In February 1997 a very close friend, fellow music college student and uniquely talented horn player was involved in a major car accident. Rupert Johnston suffered extensive facial and head injury, leaving some parts irrepairably damaged. The care he received at the time was of an exceptional quality and this has continued for the past 12 years; Rupert now lives in a flat at Kent House, Aylesbury, a unit which cares for people who have suffered similar brain injury. Rupert has care 24 hours a day, which enables him to live the fullest life possible. And he does! Still a very able horn player, he continues to enjoy a trip to the pub (if only for a coke (ice, no lemon!)), ten pin bowling and the occasional round of golf. From those early days of learning to walk and talk again he has come a huge distance; however Rupert's progress is slow and, as with any brain injury, the ultimate outcome is unknown. Rupert can still turn a phrase like very few others, but never fulfilled his dream of making it into the profession.
It is The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust which cares for Rupert. They are a charity which form part of a bigger organisation, The Disabilities Trust, caring for anyone and everyone with a disability and helping them to cope with their own personal challenges. Together with Rupert's two brothers Magnus and Guy, we are running the 2009 Flora London Marathon, on Sunday April 26 to raise funds for this amazing cause, taking on a personal challenge of our own.
Rupert will be joining Me, his two brothers and his sister's group ESCALA for a fund raising concert on April 7th, in Harpenden. Tickets and info available from 01582 713333.
I realise there are constant demands on your generosity since you probably know others who are collecting for their particular charity or good cause. Please help us to support the fantastic work of BIRT to continue helping people who really are in need, like my mate Rupert.
www.justgiving.comrunningforrupertMany thanks,
Tim Ball
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