Hello and a very warm welcome to my newly relaunched blog. I'm Paul a 40 year old family man from the UK. In this complex, information overload 21st century world, too often we lose sight of what's really important. Here I want to celebrate life, share inspirational stories, throw the spotlight on charities and causes close to my heart. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you all.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Be part of a very special delivery service!



It's always great when you can connect up previous blog entries and themes, and I’m pleased to say that today’s post is a prime example of that.



A couple of weeks back, I wrote about the tireless campaigning being done by Serena Low to raise awareness globally about epilepsy as well as much needed research funds.

If you get chance, please take a look at her blog and if you are on twitter please click on the pink ribbon on the right hand side of this page to show your support.

So while I was on her site, I took a look at the links to see if there was an epilepsy charity that I could support in the UK. I clicked on some of the links and in the process discovered that one of my absolute favourite comedians Russell Howard, was about to run the London marathon along with his sister and his younger brother Daniel who has epilepsy, in support of the National Society for Epilepsy.



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Russell-Howard/6532933343?ref=mf


Pleased to report that Russell finished the course in a very impressive four hours and 20 minutes, and is more than half way to achieving his £10,000 fundraising target – see link below


And now to the third link in this particular chain of positivity.

Russell also happens to host his own weekly topical comedy show called Good News. Having seen the marathon footage, it reminded me that I had one of his shows recorded on Sky plus to catch up on.

As the title suggests, one of the key elements is the show, is that every week, in the middle of all the gags and topical stuff, Russell always takes time out to share inspirational stories.

I have to say that this particular feature really captured my imagination.

He told the story of an incredible young lady called Vikki, who for the past 7 years as been essentially bed bound suffering with severe Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rather than dwelling on her own condition, she drew inspiration from all the cards and post she was sent to cheer her up and how much they meant to her and came up with the idea of Postpals.

Basically, all the sick and seriously ill children registered with her site get post and gifts sent to them from all over the world.

In her words “When I first became bedbound I was sent so many cards it wasn’t long before my walls and ceiling were covered, it became my reason to wake up each day. 
It was this that gave me the idea for Post Pals, although I hoped it would "catch on" I didn't dream it would touch as many lives as it has, both families with seriously ill children and of the volunteers around the world. I'm so very proud of it! I do the running of Post Pals from bed with a laptop, and my room (and I confess a big chunk of my parents house) looks like a cross between a mail room and a toy shop!"

Please , please take a look at the site - if this doesn't move you I really don't know what will. 

Everyone of us can play a part, as well as post, people can send emails, donate to support the service. What could possibly be more rewarding than knowing that a few minutes of your day could mean so much to a poorly little one.

Thanks for reading

13 comments:

  1. Hi my friend

    many thanks for your comments on my posts

    really enjoyed this post as well

    We both love to watch Russels show

    the links to the post pal are not working

    peac ean dlight from us in the wee tin can

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  2. I loved the postpals idea, and the fact she set it all up herself is brilliant. I'll definitely be heading over there. I may enlist my son's help - ten minutes out of his home-school day doing this will be a good lesson for him. Tweeted and rated. Keep 'em coming!

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  3. Thanks Andy, I've sorted the link issue out , really appreciate it!

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  4. Hi Paul,

    I am so moved by your big and warm hearted desires to render your assistance to people who are genuinely in need of moral support, awareness and financial means. I am blessed to be part of a very special "domino effect" network where a good deed is done and being pass on and on unendingly.

    On behalf of everyone who has epilepsy, I thank you very much for walking and sharing our journey with us.

    God bless.

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  5. I have LOTS of reading to do. That you for doing the hard work for me. All I have to do is click on your links. You have presented me with LOTS of ideas about how I can be helping to. I needed that. Thank you.
    Keep it up.
    I'll keep reading!

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  6. Just wanted to say that I love what you're doing with your blog, highlighting all the wonderful charities out there. I'm a nonprofit executive, have worked in the sector most all of my career, and appreciate the attention you're giving to all the good causes that are out there.

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  7. Hi Paul

    nay bother my friend

    i have put a link to your wonderful blog

    on my main blog and also at my wee festival

    keep up the amazing work

    peace and light from the wee rusty tin can

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  8. thanks soulcrafter, cheers for the retweet, yes I think that's a great idea to get your son to support this!

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  9. Hi Serene, your comments mean a great deal to me, I'll hopefully be sharing the journey for many years to come!

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  10. Cheers Katie, I've been inspired by so many fellow bloggers and writers getting in touch about causes closest to their hearts -there are so many amazing things to write about!

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  11. And thank you Kristin, getting smaller charities the recognition they need is a huge task, and I'm more than happy to keep plugging away!

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  12. Paul, blogger ate my last comment. OK, first I have missed some great posts here. For some reason, I have not been getting your post updates. It is now rectified and just to say, you have done great things with your blog.
    My daughter raises funds for deaf and cancer.

    Good luck to all who raises awareness to all their chosen charities.

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  13. Thank you kindly Glynis, it's certainly taking me in some amazing directions already!

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Hi, this blog is all about sharing ideas and feedback - would love to hear from you!