I’m currently writing this from a hospital waiting room. A view that has become very familiar over the past 4 days.

After deciding to come to Hanoi for a rest weekend to watch the rugby, it has now turned into a possible 2 week stay. Serves me right for being so cocky that I was ahead of my target.

Last night I had an operation to remove a massive cyst that I had somehow managed to grow on my upper thigh. Due to its size, the recovery process means daily hospital visits and that I cannot currently leave Hanoi.

I am massively frustrated and upset that this has happened. I’d managed to reach 35 with no issues and 3 weeks into such an important journey my body rebels. Whilst at the hospital, I experienced yet another random act of kindness. On the way out of the ward, a Vietnamese nurse, who had had nothing to do with my treatment asked if I was ok (I must have looked traumatised). Instead of the usual British response of “Yeah, fine thanks”, I cried. For those of you who know me, this is not something I do. The nurse sat me down, gave me a cuddle and sent her friend to get me a cup of tea. The kindness of strangers.

I wanted to share this with you all and promise that I will get back on the road as soon as I can. After the tragic events in Essex, it is even more paramount that I do this. Once I’m in a little less pain, I will hopefully be able to volunteer at Blue Dragon until I fully recover.

As a friend just said to me, “It will make an exciting chapter of the book”

As always, thank you for reading.

Love Naomi (aka Nam)