Find us on Facebook
Spotlight On... Robin Blacklock
Inspired by the courage of his son Angus, Robin is about to take on an exciting challenge.
Robin Blacklock devised the EuroChampsChallenge having been inspired by the courage and resilience shown by his son, Angus.
This is a unique and epic attempt to visit the ground of every team ever to have won European football's ultimate trophy - The European Cup. It is a 7,000 mile road trip visiting 21 clubs through 16 countries in only 14 days. The real challenge is to meet a cup winner - a ‘Medallion Man' - at each club along the way.
He and his team set off on May 15 and hope to complete their trip two weeks later at Wembley, only hours before the 2011 Champions League Final.
This is all in an attempt to raise £100,000 for The Sick Kids Friends Foundation and disfigurement charity Changing Faces.
Find out more at www.eurochampschallenge.com
What is your connection with the RHSC?
My son, Angus, has been a fairly frequent visitor to the RHSC in his seven years. You cannot help but be inspired by the contribution that the staff and the hospital make, and as a consequence I've always tried to ‘do my bit' to help.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
In life we are not defined by what happens to us, the important bit is how we react.
How do you relax?
I'm not sure I can remember...
Happiness is...
Spending time with my family. That and having the self-satisfaction of knowing I having achieved something.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Zinedine Zidane, George Best, David Beckaham, Eusebio, Johan Cryuff and Paulo Maldini - If you know anything about EuroChampsChallenge then you will understand why!
Guilty pleasure?
Oh, just the usual excesses that can only be cured by a good session in the gym... unfortunately the frequency of the former outweigh the visits to the latter.
What is your most treasured possession?
At this moment in time, I would really struggle without my laptop and phone. In normal circumstances, I have a watch that means a lot to me.
What living person do you most admire?
James Partridge, Katie Piper and Simon Weston are exactly the sort of people who reacted in a positive manner to ensure that they are not defined by the terrible things that happened to them.
Why did you decide to support the Royal Hospital for Sick Children?
I'm not sure I did decide. Having benefited first-hand, I felt an obligation.
How do you make a difference?
I hope that what I am doing will show others that you can achieve whatever goals you set yourself if you approach things with the right attitude, surround yourself with good people and work hard. The money we're trying to raise is the most important thing, but I hope that the message of why we're doing what we're doing isn't lost.
Why should people get involved?
People should get involved because the Sick Kids Friends Foundation always needs support and their contribution will make a difference; They should also get involved because it is rewarding. But, more than anything, people should get involved because they want to. A willing contributor is an invaluable asset.
More from Spotlight On...
Artist in Residence at the Sick Kids Hospital, Emily Campbell tells us what makes her tick
Fundraising Development Officer Susan Veitch tells us about her passions and why the Sick Kids Friends Foundation is so important
