Today, I did as I promised Sharon at QEH, and

went to Bath to cheer on all the brave (and fit!) people

at the Bath - Transplant Games!

I spoke to Sue Anderson with the "Transplant Bus" who was

slavishly asking (sucessfully!) people to sign the donor register.

She was interested in my story, and emparted her story to!

I also met several other recipients, who were equally grateful for

the wonderful work at QEH, and for thier "Gift Of Life"!

It's a great event, on all this weekend, with a festival atmosphere

with smiles from winners (and runners up!).... If you are near, make

time for this wonderful event and cheer on the brave individuals!

(I paid my fee, and joined up, so watch this space for next year?!)

Had a rare treat today!

Wrangled a tour of the Morgan Car factory!

Dad and I went up. The beloved Aston Martin had to come to

as she wanted to see her fellow British Cars being

made! (Although it was hard going coming back! I

was exhausted, and Dad fast asleep to my left didn't

help!) She was not designed for motorways, and roared

her disgust all the way home!

Where does one start with the Morgan tour however?!

1) They STILL make the frame/body from WOOD and aluminium!

(Just like in 1930!)

2) They still have thier stuffed owl (real, NOT plastic!) in the roof to

scare birds to stop them pooping on the cars!

3) They have modified thier runabout/golf cart to look like a Morgan!

4) In some models they still have wooden planks for the floor, KART spring

rear suspension, and a BEAM rear axle! (Most makers stopped this in about 1980!)

5) They still have and use the 100 year old WOODEN body moulds!

6) They do all thier trimming, spraying, testing, and manufacturing!

Half of me was amazed they could still be in business with such ancient

technology, and traditional skills!....BUT THEY ARE, and positively THRIVING!

My hat is off to them, they are the ONLY privately owned car maker in the UK,

and have been for a hundred years! Mr Morgans, great grandson runs it all still !

James, Pat, and I went to the VSCC hillclimb meeting

at Prescott Hillclimb today.

(VSCC = Vintage Sports Car Club.)

WOW!

As it was Vinatge (pre-1930) day, there was some amazing

leviathans there with aero engines (25litre, and no exhaust!)

All still being RACED by insane enthusiasts, whilst drive chains,

gears, drive parts all whizz by their legs, with no safety cages,

seat belts, roll bars etc! (MY kind of fun!)

The smell of Castrol-R race oil, and various home made petrol mixes

was intoxicating. What a wondeful day, and a reminder of just how

MAD we Brits still are!!

Managed to get the pics from earlier to

upload!

(Images to large a file for my poor internet

to cope with?!)

Have a giggle now, at the pics below!!...

After we all reviewed (with laughter!) the "On ride"

pictures we found, Luke remarked....

"On every ride, and EVERY picture we looked at, you

just don't get scared do you?!...."

I guess once you face your mortality, G force and speed, don't

seem to matter?! But I had a GREAT day, and hope you have a giggle

at the size of Emilys SCREAM!!

Jane and I took the kids (& Janes "BIG kid" brother & Tom)

to Thorpe Park!

I had planned on just enjoying the rides vicariously, as

everyone else rode them, but in "Typical Matt" style threw

caution to the wind and just went for it, and had a go to!!

Thank you to QEH, and my expert surgeon, who it appears

CAN sew very well ! I was thrown about all day, and loved it!

(And not bits fell out, OR leaked!!)    

The walking was hard going as I am still a little unfit, and my

poor legs took some stick! However, I undertook a lovely day

trip that would have been IMPOSSIBLE in 2008/Pre-Transplant!

"Go Man Go.......! "

Well my petition is growing in momentum!

PLEASE tell everyone you know, and ask them to sign it!

(I need 500 signatures to be taken seriously!)

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freemedicationfortransplantpatients/

I have had some nice & very supportive letters back....

Some heavy weights have joined my cause! Please be one to!

We all had a day out with the racer today....

"The Good".....(The Legend) Emily

"The Bad"....... James Gould

"The Ugly"....... ME!.....

We went to Llandow, and met up with the ever friendly John,

and his new companion "Alfie" who's 11 weeks old and very nibbley!

(They are a nice crew at Llandow and John always makes us welcome.)

The Jedi ran well, after we'd sorted last times misfires/problems, and

despite my agonising back, I managed a few laps, and reminded myself

how much fun it was!

Emily was on hand to warm up the car, check tyres, steering, and be

(An excellent) pit girl ! She declined a go, as reaching controls was an

issue for safety, so modifications required for her! She was a great help

and got the hang of the technical requirements quickly.(Me thinks her

curiousity and "gung ho" attitude will lead to a go soon?!)

James had a good blast, and renewed his enthusiam for Single Seaters?

(He also had a considerable laugh at my expense, and I crouched to help

him with harnesses, my aged overalls decided it was time my goolies had

an airing so retracted thier coverage! RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPP!!)      :-O

Dad, and Andy Blackman also came along, but took the view that a chat in

the sun while the boys played, was much more relaxing!!

Top day had by all!!

(1st see the below entry...)

Matt's done it again!...

A "Typical Matt" moment overcame me!....

(Well I do love the colour Blue!)

I arrived on the drive, Jane opened the door, grinned,

slapped her forehead (better than slapping me!) and

then said:

"You'd better cover that up, it's going to rain!...."

WHAT A GIRL!!......  :-)

(Yes, Sharon/QEH I WILL be careful!!)

As you all know Matt (AKA "The Squirrell") is a

curious and inquisitive creature!

I have a strange fascination with vehicles that are

reputed to be awful to own and expensive to run ?!!

Examples:

TVR=Unreliable, badly built?

Morgan=Archaic wood chassis,

outdated styling, bad road holding?

Harley Davidson= Lumpy and lethargic engines,

outdated suspension, awful brakes, poor handling?

Yet these seemingly dreadful things have "CULT" status?

In "Typical Matt" fashion....I got curious!

(My thanks to my foreheadslapping, and

unendingly patient Jane! Who had this thrust

upon her tonight....) x

Donna just rang from QEH......

Rejection Biopsy was "Clear"!.......

Yippee!

This means I don't have to go back for a while, a slight

alteration to my drug regime, but nothing to worry about!

I have still got a sore neck, and been VERY tired today, after

a long day yesterday, back and forth to Birmingham, and

also anesthetic etc, so been pooped out and resting!

(One very pooped Squirrell !)

Just got back from QEH.....

(I've been a bit lapse in my updating when I have been up

for checks, but you can sumise that no news is often

good news?!)

I had the full MOT today! Bloods, ECG,

operation/Biopsy, Echo, X-Ray and chat

with Doctor etc. Feeling a bit "OUCH" as my neck

etc is sore from the Biopsy....   :-(

Full results in later tonight, or tomorow?

(As I think new building/labs may still be finding thier feet?)

Watch this space!

(Below, NEW QEH buildings - Isn't it HUGE!)

I was one of the fortunate, and honoured few who were

invited to Georges "Sliderfest"!  (George is in the 2nd picture!)

The legend that is George Pople, last year organised "Ciderfest"

for his birthday. So to try to top it, this year we had "Sliderfest"!

George shares my philosphy that you have one life, it's short,

so enjoy your friends, and laughter. He also derives pleasure in doing things

purely for the hell of it, because it CAN be done if you put your mind to

it!  ( A kindred and inspirational spirit!)

The logistics of his "Enterprise" required input and favours from good

freinds, and HARD work, but he pulled it off!...The somewhat ropey task of

transporting liquid to his site, on a trailer was risky but worked! Then began

his plan..... (Executed to perfection, Iam sure you'll agree!)

I think the photo's say it all !!

Thank you mate for a great day, and enjoyable evening!!

Photos kindly pinched from Matthew Wickes, & George Pople with thanks!!

I took myself off to Dyrham House with my friend and

walking companion Lewis!

Dyrham holds alot of History for my family, as my great Grandfather

was thier furniture maker and my great Granny was in service there to

and thats how they met, and I ended up here!!

The house is fabulous and the gardens and grounds are immaculately

kept and maintained. We had a good walk down (& up!) the winding and meandering

drive to the house, and mooch around the grounds! (All good excerise to keep

steriod fat at bay!!)

I bought a kids kitem and tried to fly it, but as I opened the packet, the breeze died!

The kite had a big ASS on it, which, ironically is how I felt with a kite on a still day!!

Great afternoon out, and a cheeky ice cream........sssshhhhhhh!!  ;-)

Further to my last post about "Free Prescriptions..."

(See below.)

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freemedicationfortransplantpatients/

As you can imagine, I have been going at it in

"Typical Matt" fashion, and looks like

I have support from high and unexpected places!!

I have recived 2 very nice and supportive letters from

Steve Webb MP, and from Proffessor Gilmore at the

Royal college of Physicians!

BOTH support my campaign and have both lobbied

the Prime Minister on my behalf!!

Wish me luck!!

I have currently got a "Bee in my Bonnet" !

After a £90.00 charge for my medications/pills I began to

look into NHS rulings on FREE prescriptions etc.

Turns out, unless you meet a series of criteria you do not qualify!

(However if you are over 65, unemployed, asylum seeker, etc you CAN

get FREE NHS care for everything!)

UK residents who meet certain criteria CAN get a "Medical Exemption"

card for free prescriptions etc with an FP92A form. (In brief) If you have Cancer,

are a Diabetic, or have certain other illnesses you CAN get an exemption

card for "Life Preserving" lifelong medication! I felt this was unfair as we Transplant

patients also need "Life Preserving" medication to combat rejection etc, and

it is also a life long requirement, so WE ALSO meet this description!

So in "Typical Matt Style" I decided this was unfair, and have resolved to

solve this discrminatory policy! Mr Cameron has a letter en route, so do

numerous other depts!

You to can help me achieve this goal ! I made an online petition you can sign!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/freemedicationfortransplantpatients/

Please help me/US..... Thank you !

Top afternoon!....

Afternoon tea at Ston Easton House Hotel, with fellow members

& guests of the Somersert Automobile club. (Big thanks to Chris Bigwood

for organising this again!)

Lots of old friends (with thier even older cars!) and, more to the point,

lots of delicious cakes! (If any of the Transplant team are reading this,

I only had a couple, and walked them off after! - HONEST!!)

Took my little poppett for a top meal today!

We went to Lucknam Park for a lovely Sunday lunch

its it's bistro, and then a wander around the grounds.

It's a beautiful place, and the food was fantastic. We tootled

up in "The Ark Royal" and really enjoyed the time together!

(Going to have to have a MEGA walk to loose THAT meal, tomorow!)

Well, I made it to my 2nd (post transplant!) Birthday today....

Had a lovely relaxing day in the sun!

However the heat from my (coughs!) numerous candles

may have added to global warming and the melting of the

ice caps?

If you find a polar bear in your garden tomorow I am VERY sorry!!

Since the cutting of one of my drugs, I have piled on

the pounds! I have been trying to walk and exercise it off!

Went to Westonbirt Arboretum today for a stroll. It was serene,

relaxing, majestic, and as ever awe inspiring to see Mother Nature

at work!

DEFINATELY recomend a visit!!

QEH rang...

Rejection still low!...(Wipes brow!)

Got to alter medications a bit, but otherwise okay for a while!

SO pleased, as I was convinced I had rejection, as I felt very achy,

breathless, hold and cold, lethergic, maybe I just got symptoms

confused with a BAD cold I just had?! Back up there begining of July....

Happy Squirrell !!

Off to QEH Monday, for operation/Biopsy, Xray, ECG,

Echo, Blood tests etc, to check for rejection....

Feeling lousy, achy, legs heavy, lethargic, sleepy,

no energy.  Got STINKING cold/bug to! . . . . . . . . . . . . .

:-(

Wish me luck!

Mother nature fascinates me!........

Whilst clearing a freinds pond, the diversity of life was

amazing! Creatures of all shapes and sizes that had

found the pond (That is out in the middle of nowhere!)

and were happily living and breeding!

As you know, Greater Crested Newts are protected by law,

and it was wonderful, to fill 2 buckets with them!! Also I had

forgotten what awsome and menacing creatures Dragon Fly Nymphs

are!!

All accompanied by the sun, and a big, happy, healthy Toad!

Got the GeoCaching bug now!........

Decision made to place and upload a "Squirrell Cache"!

After finding a suitable and water tight container to bury,

I decided I would use this new  and increasing popular

hobby to promote the organ donation register etc!

(Any excuse to get more donors registered and a fun and

novel way to do it?!)

I crammed my "Cache" with donor card applications, put in a

few balloons, Transplant.org pens, donor "Gonks" and a few

trinkets for the kids? (As it appears families take the kids on these hunts

as a cheap and fun day out?) Then I put in a fun scroll to read, about when and

why I put this stuff in!

I worried about it being found okay, so chose a good, easy to find location under

our HUGE local Ash Tree, and decided to mark the hole with a "Squirrell" stone

to make locating the burial site easy and entertaining! I cut a stencil of a

Squirrell, sprayed in onto a stone slab and dragged it to my spot!!....

Wait and see if anyone finds it now,and keep an eye on my "Cache Log"!!

GET YOUR WALKING SHOES OUT!!    

Found a top new excuse for a walk!....

(Not that I need an "excuse" with my great new ticker!

Love to walk, JUST BECAUSE I CAN!!....)

www.geocaching.com !

Its a fantastic idea to make going out for a walk fun and exciting!

The premise is simple. You set up/join (Free!) and then have access

to the GEO-graphical CACHE -stashes! People hide/bury "Caches" along

foot paths, public areas etc and then post the co-ordinates as a kind

of "Treasure Hunt"! The rules are simple. You respect the users and the

web sites ethics etc, and play fairly! Everytime you find a "Cache" you

open it, take something (small toys/trinkets/novelties/pen etc) write a

note in the visitors book in the box/container, put your own thing in to

replace the taken item, reseal-rebury it, log on and update the cache

log so the original stasher knows who's been to thier "Treasure"!

My friend Lewis and I decided to try it, and found our first one! It was

so exciting looking for it, and we eventually found it hidden low down in

some tree branches, in a clump of trees in the middle of a field! We found

all sorts of things, and read the various visitors notes, and found an E-trackable

token, which we will "re-locate"!

We had a great walk in the fresh air some laughs trying to find the Cache!

The Squirrell will have to do one now! 

(Watch this space!)

Today was the great atmosphere, that is "Italian Day" in Bristol.

Once a year, all the local Italian Car, Bike, and Scooter owners

converge on a street in Bristol, and just park up! They back

onto the pavements, hard standings, double yellow lines,

ANYWHERE where there is room! Looks chaos, but its a GREAT

atmosphere, and a chance to see some rare (And not so rare!)

Cars and Bikes. (And no police in sight - Thanks guys!) It's an

anual and fun event that LOADS go to!

James Gould and I went. I met up with my friend John Crookes (Pic 4 -waving!)

and drooled over his concours 1963 Parilla (Pic 5.) I also saw vetran

Alfa owner, Mick Hurst (Pic 4 -In Blue jumper!) and ogled his magnificent

1930's? works Alfa Romeo (Driven by Enzo Ferrari himself?!) The Alfa's

still going strong (Pic 6.)

I have uploaded a few other favourites to!

However, my endering memory will be the 3 lads, (early 20's?)

who walked past us at the "Italian Car and Bike day" and 1 said

to another (In a broad Bristolian accent!)

"Ere'....I seen loads of dem Ferrari's, Lamborghinis, and Maserati's,

and tuns of dem Ducati's and stuff...But I aint seen no Porsches yet?!"

It was gem to behold, and took me 5 seconds to stiffle my laughter!

Donna just rang me, from QEH....

Rejection still at controlable level for now!...

PHEW!....(Wipes sweat from brow!)

Even had a bonus, my steriod dose is coming down a bit, and so

is my Cyclosporin....(All good, less toxins floating about in Matt?!)

I am ok for now, not got to go back until May now. REALLY happy boy!

:-)

Off to QEH tomorow for Biopsy, ECG, Xray and blood tests

for rejection testing.

I have my fingers and toes crossed for no/low rejection!!

Keep your extremities crossed for me to please!

:-)

Riddle me this....

Q: What sort of person, with a pellet gun, shoots 2 rabbits,

doing no harm to anyone, in the back, whilst they are asleep

cuddled up together in thier run?

A: Some sort of cruel, heartless Bast**d !

RIP:  Barney and Muffin.

(Going to miss my little guys.)

:-(

Dad and I are planning to go for a boys day out tomorow.

I have hired a race track for the day, so we are taking a

toy to play with!

Whilst manouvering the trailer I bent down a bit fast!......

MY FAVOURITE "Lambretta" Jeans to!

Rrrrrrrriiiiiiipppppppppppeeerrr!!

(Definately need to watch those steroids and diet!)

My frieind Lewis and I decided to take a walk in

our local country side to appreciate its spring glory,

and excercise my new heart!

We strolled for miles, stopped for a (MUCH appreciated

cheeky shandy!) then plotted a route home...

After 6 hours on the move! We notched up 10.2 miles!

(My legs are agony!!)

Even made a new furry friend en-route!

(And made it home intime for a spectacular sunset!)

WOW....

Thats what I call HUGE !...

Wouldn't want a sting from that! (Queen? -Hornet.)

(Sorry blurry pic!)

I am now about to see my 2nd easter thanks to my new heart!

(Ironic resurection from the dead also?!)

J.C. would be jealous?!

I am on a diet, as QEH have told me to shift some weight to lighten

load on heart and help drugs work (some work on body mass, so less

you weight, the less you need? And they work better to?) The sad bit

about this, is missing out on the choccy eggs!

I couldn't decide which egg to treat my Jane with, so decided to

make my OWN "Chocolate Easter Bunny"!   ("Typical Matt" I hear you cry!)

and fill it with treats/sweeties for her!...............But how to do it?

Then I remembered making a paper mache egg at school, and painting it!

So "Typical Matt" style, I embarked on my (rather silly, but fun) endevour

for Jane!

1st I found a balloon....4 layers of mache, and 2 feet to hold him up!

2nd I made some ears. 

3rd A nose and cheeks!

4th Bond it altogether (can you see him taking shape?!)

5th Wait until dry, (or use hairdryer for hours!) then PAINT HIM!

6th Cut a hole in him and fill with sweeties and chocs for my girl!

She laughed, uttered something about "TO much time on your hands!"

but gave me a BIG kiss.....

Made it all worthwhile!    ;-)

Heard this, liked it, and never thought of it like this!!

"Don't think of organ donation as giving up part of yourself

to keep a total stranger alive.  Its really a total stranger

giving up almost all of themselves to keep a part of you alive."

Think on that one!

Organ donation awareness month! 

www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Got my next lot of salads ongoing today!

You Can't beat FRESH Carrots, Onions, Lettuce etc straight

out of the ground!

Got mine planted today! (In a remote corner, UP away from the

ever pee-ing Louis the Labrador!)

22.6.10 - COMING ON A TREAT - SEE UPDATED PIC!

Further to my 24.11.09 post...

After deciding to embark on my "Build a Bike Project"

I thought it wise to have a decent space to do it in?!

I dug out my faithfull orange and grey tool boxes, and

decided, in "Typical Matt" style I would do things properly!

(I can't stand working in grubby, cold garages, with everything

getting dirty on the floor, and no room to work!)

We have a spare workshop/garage that was just filled with excess

household items etc (See: JUNK!) I seeked the necessary planning

consent, and applied for a "Change of use" certificate from the

controlling authority (JANE!) and undertook my works, to seal it all,

mend roof,  paint it, (rather analy, to match tool boxes!)  ;-)

After LOTS of hard work in the cold, and re-use of old furniture items

I am pleased with the results!

Below are "Before" and "After" pics...Which do you prefer?!

Great day out today!...

Dad and I had a "Boys Day" out. We went to the "Race Retro" Show,

at Stoneleigh. GREAT event with lots to see (And buy!) for the

car fiends amongst you.

We got a spare for the Aston Martin (At 80% discount!) some tools,

and I haggled myself a great pair of trousers!

Some fantastic cars to look at (But camera went flat before we got

to them!) and LOADS of imaculate historic Bikes to drool at!

Below are pics of MY favourite things, and a pic of DADs favourite

thing of the day!!  ;-)

Phone just went....!!

QEH called.....

Rejection still managable!  (Wipes brow!)

Still feeling BAD, got bunged up airways, eye infections, bones hurt,

and skin really itchy, but TOTALLY worth it!!....(Even lost a LITTLE

weight, so my efforts in gym and with eating are starting to show?)

Pills are still being juggled abit, with my anti rejections, still on a

high dose, and Anti Fungals still required. BUT steriods down by 2.5mg!

(Doesn't sound much, but it all helps!)

The Squirrell is around a it longer it would seem?....   :-)

Off for my check up tomorow at QEH....

Keep fingers and toes crossed please!!

Watch this space!.......

My friend Simon, completed the Bath Half Marathon today!

I want to congratulate him on his efforts and to recognise all

his hard work and training. Simon works hard, and (I think)

spends a lot of time "desk bound" making his efforts to get

his fitness up that much more impressive! (Simon overcame an early

injury and set back to push on to full fitness!)  

Simon has a friend who has been treated by Bristol Southmead

Hospital, and thier care has been so good, Simon wanted to fund

raise for them to show thier appreciation to the hospital for looking

after and caring for his friend, (An admirable sentiment!)

WELL DONE! We are all very proud of your achievment!

The answer to yesterdays question is......

...........................  ICE !  ! ........................

I found this fascinating! The patterns and delicate fibres of ice,

like leaves and branches on a tree? (I took the pictures of the

ice that was on the outside of our bedroom window.)

Sorry, no prizes for correct answers! (I am to mean!!)  ;-)

I found this FASCINATING!....

Can you guess what it is?.....

10/10 to QEH!....

They pulled it around! It seems the battering with drugs,

and the time frame/quantities were spot on! Although

rejection is ongoing, is back to a managable level, and

it appears from my Echo, Xray, etc that the Heart function is "ok"

to?....

Got to rejig drugs, and up quantity abit, and take extra for a

month or so, I am back for another Biopsy/operation in 3 weeks

to see how it's going?

NEVER been this relieved!!!   Woo Hoo!!

BIG thanks to Sharon, Majid, and Team!! (&

of course Jane, and my family! x)

Go Man Go!........

Up to QEH today for operation/Biopsy.....

Am REALLY apprehesive!....

WATCH THIS SPACE!......

I feel wiped out!....

Since I found out I have rejection, I have been feeling

REALLY low. I have worked SO hard to watch my diet,

exercise, make the most of EVERY day, take my various

pills on time, check my weight, and temp etc meticulously,

that I (niavely!) thought I could hold off rejection! (Dumb eh?!)

I feel totally dejected, and depressed and my normally positive

attitude is slipping away.......When QEH rang, they told me to take

100mg of a drug on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, then drop back

to my usual dose of 10mg. I think taking 10x times the usual

dose has really hit home now! I ache, all my joints hurt, I feel

exhausted, and sleep until almost lunchtime, (BUT seem to have

become nocturnal? I lie awake until 5 or 6am, before I get tired?)

The new (Anti viral?) drug is also some horrid stuff, it makes me feel

really sick all day, and gives me a banging headache that I can't shift!

(And leaves an acidic taste in the mouth, like you've just been sick?)

I really feel like I have had a good kicking, everything hurts, and I just

can't shift this lethergy, and drowzyness all day. I go out in the fresh

air and push myself to go for a walk, but it hurts so much I almost cry,

and I feel my eyelids getting heavy even in this temperature!

Can't wait to get back to QEH, I need to know whats going on....

The waiting is awful....

Saturdays "revised" /increased drugs to try to stop rejection?

(And they taste HORRID!!) The increase in dose has left me

with ravenous hunger, DRAMATIC mood swings, tears for no

reason, insomnia, nausea, and low immune system so can't

see my Jane on Valentines?     :-(

Feeling crap to, as biopsy didn't got to well for me, and I

must've slept awkwardly, as it all kicked off today, and had

to get GP/nurse to re-patch me!       :-(

NORMALLY my specialist Majid is immaculate with his work

and usually not a drip in sight, but just not my day on Thursday?!

QEH just called.....

I am rejecting my heart. I am GUTTED....

I am not sure what happens now, and how and if QEH can help?

One of my med's has gone up 10 fold as of tomorow, so that can't

be a good sign, and got to start another drug ASAP.

They will call me tomorow when my rejection drug blood test

results are in and I guess we go from there?....WATCH THIS SPACE!

:-(

Off to QEH tomorow for my rejection test and Biopsy!

Am REALLY nervous as ever! Keep your fingers crossed

for me and wish me luck!!

Hope I am not in for a nasty shock? (Like this guy?!)  ;-)

Time for a new hobby, (to fund this blog/hosting etc!....)

For all you wannabe Lewis Hamiltons & Jenson Buttons,

you need to start in Karting!....(GREAT fun, in my opinion!)

Wish me luck!   www.kartpartz.co.uk

Sorry.....

This made me laugh out loud, so thought it only fair to share!

Plesae Please Please....All you guys who log on to so say

read my posts from "pay day loan" firms, "teeth whiteneing"

companies, and "online meds" DON'T leave comments.....

I am aware it's just a rouse to get links/improve your "google"

status etc, so we delete them! Save your energy!.... and leave the

site for those who are genuinely interested in my progress and the

intricate life of a transplant recipient, as it's intended!

I don't make a penny from this site, so no point trying to piggy back

it for your OWN financial gain!

Thank you.

Had a HUGE walk around the Autosport show at the NEC

today with Dad. (Pooped out now! But still amazed at how

far my new ticker will power me!)   ;-)

WWW.autosport-international.com/public/

We had a good drive up in the snow and fog, met a couple of

old friends, and had a good mooch about! There was LOADS

of trade stands selling stuff, and not many cars to look at, so

was a bit dissapointing. BUT the cars that were there were very

interesting and some ultra RARE!....

Here are some of my favourites!....

I think he may be stalking me?!.....

Isn't Mother nature amazing?....

Billy Connolly once said......

"There's no such things as bad weather, Just inappropriate clothing!"

How true!

I have been in bed the last few days, with a temp, and awful Flu

like symptoms, and a blocked nose trying to break in?! So today

I threw off my duvet, and lethergy, and decided some "S**t or Bust"

action was required?

I decided that if warmth and rest wasn't making me better, then I would

try the COMPLETE opposite, so exercise in the cold was required?!....

I dug out my old Power Boat Race suit/overalls, that are insulated,

waterproof, hooded, and imperviuous to most waether, my best fur hat,

(I felt I owed it to the Chinchillas memories, who all gave up thier lives

for the hat?!) And my trusted (and hated by all !) shades, and set

off in the snow....

I am so pleased I did....I had forgotten the crisp majesty of it all. Also

I had forgotten how lucky I am to live in the wonder of natures back garden!

The virgin snow, animal tracks, bird foot prints allowed a rare glimps into

thier daily routes.... I LOVED IT !!  :-)

Happy New year?!

I feel crap!  (Got a cold/ "Man Flu" ?!)

:-(

As you may or may not know, my nickname is "Squirrell" !

For my 1st "Anniversary" of my new heart, Jane sent me this......

(I think I have something in my eye....excuse me!)  

;-)

We celebrated my 1st Aniversary on 2.1.2010 with a meal.

Due to delay in table, the nice barman suggested we go outside,

so the kids could see the Horses in the adjoining field....

Conversationwent something like this:

("B"= Barman  "M"=Matt "K"= Kid/s!)

B. Why don't you go outside and see the Horses in the

field that backs onto the Garden?

K. Ok...Thank you.

B. If you look Kids, you'll see one of them got a lovely

young foal in tow!

K. Cool !

B. But BEWARE kids, the foal has been known to BITE people

so be VERY careful !

M. Thats ok, I have a way with Animals, we should be okay?

K. SO...."Horse whisperer!" How did it go?!!

1 Year TODAY since my Transplant!....

What a great day for me last year, but an awful day for

another family somewhere....Today my thoughts go out to

them and my eternal thanks go to the foresighted individual

who gave me my "gift of life".

I had a rough start to 2009, but with the support of QEH, my

Jane & Family. I scrambled back onto my feet, gradually eased

myself into the starting blocks, and now I am going for it with all

my new energy and vitality!

Happy New Year to all and thanks for your interest in my progress!

I made a Turkey Curry from our left overs on

Boxing Day....Delicious!

(I ate FAR to much, even the pets had to sleep it off!!)

Merry Christmas to one and all !

Slurp!....

Look at that baby!....(Now in Freezer!)

:-)

The results are in!....

It WILL be a Merry Xmas in our house!....

NO REJECTION!....(For now!)

Although my euphoria, is tainted by the thought of the Lung

Transplant Lady, who had to stay due to Pneumonia, and also

another recipient who rejected, and has to stay in?....My thoughts

go out ot them and thier famileis at Xmas.

But for now at least.......

Wish me luck!.....

Up to QEH tomorow for rejection tests, biopsy, blood tests,

echo, ECG, and Xray etc....

EVERYTHING CROSSED FOR NO REJECTION at Xmas....

Jane and I had a day out....

(To celebrate an anniversary we thought we'd never have!)

To ALTON TOWERS!....(Great idea after a Heart Transplant?!)

Turns out........IT WAS!

I was worried about my chest/ribs etc, in case the G forces of some

of the smaller rides would hurt it, and also if the G forces would unplug

any bits?! (Sounds stupid I know...) I was frightnened of having to go to

QEH holding a bag and say, "This bit fell out?!.....Can you sew it back in?!"

I also had concerns about all the walking about, as it was VERY cold, and raining!

But, my new ticker positively rose to the challenge, and we did EVERY single

ride, some twice! (Even the BIG ones!)    WOO HOO!

Another "Mini Adventure" under our belts!...

Thanks Jane, for a great day out! Xx

Jane and I went to a lovely castle....  (Caldicot?)

All in ruins, sadly, but interesting! Great day out, and climbed

all the spiral stairs easily!

Bounded up most!!

GO MATT!   :-)

I get asked alot, how many drugs I have to take

to stop rejection etc etc....

The answer would have to be, "Enough to make Jimi Hendrix

proud, on his first day at Woodstock!....."

;-)

Here's tomorows!....... (And they are doing well so far!)

New "Enduro bike" project on hold, following the realisation

that steriods make you get FAT really fast! I diet to TRY

to prevent weight gain, and exercise rigorously to try to burn

it off, but it creeps back, so in "Matt Fashion" it was thinking caps

on, and solution required to prevent strain on my glorious new ticker!....

;-)

REALLY Funny....

Some jokes a bit close to the bone, but a witty, and

observant comedian, with a rapier wit, and clever humour.

(Highly recomend seeing Jimmy Carr on stage!)

Top night out!

Thought this might be a fun day out?.....

Will keep you posted!......

My friend Martins funeral today...

A sad day, but all went ok. I think if he'd seen it,

he'd have approved.... Lots of old friends and faces

all reminising about a respected, and highly regarded man.

Farewell old friend, going to miss you.......

M.

4.7.2010

As part of my ongoing Enduro Bike build, I have got a

running engine now! (Albeit not connected to anything!)

I needed to get the frame and engine to a shot blaster

to clean them up, now I know all is compatable, so I can

begin the build in ernest.

I needed to move said frame and engine though....

I struggle to lift REALLY heavy things (Like a motorbike

frame with an engine installed!) due to operation injuries

which still catch me out!....

Step up the LEGEND that is Emily Mitchell !.....I bet her

she could not get the whole lot in the back seat of my

(Trusted old workhorse!) Volvo.....

She and her friend Kirsty struggled, wrestled, got covered

in oil, bumped knuckles, (Broke nails?!!)

But............................................

Firstly my thanks, and ever growing appreciation to my

darling Jane ! x

She NEVER utters the words....

"Christ! What hair brain idea now.....?!"

Or

"I hate to say I told you so !..."

Or even

"Nope! You can take that back, to where you found it!...."

My latest flash of "genius" came from a (Valid and very sane!)

suggestion from Jane, along the lines of, "As winters drawing in, why don't

you get a "little project" to do?.....Inside?......Perhaps a model?...." So I

(In true Matt fashion!) lept on this, and (In true Matt fashion) began to

do my research and look at Airfix kits etc....Then realised, this was NOT

"True Matt fashion"!!.....

So scaled things up a bit, set the bar a bit higher, donned my thinking cap,

considered my (limited spacial options!) and financial status, and had

another flash of genius!....(Or madness??!)

I decided, I am going to build an Enduro Style Motorbike, and road register it!!

What could possibly go wrong??!.....     

:-)

Thought I'd give my Jane a litle treat!....

Drove her up to Birmingham (Bullring) for dinner, and

to see Eddie Izzard "Stripped" show....

Was very dull, and not his normal standard!....Would

advise saving your money!

We left halfway through!

:-(

Sad day yesterday...

I lost my old friend Martin Gould. We shared laughter

(And a few tears over the years!) I will miss him greatly,

espectially our lunch time "sneaky glass of wine" & a home

made sausage roll !

R.I.P my old mate....

My blood tests weren't great at QEH, so had to have

more taken at my GP and I'll have to send results to

QEH for them to review.....(CK levels a bit high?)

So muppett here decided to blood tests, H1N1 Flu jab,

and flu jab ALL AT THE SAME TIME!....

Dam I hate needles!!

Got my results from QEH....

Rejection test ok!....Out of Hospital a bit longer!

Got few "blood issues" but hopefully a giggling of the

pills and dosages will eliviate this, and prevent the agonising

muscle cramps and nausea?

Just got to focus on "No rejection" and keep chin up!   :-)

QEH today for biopsy, ECG, Echo, X-Ray, blood tests

and rejection tests....

Wish me luck!...

:-)

TOP day out yestrday!

Dad and I were the guests of Bentley, and were SO lucky

to get a factory tour (And tasty lunch! - You know me and my stomach!)

HUGE thanks to Claire at Bentley Birmingham for organising it all and

for driving us up in such style! Thier factory is awsome and the work that goes into

hand stitching the leather, selecting the walnuts/woods, and the engines....Don't

get me started!! WOW!! (Twin turbo W12!)

Also BIG thanks to Simon Uglow at Bentley for sparing his time and giving us such

an informative, and interesting trip around thier state of the art facility!

Sadly, no pics were allowed, so you'll just have to imagine!   ;-)

Middle of October and HOT sunny day!

Siezed the opportunity to take Jane into

Bath for a nice walk around, and lunch!

I ate a little to much and had a "moment of relaxation"

when gravity won its battle with my eyelids! Sleeping in

a park?! (All I lacked was a dog and a bottle of cider?!)

;-)

Even famous racing drivers need a nap

after lunch?!....

Never thought I'd see this day!!........

(Another milestone for QEH!)       :-)

My (eldest) Godsons 18th Birthday!

(Seems like yesterday, changing his nappy!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "FUGLY"!

GOT to get me one of these?!!.....

I was repotting a plant outside on a table....

When my cat jumped up to "help"!!...

He reversed up to the plant, and decided to help

me with the watering?!

Great end to my Sunday!.........PI**SED ON BY MY OWN CAT!!

:-(      (But laughing secretly!)

Went to QEH today for rejection biopsy/Operation.

Results are in....

NO REJECTION!!....HOORAH!!

(Hopefully no more proddings for a month now?!)

West Midlands Safari Park!....

Decided to take the 3 kids up to QEH to, so they

could see what the tests are like, and for them to

see 1st hand what procedures a Transplant reciepient

has to accept as part of the commitment to his/her new organ.

Kids were very understanding and comprehended it all well (They

have ALWAYS had things explained to them right up to Transplant

and afterwards, and have been great with "take your pills!" reminders

and "Whats the weight today?" etc!)

As a "Reward" we took them to West Midlands Safari Park afterwards!

(Although I was still abit sore!)

Beautiful creatures! BUT IT HONKED WITH RAIN ALL DAY!.... :-(

Luckily I keep some disposable "ponchos" in the car, so we all

donned our glorified bin bags, smiled, and plucked up our

"Bulldog Spirit" and soldiered on! (We all wanted to do the

rollercoasters! )

WE GOT SOAKED... But enjoyed the time together....

WOW!

Felt a bit poo on Friday, but dragged my butt out of bed,

and went to Silverstone to see the rare Le Mans series

racers! (GLAD I DID!)

My BRDC pass got me right into pits etc, and usage of the

amazing view from the BRDC suite! Not sure which car I would

like the most?!! Here's a FEW pics to show you what was racing!

(YUMMY!!)

Time to get back to strength!

Having spent so much time in QEH, I lost ALOT

of muscle mass. I have been working hard regaining

my fitness and muscles.

I have discovered a theraputic and relaxing way to regain

my arm muscles etc. I'd recomend it to anyone!  :-)

Robin Hood?!

New heart.......

New outlook.....

New car......

1st race!!.....

Bank holiday Monday saw the new, revitalised "Matt" do his

first race, with the new ticker! Ticker and driver did well (3rd place!)

Considering it's been 10?years since I drove competatively, I did

ok, and held my own I think? Was exhausted by the end of the

day, and a bit sore from the G forces etc, but "no pain no gain"?!

Back to QEH in Sept, so hopefully no damage done??!  ;-)

Decided to take car out! (On my own!!)

A fool hardy plan, but new ticker was more than

up to the job of unloading, and loading car!  :-)

I had a top day, and depleted ozone abit! (Sorry!)

Car went like a charm with it's new carbs and radiaitor etc.

I am still stunned at the new heart! I feel fantastic, and better

than I have have ever felt. Every now and again I catch myself

doing some thing, (normally mundane?)that I would NOT have been

able to do before! HOORAH FOR QEH!!

It's sad, but true, I am quite excited, and chuffed

at the installation of my new side pod, and radiaitor!

(Save a hot bottom!)

Can't wait until the revisions are finalised, and I can

see if my (slightly enlarged-Steriod fueled, fatter,) frame

can still squeeze into my overalls and helmet?!

;-0

Bristol Balloon fiesta 2009.

Hundreds of hot air balloons filled the sky,

quite a spectacle, on a warm evening. Was

very relaxing to watch them drift by!....

Done it!

I surpassed my target of £7000 for the QEH trust.

I recently handed them a cheque for £8500!  Below

is a picture of me with the cheque in the QEH outpatients

dept, where it resides!

Thanks to all for the donations and support, I couldn't

have done it with out you!!  Keep watching this sapce though,

for my continued challenges!   :-)    Matt.

Done it again!

Made the local paper, with an article about the

race! (See below link) Or go out and buy todays Yate

and Sodbury Gazette!

www.gazetteseries.co.uk/search/4509401.Heart_transplant_patient_raises_thousands.

:-)   Matt.

Got back from QEH....

Looks like fluid around heart is depleteing?

(Fingers crossed!!) Feeling ALOT better, and

am back on track, hopefully!!

Well...

We met in a pet shop!... I was told,

"He's up for adoption...He's been sold, and returned 3 times, for anti social behaviour"..." (He's a fighter, not a lover!)

I think he was destined for the big injection to the sky?

But as I have been given a 2nd chance, thought "Barney" deserved one?! He has been relieved of the sphyrical (plural!) appendages, and has calmed down!

And like to sit on my lap and watch "Top gear"! (Just got to see if he likes beer now?!)

I have had my first set back!

Got a fluid build up around my new heart. Making me breathless, chest pains, woosy, etc. The fluid is pushing against my right ventrical. (5cm pocket?) and making heart work hard to pump blood out. It's trying hard (bless it!) but it's under pressure.

Going into to QEH for tests and to see what can be done?

Did it!.....

Sprint went well...Car and driver still in one piece!

(& raised loads of £ for Transplant fund!)

:-)   Thanks to all who supported me!  

Matt.