ZiggyCJ
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(May 2nd 2026 - I dedicate this story to the F1 driver and paralympian Alex Zanardi who sadly passed today. Alex's story is a real one of triumph over disaster and a testament to the acceptance of disabled athletes in sports.)
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Cat's nursing career has been tanked by her strength to call out a senior colleague who was under the influence of alcohol in an emergency operating theatre. It is Cat's nature to stand up for what she believes in regardless of personal cost.
Planning her next move a recruitment notice catches her eye and she responds to it.
Jeremy Churchill, a distant relative of Winston himself. At 27 years old and a fly-half for the Northampton Saints Rugby Club a routine xray after a heavy tackle has blown his world apart.
She slowly starts to battle professional detachment for friendship, and attraction and desire for something more.
He trades sullen silence and self pity for moments he realises it's not the sword of damocles hanging over his head.
With good food and changes his medication regime and Jeremy's depression starts to lift.
A series of excursions to see disabled athletes excelling in their chosen sports helps Jeremy process his own condition.
He finally accepts surgery, and confesses feelings for Cat whilst in recovery under the affects of the anaesthetic.
Cat struggles with her own feelings that are developing for Jeremy. She fights them and maintains her professional boundaries.
When the time comes that Jeremy can manage without her she walks away.
Will Jeremy let her go?
Final word count : 40,122 excluding chapter 24 - Author's Note
UPDATE
The Bucket List has a soundtrack on Amazon music
https://music.amazon.co.uk/user-playlists/71bfeae09df64bdc8c306192fdef981bengb?ref=dm_sh_7VfGpXGh0jYuWvAGPfQmHD5Fx