Thursday 24 February 2011

Blind Young Things

In 2007 I featured in a Channel 4 documentary called Blind Young Things. Filming took place at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford where I spent a year. It was my first and only experience of specialist education and I’m pleased I went to mainstream school for my main studies. At 18, having spent 8 years losing my vision, regaining some and losing it again, the documentary shows me losing my sight for the final time, my final eye operation and I believe my final moments of bitterness. I cringe to watch it back now, but it depicts a significant period of my life. Generally, I received positive feedback from the public, negative feedback from blinkies and personally I’ve never been sure about it. Obviously, I spent many hours filming and they only select certain parts, I’m not convinced anyone can be shown accurately when edited. The documentary also features two other students, Steve and Dan who take up the majority of the programme.

Anyway, I just thought it would be nice to have a record of the programme on my blog and if anyone feels the urge to watch it you can do so here:

Blind Young Things

Remember, my operation was unsuccessful and I haven’t been able to read, make out shapes or see colours since. They didn’t want an unhappy ending though!

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Feb Injuries

Since my body hates me, I often wonder whether the daily pain, energy and time I put into athletics is worth it. It only takes me a split second to remember why I’m doing it, one dream, one aspiration, one goal.

Ankle – Finally have an appointment for an anti-inflammatory injection on 29th March.
Achilles – Heal still stiff, daily eccentric loading exercises.
Calf – Seems to have calmed down after being massaged out.
Shins – Ouch! Now in both legs, icing, physio, massage, rest, extra daily gluts exercises.

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Hurdle Jumped

Thankfully, finding a new guide runner hasn’t taken as long as I thought it would. She starts today and is a similar speed to my previous guide, which is quick! It is going to take a while to get the technique right, but at least it is a step in the right direction. Let’s hope she’s going to take me all the way to 2012!