I so nearly didn't make it this year and it was the 11th hour when I was cleared to come by a motorcycle-friendly consultant..

My wife wasn't too pleased since I still have problems but the main thing is that am here, and the Isle of Man, the TT, the sunshine and all the people who have come up to me saying they were glad to see me, have helped my steady progress back to health in many ways.

I have met up with Pat Sliin who kept in touch with me throughout the op and the getting fit again stages. Thank you Pat !

I met John Foster today at the Joey Dunlop Foundation opening and it was so good to be able to meet again after almost a year.

Grateful thanks to all of the others who sent me e-mails, old-fashioned letters and cards and also those who took time out to phone me when I was really low.

I'm hanging on but will have to return home on Senior Friday.....

Hoping to be back for TT 2011