Ricky's Bradgate Old John Run
Ricky Martin is raising money for Headway Leicester
Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">In March 2008, I had an accident in a gym and sustained a brain injury which was to change my life. I became isolated, my relationship broke down and gradually, I lost everything that was important to me. The support of my family and loyal friends stopped me from giving up altogether.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Before I had my accident, I had my own carpentry and joinery business, was an amateur boxer and worked evenings and weekends as a Personal Trainer. I was confident, self-motivated and very driven. I believed (and still do), that I am able to achieve whatever I want, but this requires hard work, and for me to take responsibility for my actions.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Due to the combined effects of the brain injury and toxic doses of vitamins and other drugs prescribed for me, my speech, mobility, memory and balance were all badly affected. I lost several stone in weight and had to use a wheelchair. As soon as the effects of the drugs were diagnosed I began to slowly recover.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">After spending time at Headway in Leicester, and Tao Gardens Therapy centre in Thailand, I am now walking independently with only a stick, my speech is normal and I have gained weight.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">Running will be a big challenge, but one I know I will achieve.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">One of my philosophies in life is that of Buddha: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become"</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><em>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><em>So please dig deep and donate now.</em></span></p>