As a baby Neil Frazer had multiple café au lait spots (birthmarks) that were a concern and on diagnosis proved to be Neurofibromatosis (NF). There were other subtle indications of NF – large head and arm bones that do not extend in the usual manner. Not much was known about NF then. Neil had a very delayed puberty which required hormone therapy. During his twenties, the café au lait spots faded which was a small mercy because often people thought he was dirty – it’s the small cruelties that hurt. But as the marks faded the fibromas/lumps/tumours appeared and grew and become a nuisance. Neil had the first of the tumors removed in his early twenties.

To say the knowledge about NF was skimpy would be a compliment. Neil could not get good advice and plastic surgeons often botched cutting off fibromas. They say "NF warrior" and they are right – it's warrior class and he is a 52-year-old last man standing gladiator. It’s about confidence and a never ever say die attitude. Luck is a critical factor and his primary luck is having an immense support structure built of a wife, family and a select group of friends. It’s is his impenetrable shield as a warrior – they fight for him, defend him and never let him believe that he is anything but vastly superior. It is vital as an NF sufferer to have a support structure – it is the sacred foundation upon which NF can be dealt with for a lifetime. One need the experts. The number of times his results have been sent to the medical panel or the weekly discussion board are too frequent to mention. But there have been some unkind, uncaring and stupid doctors. You need love, a wife, special kids, a family, friends and reading, traveling and maybe a hobby. Cycling is his perpetual mistress and largely carved his identity into the bark of the world. It is the pure joy of moving fast and looking like everyone else because at speed we are all blurred. It’s because it’s outdoors. The sheer pleasure of pitting a racing heart against a raging hill is an undying love.