Thanks for visiting Declan's fund-raising page.
Its a Hello from me (Declan) and a hello from him (Pen).

What's is all about Dec?

Amazingly, and completely surprisingly, I have been selected to represent Great Britain & Northern at the World Transplant Games in August 2009 at the Gold Coast in .

Where did that come from?

Well, like most people, I didn't appreciate my health, except when I didn’t have it - but being in renal failure for 2 years in the late 1990s changed that. A kidney transplant in 1999 gave me back what I couldn't do (eat normally, drink normally – try sticking to less than a total of a pint and a half of fluid each day) – basically live.

What have you been up to?

Over the last couple of years, I have been training (well, running, getting injured, demoralized and coming back less fit than when I was injured, and starting all over again), but steadily improving, and competing each year to the UK Transplant Games.

And now ... they want to take me abroad ... to compete in the World Transplant Games (like the Olympics except for people with successful transplants). This is tremendous, as it to raises awareness of the success of organ transplantation (10 yrs this October for me), and of the NHS Organ Donor Register (for the 6,000 or so poor souls still waiting the call – even if you don’t sponsor me, please register onto the NHS ODR by calling 0845 60 60 400 or by logging onto www.uktransplant.org.uk

What are you raising money for?

To get there, I need to raise the money for Transplant Sport to pay for everything involved in my competing, approximately £3,000, to cover:

1. Competitor Flight
2. Competitor WTG Package  (8 nights) plus required additional accommodation to acclimatise
3. Team Kit and equipment
4. Travel to and from Team Training Meetings
5. Training costs-eg fees and coaching costs
6. Insurance
7. Travel to and from Heathrow airport
8. WTG Administration Fee-£50 per competitor

And how are you raising this money Dec?

Well, even more surprisingly, I’m going to cycle from to (having never cycled more that 15 miles in my life).

Just to prove I am not certifiable [I like this bit!], my marvellous Brother-in-Law, Pen Stally, has agreed to do it with me (he at least has his own bike, and also will keep me going for the whole journey) [however he is making the wild presumption that I can actually make it too!]. That said evidence to my sanity is not helped by the fact that I will then run the BUPA 10k on the following day (which means I’ll be the one on the telly hobbling at the back!).

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Transplant Sport gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So ... please sponsor me [us] now!  I will keep this page updated as to progress (or follow me on Twitter as Deccers).

What's the latest on your training?

Monday 4th May: Cycled 5.8 miles down to my mother-in-law's. Lovely ride (ie downhill). Was unable to cycle back (uphill) as it was then too dark. The reason it was too dark was tea (smoked salmon, roast lamb, Eton Mess, Cheese) - needed to keep my energy levels up.

and ... after that auspicious start .......

Wednesday 6th May: 5 mile run - my first since the first week of March (due to falling on both knees on narrow boat steps). Did it in 52 and a half mins - so slow - depressing - it is so easy to lose fitness - and how hard to regain.

Saturday 9th May: Ran 3 miles in Royal Tunbridge Wells, before Katie and Chris got married. Took it easy - as it was so hard to keep at a reasonable pace (at least 6 miles an hour).

Sunday 10th May: Back home, and go cycling. Well, kinda - gears jammed 3 times, but still managed 5 miles.

Sunday 10th May: Back home, and go cycling. Well, kinda - gears jammed 3 times, but still managed 5 miles in 32 mins. Gosh, that's on a bike twice this year !

Monday 11th May: At the track, did 800 metre repetitions (ie 2 laps) with 90 second rests. Did 3 miles of this - but depressingly did not feel fast.

Tuesday 12th May: Swimming - well, about 500 metres (ie 20 lengths) - and boy can I feel the lack of practice.

Wednesday 13th May: Back to running - and managed 5 miles again. Significantly, I stopped slouching as I ran - and found strength and speed. Faster than 6 miles an hour - which is v.pleasing.

Thursday 14th May: Very stiff after yesterday (or is it the 6 days of exercise without rest). Either way, nothing doing,

Friday 15th May: Ditto

Saturday 16th May: Ditto (but did drive to and back to see Warhorse at the New London Theatre - really really good.) So, three rest days, whatever next??

Sunday 17th May: Transplant Training Meeting. Morning - ran 3 miles fast (ie in 28 mins), and then 2 miles slow to recover. Overall, 5 miles at about 6 miles per hour, Really pleased.
Then - swimming training - which I did enjoy, but had many instances of cramp. Making some progress - but very tired after this double-header - I am NOT used to 2 sports in a day !

Wow, you're putting my training to shame, so ... is the bike as ready to go as you are?

Actually, as it is your flatmate who is kindly sponsoring my by loan of a £3k bike (hmm, thinking about it, that's how much I need to raise. Can we ebay it??)

Wednesday 20th May: First day my legs let me - slow 3.2 miles to recover

Thursday 21st May: Swim on the way into work - 14 lengths is 350 metres - that's 350 m more than any morning ever. Oh, and mapped the route - just over 51 milesfrom to - see http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/london%20wimbledon%20to%20brighton/472124294715783899

Sunday 24th May: Well - today's the day. Very nervous about this...


We did it!  So, how do you reckon it went?

 

Monday 25th May: Well, 1 "detour", 1 puncture, 1 pub stopping food 15 mins early so we can't eat there, the short-cut that is Ditchling Beacon, over 52 miles and almost 9 hours later - we made it ! Very tired and emotional. No way was the BUPA 10k possible though...

How does it feel day plus 1?

Tuesday 26th May: And it all still aches. Oh boy.

Wednesday 26th May: A little better - but still climbing is a challenge.

While you're still recovering, how about you tell us a bit about who else has been raising money for you and Transplant Sport UK?

Well, your beautiful sister, Bou Stally,  entered and ran her first 10k even (that's 6.2 miles in old money), in less than an hour, which raised over £700. Not only was it her first 10k, but it was in driving rain and wind - AND SHE DID IT IN LESS THAN AN HOUR ! This really was a magnificent effort, so many, many, many thanks to her for her commitment, resolve and achievement.

 

I am overwhelmed with how the fundraising is going, as Transplant Sport UK will benefit from the giftaid from all sponsorships, and also from any additional funds raised over and above support for me at the World Transplant Games.