Well, skiing was awesome. I spent a total of seven days out in Sweden and had a fantastic time. Four of the days I spent skiing, and although I was unwell on the fifth day I was due to ski, I loved the whole trip. At their coldest, temperatures dropped to -22°C during the day without windchill added on, so it was definitely a shock to the system. I travelled with four other spinal injured adults, and about 12 further able-bodied people who helped out during the week with anything the spinally injured passengers required, from getting dressed to simply eating and drinking. Please have a look at the pictures I have added:
http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=34&orderby=dateD
I had a fantastic New Year's Eve in the end. I went to Milton Keynes and saw the New Year in with a group of my friends at the Oceana nightclub -- fantastic night and a great start to the year. Needless to say my memories of the evening are vague to say the least -- pictures attached:
http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=35&orderby=dateD
Really looking forward to the Six Nations rugby tournament which starts this weekend. Will be interesting to see if England have progressed at all since the autumn internationals.
University is going well. I got quite a long way behind whilst away in Sweden, and had great difficulty catching up and understanding the work, but think I am just about there now thanks to many hours working with my Mum!

I am now back to Uni following the Christmas break... it seemed to fly by!
It was great to catch up with my friends... a few good nights were had. I spent Christmas and New Year with my family which was nice, although I don't plan to see in next year with Mamma Mia ringing in my ears!
I am completely snowed under with Uni work at the moment...coursework/ seminar/ revision... the list goes on!
I have got my plans sorted for next year now. I'm going to do the Legal Practice Course (LPC) on a part-time basis at St Albans. The LPC is a mandatory course which must be passed for all prospective solicitors, and I am hoping that doing it in familiar surroundings will make it a little easier?!
Must get back to the coursework...

Following my initial interview at the law firm in Luton, I was invited back for a second interview. This involved an abstract theory test (identifying patterns of shapes etc) and a proof reading test followed by a second interview with two of the partners of the firm. The interview went quite well, however they notified me last week that I was unsuccessful in applying for a training contract with them. I also had an interview with a law firm in Cambridge, which simply comprised of an interview with two of the firms partners. As with the interview Luton, I came away with the impression that I had held my own, and although they stated that they were very impressed and placed me on the reserve list (in case any of the applicants to whom they had offered the job turned it down), they too notified me last week that I had been unsuccessful. I am not too disheartened as I feel I have learnt a lot from these experiences, and hopefully I will be a stronger candidate next time I apply for my training contract.
My work experience in London which I completed at the end of September was really enjoyable, and I feel the experience of working in a busy city firm will stand me in good stead in the future. Whilst there I worked on a number of personal injury cases in which the claimant had suffered either catastrophic brain or spinal cord injury. As I hoped, my experience of spinal-cord injury really helped as otherwise I would have been totally stumped by the terminology they were using! I travelled down each day using the train, and although this was by far the most efficient way of getting into London, it was extremely tiring and by the end of the week I was relieved that it was over, and that I had a couple of weeks to rest and prepare for Uni.
I returned to Uni full-time a couple of weeks ago, and already I can fill my stress levels rising! However, I am really enjoying being back, and so far the modules I chose are proving to be really interesting (not to mention difficult!). I received some really good news last week that I had received the award for the highest grades for my year in the second year of my degree, and I am just hoping that I will be able to maintain this level during my third year!

Well, following the hours I spent filling in application forms for training contracts with legal firms, I was offered two interviews. I had my first interview last Monday at a law firm in Luton which specialises in a wide range of legal fields. This was my first real experience interviewing for a potential job, and so I did all the usual research etc, and hoped for the best. I think it went quite well, but I will find out this week if I have been invited back for a second interview, and I will let you know.
Next week I have been offered some work experience working in a legal firm in central London which specialises in personal injury, and particularly spinal-cord injury compensation claims. I am really looking forward to it, and hope that my experiences will give me a greater insight into the work they do.
I don't return to university for another three weeks, so after this next slot of work experience I will have a couple of weeks left to prepare all my materials. Last week I chose my modules for the forthcoming year (Employment law, Company law, Environmental law, and Equity and trusts) and I am just looking forward to getting stuck in again.
A few weeks ago I went to the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley and had a really great day. My brother travelled down from Manchester with a friend, and we went out on the Friday night and sank a few bevies. I don't see my brother too often, so it was great to see him (despite the fact that he managed to cost me £60 by placing a wrongly placed a bet -- if he would have done it correctly I would have won!)... a few of the pictures have been uploaded.
I will let you know how I get on with the interviews...

I have uploaded some photographs to a number of folders, which can be found below:

Work experience in Parliament: http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=26

Nights out: http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=28

Olney 7’s with Bedfordshire Tigers: http://www.goforitmatt.com/modules/myalbum/viewcat.php?cid=27

I have pretty much decided that I want to pursue a legal career as a solicitor, and therefore for the past couple of weeks I have been completing application forms to join various firms in 2010 after I have completed my university studies. I haven't yet decided which field of law I am going to specialise in, but I think it will be something involved with Commercial Law.
Our new puppy, Barney, is a really good dog, and has picked up a few basic commands quite quickly. He is still in the puppy stage where he wants to eat anything and everything, especially shoes. This morning he massacred one of my mum’s cushions which did not go down well!
During July I went to the Cotswolds for a week with my family which was a really nice break. Thankfully, the weather didn't play us up too much, and we were able to fully explore that area of the country, however any longer than a week would have proved too long as there is not all that much to do there! We visited Oxford for a day when it was absolutely boiling, and although there were millions of shoppers about I really enjoyed it. We also went to Weston Super Mare, and went on the Grand Pier for which proved to be our last time -- it has since been burnt to smithereens!
I am currently hoping that I am offered some interviews following the application forms that I have completed recently, but we shall have to wait and see.

I received my results last week for the exams I sat for my degree back in May. Although I was not very confident about how I had done, I am really pleased since I achieved two 1’s, and two 2:1’s. Neither my results this year, or my results from last year actually contribute towards my final degree grade, and therefore it all rests upon how I manage my third year. I don't return to Uni until the end of September, so I have lots of time to relax before I have to think about doing any work for it!
The puppies are now several weeks old, and are beginning to leave for their new homes. Although they all are adorable, I don't think I will be missing them too much as I think they have made it their personal mission over the past month to wake me up at five o'clock every morning. We have found nice homes for all the puppies, and I think Fudge will be the most relieved when they leave us!
My work experience in Westminster was a fantastic week, although I have to admit it really took its toll. I had to be there for 10 a.m. which meant I had to begin getting up at six o'clock every morning. The first few days I found this okay, however as the week progressed I slowly fell myself becoming more tired, to the extent that I fell asleep watching a debate in the House of Commons about the 42 day detention of terrorists. I spent the week working on projects for Mr Alistair Burt, the Conservative MP for North East Bedfordshire, and shadowing him on various tasks he undertook during the week. I was lucky enough to meet the leader of the Conservative party, David Cameron and have a brief chat with him regarding the care provided to spinal cord injury victims, and how in my opinion it could be improved. I thoroughly enjoyed my week down there, and it has really opened my eyes to the demanding job which the MPs have to do.

The Matt King golf challenge
2.00 pm Friday 6th June 2008

You are invited to enter up to four players, to play together in this, the fourth playing of the Matt King 9 hole Texas Scramble being held at the American Golf Kingsway facility, Melbourne, near Royston in aid of the Matt King fund. It will be a shotgun start 9 hole competition for golfers of mixed and non playing abilities, followed by a BBQ.

Prizes will be awarded for the various on course activities. A separate putting competition will be held, combined with champagne shooting.

Please confirm you and your team members availability by
30th April 2008.

Teams of four will be based on previous results, handicap, playing ability and bribery. The chief handicapper will determine your teams handicap.

Entry £25 per person, including range balls, 9 hole team competition and BBQ.

Finally, I am seeking hole sponsorship and competition prizes, as well as other elements related to the day in general. Since I am obviously trying to maximise the amount raised for the fund it would be greatly appreciated.

Should you be unable to participate due to other commitments but would nonetheless wish to sponsor a prize then please contact me.

I thank you on behalf of the Matt King fund for your support and look forward to seeing you on the day!

Regards,

Chris King
Tel 01462 701187

I have finally broken up from Uni for Easter after what seems like a never ending term. I got 2:1’s in both pieces of coursework I have submitted to date which I am really pleased with, and I have one more piece of coursework to get finished during the holiday. My exams don't start until mid May, so I have a bit of time before I start revising.

In addition to my work placement with Stewart’s Solicitors during the summer, Mr Alistair Burt MP has offered me some work experience shadowing him in Westminster. Although I am not too familiar with the workings of the political structure in this country, it should be a steep but enjoyable learning curve.

For the past year I have been mentoring a young lad who has been paralysed from the chest down, in conjunction with a charitable organisation called ‘Backup’. This entailed visiting and ringing him, and generally being somebody to talk to and last weekend I travelled to Stoke Mandeville for a mentoring training course. This involved learning and practising the various aspects which make a good mentor, such as listening techniques and asking appropriate open questions etc. Although the weekend was incredibly tiring, I found it really enjoyable. It was the first time since my discharge from hospital that I had been in the presence of other spinally injured people for a concerted period of time. As much as I learnt about mentoring, the weekend also gave me an opportunity to talk through issues regarding my disability with people in a similar position to myself which I found really helpful.

It is my 21st birthday on 20th March and I'm looking forward to celebrating it with my friends and family, and perhaps partying the night away!

Six dedicated people will this November be part of a Rugby League team crossing the Atlantic aiming to create a little bit of history. Many people will know of the terrible injury suffered by Matt King in his first game for the London Broncos Academy back in April 2004. If however you are unfamiliar with Matt’s story, please have a look at the ‘About Matt’ page of this website.

Since then Matt has faced many challenges, and overcome them all…

In October last year XIII Heroes, a charity supporting seriously injured rugby league players made it possible for Matt to take part in the BUPA Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon. No one with Matt’s level of injury had ever been allowed to participate in such an event, and he created a world first when he led 13 exhausted runners over the finish line.

In an attempt to go one bigger and better, Matt and XIII Heroes have aimed at the Big Apple.

The ING New York Marathon is the biggest in the world with 40,000 runners taking part. In conjunction with the Christopher Reeve Foundation, Matt’s injury being the same as that suffered by the ‘Superman’ actor, XIII Heroes is taking Matt and a team of six runners to New York to set another world first on 4th November this year.

No doubt everyone would agree that for Matt to even consider taking on such a challenge is quite amazing.

This is a huge undertaking that has required a great deal of organisation and planning, with a significant amount of fundraising required to reach the £25,000 cost of the trip.

As main team sponsor, Anglo Irish Bank has donated a substantial five figure sum towards making sure the team gets to the start line.

If you would like to sponsor Matt, simply click here to access the donations page of the XIII Heroes website. When making a donation, please add a note saying that you are sponsoring Matt and your donation will be added to his total.

The 2007 ING New York Marathon Team
• No.16 - Matt ‘Coach’ King (Langford)
• No.1 - Chris ‘Hot Pants’ Hawkins (Oldham)
• No.2 - Craig ‘Beanzie’ Drake (Bradford)
• No.3 - Paul ‘Man In The Stand’ O’Brien (Widnes)
• No.4 - Helen ‘Yorkshire Pie’ Goldthorpe (Leeds)
• No.5 - Laura ‘Mighty Quin’ Harrison (London)
• No.6 - Gina ‘Media Chick’ Coldrick (Warrington)

The third annual ‘Go for it’ golf challenge was held on Friday the 29th June, 2007. Miraculously, the weather gods were looking down on us, and the rain held off for most of the afternoon -- we even saw some sunshine!

The main nine hole golf competition was tightly contested, and congratulations must go to Steve Sandilands, Mike Woods, and Ivan Couchman for winning with a total of 30 -- 3 under par!

An enjoyable day was had by all, and passed by without a hitch, and this was primarily due to the hard work and organisation of all at American Kingsway Golf Centre, Paula Sarno and Chris King. Thank You!

The annual ‘Go for it’ rugby match at Old Abbottstonians rugby club was held on the 9th June. Amazingly, for the third year running we were blessed with beautiful weather which was great to the spectators, but not so great for the players!

The match between the McNeill’s Marauders and Old Abbottstonians ended in a hardfought, but comfortable victory for Old Abbottstonians.

A great day was had by all, and massive thanks must go to Dixie and all those involved in the organisation, all the players who braved the heat to play, and all those who turned up to show their support.

You are invited to enter up to four players in the above 9 hole Texas Scramble being held at the American golf Kingsway facility, Melbourne, near Royston in aid of the Matt King fund on Friday 29th June 2007 at 3:00pm. It will be a shotgun start 9 hole competition for golfers of mixed and non playing abilities, followed by a BBQ, and auction. Prizes will be awarded for the various on course activities. A separate putting competition will be held, combined with champagne shooting.

Please return the booking form, together with any monies due, as soon as possible, since this will determine your playing order. Players will be seeded into teams, based on handicap, playing ability and bribery.

However, if you feel unable to play, but would nonetheless wish to participate in the event and support the fund then please still complete the booking form as appropriate and any spare spaces you have will be filled by other players already on my short list.

On the question of BBQ, there are 60 spaces for the BBQ and with a maximum of only 40 golfers, there may well be spaces available on a first-come-first-served basis to golfers who wish to invite their partners or other guests for the BBQ.

However, since I cannot accurately predict at this time how many places will finally be available, I would ask you to indicate on the booking form if you would like any BBQ spaces and these will be filled in the strict order I receive the booking forms.

Finally, I am still seeking sponsorship for competition prizes, and items for auction, as well as other elements related to the day in general. Since I am obviously trying to maximise the amount raised for the fund it would be greatly appreciated if you could help me by sponsoring one or more of the items on the attached sheet. Please bear in mind that every prize I have to purchase reduces the overall amount given to the Matt King fund.

Should you be unable to participate due to other commitments but would nonetheless wish to sponsor a prize then please complete the booking form giving your name, contact details and the particular sponsorship you would like to provide.

I thank you on behalf of the Matt King fund for your support and look forward to seeing you on the day!

Today I have received the last of the sponsorship for the Bupa Great North Run I did in October

£1791 has been raised for the XIII Heroes Charity

A massive thanks to everybody that contributed!

This weekend, in conjunction with the xiii heroes rugby league charity team Matt completed the gruelling BUPA Great North Run in 2 hours fifty minutes. It was an amazing effort from the team, not only did they have to run the distance, but keep a safety cordon of bodies between Matt and the thousands of runners who came streaming passed.

They moved slightly slower runners to one side and kicked the hundreds of bottles away from Matt’s chair.

A detailed report about the event will follow in a few days along with pictures.

Thanks to the running team, together with the backup crew behind the scenes who tied all the other stuff together to make it work.

We would also like to thank the BUPA Great North run organising team for allowing Matt to enter and supporting him so well.

Thank you.

Last weekend I was invited to the Warrington Vs St Helens Super League match along with the rest of the XIII Heroes runners, who I will be doing the Great North Run with.

Before the match we had a team photograph taken on the pitch before we did a lap around the pitch where we received a standing ovation from the crowd of 13,000. Photos of the day have been added to the photos section of the website.

As already posted on the website I will be competing in the Great North Run on the 1st October.

During my summer break I have been increasing the amount of training I have been doing in my chair, to the point where I completed just over 12 miles last Saturday. I found the distance ok, although my neck was pretty tired afterwards and I slept for most of the day and my chin was red roar for a few days after.

I’m completing my miles in just over the 11 minute mile pace, which means I should complete the course in just over two and a half hours. As a team we are hoping to raise just over 10k for the XIII Heroes charity, so if you would like to sponsor us please go to the XIII Heroes website.

I will update you all as to how I get on.

The Construction Industry Rugby match at Old Abbottstonians RFC ground was a fantastic day, backed up by the large numbers that attended.

The main event of the day was the rugby match between McNeils Marauders and Grasshoppers RFC which ended in a 41 all draw!
There were a large number of stalls and attractions to keep everyone entertained, including an 8 lane Scaletrix track which saw constant use throughout the day.

The list of prizes for the auction were trully awesome, including a signed Muhamed Ali picture, signed Diago Maradona and Pele Shirts, and a Wembley seat from the '66 World Cup Final!

The auction lasted well into the night, and was followed by a trip to the clubhouse for a few 'light' refreshments.

Thankyou to everybody who helped out on the day, as well as all those involved in the organisation.

Matts Golf Challenge was a great success and a great day was had by all.

Thankfully, the weather was kind to us, unlike last year, although the standard of golf of certain players left much to be desired (naming no names, Chris & Michael King, Paul Raitt, Pete Bierniss...)

The Texas scramble kicked off at 3:00pm, with a full compliment of golfers taking up the challenge, and was eventually won by .. after a close contest.

The champagne hole was judged by myself, Glenda, and Paula. We deserved danger money for taking our lifes in our hands especially as the ball landed within 2 metres of me on one occasion!!

The auction and raffle had some great prizes generously donated by all those mentioned on here , the highlight being a brand new Limited Edition Callaway Golf Bag which was won by 'Dave the Kitchen Fitter'.

A massive thanks must go to all those who helped organise the event.

two dates for the diaries

2nd June 2006, Matts Golf Challenge @ American Golf, Melbourne nr Royston. Entry forms available from Chris King mobile 07715052616
its a fun 9 hole texas scramble, sponsorship opertunities available for company or private entries.



3rd June Construction Industry Rugby match @ Old Abbottstonians RFC ground, Hayes, Middsex.
Dixie on mobile 07976760109 is looking for a couple of players and a large number of spectators.
Full details on the front page of the web site.

Any support for either event will be very welcome