Where do I start? It has been the most amazing, incredible, glorious day. The road through Little Kimble had marked a turning point for my son and we drove through the sleepy village with a red kite watching from its perch in a tree beside the road. Any other day I would have stopped and grabbed the camera… today, though, even the kites would wait.
A red kite watches over the event
We had left in good time, so we had taken a short detour via the route Nick had taken the first day he got the trike… and his first real taste of freedom in six years. A month later and we were on our way to the Paralympic venue of Dorney Lake, just outside Windsor.
Calm before the storm…
Once there we headed to the registration tent and I finally got to meet the rest of the team properly. Heather Lloyd is Nick’s hydrotherapist and Eva Sobonova his physiotherapist at the Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital… and this madness had been their idea. Heather would start the race with a 750m lake swim, Nick would ride the second leg… a 20 km course… and Eva would be running the 5km final leg of the Para-Tri relay.
Nikki Mitchell of the BBC, Nick, Eva and Heather
We located Zoe, who had kindly taken delivery of Nick’s trike the day before and headed over to the boathouse to collect his wheels. We’d gone perhaps twenty yards before it started…. “I’m from the BBC, “ … “I saw you on TV!” …”You’re Nick…” “ They’ve just been talking about you on the radio…” It was a litany that was to follow him all day as assiduously as the cameras.
No excuses…
They were talking about Nick and his campaign on the tannoy. Time for a photo-shoot and some essential adjustments… while the guys checked the tyres, Nick dealt with his sunglasses… then the numbers were on and it was time for the team to go into the transition area for the briefing.
Briefing
I watched from behind the barriers… it seemed entirely surreal to see my son and a gold medallist Paralympian against the iconic rings of the Olympic games, knowing that Nick would soon be heading over that bridge.
Heather was first out. 750m doesn’t sound much… till you look at the course and actually see the distance involved, with no lanes, no smart tiles… just a lake full of determined swimmers, weeds, boats and arms. We watched, picking out the one orange cap amid the many… with me blessing the long lens of my camera once again as the tiny points of colour receded into the distance.
Heather’s 750m lake swim
Nick and his team had developed a small crowd of supporters to cheer the them on… from friends and family members to the parents of one of Nick’s old friends. My eyes were torn between trying to watch Nick and watching Heather as she entered the final stages of the swim.
Familiar face with a long lens
A cheer and applause as she ran up from the lake to pass the timing device to Nick… and while Eva hugged a soggy Heather, Nick was off. My son… over the bridge with the Olympic rings…
Changeover
Want me to tell you how I felt as I watched him ride off into the distance? I can’t… Nick said it best perhaps, a little later. He nodded sagely as we watched the replay of the images I had just uploaded for him… “The pride is strong in this one…”
Soggy hugs as Nick sets off
I knew each of the four laps of the course would take around 15 minutes. I spotted the distinctive bright yellow of his shirt in the distance and saw him speeding down the straight to the start of the second lap, right on a very tight bend. Then my heart lurched…
Breathe…
I was grateful for the long lens again… heaving a sigh of relief as the marshals righted his upturned bike and I saw Nick set off again. Eva ran over to tell me he was okay… I watched the yellow speck till it was out of sight, then walked away to find a quiet corner to calm down…
Breathing again…
The next three laps were completed in good time and Eva took up her place, ready to start the 5km run as Nick bowled back into the transition area. By this time I was bouncing! Of course, I wasn’t allowed in there… I could see the BBC reporter with him, Heather… other people… “Go ask…” said one of the party… I needed no more encouragement. “Do you think I could go through to see my son?” I asked the member of staff on the gate. “Oh, you mean Nick…” Does everyone know my son?!
20km later…
I still had to wait while the medics checked him and the reporter and cameras were done… A few minor grazes, no more. Both to Nick and the trike. I wanted a hug. “You’ll get drenched!” He was right. I did. I didn’t care.
No problem…
Over to the finish line to wait for Eva. We didn’t have long to wait! Then hugs all round for the team… a kidnapped banana raised in triumph… more photographs…a brief chat with another Paralympian who wanted to meet Nick… and the race was over. We could breathe again.
Whoo-hoo!
It had been incredible, start to finish. A huge event, with many participants. I would like to know all their stories… to talk to them, share them… There is a shared spark of something extraordinary in all of them. Nick does not call it courage… just living with what ‘is’ … but doing so with passion. Eva said the same of her work and I can attest to the difference that passion makes.
From start to finish…
These, it seemed, were all passionate people and from that depth of being, they had found focus, direction and an indefinable quality that is fierce and knows joy, but is quiet and doesn’t scream its triumphs. ‘Awesome’ is an overused word these days. Here, it applied perfectly.
Awesomeness
Had that been the end of the day, it would have been enough. Wind down with ice cream, face painting and burgers…obviously in that order… talk a bit… cool off… then of course, what would you do after completing a triathlon? You would obviously find a climbing wall… Minutes later the team was harnessed and ready… all three of them.
Onwards…
The Health and Safety devotees who had once berated Nick for tackling stairs with more than adequate help would have had heart failure. I just grinned like an idiot and grabbed the camera…
and upwards..
By the time they had done, there really was only one thing on their mind… and we headed over to the massage tent. Nick waited in the sun while the girls were worked over, then melted into the massage table while two therapists took a leg each…
That’s more like it…
That wasn’t the end of it either. I’d done okay up to that point, apart from the one blip when Nick had turned the trike and taken out the cameraman. “We should have got a photo of us all standing together,” said Heather. So we waited for Eva and her gorgeous daughter to come back from their bike ride and we got those pictures… then the girls and Nick walked from the field of victory together.
Triumph
I went to get the car before I cracked completely. I may as well have not bothered… seeing the three of them standing together waiting for me just did it, and as I hugged Eva and Heather, I was a soggy mess. But that’s okay too. Some tears are just liquid joy.
🙂
On the way home, the BBC Online article went live. Once home we again had to wait for the iPlayer to watch this evening’s BBC news feature about the Para-Tri event… the link is here for those who can watch it. The BBC will send me the clips at some point and I will post them.
Before…
We also checked the total on the campaign. Nick chose to raise awareness and funds for the UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum that provides crucial information and support for all those affected by brain injury, whether traumatic or caused by illness. The total, as I write, stands at an incredible £2,427. The campaign is still open for another three days to allow final donations to be made. Even so, this total is simply amazing. Thank you!
…and after
The support that has been shown is beyond words. Thank you seems such a small way of expressing what it means and what a difference it can make, both to Nick’s chosen charity and to my son himself. So, what next? Well, Nick seems to have designs on the London to Brighton bike ride…
Happy hobbit and son
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
What a fantastic day!! Thanks so much for sharing Nick’s triumph!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been burtsing to share… a fabulous day 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your photos certainly reflect the beauty of the day–especially in all of smiles! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There were more smiles than I could capture 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is really lovely. I’m so glad! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I may sleep tonight 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you’ll have very sweet dreams. 😊
LikeLike
I will 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow what a great day! So lovely to be able to see it all in your photos. Well done, Nick and co, you are amazing! And so nice to see a smile on Nick’s face. Xxx
LikeLike
Oh it has been a brilliant day, Ali! I couldn’t wait to share! 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
Wow, I agree, so awesome! The excitement has built for days, no wonder you cracked a little – my heart was feeling wobbly just reading your post. 😉 And what great weather they had, probably a tad too warm in the sun, I expect the only one who didn’t mind was Heather! A little scary about his spill, but he learned from it I expect, just testing the limits! So proud you all must be – how’s Nick taking his fame? All in a day’s work, I expect. 🙂
LikeLike
It was just wonderful. The weather was perfect for the time of their race, which started at 10.30. Hot later. I am a tad on the pink side 🙂
Nick seems to have taken so much heart from the positive comments and literally thousands of people who have seen his story. I expect things to be afoot 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I would think so, too. I was thinking last night he (perhaps with your help?) should write his memoir – it would be an inspirational bestseller! “My Life So Far” with sequels every 10 years! 😉
LikeLike
We started.. but every timme we think we have decided on the happy ending, he goes and changes it for an even better one. 🙂
LikeLike
I like that! Thus the need for sequels. 😉
LikeLike
I may need to encourage him to use text-to-speech 🙂 My fingers are killing me 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m so glad you posted tonight and we didn’t have to wait until tomorrow. My eyes started filling when you described Nick going over the bridge with the Olympic rings. I can’t begin to imagine how you felt when the trilke went over. Off to share this now. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
LikeLike
I really couldn’t wait, Mary 🙂 Not sure Nick could either 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Nick. You did brilliantly – and your team. London to Brighton next, I hear!
LikeLike
He’ll be reading, Mary… ad so it would seem 😉 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to you all! Happy day! So thrilled for your triumphs! ❤
LikeLike
Thanks, Alethea! A long day, but wonderful!
LikeLike
This is such a great read. So very nice. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Bradley 🙂 A brilliant day 🙂
LikeLike
What an amazing day! Liquid joy indeed 🙂
Well done Nick!!
LikeLike
It was indeed, Val. Just fabulous 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My heart was beating like crazy as I read this! Well done, Team Nick!
Bravo, bravo, and a thousand times. BRAVO!
LikeLike
Thanks, Wendy… I thought mine would stop and burst half a dozen times over 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesomeness. And tears of liquid joy. That wraps it up. Fabulous,Sue. ☺
LikeLike
Even this morning I am still bursting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a huge victory and incredible day!
LikeLike
It really was… just amazing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very Well done Nick and Co…..You Rock……onwards and upwards for you young man…..:) A great achievement and a relief for mum 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Goodness knows what he’ll have in mind next …;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like an amazing day Sue. All who entered are to be praised but Nick has every right to be proud of himself. He’s come on in leaps and bounds, shown a determination to succeed.that’s simply astounding. As a fundraiser he’s no slouch either, that’s a great target reached.
You must still be glowing with motherly pride today while I bet Nick is back to planning his campaign for the London to Brighton bike ride.
xxx Humongous Hugs xxx
LikeLike
I am, David. Not just for Nick either… watching everyone yesterday just made you proud to be of the same species as those extraordinary people.
I rather thnk Nick will ache today, though, in places he had forgoten he could 🙂 And he’ll love that 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Stuart France and commented:
Take off and landing…
LikeLike
What a lovely post to wake up to on a Monday morning! Congratulations to Nick and the team, Absolutely inspiring 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Alison… they really were… and that is the happiest and most relaxed I have seen Nick in a long time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Alison Williams Writing and commented:
They did it 🙂 A wonderful post to brighten up your Monday.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on graemecummingdotnet and commented:
The results are in… Felt like I was on tenterhooks waiting.
A fantastic achievement – on so many levels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Congratulations to Nick and the other participants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for sharing! This post sure started the waterworks for me. What an amazing achievement!
LikeLike
I was glad the mascara was waterproof too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Edwina's Episodes and commented:
What an absolute triumph the day turned out to be for Nick and the girls completing the Triathlon
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have made my day!
LikeLike
Brilliant, isn’t it 🙂
LikeLike
What a fantastic day! It looks like it was jam-packed with drama and emotions, especially when Nick tipped his bike over.
How wonderful that he had so much support there as well from people that had heard of him through the BBC feature.
I am thrilled for you all that it was such a successful and eventful day (how the hell did they find the energy to climb that wall)? The amount of money raised was phenomenal, and a testament to how much Nick’s story has touched so many.
Well done Nick, to you and your team. You made your mum proud as well as a fair few bloggers as well!! xx
LikeLike
It really was a hell of a day, Judy. Not content with climbing after the triathlon, they were off bike riding too… meanwhile, the poor, overheated hobbit was exhausted… and all I’d done was push a wheelchair that ended up only useful to be piled high with bags 🙂 It really was amazing though 😀 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad that it was such a success all round, they must have felt exhilarated afterwards and needing to burn off yet more energy!!! It is wonderful too that the wheelchair wasn’t needed despite you trundling it about in the heat! 🙂
LikeLike
Not once was that wheelchair needed for its usual purpose… and that too was awesome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is just awesome 🙂
LikeLike
Yep 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful Sue you must be so proud. What a day, congratulations to Nick, and to the girls. What an extraordinary young man., so inspiring. Reblogging on Kyrosmagica.
LikeLike
Thanks, Marjorie. It was an extraordinary day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on kyrosmagica and commented:
This is so amazing and heart warming, Sue Vincent’s son competed in the UK acquired brain injury forum Para Tri Triathlon. A must see reblog.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
NICK, EVA AND HEATHER (and Sue behind the camera) COMPLETED THE EVENT!
THE DONATIONS ARE OPEN FOR ANOTHER THREE DAYS FOLKS 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Sue Vincent ‘s son Nick has overcome life-chaning injuries to not only compete in a Para-Tri Triathlon but to raise awareness for the charity he supports.. I would say for his mum and for Nick the lead up to yesterday and the events themselves are pretty life-changing too in a very good way. Nick is all over the BBC and there are links in the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So wonderful, Sue! Many congratulations! As I’m away I can’t always get to watch the videos from the BBC, but so happy! Hope the campaign raises even more money and big hugs and love to all involved!
LikeLike
The day far surpassed all my hopes, Olga. It truly was a privilege to be there.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on ladyleemanila and commented:
simply amazing!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful day! It’s an awesome achievement and Nick’s story is inspirational. Thank you so much for posting this. Love to all involved!
LikeLike
Thank you 😀
LikeLike
Liquid joy sums up Nick’s (and your) achievement very well…there’s a lot of it around here too… Well done all of you!
LikeLike
I’m not surprised 🙂 Just a wonderful day 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Anita & Jaye Dawes and commented:
Amazing post…bring tissues!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on oshriradhekrishnabole.
LikeLike
This is just heartwarming Sue! Well done Nick! 😊
LikeLike
Thak you, Ritu! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on But I Smile Anyway… and commented:
Update on Nick’s triathlon triumph! It’s truly heartwarming! 😊
LikeLike
All this is so wonderful Sue, what a great accomplishment for Nick! Very inspiring. Congratulations to Nick and his Team! Thank you for sharing this amazing day and your beautiful excitement with us! Hugs to Nick and you, very proud of his strenght and perseverance lots of love 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you.. it was a day of smiles, laughter and just incredible all round 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes Sue I am sure it was wonderful! Give a big hug to Nick 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! A hug from the other side of the ocean but very close to you two 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
A brilliant read, Sue. Success and happiness so deserved by both of you and Nick’s inspiring
teammates.
LikeLike
Thank you! 😀
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Richard Ankers and commented:
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!!!!!!!
Absolutely amazing. 👍
LikeLike
Just WOW!!!!!
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
What a wonderful day for you and Nick, and what an inspiring read.
LikeLike
Thank you, Loretta. It was a truly unforgettable experience 🙂
LikeLike
What a smashing post, Sue. Congratulations to you all. I can’t tell you how pleased I am to hear that the day was a huge success. I know how very proud you are of Nick, Heather and Eva and I am so very pleased that Nick has raised so much money for a wonderful cause. I’ve already said how much of an inspiration he is, but he’s also a hero of mine. What Nick has done is incredible and I hope that it persuades many others to follow in his example.
With my very best wishes to you all.
LikeLike
The three of them were just wonderful, Hugh, and all three have a story to tell about the day… amazing people 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Hugh's Views & News and commented:
Want to know who my new hero is? Read all about it here. This is an amazing story about an amazing young man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One word — astounding!
LikeLike
I seem to have run out of superlatives, Keith 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy it, Sue. You’ve all earned it, Nick especially.
LikeLike
Yes, he has 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great story. You must be proud of him and as a fundraiser he is surely an active one!
LikeLike
I am.. extraordinarily proud 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So nice you had the best thing everybody wishes to have: a happy day. Bravo!
LikeLike
A wonderful day. Thank you.
LikeLike
Same to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know what to say… This looks like as if it was mind blowing amazing! Congratulations to Nick, his team, his proud mom 😉 and to all of the participants!
LikeLike
It really, really was 😀 And I am 😀 Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an awesome story. Congratulations all round! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Norah 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have me in floods of tears again! I like the sound of the Brighton gig. Nick is my hero too. xx
LikeLike
It was amazing, Sarah… I still can’t get over the day 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hooray! I am crying! This is…I’m speechless! God Bless You! So wonderful! 🙂
LikeLike
It was brilliant, Michelle 🙂
LikeLike
Amazing, incredible and glorious indeed! How marvellous and what an achievement – I can only imagine how very proud you must feel xx
LikeLike
Bursting, Helen… just bursting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, amazing, heartwarming! Go Nick!
God Bless You All! ❤
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 He did 🙂 He went like the wind 🙂
LikeLike
I was so waiting for this post (as was the rest of the world, it seems). Thanks for all the pictures. I love the one of Nick sitting back with his hands behind his head as he gets interviewed. He looks pretty comfortable in front of the camera! What a fantastic day; your words certainly expressed the joy in your heart. Congratulations to Nick and his awesome team. The pride is strong…
LikeLike
They were all just wonderful, Diana… and what they did after the race was just as remarkable! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, fabulous! That money raised is all due to your miraculous son. Well done, Nick and congrats.
Melinda
LikeLike
They have done so well with the campaign as well as the race 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
I know this is not a book-ish post but a good cause and an inspiring story: Nick chose to raise awareness and funds for the UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum that provides crucial information and support for all those affected by brain injury, whether traumatic or caused by illness. The total stood at an incredible £2,427. The campaign is still open for another two (?) days to allow final donations to be made. Even so, this total is simply amazing. Thank you!
LikeLike
£2,587 now, Christoph… the support they have had, particularly from the blogging community, has been incredible.
Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant – you’ll make the three grand I’m sure of it 🙂
LikeLike
Hope so, Christoph. They deserve to do so 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations!
LikeLike
Thank you 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Suzie Speaks and commented:
He did it! Huge congratulations to Nick, and lots of love to Sue – you must be so proud! There’s still time to help Nick in his fundraising…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve just scrolled trough the comments and tossed the thesaurus away as every version of extrafantabulomagoricalness has been used. Phew! Top, just Top. I loved the team work between the four of you (yep, mum is in there, big time) to achieve this. He’s THE MAN, but each of you are pretty good superheroes in my book, Sue. And I so glad the total keeps surging ahead!
LikeLike
I know…I ran out of them too… there aren’t the superlatives left.. 🙂 It was just… something else, Geoff. An extraordinary day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nick has made a day in History,the excitement and thrill will still be felt long after the day.No words can adequately convey the feeling of anyone who watched that event or reads your report and commentary on it.I feel a loving happiness for you and for Nick.Felicitation.No doubt the Invisible Worlds watched this event and day with great pleasure too.Memorable, simply unforgettable.What a wonderful world of beauty,of love and companionship was expressed on this day. Blessings come in different ways,who can preempt the the Gods? Through you Sue I thank everybody that was involved in giving this singular gift to us all and humanity.Thank You,Thank You ,Thank You.
LikeLike
It was an incredible day, Obi, my friend. The emotions will stay with us a long time, I think. Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
‘The Amazing Race’ – so beautifully, lovingly, and passionately told…a day for the ‘memory book’… ♥♥♥
LikeLike
Not a day I will ever forget 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: and commented:
An incredible journey
LikeLike
Thank you, Judith… it was indeed 🙂 x
LikeLike
Just catching up on your brilliant achievement, Nick – you must be so proud of yourself – and rightly so. Sue – a day to remember !.Jxx
LikeLike
It was fabulous 🙂 I doubt if any of us will forget 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Sounds like you had an amazing day 🙂 I’ve run a couple of 10ks and find them fun but emotionally quite exhausting – you must have been shattered at the end of the day!
LikeLike
I only watched … and that was enough emotionally 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so thrilled for you both, that it all went well and then better, and even better. The bad times make the good times even better.
LikeLike
My son would agree withyou there, Hilary. He has strong vews on that 🙂
LikeLike
Wow…I bet your heart was pounding out of your body! Absolutely amazing for both of you 🙂
LikeLike
It was… I had to walk away for a while!
LikeLike
Sue, this is the most uplifting post of 2015! Congrats all round.
LikeLike
You should have bee thre and seen the day, Jean… 🙂 I didin’t stop grinning… apart from thosef frantic few seconds…
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve done a great job in bringing us along with you. No doubt, someone has a whole memory card of your grins. Hope we get to see them all!
LikeLike
I hope not! I do try and hide behind the camera 😉
LikeLike
Ah, just this special once!
LikeLike
There are probably a few.. but thankfully, I haven’t seen them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Way to go, Nick! You are an amazing young man.
LikeLike
Thank you on my son’s behalf 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Surrendering My Shield and commented:
If you need a hero . . . here he is!!!!!! Way to go, Nick. There really are NO excuses for any of us to not achieve our dreams once we read this story.
LikeLike
What a fantastic and victorious day!
LikeLike
Oh it was, Michelle 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a truly incredible day, love all the photos, especially the one of you smiling as only a mum can with her dear son. Oh Sue, proud doesn’t even cut it does it? Your words here define the day perfectly in all its true meaning: ‘…indefinable quality that is fierce and knows joy, but is quiet and doesn’t scream its triumphs…’ Moving, beautiful and a day never forgotten. Bless you both xx
LikeLike
Thank you, Sherri… it sounds like he ‘got’ to you too 🙂 It really was the most amazing day… and I don’t know how many times I have written that 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, he sure did Sue…as does your love of your son 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
🙂 ❤ xxx
LikeLike
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, SUPERSTAR!
Nicely done, Nick, you are a testament to all that is possible and that one should never give up hope. You should rightly be proud of all you have achieved, (and no doubt will continue to achieve), and are truly a role model for the many people who are facing apparent insurmountable odds in their lives.
Since I started following your story, I have never failed to be impressed by your tenacity and drive and never doubted for a minute that you would complete the event, with your team-mates, in triumph.
And then you go and climb a bloody wall… well you’re just showing off now!
Good luck on the London/Brighton ride, I will follow your progress with great interest.
Best wishes, mate and Keep smiling 😊
Darren.
(Sue…how proud you must be!)
LikeLike
Darren… I am. Very 🙂
Nick is reading all the comments, of course. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on THE PEN AND THE PAGE and commented:
A great day was had by all…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing. Read this absolutely gripped by every word. Been desperate to catch up on all these blogs – this one in particular. So glad he completed it and fabulously so. I used to do a bit of acting, and if ever you fell off the stage or forgot your lines they always said to get up and carry on (the show must go on) Nick clearly embodies that. Is there nothing this boy can’t do? I mean seriously he has to be like hero of the year. I am utterly in awe of his achievements. And I am thrilled he raised so much money too. 😊
LikeLike
And the team got a very respectable 10th place too 😀 They were just amazing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No way! Fantastic – do you think he will make the Paralympics?
LikeLike
Only his first ever race… and I don’t think they have a trike class 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Owh. Didn’t know that they didn’t have a trike class. Meh. Clearly they need one.
Yeah but that’s the thing… First race and look how well he did… He’s clearly going far 😊
LikeLike
I am so happy for your entire family. I’m especially happy for Nick…his drive and determination is an inspiration.
LikeLike
Thank you, Robert. Nick did us proud.. and achieved something very special that is the start of a new chapter for him 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was thrilling to read. And your love and pride infused every word.
LikeLike
I almost burst, Robert 🙂 Such a wonderful day… and they reached their target for the charity too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah…I can almost hear your pride, a huge sigh of relief, and a deep sense of gratitude. If I’m not projecting, it’s all in that gorgeous writing.
LikeLike
I was just bouncing with it 🙂 Still am too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reblogging and sharing Nick’s day, Robert 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I showed it to my partner. It’s such a great example of family and the strength that love and determination can foster in all of us.
LikeLike
It sounds a very trite thing to say, but I do believe that love can achieve great things.
LikeLike
Super story. So motivating.
LikeLike
Thank you, Corrie… he’s going from strength to strength 🙂
LikeLike
Please tell Nick I admire him. I admire you, too!
LikeLike
I’ll tell him, Linda. He does have his moments 😉
LikeLike
Pingback: How I Changed My Life in 2015 | Suzie Speaks
Pingback: All change | Sue Vincent – Daily Echo
:’-) “Some tears are just liquid joy.” ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Nick: A Personal Triumph over Brain Damage | ADD . . . and-so-much-more