It's been a while. I have been expecting me!

Hello Blog-ettes...

From the start of 2005 I started writing this blog...

This was before Twitter and Facebook and I wanted to start an on-line diary of my life struggling, while waiting for a double lung transplant.

At that time, blogs were fairly new. My blog got me on TV, radio and the local press. I sold articles on blogging to the regional press and more importantly, it got awareness of what waiting for a double lung transplant could be like...

The ups and the downs, pre and post false alarms. the operation and the rejection; the transplant games ups and downs and the normal loves, lives, limits and longings of your average 30 something (now 40 something!)

It was my refuge... A way to express myself to an unseen audience. I could be narrating on a stage where the audience may be packed with people interacting and opinion forming - or it could just be a cleaner and a ticket seller.. does it matter?

For me the first part of the blog depended on audience. I wanted to express to people how my life was coming to an end and needed their help (by signing to be organ donors) to survive...

But the rest was an outlet... The way a lot of people outpour on Twitter or Facebook (sometimes too much!)

I know I haven't updated this much (because of Twitter and FB, people know what I am doing) - But I will strive to do more.

In the last year or so have done a 170k sponsored cycle, won a silver at the GB Transplant Games, (to follow my European gold/silver) had no days of work sick, been to Malta, Ireland, Tenerife, Finland, Sweden (about to go to Tunisia and Tenerife again)...

I have been increasing the use of social media at work. And been mentioned in The Guardian for doing so... Currently very busy with the USA Tomahawks Rugby League Team

So I won't go over any of that again... You can always follow me on Twitter  (yes, @Widneschappy is me) But I have missed the updates on here and looking at other people's blogs..

With the cold winter nights I will mostly be in the house and will have more time.. (in theory)

Tally Ho and RIP Lou Reed

Paralympic Torch relay

What a few days folks! I was part of a team carrying the Paralympic Torch from Lord's Cricket Ground - during which time Andrew Strauss resigned as England captain - towards Abbey Road.

The relay ran late, the LOCOG officials were a pain, trying to hurry me up... But it was a fantastic day. Looking at the video online I just looked dazed - I definitely didn't want to hand it over!

I have appeared in a host of national, local, regional papers and radio stations, websites and social media platforms... I have made personal appearances and made many new friends...

Strangers recognise me in the street. I guess brand Mark Allen has gone intergalactic!

WIDNES WORLD

WIDNES WEEKLY NEWS

Torchy nice-ness

Hello Blogettes - A big thank you to Jade Wright of the Liverpool Echo with the full page feature on me on pg10...

Yes, as revealed there, I will be carrying the Paralympic Torch outside Lord's Cricket ground a week today (Wednesday)

CLICK

Liverpool Echo article

Jess Ennis, Mo Farrah and me!

Hello Blogettes,

Well it has been busy (would you expect anything else?) - I have been to London for two weekends to see Olympic stuff - I had amazing tickets to see Jessica Ennis, Mo Farrah and Greg Rutherford on super Saturday - just seven rows from the front.

The previous weekend I saw some amazing table tennis and inbetween saw some mediocre football...

And this week I get to find out where and when I carry the Paralympic torch - which I am even more excited about.. Unfortunately for friends and family it will be in London and probably late at night!

More news as I get it - hopefully later this week...

In other news. My tests in Liverpool showed my lung capacity rose to 26 per cent and everything else going well.. Physio on my knee with the lovely Kelsey tomorrow....

All these tests mean am doing extra hours at work to make up the time... Oh the joy (I don't actually mind - my job is fun!)

This was my view at the Olympic Stadium.... wow wow wow