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We are very grateful to Ray Blackwell for the following article. Also for the very welcome donation he raised for the Douglas Bader Foundation with his efforts.

Thank you, Ray – you’re an inspiration.

“You would have thought at nearly 71 I would be pursuing more sedate pastimes  like gardening etc, instead of crazy things like parachute jumping, running half marathons and 10ks, and rowathons. All or most in the name of charity.

All of these activities have happened in the last 6 yrs. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003, and  had successful surgery. (Well I’m still here, so it must have been.) Afterwards i decided to get myself fit. And after shedding some 2 stone in weight found I had an aptitude for running. I’ve run 25 races so far since my cancer and have 3 more this year.

My parachute jump was from 13000 ft over Netheravon in Wiltshire and was in aid of the cancer unit that treated me.

My last road race was the St Albans half marathon on the 14th June, my toughest yet, (so many hills).

I did this one for The Douglas Bader Foundation, a charity very close to my heart .

I have been organizing a golf day for the foundation at Bognor Regis GC for the past 20 years called The Bader Pipe, and in the process raised several thousand pounds.

Although I did my national service in “khaki” I admire individuals like Douglas Bader for overcoming their disabilities and becoming an inspiration and example to others in similar circumstances. And proving life can go on.

While I am fit enough I will continue to do all can for others less fortunate than me.”

All the very best.

Ray Blackwell.

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