TOYP (l-r): Emma Boylan, Nikki Bradley, Donna Maskery, Martin Hilferty, Easkey Britton, Blaise Harvey, Pauric Hilferty, Kerry O’Donnell, Ann-Louise McClintock, Connie Lynch.
IF YOU recall a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I was looking at new crutches called SideStix. This week I received a message from a member of the fire service called Mark Porter. Mark wrote to me suggesting a fundraiser to help me with the costs.
I got word on Wednesday that a clay pigeon shoot will take place in Buncrana on June 28 which is fantastic. Mark has personal experience with the effects cancer can have on a family and organised a very successful fundraiser last year also.
I am touched that someone is willing to put their own time and efforts into helping me. Stay tuned for more information on this closer to the time.
THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSON AWARDS
The Outstanding Young Person Awards took place in Voodoo Vintage, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny last Tuesday evening, May 6. The event was in conjunction with Junior Chamber International Donegal, of which I am the Vice President.
There were six winners in total. Easkey Britton – Contribution to Human Rights, Donna Maskery – Voluntary Leadership, Martin Hilferty – Business/Entrepreneurship, Blaise Harvey – Environmental Leadership, Ted and Sienna McCaffrey – Personal Accomplishment and Jason Quigley – Personal Development.
It was a pleasure to meet the winners. Some of the challenges they have undertaken really are outstanding. Easkey Britton, for example has given, a TED talk on her belief that surfing can connect cultures. The things she has done truly are remarkable. I would recommend you Google her. Prepare to be impressed. (Photos of event courtesy of Joe O’Donnell).
Denis Ferry Rally.
RALLYING
On Thursday evening I met with Denis Ferry of Ferry’s Garage to go back out in the Subaru. We drove to Muckish where I practised my sharp turns and worked on special awareness. Denis is a great instructor and I absolutely love the feeling of being behind the wheel in such a powerful vehicle. Denis recently travelled to Bolivia to drive along the infamous Death Road.
They reached 17541ft and beat the television programme Top Gear (BBC) who reached 17200ft using modified jeeps with lots of support.
Denis and his team used a road going jeep with no support. Thankfully, they returned in one piece and were successful in their mission to be the first Irishmen to reach such high altitudes on four wheels. Well done to Denis and his team.
TRAINING
This week I was concentrating on weights again as I want my muscles to be more defined. I am stronger now than I have ever been, but I still have a long way to go to reach my personal targets.
I have been thinking about my monthly challenges and where I want to go next and after speaking with my coach Michael (Black) I am going to look into paddle boarding around Fanad, maybe. My friend, Letterkenny man Luke Daly owns Adventure One Surf School, so I think I will try and organise something with him in the coming weeks.
If the weather improves that is. Where is this heatwave we were expecting?! If you have any challenge suggestions for me please feel free to send them my way.
Nikki Bradley is the founder of Fighting Fit For Ewing’s, a campaign to promote awareness of Ewing’s Sarcoma. Nikki is sponsored by All Sports in Donegal Town. Support her campaign by giving ‘Fighting Fit For Ewing’s’ a LIKE on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @nikkibradley59
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