Race Day

The Friends of Bryan Race Day was a great success!!

Nearly 400 people came to raise money and have a good time for a good cause. A lot of time and effort went into the planning and preparing for the day which there are many people to thank for.

I have had a couple of people ask me if they could have a copy of my speech so I am going to post it below:

If anyone were to ask me at any point in my life who I look up to, I would say my Dad.

Dad you have been an inspiration to me my whole life. You have always encouraged me to do well in school and uni. You taught me how to keep the balance between work and play. You have inspired me to stay fit, training with me since I was 11 years old. You gave me a passion for fitness and health and a competitive spirit. You have inspired me to be the best person I can be, to be responsible and you have played a crucial role in making me the young woman I am today. You have achieved so much in your life and from the turn out today it seems you have touched so many other peoples lives.

If anyone were to ask me what is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, it was when I walked into the ICU in the Princess Alexandra Hospital and saw my Dad, the person who has been there for me my whole life, my inspiration lying helplessly on that hospital bed. The most energetic and athletic person, the helping hand, the listening ear, the protector, suddenly grinded to a hault.

But since June last year Dad, you have proved to be more of an inspiration to me than ever. The way you have brushed yourself off and moved on. Improving with leaps and bounds everyday of your recovery. Problem solving through the dilemmas. Staying positive even on the tough days. You are still the same Dad I have known my whole life. As you have often said Dad this is just one of the many challenges that life has thrown at you – so keep on fighting!

Mum, I want to say that you are truly amazing! It takes a very special type of person to take this situation in your stride, to keep on keeping on no matter what life brings. I know Dad must thank the heavens every day for sending him an angel to love and look after him.

Erin, you have been so strong through over the last six months. Getting through one of the hardest years of school without your parents at home, you should be proud of yourself. You have accepted Dad’s change of mobility better than anyone else.

I think the last six months Dad, Mum, Erin we have proved that as a family we are unstoppable.

Joey – thank you for being there for me!

I could go on forever thanking each individual who has helped Dad and our family the last six months. It is truly incredible the support we have received, from our family, our friends, friends of friends and people we don’t even know. Some people I must mention are The Friends of Bryan crew as they themselves have also been unstoppable raising money and holding events – such as today’s race day. I cannot express the appreciation for all your efforts and I don’t have words to describe what amazing friends you all are so I am going to use someone elses.

The next quote is from a famous song by Bill Withers – it sums up the strength that a friendship holds.

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow,
but if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow.

Lean on me when your not strong, and ill be your friend, ill help you carry on,
for it wont be long till im guna need somebody to lean on.

We all need somebody to lean on!

Thanks to everyone who came yesterday, I hope you enjoyed it as much as Dad, Mum, Erin and I did.

Please keep watching the Friends of Bryan site for the total money raised by the Race Day and upcoming events.

Goodnight
Rebecca and family xx