-11-14T11:34:00.003Z

What A great time we are going to have!!

Friday 18th December at 4pm

The Olde Barn Hotel

check out how many awards they have won for their food

http://www.theoldebarnhotel.co.uk/

This a fantastic Fund Raiser open to all

At £20 per head

for a 3 courses plus mince pies and coffee

BRAVE Will receive £5 from every ticket sold.

We have limited numbers so book now!!

Why we choose 4pm

you still get a good day at work! you can still have your evening to yourself

you can bring staff, customers, friends or family..

Please Support US.

Menu
Christmas Festive 2009
Starters
􀂾 Cream of Abbey Parks root vegetable soup, parsnips crisp.
􀂾 Pork, herb & Stilton terrine, Lincoln red wine syrup.
􀂾 Carpaccio of grenadine splashed water melon, mint pesto & citrus sorbet.

Mains
􀂾 Traditional roast Lincolnshire turkey, bacon wrapped chipolatas, chestnut stuffing and roast gravy.
􀂾 Grimsby market pan fried salmon fillet, fennel & orange salad, crispy deep fried leeks & chilli salsa.
􀂾 Abbey Park roast butternut squash & red onion filo sack served with spiced red pepper cream.

Desserts
􀂾 Christmas pudding & brandy sauce.
􀂾 Dark chocolate cheesecake, double cream & pistachios.
􀂾 Vanilla Panna-Cotta with mulled winter fruits.

Lincoln & York Coffee and Mince Pies

Make sure you Check out the websitehttp://www.theoldebarnhotel.co.uk/modules/News/ListNews.asp?ID=14&LinkID=1461

To Book you will need to pay a £10 deposit to The Olde Barn Hotel. contact Ben Callaghan

or email me on garyijohannes@googlemail.com

Italian Dinner party 28th Jan 2010

2009-11-06T10:13:00.007Z

WE have a fantastic opportunity to host a dinner party at a beautiful Italian restaurant in Wellingborough.

The date is 28th January (just when your ready to come out again after Xmas)

Tickets will be £20 and we have 70 places available.

This IS a great restaurant and I would love you to make the effort and come along.

look at the venue here

http://www.laroccarestaurant.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=44

If you fancy coming out for a great meal, a great night & a great cause then let me know

email garyijohannes@googlemail.com

Man to shave for 1st time in 30+ years

2009-11-02T10:14:00.007Z

THIS MAN NEEDS TO SHAVE

Chris Hornby has offered to shave off his 30 something year old beard to help raise money for our cause.

Chris has valued his beard at £500.00. Most of his family and friends have never seen Chris without his beard so what a treat that will be for them ......mmm maybe not.

you really should watch this video it's great fun..

http://twitwall.com/view/?what=070C040003

Any donations for Chris to do this should go to our just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/BRAVE-UK

and please leave a comment so we know it's for Chris to shave his beard off.. or just pass any donations to me or Chris.

thanks for reading and I hope you saw the video.

running total £30.00 so far.

2009-10-16T21:56:00.001+01:00

Role of Honour

2009-10-15T18:50:00.002+01:00

This is a list of all the people who have already sponsored us or have given us great support.

Both myself and Christopher would like to thank you.

1. Emily Cagle from http://www.emilycagle.co.uk/ set up our blog & just giving page and loads of support. x

2. Sara Brown from http://sarabrown.co.uk for designing our logo and print material x

3. Maple Solicitors LLP Grant Shackleston from http://www.maplessolicitors.com/ for sponsoring my new bike and safety gear. (and Lycra shorts hehe)

4. Hotpoint for a new washing machine worth £500.00 ( to be raffled soon)

5. Lava Ignite Nightclub Northampton for sponsoring our launch party.

6. Lockwood Kapper Relocation's for sponsoring Christopher's bike.

7. Agean Thompson from http://www.wishesevents.com/ for a great donation.

8. Gary Gorman from http://www.paradigmtraining.co.uk for 2 training places worth £300

9. Bombshell academy from www.bombshellacademy.co.uk/ for a day at the academy worth £250

10. Amanda Anderson from www.blinkopticians.co.uk/ for sponsoring our sun glasses and fund raising for us

11. www.4networking.biz for a full networking membership passport worth £490

12. Paul at Terry Write cycles www.twcycles.com/ for help support and massive discount on bike and equipment worth £150

13. Lisa Blackler from Honesty Marketing

14.

Training Diary

2009-10-15T18:10:00.003+01:00

OK it's October 25th 2009 and I have 12 months almost to the day to go from a very very unfit 18 stone lump to a being fit enough to bike 660km across Vietnam.

Not been on a bike for around 20 years but collected my new bike today. (Sponsored by Maples Solicitor's of Spalding)

so we start training here..

day one 15th oct 09:- set bike up put on some strange shorts with pads in the crutch and I rode 5 miles. Chris went with me to make sure i did it.

17th Oct 09 well did another 5.5 miles. bum already a little tender, needs to get used to that. The little trip computer is like a clock, never moves when your watching it, so will have to stop checking it every 200yds and hoping that it will say another mile done.
weather a bit cooler today, winter soon be here oh Joy, not..

24th Oct 09 Been hard to find time this week to get on me bike but been out and done another 5 miles ish and found it harder than last time but then it was a bit windy.

7th Nov 09 Well not been out for a while and really need to get an exercise bike..
Went for a bike ride this morning a beautiful sunny Saturday morning. I followed a cycle path which took me through the village of Eye and then down past a lovely lake (which i didn't know was there) around the lake was off road which was great no traffic or people. then across some fields back to the roads behind the industrial est. from there back up to my area and home.
It clock on my little computer that I'd done just over 11 miles so pleased with myself. just doubled my last ride in one.

CHRISTOPHER'S STORY how I broke my back

2009-10-15T00:06:00.002+01:00

This is the first time I’ve really opened up about this, so I’m just going to start from the beginning. I have always liked camping but my mum and dad never let me go, so on several occasions I told them I was sleeping at my friends Ben’s. He was always allowed to go so his parents knew where we were going, the other member of the team was Matt, he was new to our regular trips. Matt told his mum we were camping but he added a small detail and said my dad was coming too, his mum has never met my dad so I’m sure she believed that without doubt.

So… we got our things together, I made it look like a normal bag of things I would take to stop at a friends, little did they know it contained beans, hot dogs and all sorts of camping essentials. So I had my beans, tent, water and cigarettes, oh mum and dad didn’t know about that either. We got to the camp site which happened to be a field behind Summerfield garage with a few trees between us and the parkway (dual carriageway) on one side and a land field site on the other, That’s what I call my perfect campsite.

I set up the tent while Ben and Matt started getting firewood, we sat around a heap of wood waiting for it to get dark talking crap carving sticks and smoking cigarettes without being told we shouldn’t be doing it, I wonder why I like camping. It started to get dark so Ben decided to light the fire; he took the lighter and started lighting bits of paper to get it going. He did this until we had no paper left. Matt took up the challenge using the same method as Ben only using our toilet roll and failing. Matt left us without any toilet roll and still no fire, with that I went over to a small dyke that came from the land field site and pulled up some fluffy reed like things. I took them to the fire pit, put them under the some twigs and lit them, the fire started. When it got a bit later and darker the fire got bigger. It was hard to keep it going because as soon as we got wood it went straight on the fire. Ben came over with a branch that was still green; it was some kind of fur tree. Matt told Ben that it wouldn’t burn but he dumped it on anyway, the branch took to the fire and up it went with a mighty raw, it only lasted a few seconds but it got the fire going a treat. The three of us went to get more and more of this fur tree and the fire got bigger and bigger, we started jumping over the flames but the fire got so big we were jumping though the flames rather than over them. We quickly ran out of the fur tree but we had plenty of wood as we had dragged a fallen tree over earlier that night. But that wasn’t good enough for me so I went to find more fur tree.

It was about nine o’clock I went over to the patch of trees where we had gotten the fur tree from, I looked around but couldn’t find any. Then I came across a slim fur tree and I remember thinking that’s skinny enough to snap, so I climbed up the tree thinking it wasn’t that tall little did I know it was about 15 feet tall and I was at the top. I started hanging from the tree, which bent but didn’t break. I pulled harder and it finally snapped and I started to fall, It all went in slow motion it felt like I was going to be falling forever, when I finally hit the ground I knew instantly what had happened. My legs just flopped into a pile, I can’t describe the sensation of not being able to move or even feel your legs. But one thing I can say is it was the most terrifying time of my life. When I realized that feeling wasn’t coming back I started to call for help, shouting Ben and Matt. They didn’t come over so I called again and again still nothing, I was starting to become scared that they couldn’t hear me then I saw them coming over I called them so they could find me. They came over and saw me lying there and said what’s wrong? I told them I cant move my legs I just fell out of that tree, I cant feel my legs call me an ambulance they both just said are you being serious? I shouted yes call me an ambulance. This went on for a while then Matt said before I call this ambulance tell me your not joking so I just screamed at him I cant feel my f*****g legs now call me a f*****g ambulance. Funnily enough he did. When I started to calm down the pain started to kick in, and my god that was the worse pain I had ever felt and have felt since. The ambulance was on the way, Ben went to go and meet it at the garage and Matt stayed with me. This is were the memory gets a bit patchy but about 5 mins went by and matt’s phone started ringing. It was his mum checking that every thing was ok, remember she thinks my dad is there, the truth soon comes out. Matt asks her to ring my mum and tell her what had happened and to meet us at the hospital. More time went past still no ambulance and I started to get tired and quiet so Matt kept me talking. The next thing I remember is the sound of Ben’s voice and a really bright light coming towards us, it was the paramedics, I just remember thinking thank god they’re here. They assessed the situation; this part is very hard to remember. But what I can remember is being strapped on to a spinal board extremely tightly with twigs sticking into my back, the parts I could feel anyway. The buckles on the straps digging into my chest, not the most comfortable thing ever and that big yellow neck support on my head squeezing my face it was horrid. They all carried me across the field to the ambulance and put me in the back. We later discovered that my sister happened to be in the garage getting fuel at the time but didn’t see that it was me the ambulance was there for, which is strange because she is normally the first person to be nosey.

The ambulance ride took so long as they were driving very slowly to make sure they didn’t jolt my back and make it worse. I was thinking the whole trip to the hospital about what my mum was going to say and how scared I was. We finally got there and Ben said Chris your mums here, with that I burst into tears. They pulled me out the back of the ambulance and the first thing I saw was my mum standing there. The first thing I said was I’m sorry mum, I’m so sorry. She just reassured me and said stop it you don’t have anything to be sorry for. They took me into the hospital got me off the spinal board and on to a bed. A nurse said to me we’re just going to give you something for the pain, she asked me on a scale of 1 to 10 how much pain are you in? I told her 10 she injected me with morphine which felt great, she asked me again so I told her 10 she gave me some more. I can’t really remember anything after that, except that the pictures on the ceiling were moving. I went for several CT scans, MRI scans and X Rays and they finally discovered that I had broken my back in three places and that I had compressed my spinal cord. When I got the news the first thing I said was will I ever walk again? They said we can’t really say for sure but it’s very unlikely. I replied with yes I will.

So they shipped me off to Addenbrooke’s hospital Cambridge to have my operation. The next thing I remember was waking up there the next day. I had to wait for a couple of days before my operation, in this time I was starting to get some feeling and movement back around my chest. This was very exciting but I wasn’t allowed out of bed so I got very frustrated, as I was desperate for a shower. I was still picking bit of tree out of my hair for Christ sake; problem was I couldn’t move a thing below my chest. Anyway the day of my operation was here; I got prepped for my operation that would decide my fate. I was lying there with the nurses’ doctors around me they put the anaesthetic in my arm and that was it my spine was in their hands.

Part two to follow. will write it over next few days but it is difficult as it is bringing so many emotions to the surface along with the memories... watch this space.....

Just Giving

2009-10-13T21:13:00.000+01:00

If you would like to support us then you can donate by using the just giving website.

http://www.justgiving.com/BRAVE-UK/

many thanks for your support
Gary and Christopher

BRAVE LAUNCH PARTY

2009-10-13T17:14:00.003+01:00

EVERYONE WELCOME

TO OUR PARTY

It's going to be great.

Where? Lava Ignite Northampton https://www.urmusicnetwork.com/lava-ignite/northampton/

When? 31st October 09 Halloween

You do you get? Entry with bubbly on arrival, buffet & chocolate fountain, entry in to club night, the ticket money goes to the charity

come along and meet loads of people and have a fantastic fun time.

Fancy dress is an option but would be fun

What a great night we had!!!

So what's on the itinerary in Vietnam

2009-10-12T16:28:00.000+01:00

day 3 Mai Chau Valley

day 4 moc chau

DAY 1: Depart London for Hanoi
DAY 2: Arrive Hanoi; afternoon exploring this wonderful city
DAY 3: Transfer out of city; cycle undulating roads through valleys to Mai Chau bike 50km

DAY 4: Challenging day climbing to tea plantation village of Moc Chau bike 70km DAY 5: Easier day; spectacular scenery of karst cliffs and rice paddies to Son La bike 120km
DAY 6: Through hill-tribe villages; steep climbs and long descent to Tuan Giao bike 90km
DAY 7: Cycle through quiet, easy backroads through spectacular gorges to Dien Bien Phu 80km
DAY 8: Follow Na river through lush jungle and bamboo landscapes to Lai Chau bike100km
DAY 9: Rolling ungraded roads to sleepy town of Tam Duong bike 100km
DAY 10: Most spectacular scenery of trip; final climbs and long descent into Sapa bike 50km
DAY 11: Free to explore Sapa; overnight train to Hanoi
DAY 12: Free time in Hanoi; flight to UK
DAY 13: Arrive London

Thats 660km!!!!!

cushions on that chair please..

2009-10-12T12:00:00.000+01:00

A massive thank you from Christopher and me for setting this up for us

THANK YOU

Emily Cagle Communications
Tel: 0845 259 0214
Mobile: 07777 680 547
Web: http://www.emilycagle.co.uk/

WHY? WHAT? & WHEN? Gary's story

2009-10-12T11:03:00.000+01:00

Ever since I announced that I will be cycling across Vietnam, people have kept asking me, "What! Why Vietnam? Why you doing it?"

What are we going to do?

My son and I are going to cycle across Vietnam to raise money for the unit that helped him walk again. We'll be cycling approximately 640km in an attempt to raise £10,000 for the children’s ward at Stoke Mandeville's Spinal Unit.

Why am I doing it?

Well, my reasons are simple. A few years ago, I went through the worst few months of my life as I watched my son - who was the cheekiest little sod and always on the go, suddenly have his life as he knew it completely stopped dead. Suddenly, after a seemingly minor accident, he was paralysed from the mid chest area down and top surgeons were telling me that he wasn’t expected to improve.

After that, I was the most excited man in the world when I saw the smallest twitch of one of his toes. He always was a head strong boy and, unlike me, never accepted that he was never going to walk.

Well, after meeting the staff on the children’s ward at Stoke Mandeville's Spinal Unit, I instantly changed my mind. The energy and belief they have is endless. I’ve been in dozens of hospitals and that ward is unlike any I’ve ever been in. It doesn’t feel like a hospital ward at all. It doesn’t look like one, and they don’t treat you like faceless patients - they really do want to give you every chance to get the best from your situation.

They listened to me and Christopher's mum and found out about him as an individual, and not just the next patient in a long line of patients. I was blown away with the dignity they gave Christopher and us. They encouraged Christopher to push himself and after an amazingly short time he was doing tricks in his wheel chair. he even managed to make it down to the pub, two miles down the road from the hospital (and boy did we get an ear bashing about that from the ward manager for that one!).

After a few long months Christopher walked out of the hospital against all the odds and beliefs of even the top specialists. We were in the Spinal Unit's café one day when we were joined by Sir Jimmy Saville (who had tea and toast). If you don't already know, the spinal unit wouldn't be what it is without the help of Sir Jimmy who has raised millions for them. At that point, I promised I’d raise money to help repay the debt we felt we had to this special place. Not that I could ever put a price on the fact that Christopher can not only now walk but also join me on this massive challenge.

Why Vietnam?

Those who know me best will know that I like to take a plunge with both feet and this time I certainly have. To cycle across Vietnam is the biggest challenge I could find to honour the efforts Christopher and the staff of the spinal unit put in. The journey would be a challenge for anyone, but particularly for me as I don't even have a bike, not have I been on one for 20 years! I am unfit and overweight, so this is a big challenge to every part of me and my lifestyle.

As soon as Christopher learned about the event, (surprise, surprise) he announced that he wanted to come along, too. This will be a massive challenge for him.

When?

Well we have 12 months to do this. We'll be setting off on 30th October 2010 and completing our journey on 11th November 2010. I will be getting my bike next week and will be putting together a training programme. Then it's a case of getting on my bike and getting fit. Christopher will also be training hard but even after all he's been through, he still has a head start on me, being loads younger and a bit fitter...

How you can help

Raising £10,000 is no small target. In the coming days, we'll be posting a link to our Just Giving page where you can make donations. Every penny will help. This blog will also be the place to visit for info on forthcoming fund raising events leading up to our trip, so please subscribe to make sure you stay in the loop.