THE GREAT BRAIN RIDE 2011
MY THOUGHTS AND WORRIES FOR THE DAY
As I sit and write this, after what can only be described as the bank raid of Aigburth (or should I keep getting my car repaired). It is that time of year when you almost feel like an expectant father waiting to hear news of an announcement, not the pitter patter of tiny feet though, but the phone call that tells you your old car has passed its MOT without any problems, however my problems started when I again took my car on its holidays, a few days staying just outside Leeds on the York road. What can be so different about travelling in 3 days what you normally do in a couple of weeks? A friend (you know her as Sue my little helper) said don’t take it on holiday anymore as the car seems to have problems, engine lights that come on telling you to stop, tyres that go bang and different lights that come on and tell you to go to the nearest main dealer, but don’t go straight to jail as they say in monopoly, but go straight to the bank and withdraw all the money you have and borrow some as well (just in case)!
So I hear you wonder what has this got to do with “The Great Brain Bike Ride 2011” Well, that day began with me wondering whether the car would get to Llangollen and back again (yes was the answer). We started out on a beautiful/lousy day from St. George's Hall early on the Saturday morning, where all our thoughts were about the ‘bikers’, Alec and staff, their support and enthusiasm for the event and the raising of some much needed funds. The police and relevant local councils had to contacted, along with what I remember as an 80 page document, that had to be submitted, explaining how we were taking all the right steps to ensure the safety of the riders and our request for a police escort for part of the journey.
Wendy and I (the volunteers) had persuaded our partners (Sally & Kevin) to accompany us, on what turned out to be a long day (with a much needed lie-in the next day). As I had volunteered us to go to the Petrolheads café, Bagillt, North Wales, to help with registration of new riders, checking the already registered riders, and collecting donations from them, they were very generous with their cash, as was Kevin the man in charge of Petrolheads, who made us all feel very welcome. So the day for Sally and me, started a bit early as we were picking up Wendy and Kevin.
We arrived early, and as the weather at St George’s Hall was to say wet is an under statement, the vote of the car was that we leave there and head straight for Bagillt where the weather was a bit kinder, no rain, which was a good job as our pitch for info and registration was outside with no shelter. As we had arrived early breakfast was in order, to ward off the cold of course, with piping hot tea it set us up for the day ahead. At around 11.30 the bikers arrived with Alec leading the pack, what a sight it was and surprisingly a good number had made the journey from Liverpool in the rain, although I think the wet stuff had put some off on the day. I spoke to many, and what a great crowd they were, with one man telling me his MS was in remission, how come? “an act of faith” was his answer when I asked. A long story of life, work, faith and health followed to back it up. He was one of the Christian bikers who had joined the ride and for him his faith was the answer to his MS. I work on the premise that if it works don't knock it, for him it did, who knows if that is the right answer, that I will leave for you to think about and debate. At around 12.30, the bikers left for the journey to the Ponderosa on the Horse Shoe Pass just outside Llangollen. I decided with some reluctance from the rest of my merry band to follow them to the Ponderosa, just to help clear up were my thoughts. Llangollen was not far away, (though it is if you get slightly lost) so with plenty of time to spare, a short detour to stop for tea, creamed scones and a look at the sights of Llangollen before we made our journey to the Ponderosa. Where we arrived at around 4.00pm only to see everyone packing cars and taking down gazebos as the weather had taken a turn for the worse with mist and rain in equal measure. So after a very brief stop, with pictures to prove it, we made our way home back down the pass through the mist, via a restaurant I know not far from home, well you must keep your strength up. So how did we do on the day with bucket collections, a very good £815 with a final figure to come and with talk of next year already being mentioned. So if you didn’t make it this year try for next and “The chuck wagon express” my car did make it without lights but with plenty of cameras and action, with lots of pictures on our own website of the day. http://neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com with a video even.
Neurosupport The future and past.
Vision: Neurosupport’s vision is to develop as a leader in the neurological advice and support services in a human and friendly way.
Mission: Neurosupport provides support that complements medical provision, to people with a neurological condition, their families and professionals who care for them throughout their journey.
Values Neurosupport strives to apply the following values in its work:
Person-centered
Empowering
Respectful
Confidential
Committed
Collaborative
Inclusive
Pioneering
Strategic Aims
Neurosupport’s strategic aims are:
Raising awareness and understanding of neurological conditions
To be a self-sustaining organisation
Empowering individuals and families to manage their conditions and realise their full potential
Facilitating neurological charities to work together to optimise opportunities
Neurosupport The future and past.
You may remember that the Trustees of Neurosupport have commissioned an organizational review of Neurosupport, many of you spoke to Adrienne who was carrying out the review. A report was submitted to the Trustees on the basis of which they have relooked at the vision and purpose of the organization and what it is that we want to achieve. On page3 is the new vision, mission, values and strategic aims which have been officially agreed. The next phase of the work is to look at how we achieve those aims and the Trustees will shortly be sharing with us all how they think the organization would be best structured to enable us to deliver the business plan.
We anticipate that there will be changes to the way we all work but recognize that this is an opportunity to get us on a firm footing to meet the current financial challenges and to develop the service we can offer to people with neurological conditions.
Maureen Kelly
Thoughts of the day
Looking at the events that unfolded at St George’s Hall on 3rd September I thought you might want to read a poem that was recently published in the Liverpool Echo from our resident poet Gordon W. Milward. I looked when I read it and wondered when we all take that step a bit like Neurosupport’s future and the past, is it the right one, as they say only time will tell.
Take that Step
To life there is a purpose
In life we sometimes scheme
To find complete enjoyment
And hope it’s not a dream
So take that one step forward
Go on into that dark unknown
Take that life you’re given
For you are not alone
Grasp life into both hands
You’ll see the way ahead
Look to a greater tomorrow
That’s sometimes easily said
To achieve your life’s ambition
And reach that pinnacle of success
Will serve you for the future
You can only do your best.
Gordon W. Milward 2011
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