Dear all

What a fantastic summer we're having! Since my last article I really can't remember seeing any rain - to me it feels like the summer of 76. Our old cat Kipper, now 19, is spending most of his time asleep in the shade, bless him.

My overall well-being has been pretty good of late. I’m still having problems with a pressure ulcer, but we think that we've got to the root of the problem. I need a minor operation to widen the artery and increase the blood flow in my right leg, as this will help the healing process. Apart from this my strength keeps on improving and in tow comes a stronger mental state. A massive thank you goes out to Mick the physio and the funding that have made this possible.
Last week I picked up a new lightweight wheelchair from the NHS. Thank you to Glossop wheelchair service for getting this to me quickly. It's so much easier to manoeuvre and a fantastic colour, but most of all it's great for my posture.
I can’t quite believe that it's nearly a year since my accident . So much has happened and I feel that I've come along way since then. I'm saying that it only feels like it was yesterday that I was at Salisbury spinal unit. I spent 5 months on ward and can't remember a single bad moment. The staff top to bottom were excellent and I will never forget them. I must mention my mate William Bennett whom I met in hospital but shared mutual friends long before our injuries - the climbing world can be very small sometimes. Will''s injuries were always more serious than mine and he has spent over a year in hospital, but hopefully Will it won't be too long now.We've both got plans to return to climbing as soon as we possibly can.
A few thank-you's are in order once again. Anna Read from Clobber who on Saturday ran 50km in the Cotswold Way Challenge between Bath and Wotton under Edge in that heat to raise funds for me. Anna you are amazing! Heaven of the South, a local charity put in a massive donation that day ,so thank-you Al King and Phil Gibson - that was great of you both. Also, Anna, Philippa and Becky from Peter Joy have made it possible for my physio sessions to continue going forward, by asking local businesses and friends to donate to me through direct debit . Thank you to all those who have committed to this. I'm so grateful and am reminded once again of how caring the Nailsworth and surrounding areas are. Blushes hairdressers have, for the second time, been collecting for me. Thanks Graham and staff - look forward to seeing you all soon.
My friends Halina and John put on a garden party for me and raised £350 ,we we're all blown away with the generosity of her friends and family .
Thank-you again everyone, and good luck to England in the world cup!
Yours John