First of all I want to apologise for the insane delay on this post...I came down with the Flu last week and MS + Virus = WIPEOUT.
I feel awful because I wanted to post about this straight away...It was the most incredible evening with some of the most incredible people.
So the school I work for was invited to Capital Radio by Help a Capital Child in order to see where we could join forces in raising funds for the charity. As part of the 'events team' and considering mummy runs the Charity Committee, I went along to see how I could help and perhaps get some information on HACC. I left with so much more.
I had a brilliant tour of the studio's and the Capital Radio building ..
Then we had a little champagne and snacks reception on the balcony walkway which, although a little windy, had a spectacular view...
But this was the best bit....
Here you can see; Emily, Kay, Monica, Myself, Kyle, Ian, Viv and Shea. Meeting them was the highlight of my night. Read on to see why...
Now then, Emily, Kyle and Shea are incredible Powerchair Footballers who play down at the
Greenwich Powerchair Football Club. The club has received great support from HACC so it made perfect sense that they were to explain why it is vital that there are people out there raising those all important funds.
We had a question and answer session which was great for finding out more information about how the club works and whats its goals are for the future. It was amazing listening to the aspirations they have for future Paralympics, Competitive Leagues and over all raising the profile of Powerchair Football. This wouldn't be possible without the support and funding from places such as HACC and Lottery Funding and I want to help support them too. I was so inspired and left feeling so empowered after listening so carefully to what was being said...
"It's about INSPIRING THE COMMUNITY"
"Changing peoples attitudes"
"We are all the same"
"We NEED to raise AWARENESS"
"EQUALITY"
"The MONEY is vital"
But I wanted to hear from Emily, Kyle and Shea themselves, a little bit more about what it meant to them.
So I asked them: "It's clear that you are an inspiration to others as we've seen this evening, but I want to know...What inspires you?"
Kyle: "My brother is my role model, my inspiration. Knowing I can do what he can do, but in a wheelchair make me feel good." "at the end of the day, It's about how much you put in to the sport"
Shea: "Everyone keeps us going because we have to persuade everyone else out there it's worth while." "and you know if there are girls watching us play we have to impress them!"
Emily - Having spoken to Emily it's clear that she a feisty young girl who clearly takes great enjoyment from playing football and proving people wrong. She won't let herself be judged which I found so comforting at such a young age, especially for me as i've just about built up that defence since my diagnosis and it's not been easy. I use the word inspire a lot but she really did inspire me to keep a strong mentality and if you want to do it then DO IT!
I had a lovely chat with Kay and Monica as well as I wanted to know what it's like from a mothers point of view. I know from my own experience that mum's just pick up and carry on and they are there no matter what and tend to do it all with little look on their face they they might be struggling.
Both Kay and Monica were just so strong. They want to break down the barriers, change perceptions and expand all inclusiveness. "There is something just so special. They make us proud as parents and they give us the drive to keep going"
"Their outlook may be down to being young and perhaps a little naive but thats whats so beautiful about it, it's innocent."
I hope this has been a great insight into my evening with at Capital Radio supporting HACC, but also an insight into something you perhaps knew little about before. I certainly learned a lot about Powerchair Football and I would LOVE to head down to one of their games and see them play...
(Kay/Monica...Do contact me and let me know when the next game is...I know my personal trainer is keen to come also)
This isn't meant to be a sob story or one of 'rising from the ashes' ...it's about reality...it's about learning to face situations head on and having that positive outlook on life where nothing can stop you. And this is just a perfect example of that in action. This post is also to highlight the importance of Fundraising and supporting teams/ clubs/ causes like The Greenwich Powerchair Football Club which offers support for many children out there in more ways than one.
"IT'S ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO, NOT WHAT YOU CAN'T OR CAN NO LONGER DO"
P x
