Earlier this year, I was honoured to be featured in the Bath Chronicle. An article which linked transplantation with the sporting world; one of many similar articles published this year in the lead up to the British Transplant Games.
The city of Bath has hosted the Games a few times I am told, and I was invited to officiate as a timekeeper this year for the athletics.
What with Little N in Turkey Jul/Aug, and the Transplant Reunion, it has been akward this summer to fit in a family holiday - and of course, we can't forget our own waggy tailed Summer (our first dog and she is now only 13 months old). So it made sense to try and combine one of the events to a break away.
So on Friday my father and Sue headed south to (near) Bath to my Auntie and Uncle's home, and Little N and I headed to a hotel in Tormarton just north of the city and the other side of the M4 (ever tried booking a pet/family friendly accommodation at last minute in peak summer??!!)..
The Best Western Compass Inn, Tormarton
On Friday night we met up and dined in Chipping Sodbury, a very pretty town on the edge of the Cotswolds (lovely evening.
Saturday became my first ever visit to Bath. I can't believe I've never managed to visit before!? Little N & I hit the shops - of course, first stop Jack Wills and later met with Dad & Sue, and my Auntie (Denise).
The Donor Bus was in central Bath, and Little N wanted to sign up onto the Donor Register. Dad needed to update his card from the one he had help since the '80s to online registration (which everyone should do). Little N had wanted to sign up for years, but I wanted just as much, for her to make the move by herself. I left her to fill out the paperwork with Dad, whilst as a VIP (now that doesn't happen often!!) I signed a special book on the bus (and yes I do hold a donor card).
The Donor Bus pictured with supporters of the Donor Run
Stav, Alex and Summer arrived at Bath Spa Station early in the afternoon (easy journey from home via Reading), and we went our own way until the evening when we met up in Bath for the DONOR RUN.
Stav & I, Alex & Nicole, Dad, Sue & Denise all signed up to walk the 3k Fun Run together. Until Little N decided it was too easy and wanted to run the 5k with Stav. This event also incorporated the Transplant Games Mini Marathon (3 or 5k).
And of course, we couldn't miss someone else out...!!
Sue, Little N, Denise
Sue, Stav, Little N
The "race" had to be delayed by 15 mins due to the number of late entrants so an extended warm up took place (I think everyone there will agree with "extended" being the operative word..)..
Sssssttttrreeeetttccchhhhhhh....
Little N and Stav in group warm up. Dad (648) pictured behind (sunglasses, white hair!)...
Spotted taking sneaky photos....
Just as the race was starting, I spotted two familiar faces from home. Thank you Martin and Sheila for coming to say hello - and well done Martin for winning the siver medal in the Badminton. Fantastic!
Well, then the heavens just opened!! It rained and rained (hence no more photos) - but it was quite warm, so quite nice actually!
Thank you Stav, Little N, Alex, Summer, Dad, Sue and Denise for joining me (Denise is very good at getting people to sign up for the Donor register too..) and also to my cousin Sally, husband Brook and their 3 kiddies for coming along to support us too! It meant a lot.
No comments:
Post a Comment