Hopefully expecting an email from the hospital in the summer asking, “How’s November for you?”—instead, I got one from Russia on Monday asking, “How’s April?” That’s just nine weeks away!

Amazing. I was expecting another year of putting up with this Multiple Sclerosis condition I’ve dealt with for the last eight years… and now I’ve got weeks!

Crap, I’ve got some serious fundraising to do! But what a fantastic problem to have. I need to raise £45,000. That’s a lot of money – but it’s doable.

That was Monday. It’s now Saturday, and this week has been AMAZING! I can’t believe how lucky I am. I have so many fantastic friends and family, and I’ve been truly humbled by their support. Even old work colleagues have come up trumps.

This week has totally convinced me that this is going to happen. Nearly 20% raised online, one fundraising meal evening organized (80 tickets sold—sales started just four hours ago!), and it’ll probably be sold out before the weekend is over. I have a lot of family up in Liverpool, and they’re holding their own events too—two, in fact! There’s even talk of a friend cycling 200 miles in a day and possibly another jumping out of a plane. Incredible!

I’ve been completely gobsmacked this week. Massively humbled.

I’ve got so much organizing and writing to do, but every evening this week has been spent replying to countless amazing messages and donations. Not that I’m complaining! I’m just so grateful to have Jen—my fantastic wife—rallying around, making phone calls, organizing auction prizes, and selling meal tickets. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

So, this is my first post of many. I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening, my thoughts, and how I’m getting on.

THANK YOU to everyone who’s been so incredibly supportive so far. I certainly don’t feel alone in this. I’ve been buzzing all week – and we’ve only just begun!