Knees up and Dutch courage

Well folks I am  European Champion in my age group in table tennis singles - I won the gold at the European Transplant Games in Apeldoorn, Holland last week.

I almost didn't go! My knee was still stiff until the day I left.. But it eased as the tournament went on (lots of painkillers and coffee to counteract the sleepiness they caused)...

But in the end I won the gold (and a silver in the mixed ages doubles) - and had a great time (as I always do at such events)

Everything is tinged with sadness that I haven't go the lung capacity of everyone else there and I can't play  badminton and volleyball like I could when I had recently had my transplant.

But I made new friends (including Marilyn, Peter, Gemma and Gerrard - and met old ones -like Paul, Simon, Kez, Jane and and opponents like Gabor.

The hotel was lovely, in woodland. BUT it was 10 miles outside the town and not many other teams were at our hotel AND there were steep steps to the chalets and no lift!

Stupidly I didn't pull out of the athletics and limped over the line in the 100m - And by the time of the gala dinner that night I was good for nothing....

I had to have a  buggy to take me to the airplane gate (57!) at the airport...(former footballer Phil Thompson was on our plane btw)

Back to work was a struggle (I couldn't manage to get my suit  on for the first day) and I still haven't unpacked fully. But I am doing the exercises the physio (Kelsey) gave me and think it is improving every day...

I want to thank our Dutch hosts who put on a range of  event for us including a morning of petanque, traditional Dutch games evening and a BBQ x

To the next challenge my friends...

Knee-dy Times and MJ

Bloggettes!

Well the week started like any other week (does this sound like a dodgy American private eye film?) - My friend Jane was coming on Thursday evening and we were going for food and a spa the next day.

My knee was a little painful (I had thought I had slept funny on it) - And I was limping - I couldn't have the back massage (doubt if I could get into that position)...

The next day my friend Sarah came up from Windsor - we were going to Chester Rocks... But I was in agony..  She had done me a painting of the Fiddler's Ferry Power Station and I took her to an Indian at it's base - near Warrington... But the waiter had to help lift me into the car!!!

On the Saturday I had to ask  Sarah to take me to A&E - and we spent a day there before being sent home with painkillers...

But I had to return on Sunday (made sure I had my medication and over night bags) - and they did an emergency operation that night - Apparently it was affected with gout...

I was let out just in time for the England game on Monday. Tuesday I worked from home and went into the office on Wednesday...

On Thursday I decided to throw away the crutches as I was due in London for the MJ Awards - and we were up for Best Achieving Council and Best Shared Services...

(This is like the Local Government Oscars) - It was good and I got back tonight....(limping a tad)

As a local govt press/PR officer we have to put up with a lot and it was nice to be recognised...

The only problem is - I have three days before I am due to fly out to compete in the European Transplant Games in Apeldoorn in Holland.... And I don't know how long I can dose up on painkillers...

I am desperate to join Team GB and try and retain my titles.. But who knows.... I have a medical on Monday to see if I can compete - as the local press say - 'Mark is in a fight against time'

A Bientot

Now to try and sort out my transport and accommodation for London 2012!