May Madness didn’t start with a bang. It began quietly, wrapped in relaxation and mindfulness. My Kindle was my constant companion—I’d been devouring books. Recently, I discovered Shari Low, an author who instantly hooked me with her characters from the very first chapter. Those who knew me growing up might find it surprising—I wasn’t much of a reader. But there’s something magical about books—their scent, the cosy corners of bookshops, and the tactile feel of pages. Call me sentimental, but sitting in a bookshop with a cup of coffee feels like romantic escapism. 😊
Stanley had his annual checkup with Dr. Pandya, his favourite paediatrician. She conducted a thorough examination and was impressed by Stanley’s recent achievements. Williams syndrome affects individuals differently, making each journey unique—an emotional rollercoaster. But in Stanley’s world, everything is fantastic: exciting, interesting, and filled with friends. What more could a young lad ask for? 😊
Continuing from our April adventures, Malorie and I have been avid mountain bikers. My fitness has improved steadily over the weeks. Recently, we enrolled in a beginner’s mountain biking class led by Scott Wilson, a seven-time British champion. Scott not only guided us through tackling different track sections, choosing lines, and adjusting our body weight on the bike to smoothly navigate obstacles, but he also taught us how to do wheelies—a skill that thrilled Malorie.
The next day, feeling a bit tight in my muscles, I headed to the driving range with the Kent Ladies Squad. My body felt stiff, and swinging the golf club seemed unnatural. After a brief warm-up and some friendly chatter with the girls, it all came back to me. Although mountain biking has taken centre stage lately, golf remains a passionate pursuit. Note to self: more practice needed before county match week! 😊
As May progresses, we welcomed a special visitor for a week: Molly, my parents’ massive chocolate Labrador. She’s affectionate, waggly, and always up for a cosy couch cuddle. The kids adore her, and so do I—though dealing with her shedding and the ‘cheese tax’ whenever food is around can be a challenge!
In addition to doggy adventures, I’ve been ramping up my walking this month. Why? Because I’m participating in the Moonwalk for breast cancer on May 18th and 19th—a 26.1-mile night time trek through London. My preparation has been minimal: a round of golf with an old friend and a 19.7 km walk on a Monday. I thought I’d be fine, given my past experience as a professional golfer and my commitment to staying fit. But boy, was I wrong!
Walking nonstop for 9 hours, with only bathroom breaks and waiting for others, took a toll on my hips. It was an eye-opener. A friend who had recently completed the London Marathon confirmed that walking the Moonwalk was even tougher. Unlike the marathon, which boasts daytime crowds and electric energy, the Moonwalk is a different beast. The start and finish areas are well-organised, with music and camaraderie as we walk for those battling breast cancer or in memory of loved ones who fought hard.
As we strolled along the river, the city’s iconic buildings illuminated in pink, the night grew darker—not just because of the hour! Laughter, pain, and emotion filled the journey. People sat on curbsides, some stumbled and needed assistance. And as the finish line came into view, I wondered if it would ever arrive. Yet, the cause—the fight against this awful disease—and the bravery of those affected kept us going.
Now, the question I’m often asked is: Will I do it again? Right now, my answer is no. But who knows? Maybe it’ll be like childbirth—the pain and memories are too fresh to consider, but time may change my mind.” 😊
“In the latter half of May, our world transformed into May Madness! After recovering from the Moonwalk, we dove headfirst into kitchen demolition and prepped for our campervan holiday in France.
Our kitchen now resembles chaos: worktops, cabinets, sinks, and taps sprawled throughout the house. It’s an absolute mess, but Jon and I have waited 16 years for this renovation. We were ecstatic!
Amidst the dust tsunami settling on every surface, I focused on packing for our French adventure. But before we embarked, I celebrated a dear friend’s life. Sarah, whom I met through the school mum group, lost her battle to cancer in May. Her uplifting funeral celebrated her life—a lady, mum, daughter, and friend with an infectious smile and zest for adventure. Rest in peace, my friend.
We adore camping in France, especially at Sandaya resorts. These luxurious spots check all the boxes: cleanliness, spacious pitches, pools, activities, and friendly staff. This year, Malorie’s friend joined us, adding to the fun. Our days were filled with pool time, crepes, ice creams, and mocktails. Card games, Viking chess, and Uno kept us entertained. A cultural stopover in Le Mans on our way back added a touch of history. Next year can’t come soon enough!” 😊
As we journeyed home, the final day of May slipped away. Reflecting on this emotional month, I feel grateful for every experience. Remember to savour life’s little moments and embrace new adventures—it’s always worth it. Until next month, take care and get out there! 😊
