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Have you heard of Tom Soper? Look no further than the quite extraordinary website http://www.tomgilessoper.com/ and be inspired, moved and amazed.
This has to be one of the most positive, most engaging, most uplifting most attitude-altering uses of the internet I’ve ever seen — and it has led to action, a lot of action, all over the world.
I am one of those privileged to know Tom and his family and, like so many others connected with them in one way or another, to have been utterly shattered by the news of the terrible car accident that took away Tom’s ability to move, just as HIFA drew to an end. It was at HIFA that I had last run into Tom and his wife Sally, full of beans and tales of the recent Argus cycle race in Cape Town.
Tom and Sally are the kind of people you simply cannot fail to like, and it is no wonder at all, that as news of the life-changing accident spread like wildfire through the massive network of people connected by knowing them, with one accord, all asked, what can I do to help?
Within 48 hours, though, the means by which all of us could communicate our support to Tom, Sally and their families and closest friends, was created and activated — this amazing website. Posts began to pour in, in their hundreds, then thousands, and the network of supporters spread and multiplied as more and more people literally all over the globe, heard the news, and expressed their love, sorrow, support and desire to do anything, just anything, to assist.
If you’re feeling jaded, if you’re one of those people without much faith in your fellow human beings, if you tend to focus on the negative or spend your time talking of disaster stories or finding fault in others and their endeavours, you can learn a thing or two at tomgilessoper.com about courage, compassion, empathy, understanding, love, family, friendship, kinship, communication, honesty, hope, selflessness and nobility. You’ll need your hanky at the ready, it’s hard not to get emotional reading this site.
Yet it’s extraordinarily uplifting and inspiring, even life altering. Not surprisingly, all the care and concern for Tom and his loved ones, deeply moved as people around the world have been by their situation, simply had to find some channels for useful outlet, and manifest in action. One such mass action took place in Harare last Saturday, and drew a crowd of 862 people. It was a “Show of Strength” for Tom, and it was just one amongst such events organised by people wanting to do something to show how much they care and support Tom and his family, all over the world.
So far these events have taken place in London, Harare, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and this weekend, Adelaide, and no doubt, more will be hot on their heels. They involve walks of specified lengths, during which the walkers symbolically “breathe for Tom” who until very recently needed assistance to breathe, though very thankfully, can now breathe for himself, and monies raised by entry fees will all go toward helping Tom with the best possible equipment and assistance. The Harare event was superbly attended and commemorative T-shirts the same as those in all other global cities taking part, were on sale.
It was tear-jerking to see just how much support there was for this greatly loved family, and there’s no doubt that this website has mobilised and inspired people in ways that just wouldn’t be possibly without this wonderful technology.
Who knows what Tom’s future holds. No one can truthfully say they hold that definitive crystal ball that predicts what may or may not be possible in the months and years ahead. But with so much love and support and positive energy being channelled into Tom’s recovery and healing from such devastating trauma, in the spirit of hope and affirmation that is the glue at the heart of the website and that is so much a manifestation of our humanity, let us, when thinking of Tom and other’s who have suffered such injuries, confidently use the expression, Anything’s Possible.
n Tom wrote: “Last night I dreamt I was there. Mingling with everyone doing various show of strength walks around the world. It wasn’t clear in my dream whether I was walking or in my wheelchair but that didn’t really seem to be the point. What really mattered was the sense of belonging that I felt. It is very difficult for me to remotely express my gratitude to all those involved in these events. This made me feel so helpless on Saturday that I’ve shaved my head.
I feel it is important that I let you know that this support from family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, is what keeps me going sometimes. I’m proud to be associated with all of you and look forward to mingling together for real. I am particularly proud to be a Zimbabwean and can’t wait to be home.
Here at Muelmed my progress continues. I can sit for longer periods of time without passing out and have taken a demo wheelchair for a spin using no more than a chin control. The staff think I’m a bit of a cowboy and will not turn up the speed to maximum. I have only had one accident and cannot understand the attitude!
I have to go to the gym so I will sign off now. I look forward to seeing all the rest of the photos from the various events.
Thanks again. Lots of love, Tom.”
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