"I had a bit of a bad week last week but I'm OK now" - Russ.
What he actually meant was he got some very nasty hospital infection that made him extremely ill
(because he's not ill, just incapacitated), put him in solitary confinement, no food, and stopped
progress on the wheelchair project. Anyway he's largely recovered from that, back on the programme
and welcoming visitors (not all at once please) so I popped in to see him last night.
It's been 5 weeks since Russ broke his back. I can't begin to imagine what he's been through in that
time but he's still being full-on Russ Pinder - a good act anyway and especially so now.
A few things were discussed (after I had been thoroughly debriefed on my Easter riding in the Lakes,
errors pointed out and directions for improvements issued).
It is clear that the reason for his stack was a loose front wheel and Russ is considering his
options in relation to the disc/drop-out design issues that have been much discussed recently. Any
information on similar experiences might be helpful.
There's "Russ Appeal". Quite a few people want to show support by fundraising. Russ is very happy to
be involved in this (but isn't yet signed up for off-road wheelchair marathons) and wants it all to
go to the Air Ambulance people naaas.co.uknaaas.co.ukOpen ↗ They are the safety net for all of us. To
this end there is now an e-mail list that will have all the discussion, chit-chat, good ideas,
stupid ideas and abuse. Just subscribe and filter it all to your new Russ Appeal folder and we will
see what happens. Marc Davison and Mike Faxholm tell me that this link will take you there. If it
doesn't blame them not me.
Send a mail to: [email hidden] (which seems to be really slow)
Alternatively (if you have a yahoo id) visit: groups.yahoo.comjoinOpen ↗ and sign
up there. It will prompt you to log into your yahoo account first, or sign up if you don't have one.
Being fed up with hospital Russ is now thinking about home and making it wheelchair friendly. He's a
Building Contractor and Engineer, I'm an Architect, so there was no common ground in that
conversation.
Watch out for the Russ Appeal web site. Marc and I are meeting in a pub next week to get that one
going. It may not produce much but seemed an adequate excuse for a beer. Wed evening, anybody else?
And this is from me. Russ is one of the good guys and one of our own. He didn't deserve this. I know
we are all thinking of him but let Russ know that
[email hidden]
and
Russ Pinder St Georges Ward Stoke Mandeville Spinal Injuries Unit Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Mandeville Road Aylesbury Bucks HP21 8AL
It seems the cards and e-mails help. Keep them coming... and visit.
Go Russ
Peter