It started great. Monday the 10th, I had a new record Mayo News, Connaught Telegraph and The western People for Barnacarroll Foróige Club. Again thanks Guys and especially Helena and Sandra. Unbelievable work.

On Tuesday the 11th of November, I found out I had A-symptomatic Gout from the mater, another tablet for the kidneys. The next day the 12th I have lung function test and it had dropped by 6% for no exact reason but to be monitored next Feburary but as worry set in. I did my usual and made waves and arranged an appointment for 2nd of December. When leaving the doctors office, o2 call to say that I’m back to work this Wednesday 19th of November. Along with all this the engine light is on in the car and the guy I bought it off wants €50 to put it on a machine. A “kindly” worded mail was sent and we will see how that fairs out.

So needless to say the exercise was tough, with exhaustion setting in on Thursday before the torture Chamber on Friday. Alot of food was consumed with a mindset of never give up at anytime I felt full it pulled me through over 3500 calories per day.

Friday Night I made a speech in The Failte Bar for Claremorris Golf Club supporting Organ Donation. The place was packed and from all the talks, this one was probably the hardest. I tried to reiterate the point that anyone in that room could be sick in the morning and life is unpredictable.  Nerves set in but I got through it and I hope it helped people think about organ donation. What amazed me was the look in people’s faces that know I have CF, that I had lived with or drank with. Some obviously don’t read this as they seemed surprised about transplant and the life of someone with CF. Also Darren Cawley gave his amazing story of a normal life of being Connaught champion in handball then vision problems which lead to final stages of Kidney failure. He got hope at 21 but didn’t work out but he never gave up. Then Kidney dialysis and going to hospital twice a week for 9 years while trying to live a normal life, when going to get an engagement ring for his lovely wife Aoife, he got the call of a lifetime, a transplant. A common element was the different sides people have to all stories and how this is a real thing with real people that are family,  friends or just acquintences. I left in the hope people now live life to its limits and have no regrets.

“Put all our problems in a pile and you won’t be long taking yours out”

Sunday was a happy day of the christening of baby Saoirse. It topped of a tough week with a new goal of raising some funds for CF West and awareness for organ donation with “Face your fear for CF.” This is the brainchild of Kevin “pups” Daly, Rosie’s brother and a friend of mine of over 14 years. Plan is for Kevin, who can’t walk down shop street in Galway for the fear of a bird attacking him, holding one, hopefully an Owl for 20 seconds and me who is terrified of snakes, holding one for the same (not in the same room obviously). ONLY IF €500 is raised. And for every €50 over, 10 seconds will be added on. The event will take place providing money is raised on the 6th of December in London. It’s genius really because people who are sick are facing fears 24/7. It will be filmed so head on over and get donating or get it on FB

P.s I’m now at 66.4KG.

#gains
#keepmovingforward