Update

Hello - It's been a busy old time. Since Christmas I have had loads of visitors and had loads of visitors, human and feline... I have rediscovered my love of old Momus tracks, been to a lot of gigs and spent a lot of time at the gym...

I am doing the publicity for the transplant racquets/table tennis event at Warrington/Widnes - and with my day job keeping me busy for at least eight hours a day, it's all been manic...

Health is on the level. I think the gym and table tennis is helping that, but I am  finding now I need a snooze after the gym. Or a strong coffee..

I love a Saturday afternoon with nothing planned. Exercise, sleep and then following football on Twitter!!

Well. I will write again soon. Promise. I may just have 20 per cent lung capacity but I have a lot to say. Follow me on Twitter @widneschappy

Awards and curling

Hello, I suppose the big news is I am Halton Sports Person of the Year 2014.  It was for the double gold and silver I won at the European Transplant Games in Lithuania and the bronze medal I won at the British Transplant Games as well as the silver hard bat doubles awards locally.

So I  guess I have been a European Champion for the last six years (as they Euros are only held every other year.)

I attended a lovely ceremony with my friend Claire at The Select Security Stadium. And we got a roast dinner before the awards. I wasn't driving, so utilised the bar!

One of the other highlights was a morning of curling at Silver Blades Ice Rink in Widnes.  The next day the wrong leg ached, so I think I need to work on my technique. It was great fun though! I don't think I will be playing in any winter Olympics any time soon though! x

Where there is 'Hope'

Hello - Sorry if I have been neglecting you. Life has - as usual - been busy in Mark-ville! I went to a gig a week for a few weeks, work is manic as ever and my social life is healthy.

Health wise, my blood sugars do seem to going up and down still. They keep changing the insulin and regime and diet. Perhaps something will work...

I went 'home' to Cannock Wood for a nice break over Easter - although it did include a lock-in in a pub with my friend Jo - and lots of alcohol and scratchings...I am sure Jesus wouldn't approve.

Back to the grind and I have been applying for jobs. I have been media/PR officer at Halton Borough Council for seven years now. Most people there are nice and I enjoy the job, but it isn't going anywhere.

I think I have the 'seven year itch' - And need a refreshing new challenge. I applied for a job at the Co-Op (it needs all the PR if can get) and one at Hope University in Liverpool... That one looks great.

Today (after a gig last night in Manchester) - I went for a yoga session. May not be able to get out of bed tomorrow.. Ho hum..

Sports wise - My next major table tennis venture is the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games i Lithuania.. Wish me luck!

Hugs and sparkles

Mark

Blue Monday?

Firstly. I have recently done a little article about blogging. I come at it form an angle you may not expect...

CLICK ON ME PLEASE!

Well then. So what has happened. A recent long weekend in Surrey/London/Ascot kind of refreshed my batteries, and kind of made me wish for more time off!

It as good to catch up with old and new friends. But as ever the five-and-half hour drive gave me too much thinking time (and chance to listen to that EMF double album - better than I expected btw)

I am so far sticking by my pledge to keep my energy levels up. I am trying to go to the gym every alternate day - if only for 40 minutes.

I have been fitted with a 24/7 blood sugar monitor. I saw fitted. it should be more like 'third time lucky, I was fitted with...' - Repeat early morning trips to Liverpool.. Not the best.

As I have a diabetes related to CF and not type 1 of 2... My levels seem to go up and down for less than  obvious reasons... A huge doughnut did not effect then, a crumpet (eaten dry) did!

They keep changing the insulin doses and types.. But two years from when they first went mad they are still no nearer getting them under control.

I first contracted in while living in Korea - And despite their faults, they did control it there...

With the CF, transplant rejection and this, the medication side effects like gout, kidney problems and skin issues.. one has to be positive, or  turn to the bottle..

This Monday was meant to be 'Blue Monday' but for me it was ok.. Mum and the cats stayed for the weekend, I went to Anfield with friends to see my team Aston Villa and met up with a friend at Cheshire Oaks..

Nobody told me there was more than one Costa there however and we kept missing each other while Costa hopping, it was like Terry and June (comedy gold, if you are asking.)

Well, was an a seminar after work and it is time to put one's legs up...  For entertainment value here is a pic of me in in The Lamb in Surbiton, Surrey...

A bientôt

Reaching a peak (flow)

Hello Blogg-ettes,

Well Christmas was spent mostly in Cannock Wood, enjoying catching up with friends old and new, watching Villa lose at Villa Park and seeing relatives...

The infection I caught in Tenerife eventually went. It was a slow process. Us transplantees have an artificially reduced immune system so our bodies don't reject our organs.. I had to to get some magic drugs from the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital - and take things easy..

Strangely my lung capacity stayed at 23 per cent - even when I was feeling grotty. That's the weird and wonderful world of peak flow for you!

SO I guess the break came at the right time...

New Year was fun in Lancaster. Thai food (see pic) then a Champagne do at a friend's.. But it all seems such a long time ago now..

I found out a job I had missed the application date for in Stafford, may have been still open. So I spent a frantic two days doing the forms, CV and meeting the people spec, but turns out it was closed.

But it made me update my details and get back into applying for stuff. The bad news is for the people of Cheshire and Merseyside, you have got me living and working up here for a while yet.

I have other irons in the fire...

Since recovering from the infection I have been going to the gym every other day. It made the first table tennis session of the year less painful.

It is less than six months until I compete in the Europeans in Lithuania.  Wish me luck..

Until next time..

Ciao

Mark

I am your Marhaba Beach!

Well I am back from North Africa - I missed a suicide bombing by a week and an earth tremor by a day...

Tunisia was fun. I think I had the right mix between relaxation and trips. I  went to the largest market in North Africa, a historical re-enactment and camel trekking (what happens in the desert, stays there!)

But it was nice to play petanque and chill by the sea. I met some interesting people to play cards and drink coffee and cocktails with..

It is a very Muslim society.. Women are obviously not welcome in waiter/bartender roles or as taxi drivers.  And there was an early call to prayer at about 5.20am (not good when you get to the hotel at 4am!)

The problems with a week's holiday (less, as there was a late flight out and early one home) - Is you get into the habits and relaxation of holiday mode and it is time to come home,

The day after I got  home I had to go up to Newcastle for my six monthly MOT..... My health seems steady but I haven't got all my results yet...

Then two days at work before a day our in Chester with Kay...  SO next week seems the first proper week back... Although those two days felt like ten!

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

Dream Street

Hello - Well it has been a busy few weeks... A chest  infection and gout has meant I have only just started to light exercise... Off to Ireland and Tenerife in next weeks and need to be ok...

I managed to escape being admitted to hospital by the skin of my teeth.. Grateful for small mercies.

I have taken the Paralympic Torch to Walsall Fashion Week and Bridgetown Primary School and have survived a purge of marketing and communications...

I have applied for a different job, which I didn't get - but found out my own is safe. I have had fun at birthdays and events and lots of social stuff.

Soul searching.  Soul searching...

Torch lights way to awards

Hello - Well it has been busy as usual... I have been knocked back a but by two overnight hospitalisations with my knee and some changes in medications...

But me and the good old Paralympic torch have been to so many events over the North West and have been greeted by happy faces everywhere...

I got nominated for the Participation in Sport Awards, The Trinity Mirror Unsung Hero and have taken the torch to the Preston Guild and a rugby match among other places...And met some amazing people.

There are negatives but positives to look forward to. There are the people who try and keep you down and these people will get karma. But what is life without tests eh?

Love 'n' peace x

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

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...

Hooky and Liverpool

Hello - Its been a few hectic weeks again - It is all out for the Olympic Torch Relay - coming through Halton this Thursday - I have been looking after the social media and the press..

Then when that finishes we have Jubilee Weekend... With all the TV, press and radio attention that will attract....

But last weekend I let my (short) hair down with a weekend of gigs and fun. I met Peter Hook backstage after a gig in Liverpool.

He played all Joy Division stuff and I have to say it was one of the best gigs I have been to..

And on Saturday went to Leeds for Sarah's birthday and end up at a Cuban Club and met old friends and made new ones...

Chat soon - Tootle pip! x

Twitter Tatter

Happy Sunday! Well I was back to work two days after coming out of hospital and it has been non-stop since!  Myself and a colleague had three days to make a film to promote Halton, we had the local elections (with live Twitter feed) - AND of course all the usual press enquiries and releases to do...

I am just getting used to the new software too! (Slowly but surely)

Well I am off out now to enjoy the fine weather  - Sorry for short update but I am still here! And starting to get my fitness back...

Hugs xx
#Widneschappy

Facebook can be good

Hello - Well my ankle feels better enough to start training - Good job as the pool is damn cold!

Did 30 mins on an exercise bike - But it wasn't good for confidence that I was surrounded by the Widnes Vikings Rugby Super League squad were all around me doing 100 mph and still chatting.

In the last couple of weeks I have decided on three trips abroad. Two are to Germany - including one to see a rock festival and one to Holland - for the European Transplant Games...

The first is to see a friend who I have been promising to visit for months...

Three old friends have recently got in touch on Facebook including an ex and a former holiday romance - things are looking up in Mark ville...

Hugs and sparkles

MARK

Back in The Wood (briefly...)

Hello - WIth the gales trying to blow my house away here in Cheshire it may be time to catch up on some blogging...

It was the first time in a few years I got the while of Christmas to New Year off I think... So I made the most of it..

I went back to Cannock Wood on Xmas Eve - (good night at the Park Gate), Christmas Day my mum had all the neighbours in (then pub) and Boxing Day was the family do in Halesowen...

I came back to Widnes for a couple of days and then went up to Newcastle for New Year (see pic!) and then to Gateshead (to see Sarah and see The Lady - brilliant film)..

Health wise I had a few sugar level issues at the end of the year so I am going to be fitted with a device to monitor then 24/7 for a few days to see when they peak and trough.

This year I have got a lot of plans - which will take energy and time.. Hope work doesn't keep me occupied 24/7...

As well as the day job I may well be doing some promotion for a well known author...

Tottle pip and happy 2010 to all my blogg-ettes....

Smash cake

Hello Folks - Busy time here. I have been in Holland seeing people I used to live with and know a few years ago - and had a damn good time.. I had forgotten what I missed and didn't miss about the place - which is always good...

It was very cold though. And travelling on EasyJet had little room for woolies! Thank God for the powers of mulled winem cake, beer and coffee (although not all at the same time)..

Stayed with Erik (which whom I appeared on a Nick Cave single cover) and Gerbri who I had many adventures with in Australia, and met up with Marjon and Mary too...

It was great to see Utrecht again as well as Amsterdam... I got home on the Thursday, went to a wedding on a Friday, family meal on Saturday and on Sunday was back up in Widnes to help with the Broadway to The Brindley workshops...bracing -11.5c on the M6..

This week I had circuits on Monday, Gervase Phinn on Tuesday and the HEARTS panto on Wendesay (oh yes I did) and have one night in before Interpol tomorrow....

Living life to the full one could say! xx

Ha-ha-halloween....

Hello Folks.. Well my birthday was carnage in a good way.. It started at 3pm with chilli and mulled wine, and was still going at 3am with pizza and shots!

It involed electric shocks, Wii, bop It, music, mayhem and even some South Africans!

It followed three days of intensive training in York, courtesy of the Cabinet Office - so I deserved to go a bit mad...

It was all followed by Halloweeen - a night out in Chester dressed as a zombie/Grim Reaper....

Amsterdamning and Liiverpool

Hello Bloggettes, Went for my check up at Liverpool and lung capacity increased to 25 per cent - stragnely it is always a couple of percentage lower in Liverpool than Newcastle - but it was even up here on last time... Back of the net...

They did fail to get any blood out of me for my M.O.T though... Their loss!

Ihad a trainee nurse following me around, which I didn't mind, because she was hot. Its hard to make small talk when you are being prodded, poked, blowing into machines and being pricked by needles though..

The new doctor assumed I couldn't do any kind of sport with my low capacity. It just goes to show what application can do..

A former fellow athlete at the Transplant Games has twice my lung capacity (almost) and is on oxygen 10 hours a day.....

It shows daily swims, gyms or table tennis sessions work for me....

On a lighter note - I booked a flight to Amsterdam today! Whoop whoop xx