So, what ingredients do you need to raise £23,000 whilst on full-time bedrest? Well, one BlackBerry 8800 should do the trick. I first got a BlackBerry back in 2004 when I had the toyshop and website. The website offered next day delivery. If someone chose this kind of delivery, I had to book the courier by 3pm. So if I was out with the children, I either had to gamble that no one had ordered anything or come home early. Not the greatest approach to an efficient business or attentive childcare. Then a friend suggested a BlackBerry. My life was transformed... The site emails me when I get an order, telling me whether it's express or standard delivery. My BlackBerry picks up the email instantly, and I know whether or not to return home. No more "sorry kids, we may need to stay in the house in case someone orders". Yes, it is a CrackBerry in that I can't be without it, but it's a wondrous beastie.
It really came into its own when I was in hospital. Because the Spinal Unit is so different from the rest of the hospital, with patients who will stay months, even years, they don't play by the same rules. Patients are allowed their own TVs, their own mobiles, laptops and are even allowed alcohol on the wards. It's a strange and unusual place. But with these attitudes, being on bedrest for months does get easier. And my BlackBerry was a godsend. I could chat, text, surf the web (I did a lot of blog-reading), send emails... How did it help with the fundraising? It searched the net for possible funders, allowed me to call them, emailed my Occupational Therapist with draft letters, read the Word and Excel documents she sent back. Everything. All I had to do was sign and send the letters. The story of why I had such a success rate (everyone I wrote to funded me) will have to wait for another time.
