Check one two, check one two… hello? Hi! It’s me, Sam. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ll start by explaining my absence. Firstly I’ve not known what it is that I’ve wanted to say. It’s not for lack of trying, I guess it’s just a bit of writer’s block (though I realise I’m no writer) and I’ve not been able to get things out of my head and onto paper. Secondly, there has actually been a fair bit going on. New kitchen which was a nightmare suitable for an x- factor sob story, lots of work related stuff, and I’ve just been very tired. So, enough of that, if you’ve read this far you might as well stay until the end – are you sitting comfortably? Then let’s begin.

The first thing I guess I need to mention is the fundraising that I pushed on you all – if you’ll pardon the pun – which has now ended. Thank you so very much to each and every one of you that’s helped, whether that’s donating, spreading the word, sharing the posts on Facebook… every little bit of assistance has helped me and more importantly the PFC trust to not only reach the goal we aimed for, but to smash through it. The support was overwhelming and truly I cannot express my gratitude enough. I did have a video ready to go on my completion of the sessions, however with things like work getting in the way I didn’t get chance to post it, so my apologies for not providing an update sooner. To summarise, not only did the aim of £50,000 for a caravan be met overwhelmingly, but the incredible people behind the PFC Trust, Frances and Patrick, provided another one too! Sometimes caring pays off, and those two wonderful humans have to be some of the most caring people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet.

So onto the kitchen. As part of our bungalow, our awesome OT and the people she works with came together with us and put together a plan for making the most of our very limited kitchen space. This involved building a wall where there was a door, adding in an oven at a more appropriate height, and the best bit – height adjustable worktops! The overall design was made with as much care and consideration as possible, meaning creating a space that was both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The actual process of installation was a fair old hassle, however now it’s done I couldn’t be happier. The freedom to actually use my own kitchen is a real novelty; though I still have plenty of excuses to avoid doing the washing up.

Work is going very well too. I have always been of the opinion that I’ll not have an office job, though my injuries have kind of limited my options. Thankfully I have a job that I love, I’m progressing well, and I’m learning more and more as time goes by. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible people, meet some really good mates and (probably the most important part) prove to myself that I’m not limited – I just have to be a bit more selective in what I do.

In a nutshell, that’s it! Nothing more to report. End of the line. Oh, well, Sarah and I are getting married in a few weeks, so that’s exciting, but that needs a post all of its own! Finally I’d like to say sorry to those of you who have followed me for so long for the lack of activity from me – I guess it really is one of those “life has gotten in the way” type scenarios. Take care folks.