For those who know me....

What's happening in the wider BMW scene? Gossip and news about forthcoming models. Plus off-topic chat.
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Canman
Joined: Tue 21 Jul, 2009 15:34
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Location: Rotherham

For those who know me....

Post by Canman »

I have sat for many hours lately wondering what to say , how to say it and whether to say anything at all.
But because i have had some great times and met some great people on here that i thought i needed to tell.

On new years eve i got diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. With ALS , amyothropic lateral sclerosis at the Royal Hallamshire in Sheffield by Prof Shaw the worlds most renowned neourologist consultant.
Hats of to that great lady . :bow .

Id been feeling a lack of strength in my right arm for a while but was losing dexterity in my right hand/fingers so just thought it was an old mountain bike accident. maybe trapped nerve or something.
how wrong was i.

Completley random , sporadic , 1 in a million chance . Nothing in family.
bizzarely i feel healthy and haven't had a cold or anything in years , not overweight , non smoker, i like a beer but who doesnt.

There is no cure for this disease and its terminal but there is also no time line as each individual case is different and the rate of detiororation is completely random.
Im hoping only being 40 and fit ( keen mountain biker ) that i have more years left than most suffers.
Prof Shaw and DVLA for now are still happy for me to drive and as its only concentrated in my right shoulder/arm/hand for now.

As for Zed , Rob , W4tkins :bow is gonna help me rebuild her as i have her in bits in the gararge for this years upgrades which include,
///M interior inc rear view mirror :wink: , big mouth front bumper , sports grill, and schnitzer flippers, eibach springs with spax shocks lowering 30 mm.
Cant wait to see her :D

I have got plans now for this year as i want to fullfill dreams which inc a Z4 3.0 for a road trip ive planned, never gonna sell Zed 3 , my son will keep the flame burning.
Hope to see you all at the shows /cruises this year.
One more thing , plz dont stop the laughter from the banter / pizz take as i enjoy that and wouldnt have it another way .

happy zedding :drive .
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Althulas
Joined: Fri 13 Feb, 2009 00:55
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Post by Althulas »

Wow that's a shocker but I'm glad your refusing to let it beat you down and love the positive attitude. You have the mental key and physical fitness to keep you at your best. Be nice to see yourself and motor at this years shows.
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TitanTim
Joined: Mon 23 Jun, 2008 18:56
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Post by TitanTim »

Hi Kevan,

I'm really shocked and sorry to hear this :( I know you are the sort of person and character to carry on :lol: The only way is onwards and upwards and always say this to myself when life sucks. I wish you all the best :)

Tim.
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Titan
Joined: Fri 01 Apr, 2005 20:20
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Re: For those who know me....

Post by Titan »

Canman wrote: Im hoping only being 40 and fit ( keen mountain biker ) that i have more years left than most sufferers
Only 40?
Pull the other one!

Seriously (if I can ever be :roll:) keep your chin up and keep smiling :D
I'm sure you will and I shall look forward to seeing you on loads more meets 'n cruises. Sorry I can't guarantee a pink car though :shock:
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Deano1712
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Post by Deano1712 »

Bad news, my thoughts are with you. It's good to hear you being positive though and I hope we can see you at events this year. I think I will run a cruise in the spring. It would be good to see you there with the mods to your car. Take it easy fella.
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Hard Top
Joined: Sun 17 Jan, 2010 23:16
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Post by Hard Top »

I only know you in cyberspace, and I don't really know what to say, other than echo above posts.
One of the things that kicked me in the gonads in your post, was the date that you were diagnosed.
Get the Z4 3.0 and have a great time.

HT
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jontymo
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Post by jontymo »

Hi Kev

Sorry to hear this tragic news, hope you and the family are ok and getting your heads around this.

It will be great to see you on some of the cruises this year.

Speak soon

Jon & Tracey
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Alfie
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Post by Alfie »

Sorry to hear that Canman.

Best wishes.

Alfie.
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aceman
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Post by aceman »

Kevan, my heart has just sank reading that and I can't believe how chipper you sound considering the circumstances. It sounds like you are receiving the best possible care and I hope as we all do you will be around to enjoy your zed for many years to come yet.

My thoughts are with you and your family and wish you all the best for what will obviously be a difficult future. Keep your chin up and just make sure you enjoy life to the full while you can.

all the best mate,

Ian
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Ragtop
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Post by Ragtop »

So sorry to hear your news Kevan. I really admire your positive attitude.

Best wishes

Ragtop
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Post by TaffZee »

Kevan sad sad news, I admire your positive attitude though :thumb: keep it up. Get that road trip done :drive

Me and my wifes thoughts are with you and your family.

Jim & Lena.
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billz
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Post by billz »

Sorry to hear your bad news, just make sure you now do everything you wanted to do in life and leave no stone unturned. I know if it was me i would probably do a road trip every year, just so i get the maximum enjoyment from the zed, all the best and look forward to seeing you at future meets n cruises
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maurice the martian
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Post by maurice the martian »

Hi Kev,me and Andrea are both saddened to hear your news,but admire your positive attitude,get the road trips done and anything you feel like and enjoy doing ,do it .
Maurice&Andrea.
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Jonttt
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Post by Jonttt »

OMG what sad news I really don't know what to say. Tough times ahead and I'm sure your still coming to terms with it. I know how much your lad means to you, its so obvious meeting you both, but I also know you will make the best of things for him as much as for yourself. My thoughts are with you and your family.

If you need any help with the zed I'm sure there are plenty on here who will only be too happy to help out so don't be afriad to ask.

Hope to see you at some meets this year, with the sun shining and a smile on your face deciding which car to use :wink:
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Post by swamper »

still good looking tho.......... :D

your surrounded by friends kev and i know to every last one will help out "if" and when needed us included.

see you soon mate your not the only one whos got new mods to show off
:wink:
the badness makes me do it...!

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Frank.A
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Post by Frank.A »

I only know you from the forum but am shocked and saddened by your news.
Try to keep your positive attitude.Good luck,we might meet up some time.
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TrickyZ1
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Post by TrickyZ1 »

I'm saddened to hear this, but really do admire your positive attitude :thumb:

Make sure you get those road trips done and I shall look forward to seeing you on the cruises :drive
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stu
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Post by stu »

Kev, very sorry to hear your news. Sounds like you've worked a lot of stuff out already and have that 'carpe diem' attitude. Have fun and hope to see you around sometime in the future.
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Dolfan
Joined: Tue 09 Jun, 2009 12:19
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Post by Dolfan »

Hello Kev,

Sorry to here of your misfortune, I found reading your post inspiring and look forward to meeting you in the future.

Keep the faith,

Regards Yan.
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Gazza
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Post by Gazza »

Hi Kev,

we've never met and you sound like a nice Guy, I like your attitude and still having a laugh is very important, with that in mind I hope you are left handed :wink:

As Stu has said, Seize the Day, remember and enjoy the good ones and forget the bad.

Best wishes.
Gazza

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Cloz
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Post by Cloz »

Hi Kevan,
Sorry to hear that terrible new. I am speachless. I had a very bad accident a few years ago and a positive attitude was so important I know how it is a must. I am glad to see that your is good.

C
P.S. Always remenber, when you got a bad day, the thoughts of many menbers here will be with you.
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Ian_C
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Post by Ian_C »

Just like to echo the thoughts of others really. Difficult to know what to say in a situation like this.

You've got a great attitude Kev. Just remember, stay positive :thumb:
Current...1998 ///M Coupe
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Gio
Joined: Sun 26 Jul, 2009 18:07
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Post by Gio »

Very sorry to hear your news, I echo what everyone else has said, and I admire you attitude (not sure I would be the same).
Best Wishes.
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Robert T
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Post by Robert T »

Keep zedding, Kev. It is known to be very therapeutic. :wink:

Good to know that you can still drive - I had to go through a DVLA assessment a few years back and I know what a relief it is to still have your wheels.

Keep fighting, enjoy every day and I hope to see you on a ZR event again soon.

R.
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johnjo
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Post by johnjo »

Hi Kev
Met you and your son last year ( I think ) when I bought some z wheels off you.
Sorry to hear your news but your attitude is fantastic keep pushing on and live your dreams
Mike and Sonia
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Post by hornel Z3M »

Hi Kev. We have never met but i am feeling very sad after reading your blog. My best friend and workmate who i must say was much older than you had it, but boy did he push the boat out he did absolutley everything including visiting the Bermuda Triangle as one of his must do`s. As you said there are many different types and i know someone who has had it for many years and you wouldn`t think he had it so god willing you have that type. Best wishes and keep strong :cheers Paul
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w4tkins
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Post by w4tkins »

Now then lad :)

Just want to say we are all here to help you through this. I will be there all the way with you. You are a fantastic person and a true friend. We will get zed back on his wheels looking better than ever and have a truely amazing time on our trip in a few months.

Keep smiling, chin you are a strong person and nothing breaks you so dont let this. Love ya bud

Rob
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Post by Phil »

Dave Allen had a phrase which he used to end his shows - and is appropriate I feel

'May your God go with you' -
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Canman
Joined: Tue 21 Jul, 2009 15:34
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Location: Rotherham

Post by Canman »

Im choked by all of your kind words and thoughts. :bow
And by all the offers of help with Zed.
Im looking forward to some good times in the Zed this year and hopefully more years to come.

Im off to do the " europe's greatest driving roads " as done on top gear.
Thats why im wanting a Z4 3.0 se, cant afford the M. Im also wanting an automatic so i can steer more with the left hand. ( my left hand is so busy these days :D )

Got around 10k for the Z4 so if anyone jnows a good one. I have short listed a few from PH & AT .

Thanks again for all your support , means a lot.

Im positive cos there is still lots to look forward to and im a happy person. Alex still needs me so i have to be strong for him.

I live for today now and worry about tomorrow when then happens.
found a quote from Abraham Lincoln i like " and in the end, its not the years in your life its the life in your years "

Happy Zedding everyone :drive :thumb:
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Post by Zed Carer »

Hi Canman

We've met you and Alex a few times and our thoughts are with you and your family. Your attitude is an inspiration to all of us and may there be many more years to come.

I'm not too far away from you if you need any help with the Zed.
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snoops
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Post by snoops »

Hi Canman

So sorry about your news and our thoughts go with you and your family.

As others have said, your positive attitude is fantastic and you are planning to do some great things.

And hey, don't keep all these cruises to yourself, tell us where and when and I'm sure there are loads of us that would like to join you :drive

You take care of yourself and your family.
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Post by Jamezee »

Hi,

Sad news. As everyone else has already stated you have the right attitude, do what you and your family want to do. Enjoy yourselves. I look forward to seeing you on some cruises this year.

Dave :thumb:
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Post by kruisn »

Havn't had the pleasure of meeting you Canman, but feel I know you a little from your many posts - (close to the 1000 now ?).
We could all learn from your brilliant attitude. Pleas keep posting on the progress of the rebuild and also the trip. Our thoughts are with you and hope you have a nice warm garage to work in. :drive :thumb:
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unclemart
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Post by unclemart »

Canman devastating news - and it really has all been said here. Being positive and keeping that sense of humour is so important. as you say plenty of good times still to be had and it sounds like you intend make the most of them. Hats off to you sir! Image
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Post by yocky z3 2.0 »

Just read this kev lost for words, gutted been working most saturdays got sundays spare will come through to help rebuild zed chin up mate from tony& jayne.
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Post by Courageous »

My God Canman! I've been silent (regarding the forum) for sometime now but now I'm almost lost for words! I applaud your immense courage. I know I wouldn't be able to cope with this as you are. I'm truly in awe.

I do hope you'll consider joining the trip down here to Spain in June and regardless of that any time you want to come down here there's somewhere for you to stay. I wish I could help more.

Ian
In the land of the pigs the butcher is king.
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Jonttt
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Post by Jonttt »

Thats a kind offer Ian :bow
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Post by Courageous »

Its little really under the circumstances but genuine all the same. Thanx tho' Jon. Lots of very good people on this forum.
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HPFirenza
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Post by HPFirenza »

Hi Canman, Although we haven't met I feel I know you through your many posts on this forum. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time and I know you won't put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Life is for living it's not a dress rehearsal so enjoy.

Best Wishes Graham
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marcusplowman
Joined: Sat 22 May, 2010 20:34
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Post by marcusplowman »

Unfortunately so many peoples lives are cut short for many reasons...hopefully not yours. Make the most of life, see the world, spend like theres no tomorrow and most importantly of all...drive it like you stole it :D
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Canman
Joined: Tue 21 Jul, 2009 15:34
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Post by Canman »

many thanks again for your thoughts and care.
Courageous a truly appreciated offer and as much as i want to come in june im struggling as there are some things i still need to sort.

I recently changed jobs from the Can Factory Engineer to become an Engineer Surveyor for a large insurance co. i started at the end of Oct and im still in " training " . I have told them all about the disease and they have seen how my arm/hand is getting quite weak . Im not sure as yet what will come of my job and i have to be assesed by occupational health. Would have been better staying with the Cans knowing what i know now but thats life.

On a brighter note finding some lovely Z4's for my europe road trip in May but W4tkins keeps telling me to go for this Z3 M instead.
im thinking that i will need an automatic for such a long drive hence a Z4 3.0 se auto.
what do you think guys?

Hoping to get my Zed back on the road for early march and going to use it as much as possible.

happy zedding :D
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Post by jontymo »

Nice car Kev but to be honest you will love the Z4 auto and if i'm right you will still get flappy paddles for when you want to play.

Jon
1998 2.8 Roadster "Gone but not forgotten"
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swamper
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Post by swamper »

got to say kev the M might not be what your looking for but what a stunner :shock:
the badness makes me do it...!

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Post by muppet »

As a member of the" i nearly died club"... stroke caused by brain heamorrhage.. I can only echo Gazzas word.. make every day a good one.. and remember even the bad ones are still good and beat the alternative.
I bought the V1LAN afterwords as well... a proper mid life crisis buy :zmurf:
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Titan
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Post by Titan »

That's a lovely M
It looks very similar to the one that SpunkyM used to have on here.
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Jonttt
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Post by Jonttt »

To be honest as much as I prefer the ///m's i think the z4 auto would suit it's purpose more. You really need to work the ///m's to get the benefit and I presume your after a nice open top cruiser ?
Happiness is not around the corner........happiness is the corner
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aceman
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Post by aceman »

Agree with Jon I think the Z4 auto is going to be the better choice. The Z4 3.0 auto shares the same ZF box my STR has and I can tell you it is one smooth box and in sport mode changes are pretty rapid but when driving steady you can't feel the changes at times. It has certainly enlightened me to the virtue of auto boxes and wouldn't give it a second thought purchasing an auto of this quality again.
Aceman

Arctic Silver '98 Z3M

Previously;
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Rocking seats ? You need seat bushes click HERE
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Post by t-tony »

Hi canman, having been away from the forum for quite a while I am very sorry to hear your news regards you health although I've only "talked" to you via posts etc. it saddens me to hear. I will never forget new years eve either as I watched my brother die of leukeamia in the city hospital nottingham on that night 4 years ago. I truly hope you can fight this disease for a hell of a long time and keep enjoying your Z,our kid was 50 years old and he never saw mine. May all your trips be classics. ALL the best,Tony.
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