Apart from a couple of minor (probably an understatement but another story for another time) immune system related mishaps, I started my recovery in style. Although she eventually agreed, it took a bit of persuading to get my consultant to ‘allow’ me to go to Glastonbury Festival. The walking and long days were fun but hard work and I had to recruit my mates and Dad to help me with carrying my bags, but I’m glad I went. We in fact had an awesome time!

It has since become the beginning of a pretty ridiculous summer.

Ordinarily, I’m the type of person who maximises my life by minimising resting time. Having spent the last six months in the opposite state, life has bounced back in a big way. In fact I think one could argue I’m going a little too far.

Today has seen a couple of firsts: My first proper haircut, I bought my first bike (since I left school, with the intention to regain my fitness) and I’m currently writing this on a flight to Prague to partake in the first of two consecutive stag weekends. I have formally been offered a get out card by the stag if it ‘gets too much’ but I’m going to give it a good go, English style (the stag is Czech though so it’ll probably be a little less than the usual English affair- here’s hoping any way!)!

Most people have been surprised when I tell them I’m back to work full time, but I enjoy my job and it keeps my brain active, so it was an easier transition than it could have been.

I spent a lot of time thinking about my priorities during my time off and I still don’t know the ‘answer’ to the meaning of life, but I realised that we might as well enjoy the time we have and make the most of life. My diary is pretty much full from now until October, and though I’m spending a lot of that time catching up on missed partying, I’m conscious that I want to make a positive contribution to society so my next goal is to find an outlet for that ambition.

I’m back in the world of packaging now, so this blog will probably start to be filled with packaging related activities from now, but for those who have an interest in my illness or health related posts, I’ll probably reorganise those thoughts into a seperate or more coherent site or set of pages.

In the meantime, please feel free to get in touch if you have any ideas, thoughts or questions.

Robin,