The way to Knighthood

Well, the 2009 Marathon is over now and in the past. Fortunately Larraine and I are still here; and so is the great charity called Sense! So, we still need your financial support, if you've got any money to spare. Search the back of your sofa, check the bottoms of your deepest pockets, look under the bed, go through the laundry basket, delve under the seats in your car, open the glove box, you know there's always some cash in the car ash tray, put your pets on a diet and send us the change, steal the kids pocket money, send the kids out washing windows and cleaning chimneys.

Honestly, Mrs Brown of Basildon Essex, there's no need to sell the kids - that's going to far! A small donation will do!

It seems our 15 minutes of fame has been stretched a bit, Larraine and I have been interviewed by Radio Jackie, Insight Radio and a local hospital radio station called Radio Wey, which you can listen to on the web. We've also featured in numerous local news papers and on a local talking newspaper for the blind. Yesterday a young man from the Sense charity rang us and asked if we would like to go to Westminster and meet Philip Hammond our local MP. We said yes of course. Could the Knighthood be just round the corner, or are these the fantasies of an ageing dreamer? I suppose I would have to dress up. I haven't worn a suit in years and I've only got one tie, and that's holding my trousers up right now!

We recently had a five-day break in Sidmouth Devon. We did a small amount of walking, but not too much. The hotel was lovely and the hotel gardens were fantastic. The garden would be great for children playing hide and seek. We were also very lucky with the weather, it was sunny every day. While we were there some people were showing a great interest in us, as they saw Larraine and I using our white canes. In chatting to these nice people, Larraine explained that she also has two digital hearing aids and how fantastic they are. I said to them, "Larraine's digital hearing aids are so technologically advanced that she can pop a CD in her mouth and it will play!" Larraine and I burst out laughing, but I'm sure some of them thought it was true.

This week I had a denervation operation on my lower spine, I've been suffering from lower back problems for some years now. I've a prolapsed disc and arthritis in my lower spine and it gets very painful, but hopefully this operation will ease the muscle inflammation and stop some of the pain. I'll be a new man if it works and running round like a teenager.

The community centre in Staines is having a little celebration in our honour next week, we both think that's really fabulous and we're looking forward to it. Although you might not think so, I am quite shy and reserved, especially if there are lots of people around me. I will probably hide behind Larraine and let her do all the talking. As I'm mentioning Larraine, can I tell you all that she is a true Wonderwoman and a constant inspiration to others. She has the heart and spirit of a lion and more wisdom than that owl in old Windsor.

So don't forget! Look for those pennies it doesn't matter how little, you know it makes Sense!