Run Beer Geek Run - The Charity Bit

Nearly five years ago I lost a very dear friend.  Graham suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, a condition which could often make it difficult for him to get about, move this hands or function in a way that I take for-granted every day.  Despite this, or maybe because of it, he was one of the most joyful, happy and kind hearted people I have ever met, never complaining and always putting other people before himself, no matter how much pain or discomfort he was in.   He also had a quite staggering appetite for curry.

G and I, mid curry club.

The NHS describes Multiple Sclerosis as "(MS is) a condition which can affect the brain and/or spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

The main symptoms include:

• fatigue
• difficulty walking
• vision problems, such as blurred vision
• problems controlling the bladder
• numbness or tingling in different parts of the body
• muscle stiffness and spasms
• problems with balance and co-ordination
• problems with thinking, learning and planning"

It's a daunting list but Graham dealt with any symptoms with a smile and an overwhelming amount of good humour.  I only wish that I could learn to deal with obstacles in the same way.  

It seems to be one of life's most painful ironies that (to badly quote the song) you really don't know what you've got until it's gone.  Had I thought for a moment that I wouldn't have G in my life for many many years I hope I would have been a better friend, making the effort to see him more rather than getting caught up in my own existence would have most definitely been my gain.  I wish I had told him quite how much he meant to me, how much I valued his kindness towards me, how amazing I thought he was.  Admittedly that would most probably have made us both feel exceptionally awkward but I wish I had done so all the same.

In November I will be running the Adnams 10k to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society  and in memory of my lovely lovely friend.  The MS Society works to both support sufferers and to research cures and treatments.  They are an organisation Graham actively supported, mainly by encouraging the excessive consumption of cake which now seems like a far more sensible option than this running malarkey.   If you would like to donate to this great cause, please visit my Just Giving page by clicking on the link.  This will not only give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling but will also give you the right to laugh at my exhausted huffing puffing state as I drag myself over the finish line and crawl to the nearest bar.

Any support you can give would be really appreciated, no matter how small.  Thank you.