Operation: GET GORDON SKILTON BACK ON TRACK

[skilly035]

As some of you may know, My Grandfather Gordon Skilton has had some trouble with his back lately.
He has been to a specialist who has said he needs to wait (at least) 6months before getting an operation to release pressure off his spine.

The fantastic Will (Uncle Bruce) mentioned to Grandma (Robyn) that he would love for that money to be fundraised, so he can get off his feet and onto that seat!
Uncle Simon (Windleborn) realising that being on the track is Gordys life-giver, dream, passion, has decided to pay the $9000 needed to get Gordy the operation. He can't stand the thought of Grandpa only standing on the sidelines. The health system say it's a 6month wait, cause legally they can't tell you you have to wait longer. We could be waiting over a year.

Grandpa will tell you that he is FAR TOO YOUNG to give up just yet. I fully agree. Since taking racing up again, I have seen a side to him I had never seen before. He is, of course, a happy family man. But really, the track is what keeps that smile on his face!

I would like to take this opportunity to ask the people that understand the most, for some assistance with this crazy fund.
The operation is booked for 11th January 2011. I'm not too sure what the recovery time will be, but sounds like it is only ONE Boxing Day he will be missing out on. Uncle Si and I will be competing on his Norton this year.

I'm not asking just cause he's my wonderful Grandfather - but because I realise just how much of an influence he has made in the sidecar world. He's shown me the way to live!
I work in a bike shop, and get a lot of oldies coming in and speaking of 'that legend of a rider..umm..ahh..Skilton? Gordon! Yes, that's it! Where is he now? I hear he is still riding'

I can't ask for much, but I can ask for help =)
Please let me know any ideas you may have. And please spread the word amongst us choice as Sidecar family.:woohoo:

[davejplunkett]

I hope all goes well with Gordons operation Robyn emailed me a few weeks ago to say he had problems I didn't realise it was his back.
Please give Gordon and Robyn my best wishes

Dave Plunkett

[Colin Howie]

If its compressed vertabrae Gordons got,save the $9000,Ive got two,not from my speedway days,(im 60) but a drunken 17 yr Raro boy in a stolen 4WD,google University of Maryland,then go Medical Center,then Spinal dept,founded 1806,and have a read,in laymans terms.Trust the Howie ,my cuz is a Spinal Surgeon,he told me about the site.Good on ya Gordon,I have chatted to you at Puke Classics. Colin Howie,

[GD66]

Can you tell us how the op went ? Gordon's a good soldier, so if strength and determination are required for the recovery then he should be up and about in no time ! Was also excited to see among the entry lists for Classic sidecars at Wanganui, a 650 BSA ridden by the redoubtable pairing of Toddy Sollitt with the dreaded Rex Yates in the chair. Rex used to live in Napier and used to set some terrifying town-to-town times in his Mk 2 Consul (The Tonsil). Great to see some of Gordon's playmates from The Old Days still out and about and getting it done on the track. Get well soon, Gordon ! :2thumbsup

[davejplunkett]

Rex Yates passed away a week or so a go He was playing golf at the time

[GD66]

FFS !! :facepalm: That's woeful Dave, but thanks for the update. Bloody Rex would have been out having fun as always, and probably burgling some poor bastard in side wagers on the golf as well. At least he got back on the chair with Toddy, his old mate from the 60s and 70s, so would have gone with all the boxes ticked. A good lad. :drinkup:

[skilly035]

Can you tell us how the op went ? Gordon's a good soldier, so if strength and determination are required for the recovery then he should be up and about in no time ! Was also excited to see among the entry lists for Classic sidecars at Wanganui, a 650 BSA ridden by the redoubtable pairing of Toddy Sollitt with the dreaded Rex Yates in the chair. Rex used to live in Napier and used to set some terrifying town-to-town times in his Mk 2 Consul (The Tonsil). Great to see some of Gordon's playmates from The Old Days still out and about and getting it done on the track. Get well soon, Gordon ! :2thumbsup

His operation went really well. Can barely see the scar. He is doing things he hasn't done in a while. We were hoping his first meet back would be Mothers Day at Manfeild weekend before the one just gone..but he couldn't fit into his leathers!
Not sure when he will next be out, but most definately be back for Cemetery Circuit