Hi everyone ,

I can't tell you how much effort Louise has to put in on a daily basis. Because of my pressure sores on my legs she has to help me with the transfers from bed to shower chair and again from bed to wheelchair. Also Lou has to deal with most of the chores and the cooking ,which pre accident we used to share.So thank you Lou for being there, I appreciate you so much.

A fantastic summer followed by a stunning autumn and here we are on the cusp of Christmas. Hardly any rain but great light and warmth,for me I couldn't have had a better year in which to recover in. It only feels like yesterday I left hospital ,although in reality have come a long long way with regards my general health and well-being.

My upper body strength continues to improve, helping with my balance and transfers,all this is making a difference now that in physio I'm getting to the standing position again. It's been nearly 6 months since I was last able to get to my feet with Mick’s support.

In early October I had a minor operation on my right leg to help improve the blood flow and help the healing process on my pressure sores. This was a great success, carried out by a great team of people at Cheltenham hospital. Thanks all of you for your brilliant service.

Unfortunately I have had to up my strong painkillers again due to discomfort with my nerve endings around my injury. I was trying to cope without them, but I took advice and am now a lot more comfortable. The only other complication has been a water infection that knocked me for six for about ten days. I'm now over it ,but had forgotten how rubbish these things can make you feel. Again Lou was there, staying awake all night, keeping a eye out for me.All in all though,going forward is starting to feel quite exciting.

I have had couple of nice times recently. A fund raising night for William Bennett, a fellow climber who I met in hospital ,was put on by Red Point climbing centre Bristol, and Wills friends.I wasn't sure how I would feel returning to a place where I used to have a lot of fun. I thought that I might feel envy or upset about my injury. In fact the opposite happened - both Lou and I had a great night. About 15 climbers I know turned up and added to an already brilliant atmosphere. I'm sure that Will will be part of the Para GB climbing team in the very near future.Well done Red point for allowing it to happen.

That night I invited my climbing mates round for a party a couple of weeks later, just to say thanks for being there for me at hospital and afterwards when I came home. We cooked some lovely curries and Linda Dinton baked a perfect coffee and walnut cake which went down a treat. Anyway, that was a lovely day with all of them.

Now, a few thank yous are in order.

Firstly thanks to Baileys Paints in Stroud for fundraising on the launch of their new Farrow and Ball range selling coffee and cake to donate it to John's Journey.

Jane and Bern Currie were asked by their friends what present they would like for their 50th wedding anniversary. They asked their friends to donate the money to me.I am so grateful for your donation and will make sure that it's spent wisely.

Shaun, Debbie,Will and Ellie did a mud run at Eastnor Castle to raise some money for me.Thank-you for doing that and I’m really looking forward to seeing you over Christmas and New Year.

My older brother Mark and sister in law have given me a large donation towards a motorised trike wheelchair which I will be fitted for early next year. I can't wait to get out and about in the countryside again, this chair will make all the difference.

Thank-you all the people who have donated into John's Journey, you are making a marked different to our lives, we are incredibly appreciative for this.

Thanks again Anna from Clobber, Di from Buskins and Philippa and Becky from Peter Joy for your continuing support.

My last thanks is to my neighbour Katie Jarvis who interviewed me for an article in Cotswold life. She made it very easy to do: a brilliant passionate journalist.

Until the next time.....

John