I'm still standing...

I'm aware I've not written a post in a while. The truth is that I have part written two or three but they haven't quite felt right or I haven't quite known how to finish them. Hopefully I'll have better luck today...

Listening to one of those play lists that Spotify automatically produces based on your listening history today. "Heroes" by David Bowie has just come on. It was the song that was playing as I finished One More Tri. Poignant that it should come on today with the Outlaw Triathlon taking place at Holme Pierpont today. It's six pm so those taking part who are still going will be about 12 hours in. The charity has a participant today, apologies for not being in touch too much Anthony. I'm thinking of you and I hope your race has been a success.

I didn't realise what it would mean at the time but taking part in endurance events built my mental resilience enormously. There's no doubt that those experiences have helped me in my MND journey. Committing to a goal and knowing that I have the mental fortitude to accomplish it is huge. 90% of completing an Ironman is in your head. Down to making yourself get out of the door in the freezing rain for a ten mile run on a Tuesday night. Or extending your cycle home from work to get an extra 60 miles in the saddle.

Thinking back to those moments, the moments that most people don't see, the investment you have put in to achieving that goal. That is what keeps you able to put one foot in front of the other when every fibre of your body is screaming at you to stop. Knowing I have that within me now is what allows me to keep sticking the middle finger up to MND (figuratively). If I commit to doing something, you better believe I will do everything to make sure it happens.

Got the Olympics on the TV. Andy Murray's swansong. Playing doubles against the Japanese. One of the things I've noticed is that the Japanese players do is cover their mouths when discussing tactics for the next point... Now Andy Murray is (or more accurately was) a phenomenal tennis player, but I've never seen anything to suggest he is a world class lip reader of the Japanese language. Footballers do it as well, after matches. What could they possibly be saying that is so critical that it can't be made public? Exclusive sale details at the Aston Martin dealership? Investment tips? Their highest score on call of duty? It's a mystery.

Got to love the Olympics though, won't be long until I'm an expert judge of synchronised diving scores, critiquing dressage and undertaking tactical analysis of Water Polo. The one I've never understood is Judo. How points are scored in Judo is a complete unknown to me. Taikwondo - kick in the head = points. Judo - roll opponent on their back = points (I think). Not a sport for the tortoise.

Speaking of Olympic scale commitment, and tortoises actually, the Galapagos Islands (stay with me). On those islands there is a postbox where travellers post postcards home. One problem though... no postman.

The idea is that other travellers search the postbox and deliver cards on behalf of the sender. Lovely idea. Enter Jonny Beardmore. Not content with delivering a single card, Jonny has decided over the course of 12 months, to deliver 50 cards all over the world. He's been all through Antarctica, Southern, Central and North America. Now he is arriving in Europe.

So what Sam? Why are you regaling us with tales of this eccentric Hermes?

Well, because Jonny is going to these extreme lengths to highlight the beauty of human connection. Whilst simultaneously telling the story of his father. You see Jonny's dad had MND and sadly passed away a couple of years ago. One of the things that Jonny found hardest was to see his dad lose the ability to connect with people. So what better way for Jonny to honour his dad than travel the world, connect with people and raise $100,000NZ for MND research.

Stand Against MND delighted to be assisting Jon and think you should give his amazing challenge a follow by clicking here.  

Lastly in this post I wanted to tell you about another amazing man, Paul Robinson. We only met virtually a few months ago and in person for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I think despite this relatively short friendship it is clear already we are kindred spirits. We both have a love of science and a passion for the power of research. We share an enjoyment of all things triathlon and are partial to a nice brandy or three when we get the chance. Finally we share a penchant for having a go at things which other people think are a bit mad... I actually told Paul about my next planned challenge and I think it would be reasonable to say, we each think the other is not quite wired up right.

Whilst my challenge will not be public knowledge for another couple of months I can happily to tell you what Paul is planning.

In September Paul will be attempting in my view the most difficult Triathlon challenge on earth: The Enduroman Arch to Arc challenge. This will entail starting at Marble Arch and running the 87 miles to Dover. He will then swim the 21 miles of the English Channel. Having arrived in Calais he will then cycle the 181 miles to his finish line at the appropriately named Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Only 55 people have completed this challenge. If that wasn't difficult enough Paul is attempting to be only the 7th person to successfully complete it without the use of a wetsuit. Good luck mate!

He is doing this super human challenge and in the process attempting to raise an incredible £10,000 for Stand Against MND. I'd love it if you could please give him a follow and encouragement whenever possible.

Click here to give him a follow 

The best thing for me about both of these stories, is that before the last few months, I was completely unaware of either Jon's or Paul's existence. They are clear proof of the way the reach of Stand Against MND has grown and they are by no means the only ones. That reach is so important to me. The last thing I wanted when I started the charity was to be asking my friends and family for donations constantly. I see this reach as clear evidence that we have moved beyond that now and it's wonderful.

It's not down to me either: YOU are the ones who like, share, fundraise and talk about the charity and my story. Without you none of this would have been possible. Never underestimate the role you have played and continue to play in this story. Thank you.

To me it also shows that our message resonates with people: research spending is king when it comes to changing the future of this disease. What is so lovely about this thought is that the message wasn't crafted for that purpose. It is my belief, pop round and I'll talk you through all the reasons why. Ideal if you need a little nap!

In the first year of our existence we raised around £40k.

In the first 13 weeks of this financial year we raised £40k.

As usual I have no intention of taking my foot off the accelerator. I couldn't even if I wanted to...

Thanks so much for reading

Sam