Crimperman.org

Please sponsor my Movember efforts by clicking the image above.

Earlier this year a really good mate of mine came through prostate cancer. As y9ou can imagine there has been much celebration and thankfulness because of this. But there has also been some reflection and sobriety on the fact that in the UK alone, 10,000 men will not survive prostate cancer. Add to that the thousands who will sadly die from testicular cacner and you begin to see why something must be done.

In order to help raise much needed funds I am growing a moustache.

Yes, a moustache.

Movember is an annual event where thousands of men around the world come together to celebrate the hairy top lip and – more importantly – to raise funds for men’s health charities. It’s called Movember because it takes place during the month of November (see what they did there?).

This year I am taking part and I will be keep you updated on the progress of my fine nostril warmer as the month progresses. I am asking you lovely people to sponsor me. You can do this online at this link.

Many thanks to those who already have sponsored me and to in advance to those who will. I hope to culitvate a moustache worthy of your sponsorship.

You know those Think Bike ads. Don't ignore them. This is why.

On Friday morning my motorbike was involved in a head-on collision with a car. You can see what happened to the bike on the right. Miraculously I walked away.

I am grateful for the prayers of friends and relatives who found out when my wife tweeted about the incident. I’m also grateful for the fact that I walked away from it and was back at work on the following Monday.

I am also very grateful for the people who – during the time I was waiting for the bike to be recovered – stopped to check I was okay or if I needed medical assistance etc. including those who gave their details as witnesses. In total I counted:

• 5 cars
• 7 motorcyclists (4 of whom stopped and came to chat despite me waving them on)
• 2 vans
• 7 pedestrians
• 2 bus drivers ( one of whom stopped twice)

I was offered four cups of tea, the loan of two mobile phones and an umbrella! We keep getting told by various parties that “We’re all in this together” as some kind of catchy slogan but my experience shows me that so many of us already know and act accordingly.

Incidentally the A & E at King George  hospital in Goodmayes, Essex – where I went to be seen (nothing broken) is currently under threat of closure. For my part I’ll just say the treatment I received was excellent, cost me nothing (NHS at work again folks) and was carried out in a friendly and professional manner. All this was despite the unit being very busy even for a Friday afternoon. If this unit closes it will be a great loss to the community and a great shame on those who close it.

So thank you to those who stopped, thank you to the staff at King George hospital A & E  and thank you to all those who prayed.