Monday 20 December 2010

It's Christmas


Well, finally, I started into rehab for my injured ankle, although I'm rather frustrated at the mo, as the healing process is very slow. Just as I was becoming more mobile.....down came a heavy blanket of snow and grounded me!!!. Trying to work a white cane through thick snow is a nightmare, as you loose all your landmarks, like kerbs and changes of surface texture.

It might be pretty picturesque and seasonal, but, roll on the big thaw!!!.

On the 2nd Dec, I had the honour of helping switch on the Christmas tree lights and speaking at an event at Stormont in the run up to International Day for Persons with a Disability. It was a really lovely event and my thanks to the Speaker of the House, Mr. William Haye, for inviting me.

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all, a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Thursday 11 November 2010

Chop chop chop!


I'm afraid I've been a bit slack with my blog updates, but, I have been in hospital for another round of surgery which is still ongoing from my accident in 2004.

Unfortunately, when I wiped out my face and lost my identity due to the trauma in Tampa, consultants told me that, to rebuild my facial structure, would be a long process, just like building a staircase, one step at a time.

So, another op ticked off the list, with another planned for the New Year.

Meanwhile, the ankle isn't healing as well as expected and may also require surgery. I broke the talus bone in my ankle in three places and while they weren't bad fractures, the talus bone carries the blood supply to the foot and so, is quite a tricky injury to heal.

Aw well, 'it never rains'....., but, I'm on the mend and looking forward to getting back into routine soon. I never thought I would say it, but, I am really missing training, both in the gym and swimming pool.

My poor body is craving the routine of regular exercise!!!

(Don't pay attention to the jokey photo on the right - I love my doctors really.)

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Sod's Law!


After success at the Meteor Competition in July, everything was on track and going really well in preparation for the 2010 European Disabled Water Ski Championships.

Sod's Law struck, when on my last pass of slalom with my Team Coach in Whitworth, last week, I turned around buoy 3 and got so much angle and acceleration out of the turn, that I let go in order to avoid a bad crash. Unfortunately, the ski gripped the water and the force broke my ankle in 3 places!!!.

I am really disappointed and frustrated at having to miss the European Championships which are running this week from 13-18th Sept, at the beautiful Italian water Ski Federation site

Sunday 15 August 2010

Busy busy busy

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the gap in updating my blog, but, it's been a very busy season, so far.

The Waddle event in June went really well the team of six guys, led by Paul Rainey, spending a grueling week-end walking, then paddling the one hundred miles of the River Banne. I was delighted to join the team on the final day and get into the canoe and do my bit. The week-end challenge along with a Waddle Charity Dinner has raised around £11,000 which will be split between Belfast's, Royal Hospital for Sick Children and A.S.B.H., the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. For more info visit:-

www.thewaddle.co.uk


It's great to be back on the water this season and I've been training in preparation for the upcoming European Championships. They will be held at the Italian Water Ski Federation site in Recetto, near Milan from 13-18th September.

In June I trained at a ski camp in Whitworth with our Team Coach, Andy Knowles and in July, ski coach, Sarah Green, came over to coach at my home club of Meteor at Lough Henny. It's hard work getting back into all three disciplines of slalom, trick and jump, but, I'm really enjoying the challenge of getting back up to speed after missing the 2009 season due to surgery.

On Sun 8th August I competed in the Meteor Open competition. It was a P.B., Personal Best tournament and was fraught with a few technical difficulties, which were very frustrating, but, all in all, I was pleased with my performances and it was great to get back into competition mode. My hubby Paul, has been training to jump guide for me and although, they always say that, "it's not a good idea to teach your wife to drive."....we made a great team and worked well together.

Very well done, Paul!!!.

The British National Championships have been postponed, with a new date to be confirmed. I have one more intensive training camp at Whitworth later this month before going off to the Europeans on 10th September.

Bye.

Wednesday 26 May 2010

The Waddle



When my friends little baby daughter, Zoe, was born with severe Spinabifida and Hydro-cephalous, he decided to set up a charity called The Waddle. Waddle means to both walk and paddle the 100 miles of the river Bann from it's source in the Mourne Mountains to where it meets the sea at Portstewart Strand.

The aim of the charity challenge is to raise awareness of the condition and much needed funds for the Royal Victoria's Hospital for Sick Children. The Waddle will take place from 4-6th June.

I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be Patron of Waddle and I will be joining the team to canoe up the Bann on the final day of the challenge.

You can make a donation, or follow the progress of the Waddle Team on:-

www.thewaddle.co.uk

Sunday 16 May 2010

Ups and Downs!!!

I've just returned from a preseason ski training camp at Extreme Gene Water Ski and Wake Board School, near Cordoba in Spain. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather and an old ongoing injury, training was a little restricted, but, it's great to be back on the water.

I'm delighted to announce that, I've recently become a Special Ambassador for the charity, Concern Worldwide, who do fabulous work to improve the lives of thousands of women in third world countries. I'm looking forward to working with the team on a new and exciting project and will keep you all posted on developments.

I was also thrilled when I was asked to become the Champion of Sport for Derry/Londonderry's bid for the City of Culture. Londonderry is a terrific and vibrant city and deserves this coveted accolade and I am delighted that, sport is included, as it crosses all boundaries, brings people together and can rebuild lives.



On Saturday 8th May, I abseiled off the top of the Europe Hotel in Belfast. As President of Lisburn Sub Aqua Club, I went along with a merry band of ten other members and of course, it was all in aid of a very good cause, The Friends of the Cancer Unit at Belfast's City Hospital. I was really looking forward to the abseil, that was, until I got onto the roof of the hotel and then, the butterflies in my tummy gave a little flutter, at the thought of going over the edge!!!, but, thanks to the confident and expert instructors from the Belfast Activity Centre, it was a fabulous experience and one which I hope to do again in the future.

Tuesday 23 March 2010

The last few weeks have been very busy!!!



I very much enjoyed a visit to Knockmore Primary School, where the children did a fabulous job of interviewing me. Their questions were all very interesting and they had done a good job in researching info on me, with the aid of their teacher, Miss Ruth Montgomery.

It was great fun and my thanks to the pupils and staff of Knockmore for a lovely day.

Mon 8th March was International Women's Day and as Patron of The First Steps Women's Centre in Dungannon, I went along to speak and launch an event on Celebrating Women, at Corrig House in Clogher. The events ran throughout the day and there were many stalls and exhibitions for the women to browse and enjoy.



In the evening, I visited Armagh Library, another event to celebrate International Women's Day, where I spoke and signed copies of my autobiography, Blind Ambition. It was a busy, but, exciting day. It's great to see so much 'Girl Power'!!!.

The weather meanwhile, was playing havoc with Christine Bleakley's Challenge for Sport Relief, to water ski across the English Channel. It was postponed Wed, then Thurs, but, it was the green light and all systems go on Fri morning at 7.30a.m., brrrrr!!!.

The 22 mile stretch of open sea is the busiest shipping channel in the world, so as well as facing the elements, Christine had the wash from many other sea faring craft to cope with. It was a grueling journey, but, Christine has the dogged determination of Ulster women and was dedicated to raising as much as possible for such a worthy cause. Physically and emotionally drained, she completed the challenge in 1hr 40mins, to become the first woman to water ski across the English Channel!!!, raising a hugely staggering £1,300 000!!!. Our International Woman of the week, way to go girl!!!.



As I had been involved in coaching Christine for the challenge, the BBC invited me over on Fri night to surprise Christine on The One Show. She was delighted to see me and it was a very emotional moment.

Very well done and many congratulations to Christine.

Thursday 25 February 2010

Christine Bleakley


Christine Bleakley and the crew from The One Show came over to N.I. last week-end to do some filming with Christine and myself, so I thought you might like a little piece for the magazine. There will be little bits of Christine's progress and preparation on the One Show each evening from 1-5th March.

Christine Practices at Home for Sport Relief Challenge

St. Valentine's Day was rather different this year, as Christine Bleakley and myself, Janet Gray, braved the waters of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

Set on the Co. Down coast, the Lough is the richest in marine life in Europe, with everything from porpoises, seals, basking shark and even the odd whale visiting from time to time. The shores boast seal hauls outs and many nest sites and there's a fabulous aquarium in Portaferry at the mouth of the Lough. The waters may have many species of wildlife, but, these are very dangerous waters, with a tidal current of around 18nts, whirlpools and sunken wrecks, therefore, it is not a water ski area, but, the Council very kindly agreed to open the marina for Christine and I to practice and film, for the upcoming charity event.

Christine, presenter of The One Show on BBC1, is going to water ski across the English Channel in aid of Sport Relief. A mammoth challenge, considering she has only just learned to ski especially for the event!!!.

When Christine asked if, I would coach her and help in her preparation, I was absolutely thrilled. We are both originally Co. Down girls, so Strangford Lough was just the perfect place.

Crowds of excited spectators, friends and family turned out to cheer Christine on and lend their support, as we skied off together braving the icy waters. Christine then watched from the boat, as I skied, gauging the flow of the current beneath me, in order to give Christine as much information and useful tips as possible. Back on board, a quick chat over a hot cup of coffee and Christine was ready to brave the elements again. When our intrepid skier got back into the water, her skiing position had improved a lot and after a further twenty minutes of skiing out in the open sea, Christine's confidence had soared.

Time is short, as the challenge is set for around 10th March, weather depending, of course!!!, but, I have every faith in Christine and know, that she will give 110% on the day!!!. N.I. is very proud of our Christine and we are all behind her and will be cheering her on, every ski of the way!!!.

Go girl go!!!, you can do it!!!.

Tuesday 9 February 2010

Mentality - by Joe Sillet with Karl Morris


Author Joe Sillet along with leading Mind Coach, Karl Morris, have produced a unique book called, Mentality. The book comprises interviews with sixteen famous sports personalities on their secrets of success. Each chapter has been summarised by one of Europe's leading Mind Coaches, Karl Morris and some of the proceeds from the publication will go to the charity, Special Olympics.

The famous names include:-

Ben Ainslie
John Amaechi
Geoffrey Boycott
Laura Davies
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Andrew Flintoff
Dr. Janet Gray M.B.E.
alan Hansen
Damon Hill
Georgina Hulme
David James
A. P. McCoy
Scott Quinnell
Denis Taylor
Phil (the Power) Taylor
Lee Westwood

Mentality is both an inspirational and
motivational must read!!! and is available from:-

www.mentality.tv

Friday 5 February 2010


Last Wed, I went along to visit the children at Carnmoney Primary School, in Newtownabbey. I took along my slalom ski and some World Championship Gold medals. It was great to speak with the Key Stage 1 pupils and answer all their questions.

So far, my autobiography, Blind Ambition, has had rave reviews and been very well received. Please feel free to leave your comments on the web site, I'd love to read them.

I recently took part in another book for charity. Sixteen sports personalities all did a chapter each, with author, Joe Sillet and leading Mind Coach, Carl Morris. The book, A Winning Mind is available in all good book shops from 1st Feb, withthe some proceeds from sales going to Special Olympics.

To learn who the other 15 participants are, log on to:

www.mentality.tv

First Steps Womens Centre, in Dungannon

January was a busy month. It's great to be back into the training schedule, working in the gym and the swimming pool again. Well, I need to knuckle down and get back into routine after indulging in all the lovely Christmas goodies!!!.

Last Monday I went along to the First Steps Womens Centre, in Dungannon, where I was appointed as the centre's first Patron. It is both an honour and priviledge for me in accepting the post and I will endeavor to carry out my duties to the best of my ability. The centre does tremendous work in providing many courses for women in a wide variety of subjects and across many qualification levels, giving students encouragement and the confidence to progress. They also provide a first class child minding facility.

I was delighted to attend the fabulous Coffee Afternoon which was organised to raise much needed funds for the Haiti Appeal. It was great to meet and chat with all the girls and just after a few short hours, the centre had raised £882!!!. Very well done everyone!!!. To learn more about the centre and view the latest pics log on to:

www.southtyronewomenscentre.org

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Mush news for you all.

Hi everyone,

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas.

The run up to Christmas was hectic with media interviews and the book signing tour. I visited Ballymena Library, Bangor's Carnegie Library, Belfast's Grove Library and Lisburn Library. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and my sincerest thanks to the staff involved and all those who came along.

Paul and I enjoyed a lovely quiet, relaxing Christmas at home with the family, but, now it's time to get back into my training routine and preparations for the 2010 ski season!.

Latest news!!!.........

I was delighted to revisit the First Steps Women Centre, in Dungannon for a book signing in December and I was absolutely thrilled, when they asked me to be the Centre's first Patron. I am deeply honoured to receive such a prestigious title and I look forward in 2010, to being involved with the Centre and the fabulous work which they do.

I was also delighted to be asked, to take part in a book called, A Winning Mind. The book's author, Joe Sillet, approached around 20 sports personalities in the U.K. to each do a chapter, with the proceeds from the book going to the charity, Special Olympics. A Winning Mind will be launched on 1st Feb.

Well, they say things come in threes!!!. My involvement with yet another book is on the horizon.

A book called, Two For The Road, is the brainchild of Edel Reck and consists of various challenges around the world, each challenge involves 2 sports personalities, 1 able bodied and 1 disabled.

I think I've got the most exciting challenge, as I will be going off to the arctic to drive a team of huskies!!!. Mush, mush!!!.

Watch this space, for more info on the book and to learn who my mystery partner is for the trip!!!.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and successful New Year.