Global Challenge 2007

Day 5 Sunday 7th October

2007-12-09T17:17:00.000Z

The journey to our hotel was to take about three hours and it was eventful. Lots of monkeys, small villages and some weird and wonderful sites. What follows is a pictorial view of that journey.

Into the jeeps.

The main road!!

First sight of the mountains.

Madeleine and I. Maddy is originally from Scotland now in Hull. I have linked Madeleines blog in earlier posts and it was good to meet up with her. Here we had to stop to fix a puncture. We all got out to stretch our legs.

We arrived at our hotel The Asia Health Resort and I was so tired all I wanted to do was get some sleep. We all had to meet up at 14:00 for a trip to Macleod Ganj and the Buddhist temple. I awoke at 13:00 showered, shaved and changed I felt much better.

Here are some of the views from the hotel. At 14:00 we got into taxis and headed off to Macleod Ganj. Macleod Ganj is the adopted home of the exiled Dalai Lama. It is full off Tibetan influence. We were dropped off at the bottom of Macleod Ganj and walked up to the top taking in the sites as we went.

Prayer flags. Very colourful and it is said the wind blows the prayers over the world spreading good will.

These are prayer wheels and the picture with me in is my attempt to impersonate Eddie Murphy in The Golden Child.

A rather large prayer wheel. You are supposed to walk around with it for five times if my memory serves me correct.

As we proceeded to walk up the hill to the temple an old Buddhist monk reached out her hand and pointed up the hill. I wasn't sure what to do but held out my hand. She grabbed it with a firm grasp that didn't fit with her frame, pointed up the hill again and started praying. I had no choice but to help her up the hill.

Once at the top she said something to me and waved goodbye. It was as she was leaving that Ross gave me the nickname of "The Guru" which was to stay with me the rest of the trip. We sat down on a bench to relax and that was when my favourite photo of the trip was taken. Helen took it and I love it. It is four friends who are just relaxed and having fun.

We then visited the temple and learnt more about the Dalai Lama. Why he was exiled, how they follow on etc. All very interesting. Apparently his holiness was in the U.S.A when we were in Macleod Ganj picking up a Nobel Peace Prize.

Leaving the temple we had time for a bit of shopping in Macleod Ganj. It was here that a couple were approached much the same as me in Delhi. Young mothers with young babies asking for help. This time they were asking us to buy milk for their child. A couple did. Later, as people were walking up and down we saw the same women asking again. It was then the scam was discovered. People were buying the milk which the women, once we were out of sight took back to the shop so the owner could sell it again! Now, we don't know why, or what was behind it. There could have been all sorts. Perhaps the women were just dishonest, perhaps they were being threatened or held to ransom to get milk sold. We will never know. All a bit sad though.

As I reached the top I heard my name being called and a few had found a roof top bar. So I joined them for a beer. Well it would have been rude not to. Here are some pictures of Macleod Ganj

Even the Dalai Lama needs a mobile phone!!!

After a couple of beers it was back to The Asia Health Resort for dinner and bed, ready for an early start. For tomorrow the trek starts and after all that's what we were here for.

Day 4 Saturday 6th October

2007-12-09T14:13:00.000Z

After a good nights sleep I didn't feel too bad at all and after a shower and a shave I was ready for breakfast. We had to wear our blue shirts and there were all the guys that were on the trek in their nice blue shirts. All of course apart from Ross and Karun who had red ones on. Steve thought this was hilarious and I must agree it was funny.

Today was mostly about photo shoots and press meetings. It was important to raise the profile and show everyone what we were hoping to achieve.

After breakfast and before we went for our photo shoot at India Gate I took some photos from the hotel room. Reminded me of a Star Wars landscape.

It was then off to India Gate which is a war memorial. There was a group photo there. Unfortunately as the photo was taken the guy in front of me moved and cut me off! Ahh well, I got one taken on my own.

After the visit to India Gate it was back to the Taj Palace for some press meetings and a briefing on the rest of the day. There was some speeches on how some raised their money including a rather moving one from Mike Day that brought a tear to my eye. Particularly the mention of his family and I thought of mine all those miles away. After all the speeches and press interviews we went to the Red Fort for a visit. Here are some photos including one of Helen taking a picture of the sky.

The Red Fort was very interesting and enjoyable but not as fun as the next bit. We were off to see the biggest Mosque in Delhi and to get there we went by Rickshaw. Twenty five racing through Delhi is a thing to be part of. This was so funny and I think our rider smoked to much because even the offer of extra Rupees had no effect on his speed! When we got there the Mosque was off limits due to Ramadan but I didn't care that Rickshaw ride made up for that.

Mind you, I don't think Seema enjoyed it as much!!

These photos are a bit blurry but we were moving and I couldn't stop laughing. It was just great fun. After the Mosque visit it was off to a nice restaurant for a meal then to the train station for the overnight sleeper. Here are some pictures of people in Delhi, the restaurant and the station just before boarding.

Now, this overnight train was an experience. We were all very cosy. There was no alcohol allowed but Steve, Ross and Karun smuggled in some Vodka and Whiskey and we all had a bit of a party which went on into the early hours. when everyone finally crawled into bed it was about 03:00. I was opposite Ross and boy can that man snore. He could be heard right down the carriage and I never had a wink of sleep. He made my snoring seem very quiet in comparison. No sleep at all and Gideon who had managed to get first class got us all ready a good hour before we were due to disembark.

One thing about the train journey I will not forget (apart from the snoring) was England beat Australia in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals and we had a good old sing song and celebration on the train. Here is a photo of the inside of the train. In it is Jo'el who later became known as number one!!

We disembarked at 05:30 after having no sleep at all transferred to jeeps for the journey to Dharamsala.

Day 3 Friday 5th October

2007-12-09T12:20:00.000Z

I have had permission to use some photos my friends took on the trip. Thanks as there were so many taken and as you know I'm much better in front of the camera :-)

Two hour flight which was your standard "package holiday" affair landing at Delhi at 07:30. Picked up my luggage and proceeded to the meeting point. When I walked out of the airport there was this large canopy with loads of people holding up boards. Unfortunately not the one I was looking for! The other things that struck me were the heat and the noise of car horns, although I couldn't see the cars. I tried to get back into the airport to see If I had missed something but a security guard with a rifle refused me entry. after some persuading, difficult as we didn't understand each other he let me back in. I couldn't find anyone or anything so I tried my phone to ring a contact number I had been given. Guess what? yep, phone didn't work and all I got was an operator speaking in what I suspect was Hindi.

I walked back outside getting a little concerned at this stage and as I walked past two guys sitting on a fence I noticed a Reckitt Benckiser label. I thought I bet they don't speak English but I introduced myself. To my delight they were from South Africa and did speak English. Little did I know what good friends these two would become. Ross and Karun and here is a picture of our first meeting. Karun on the left, Ross on the right.

Apparently our pick up driver had gone to International and we had arrived at Domestic. Karun had a phone that worked and approximately 20 minutes later our driver arrived to take us to the Taj Hotel.

When we left the airport my first view of Delhi was what appeared absolute chaos! Everyone was blowing their horns and there seemed to be a complete disregard for any "road etiquette" as we would know it in the UK. It was just amazing and over the next couple of weeks every time I was out in traffic I couldn't stop smiling. There was of course Tuk Tuks. Whether or not that is the name I don't care. They are however, the future. Here are some photos of my first views of Delhi.

When we arrived at the hotel I said to Ross "I don't want to go to bed or I wont sleep tonight. Lets check in and get a drink." We all agreed and I checked in and went to my room where I met Steve, who was to be my room mate for the duration of the trip. I said to Steve about going for a drink and he agreed so at the designated time we went downstairs. The bar was closed so Ross suggested we get a tuk tuk and go into Delhi. Steve said he was going to sit by the pool and I was very unsure. Ross said to me "its not every day you get the chance to go around Delhi you really don't want to miss the chance." Well, that sold it for me. We walked to the road Ross shouted a tuk tuk and said "take us to a market." All I had was my phone as I left the camera at the hotel. The next few hours were one of the best times I have ever had.

Tuk tuk man took us to a market as the pubs were not open. It was however a tourist market, expensive and one where our driver got fuel whenever he took someone there!! Karun sussed this and although the market was cool it wasn't the experience we wanted. we said we wanted a drink and our driver took us to a Chinese restaurant where we had our first taste of Kingfisher beer. How many people travel to India, go for a Chinese meal and watch Cricket with the waiters all whom were Indian?? We had such a laugh, just chilling and drinking. We stayed in there for a good few hours. We said our goodbyes and walked out into the sunshine. I couldn't believe it but our tuk tuk man was still waiting!!

We got back in and said we want to go to a "proper" market in downtown Delhi. After a few more "sites" of Delhi including the Horse Racing course, Indian Air Force headquarters, India Gate and some of the more poorer areas we spotted a market and asked tuk tuk man to stop.

Out we got for a wander after taking our lives into our own hands by crossing the main road we started to look around the market. It was here I had my first "experience" of the more upsetting side.

There was a very young woman with a child of about 18 months. The child was naked and she started to follow us. Ross and Karun said just ignore her which I tried. After 20 minutes of her following us touching my feet and placing her child on my feet it was all getting too much. I said to the boys I need to do something. Karun said "don't give her money, just buy them a meal." This was an excellent idea and is what I did. It made me fell a little better and it wasn't much but it was something. It was very sad and upsetting. It was something I had not seen before but would see a lot more of over the next few weeks.

I found Julie a nice top while in the market and we found another bar where we stopped for a few more beers. I kept thinking about the woman and child and we discussed them for a while. Ross and Karun said there is so much in India and its too much for me to be too concerned about. Harsh yes, but true.

We had quite a laugh in this bar and it kept going dark! We experienced about half a dozen power cuts while in there, none more than a couple of minutes but still, quite a lot. After a few more beers we were all pretty drunk by the time we left and once again tuk tuk man was waiting so I took some photos of us all with my phone.

We got back to the hotel and paid tuk tuk man 4 quid!!!!! he was happy with this and we Had been with him for about 8 hours. We went into the bar where we were supposed to meet and we phoned Steve up and got him down for a beer. Steve took one look at us and suggested it maybe wise we all went to bed. Of course we were all fine and disagreed. Steve pointed out we were rather drunk and that I had been up now for about 34 hours. I conceded and went to bed. This was a good move on reflection and Steve was right. I am glad now I listened to his advise. I had after all had just had the most wonderful time and I did need my bed.

Day 2 Thursday 4th October

2007-11-15T21:21:00.000Z

Car arrived on time and took me to the airport and I arrived at 06:20 Terminal 4 at Heathrow. Checked in very easily and waited to go in to departures. Went through the usual checks and was surprised that I had to take my shoes off and put them through the x-ray machine. Still it was comforting to know that security is paramount.

Boarded flight on time and we were reversing out when the Captain came over the speakers to tell us there was a fault and we had to go back in to get the engineers to fix a fault with the door!! That was not so comforting. About 25 minutes later the fault was fixed and we were waiting for a take off slot which we got after another 10 minutes.

The flight which lasted approximately 9 hours was a total joy and I was so well looked after. The flight attendants came round with hot fresh towels every couple of hours, the food was excellent and I got the chance to watch The Fantastic Four, Spiderman 3, and Shrek The Third on the in flight video. Well done Jet Airways.

The plane landed in Bombay at 12 midnight which would have been 18:30 in the UK so it wasn't too late and I was still quite fresh. I transferred from international to domestic flights and I tried to find a cash point and a place to sit as I now had a 7 hour wait before my flight to Delhi.

I had decided before I left the UK to get all my money in India, however, all the cash machines were down and I had no money in an airport with no water to drink. So, I thought I would sit down and try to sleep some of the hours away. Bombay is a very small airport and there was a lot of people about so, no seats. I found an alcove and settled in there and was just thinking, this will do when a huge rat came out of a hole ran up my leg, up and over my shoulder and into a hole behind me. Well, I nearly had to change my underpants and I shot out of the alcove and wandered around for a bit more.

I finally found a place to sit, which was behind a snack bar on a window sill and while there a chap came up and asked if he could sit by me due to lack of space. When I said yes he said "oh you're from the midlands" Can't believe it, I haven't got an accent!!! We got talking. His name was Sanjoy and he lives in the UK with his wife and son but his father was ill and he was visiting. We spoke for some time and whilst talking I mentioned the fact I had no Rupees and he kindly got me a coffee and a samosa which I thought was very nice of him. I did have his number to thank him and tell him about the trek but I have sadly lost it. He was really friendly and I thank him for his kindness.

We said our goodbyes and I got ready to take the 07:30 flight to Delhi.

Day 1 Wednesday October 3rd

2007-11-03T12:58:00.000Z

Day 1 began for me just preparing a final few things and going over the check list one final time before I said my good byes and left the house at 14:00. I drove down to the Baylis House Hotel in Slough with only a small delay on the M40. A lorry had crashed into the back of another. I arrived at my destination at 17:00 and checked in.

It was a very pleasant hotel and is run by an Indian family. It is a grade 1 listed building with some lovely landscaped gardens.

The staff were very pleasant and The Seasons Restaurant served up probably the best Indian meal in England I have ever had. I had a fish starter followed by a Rogan Josh and it was excellent.

There was another person in the restaurant and we got chatting. Turned out he served his time at GEC the same as me although he worked in Stafford while I was in Rugby. I left at about 22:30 as I needed to get some kip before the taxi arrived to take me to the airport at 06:00

My car was to remain at The Baylis House Hotel until I arrived back from the trek.

It's Over

2007-11-03T12:25:00.000Z

Well, I have been back now for over two weeks and I perhaps should have updated this sooner. Thing is, it was so good to see my family after the two weeks away and to be honest I felt a bit flat. It is all over, this journey and its been nearly a year since it all started although I never started this blog until January.

This was the most exhilarating, enjoyable, inspiring and wonderful trip. The sights, sounds and smells in a country of complete contrasts. India is just the most amazing place.

My fellow trekkers were just the greatest bunch of people I have the pleasure to now call friends (whether they like it or not) Every single one of them was an honour and a joy to meet. How many times can you say you met 50 people and liked them all??? The guides Gideon and Julian, Kath the Doctor and Emma the Save The Children rep were too a pleasure to meet.

I now have the task of writing down what happened and will update with some photos over the next few weeks while I continue to collect pledges.

A big thanks to Tiddy, Rhinos boys, Freaky and Gary Millar for their donations.

Andy Tiddeman is an old friend from Rugby. There's a few tales I could tell but I will save those for my memoirs

Freaky is another friend from the Download forums

Gary works at the same place as me and keeps offering to scrub my tyres in for me on my bike. Thing is, I heard he buys them second hand from a racer :-)

Not forgetting my friends from the Rhinos with their continued efforts. I went training with them last Wednesday and I shall be wobbling about the pitch in a couple of weeks......Can't wait

I shall update on the trip with as many photos I can but there were loads taken. One guy, Dan took about 2000!!! He is now known as Dan, Dan the paparazzi man.

Week 36 The Final Countdown

2007-10-02T23:00:00.000+01:00

That's it, tomorrow I start my journey and a big thanks to everyone who has taken time to help and support me.

I would just like to say particular thanks to

Julie. Without her support and encouragement I could not have come this far.

Scott and Ann for their help and love.

My Mum and Dad. Their tireless efforts to take time out to raise over £600 in an already busy life.

Steve and Anita. Providing a venue, support and most importantly friendship.

Dave Trubee. All the work he does at Ripley Rhinos, being a good friend and continued pushing for raising funds.

Steve Jones. Simply a legend. Nuff said

Sam and Ian. Generous in their donations and just lovely people

Rob and Rach. Love these guys

Reckitt Benckiser for giving me the opportunity to go on this amazing journey.

Every single one of my friends and people I have met along the way, I could not have come this far without you and you have made this journey a lot easier for me. I am a very lucky man to have met so many wonderful people and am proud to call you my friends. Thank you.

If you wish to track our progress there will be a daily blog and it can be checked out here

http://www.save100000lives.com/

A full report when I get back and I shall continue to raise money up until December.

Thanks again, see you all soon.

Week 35 and 36 Cold Sweat

2007-09-29T21:15:00.000+01:00

It's getting very close now and its been a busy couple of weeks on the donation front.

First I would like to thank my mum for all her efforts. Fish and Chip suppers, skittle nights, charity boxes and pestering her friends (knowing my mum) a plethora of events and a £370 donation from these. That is over £600 from her and much appreciated. Love you mum.

Within that I have to give a special mention to my niece Caitlin who raised nearly £20 on her own. Thank you.

A surprise cheque of £30 from Ripley Rhinos from scratch cards that have been sold. There was a note with it saying that Copey made a sterling effort. Cheers Steve and it wont be long before we are on the pitch together. Can't wait to have a game.

A massive, huge thanks to Sam with another £100. That, after I was taking the mickey during the Wales - Fiji world cup game. I owe you Sam and as a reward next time we all meet up I will try to keep my clothes on :-)

I have to say this even though I will suffer verbals from my Rugby mates. Many, many years ago (late 60's early 70's) my Dad, Grandad and me used to have a season ticket at Coventry City and although I found Rugby and love the game I secretly follow The Sky Blues.
When they were drawn against Manchester United in the Carling Cup and it was during my sons birthday week I tried and succeeded to get tickets at Old Trafford thanks to my mate Keith in our village. Scott is a massive Manchester fan, as is Keith.
So, Scott, Keith, Adam (Scotts mate) and me drove to Manchester to watch the game. We were sitting in the Stretford end which is where all the Man Utd. fans sit so I had to be quiet and not give any indication where my allegiances lay. Coventry played superbly and the Cov fans were fantastic and sang the team to victory. 2-0 was the score line. I would have loved to have been with them. It was so hard to keep quiet, every time they scored or nearly scored I had to bow and shake my head as if disappointed.
I was proud of my discipline and when I was safe back in the car I celebrated big time and I must confess I must have been unbearable all the way home!!!

Its official, I have Man Flu. Nose Blocked, Cough, Sore Throat. Its worse than any cold anyone has had, ever. :-( All week I have felt rotten and praying it goes by the time I travel. It wont be much fun if I feel like this. I can't believe it, I rarely get ill and it happens now!!!!.

Tomorrow its Scotts birthday and the whole family are going for a meal to celebrate, so I hope I am feeling a bit better.

There will be one more entry before I go and I shall post details where you can check our progress as we are on the trek! How good is that!

You still have plenty of time to sponsor me. I have money to update, money to collect and I still have friends armed with sponsor forms and I envisage a close off time around Christmas.

Week 34 The Cinema Show

2007-09-17T20:46:00.000+01:00

This is my first attempt and I don't think its too bad, but a bit short. Just click on the link

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=tBIaZQ6NqMA

Week 33 and 34 Running Up That Hill

2007-09-16T21:32:00.000+01:00

Another two weeks fly by and its just about keeping fitness levels up as I think I am as ready as I'll ever be.

Chris Briggs, one of my fellow trekkers was due in Nottingham on business and came up with the idea for a meet and a training walk. I was up for it and we contacted all the other trekkers in the UK to see if anyone was available to go up Jacobs Ladder. It was fairly short notice and a few couldn't make it. Steve Squires and Helen Warhurst said they would come and so we arranged to meet at my house on the Saturday, which we did and set off for Edale.

Steve, Chris, Helen and me before we set off.

Some more pictures from the walk

Steve, Helen and Chris by Pym Chair

Chris with his peanuts, Steve with his "Best Ham" and mustard sarnies and Mars Bar and Helen standing up just at the wrong moment.
Our route for descent

Steve and Helen on their way down.

It was a nice day and we did the 7.5 mile walk in record time. 3 hours 39 minutes. It was great to meet some of the people I will be trekking with, they were lovely people and I feel easier as up until I met them I did not know anyone at all. Also, absolutely no aches, pains or any injuries. Training has worked and I am ready and looking forward to it more than ever.

I have tried the video function on my camera and although the sound is a bit unclear I thought it worked quite well but I am having difficulty uploading it. Check back as I hope to sort it quickly. I may try to upload on you tube. Something else I have never done before.

Week 31 and 32 Trampled Under Foot

2007-09-04T03:16:00.000+01:00

More people to thank.
Sarge, another Download festival friend. Thanks Simon (his real name, good name that) very much appreciated. No worries about being late. You made it and that's what counts.
Graham Saunders gave me another fiver. Once again thanks.
I have issued some sponsor forms and there are some nice big pledges on them and I can see once I have finished collecting the money from these kind people, the money from the collection boxes and I still have to add the money I lost from my mate Venners I am going to be way above the £2,897.76 I am sitting at now.

Not much training this past week and a bit as I have been on holiday. Jules, Ann, Scott and I went to Malta and had a great time. Weather was good, people of Malta very friendly and helpful and just a real nice time. Mind you I confess to be a bit of a people watcher and you really do see some things.

Our hotel did the all inclusive thing, although we were half board and it appears that some people go away just to eat! You would see people in the morning with a massive breakfast, then back for dinner at twelve, burgers and chips at four and a huge dinner in the evening and this was all with snacks and beer between!! Quite embarrassing really. While I am on a rant why is it people have to push in queues!! I wanted to go and see Mosta which is a temple that boasts one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe it was hit by a bomb in the war that never went off and is now considered a sacred place. I patiently waited for the local bus and when it arrived people descended from everywhere and just barged in. All European tourists as well, disappointingly. I felt like doing a bit of crash ball added with a few Rugby tackles and taking a few down but I resisted and went back to the hotel instead. It just winds me up but then again I'm English and we like queues.
Someone once said to me:
Put two Englishmen together and they will start a queue
Two Irishmen together and they will start a fight
Two Welshman together and they will start a choir
Two Scotsman together and they will start a bank
That about sums up the UK!

So, its back to training although I feel about ready and fit enough best not give up with only 30 days left!

Rugby World Cup next week and although I don't think England are good enough to win it, hope springs eternal.

You still have plenty of time to sponsor me, its for a good cause, just click the link at the top of the page.

Week 30 Holiday

2007-08-23T23:46:00.000+01:00

Just a quick one, ooh err missus!!

A big thank you to James Kennedy and Vicki Loach, two colleagues who have joined the many lovely people who have sponsored me, much appreciated. 2,877.76 total now

Another trekker has now added a blog and just like Maddys (sorry) take a look and enjoy.

http://alexpurcell.blogspot.com/

I may pop over and leave some comments myself!!

I am now off for my family holiday and will update on my return. Take care and come back soon.

Week 29 Run To The Hills

2007-08-13T21:50:00.000+01:00

Well, finally we get some nice weather. Hurrah!!! Up nice and early and got Julie up at seven. Quite a shock for her as she thought there was only one seven O Clock in a day!! We decided to take Bonnie one of our dogs and off we set. As I said back in May, Jacobs Ladder was a must to do again so off we headed. The sun came out as did loads more walkers. We met some people that were in training for a Kenyan trek and we had a chat on the way up. Well I did Jules was feeling a bit rough. We went out Friday night for a couple of beers. Well, you have to make the most of nice summer evenings. We only had a couple as well!!

A busy Jacobs Ladder

When we reached the top they went one way and we went to Pym Chair for a drink, some fruit and a sit down to admire the view.

Jules and Bonnie look to where we were headed.

If you remember last time we did this walk it was raining, it was different this day and we decided to walk further coming down into the village of Edale

This was our route of decent. Not easy.

A very challenging walk and a total distance of 12.4 kilometres which is a bout 7.5 miles and we did it in about four and a half hours. It was hard but really enjoyable.

Training continues and I am feeling good and ready for it. Got myself a new sleeping bag (this time with some room to move) and some shirts for the trek. I have had my second rabies jab and now have the prescription to get my anti malarials. So, just about all set now with everything in place even down to a spare set of bootlaces. A must and often overlooked.

I have the family holiday coming up so hopefully some nice walks in Malta and its just keeping the training and fitness levels up.

You still have time to sponsor me and make a difference, just click the link at the top of this page.

Week 28 Happy When It Rains

2007-08-07T21:41:00.000+01:00

First let me thank Will Evans for his donation. Will is a fly half and plays for the Rhinos. He is a lovely bloke and a top class player as well. An excellent pass and a good Rugby brain. It is an honour to call him a friend. Total now stands at £2,857.76

With a name like Evans he should feel at home where we were this weekend. Arthog. Arthog is a small village approx 8 miles from Barmouth and was the base for what was supposed to be a training weekend. Eighteen of us adults and children met up on a lovely picturesque site even if the facilities were a bit sparse. (One loo and one shower) Having said that apart from us there was only another couple there.

I finished work Friday morning, went to have my first rabies jab, couple hours kip and then it was off to Wales. Julie Scott and I arrived Friday afternoon and the weather was a bit damp but not too bad. We met a lot of my friends from Download and spent the first night laughing and having a few drinks. Although about 1:30 am I became a little grumpy as I was trying to sleep and there was still partying going on. Not enough sleep!! Still all was forgotten and forgiven Saturday morning. The beauty of having such good friends.

The other thing I am glad I did was try my new sleeping bag. I could not get on with it at all and had to swap with Scott who was OK with the mummy style bag. It made me feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable. So its back to search for another.

Saturday morning I had planned to go up Cader Idris. A mountain 3000 feet high. The weather however put a stop to any aspirations we had. It was cold, very windy and torrential rain. Not safe to attempt. We all went down to the beach in Fairbourne and walked a bit. we then went to Barmouth for lunch. After lunch the weather improved and we spent the rest of the day on the beach, kite flying and Frisbee throwing.

Sunday was lovely but some were going back as they had work Monday. We said our farewells and those that were left decided to find a hill we could climb. Time was important as well. We had promised to take the children to King Arthurs Labyrinth.

We did exactly that and went back to Barmouth for tea. Monday it was chucking it down. We packed up went for breakfast and headed our separate ways home. It was a lovely weekend even though not as heavy on the walking as I would have liked.

Once again my wonderful friends made it such a fabulous weekend and I am so lucky to be able to call them friends.

The Saturday was a bit wet and windy

Phil and Carrie couldn't even fly their kite it was too windy
Summertime and the living is easy!!!
Sunday was different and we managed to climb Bryn Brith

Rob and Scott on the way up

Me and Scott...or is it Sherpa Tenzing???

Some wonderful views

This week I hope to get back into the Peaks and do some training there. More on that next week. Please, if you enjoy reading this blog, leave a comment and maybe sponsor me?

Week 27 Hey Stoopid!!

2007-07-31T21:59:00.000+01:00

So, it was off to the Rock and Blues Custom Show. We arrived on the Thursday and it was absolutely chucking it down. We all put our tents up and resembled drowned rats by the time we had put the gazebo up and had drank a toast to "Camp Drench"

My mate Venners gave me £50 towards the walk and we headed off to see the first bands of the weekend. We had a great time and had a fair few beers loads of dancing about and when it all finished I went to buy a chair to sit on around "Camp Drench" and realised my wallet was missing. I had lost it all, £50 that Venners gave me, my money for the weekend and my credit cards.

I was gutted to say the least. I phoned Julie up to cancel the cards and went back to my tent to sleep very much depressed. More about the money that Venners gave me. I received my wallet back the next day which had been handed behind the bar, unfortunately completely empty.

Although all my friends rallied round to help me I was pretty much on a downer all day on the Friday.

When I awoke Saturday I shook myself down. After all there was nothing that could be done and I was supposed to be enjoying myself. Ann, my daughter arrived with some money to pay off my debts and for the rest of the weekend and I was of a mind to enjoy the rest of the festival.

My cards were handed in behind the bar and I was glad to get them back although cancelled. I then had a great day and really enjoyed myself dancing around and generally having a laugh. It was topped by some friends from Download turning up particularly Rachele and Rob. I also had a go on a reverse bungee which was just the best exhilarating experience.

My friends were ace and thanks to them for all their help, generosity and support.

The £50 that I lost I will replace next month, well, my stupid fault. I notice the money had gone up on my total and it was from my daughter Ann. £50 and she doesn't earn loads. Bless her heart. Both my children make me proud. Shame their dad is a bit of a spanner.

Total now £2, 822.76 and my mum has a load of money to update as well. Fantastic!! soon be over £3000

It was very wet and muddy

This was just the best

Up we go!!!!!!
The best dancers in the place. Trouble is we pinched Nicks Crutches

The story continues. This weekend its another Download camping meet in Wales. I am going to use this as a chance to do some hill walking. Check back to see how it went. Oh, and sponsor me please, although my target has been reached I would like to get as much as I can. Its a worthy cause, so c'mon, Getcha money out...................PLEASE

Week 26 Hanging Around

2007-07-21T21:54:00.000+01:00

Training continues and is still going well as far as the cardio and strength part. The walking has not been so clever I realise when trekking I will have to do it whatever the weather. At the moment I have a choice. Hopefully the rain will stop soon and I can get back out in them thar hills.

I had a bit of an adventure this week. I decided to go personally and pick up my visa rather than send my passport and other required documentation by post. It was a rare bright day. Julie and I set out at half past eight in the morning and travelled the 58 miles to Birmingham. Found the Indian Consulate fairly easily and it was ten o'clock, went up a flight of stairs and entered a room which immediately reminded me of a employment exchange or dole office office seen in the films of the seventies. It can only be described in my terms as a dump. It looked dirty and full of plastic chairs which almost every one had someone sitting on it. I had to take a ticket and wait my turn. I was number 820 and the neon sign was showing 750!! So I knew I was in for a bit of a wait.

At ten minutes to twelve my number came up and I trotted off to the little window, handed over my filled in form and passport, paid the £30 and the lady behind the glass said thank you come back between 3 and 4:30!!! We had to come home because of the dogs. None too happy.

We arrived home at 1:30 a quick cup of tea and then it was time to go back. I decided to return on my bike and rode to Birmingham again. Lucky for me, as there were a couple of traffic jams and I was able to zip past quickly. I was happy I made the choice to ride there and I arrived at just after 3. The queue was massive and I joined at the end knowing once again I was in for a wait and by this time the sun had been on the room and it was like an oven. There was no system at all and it appeared if you were an asian person there was, 9 times out of ten something wrong with your application and there were some raised voices and disgruntled people. If white and English it was a case of picking up your passport in a short time, well once they had disappeared into a back room, found your passport and handed it over. I happily received mine with no issues and finally arrived back home at 5:30.The whole day gone.

There were some good points. I met some friendly people in that horrible room and had a really nice chat with one all about India. The weather was nice and I really enjoyed going on my bike especially going past all the cars stuck in a jam. The main aim was to get my visa, which I have and its another one off the list.

This week I am going to try and sort out my rabies jabs and the anti malarials. That and go to the Rock and Blues festival. So pop in and check back to see just how flooded out we get.

Weeks 24 and 25 The Song Remains The Same

2007-07-17T17:44:00.000+01:00

Apart from my daughters 21st birthday where I had a couple of glasses of Champagne I have not had a drink of alcohol for nearly a month. All I have done is train and work. It's been good but I have a Rock night this week and some friends coming to stay. Then next week its the Rock and Blues festival. I shall drink but watch what I eat. I have been careful what I have been eating and with the training I feel great at the moment.

Oh yes, the saga of the push bike. Its gone back. Second time out on it the chain snapped. The shop tried to tell me the manufacturer doesn't offer warranty on the chain!!!! When I pointed out my contract was with the shop and words like "fit for purpose" Trading Standards" I got my money back. His face was a picture and me and Jules had a good laugh on the way back home!

A quick thanks to Graham Saunders. Graham is a chap at work and he gave me a fiver which is in the pot ready for update later when I have gathered in the collection boxes from the local shops.

There another trekker I have been watching. Madeleine Chadwick and "Maddy" (Not sure if I am allowed to call her that but its easier.) has raised over £3000 through effort and hard work, which is an amazing achievement. Her blog is also interesting. Go have a read

http://madeleinechadwick.blogspot.com/

That's about all really. There's a few things I plan to do this week, apart from work and train and I will update once completed. That's it for now, don't forget to sponsor me.

Week 23 Back On Track

2007-07-05T08:55:00.000+01:00

Another week and its all been good. Firstly thanks to another friend from the Download festival Elkay115, real name Lorna. Lorna is a lovely person and very small. I know she wont mind me saying that because its true. Then my old mate Browny. Browny lives in Rugby and comes up to stay when I do the rock night. Browny is the opposite to Lorna, he is massive and I don't mean fat. I would love to see Browny and Lorna standing together. That would be a great sight. Anyway, thanks you two, and Browny....I'll see you at the Rock and Blues in a couple of weeks.

Money raised to date £2,772.76!!

I have been good this week and really stepped up with the training. I have been up the gym everyday and although the first couple of sessions were a bit hard I soon got back into it and am almost where I was all four weeks ago. I am really pleased that I didn't lose too much. I am really enjoying it and theres a great feeling afterwards and I feel great. Another good thing is my elbow is now better so the rest did it good. I am also missing and looking forward to playing Rugby again, but that will be after the challenge now.

I also bought myself a push bike this week to use for training, but not while the weather is still as it is. Apparently we have had the wettest June for 150 years!!! Mind you I don't think there has been a day when it hasn't rained since I got back from Download and that was June 11th!!!

This week I also bought a lot of equipment for the trek. A sleeping bag, a rucksack with a hydration pack included, walking poles and a rain coat type thing. More on that in a minute. The whole lot cost me just under 100 pounds which is the cheapest I have found. It was a place called Decathlon just off junction 26 on the M1 (In case any other trekkers read this) The sleeping bag is so light and packs so small and yet is comfortable down to 0 degrees. The ruck sack is also good with a two litre water bag built in. Mind you, on the trek I will be "The Quechua Man" as it is all the same make. I hope I don't get done for product placement.

Now then, how about this for useless information "Quechua" is a South American native language and tribe. It was the language of the Inca Empire. It is still spoken today in Peru mostly.

Now for the rain coat, which is also Quechua and is amazing. If it rains we were told to ensure we had a bag to keep our rucksacks dry. I have a coat that goes over the lot. Having said that it is not very fetching. We did have a laugh though. Some pictures

Quasimodo Strikes again!!

It fits where it touches!

So, thats it for another week. This journey seems to be gaining speed as each day goes by and is now not too far away. In fact less than 100 days. When I started it seemed like forever now I still have Rabies vaccinations, Visa and other stuff to organise, as well as keeping the fund raising going. You can help with that, it only takes a minute, so please sponsor me for this worthwhile cause. Click the link at the top of the page.

Week 21 and 22 All pleasure, no pain and lots of rain

2007-06-26T10:46:00.000+01:00

First of all a big thank you to the wonderful people who have added to my total.

Timmythepink who is co founder of the O.O.F.As. This is the group of friends who all meet up at the Download festival as mentioned in previous posts. Tim has not been there for a couple of years now, which is a shame. Still maybe next year?? What does O.O.F.A. stand for? It is the "Official Old Farts Alliance!" You have to be over thirty to enter it and that means I just qualify "cough"

Metal Oldie, another O.O.F.A. and the oldest member who goes to Download. Steve (real name) and his wife (Jo) are lovely people and were a life saver one night by giving me a much needed cup of tea. Thanks you two.

Last, this week but not least The Ripley Rhinos and money from the tour that was given in fines. We have split this between three charities. Anthony Gell school in Wirksworth who take, children, some very disabled on skiing holidays, Edward Bright and me.

Edward is 7 years old. He was suddenly taken ill on Sunday 11th February 2007 and was rushed to hospital. The illness was later confirmed as the rare and serious Y-strain meningitis. Edward was initially not expected to survive, but he has proved an incredibly tough character.The illness has claimed both his legs and both his arms below the elbow, together with serious damage to a large proportion of his skin. Edward is a very brave young man, is from Ripley and has his own web site. http://www.edwardbright.com/ So, three excellent, worthwhile causes which all the members, players and anyone who is associated with the Ripley Rhinos are helping as much as possible

This now brings my total to £2,732.76

On a personal level my training has not been where it should be. I haven't done any serious training for three weeks, just the occasional walk and no real hills! Very naughty but I have had some great fun. Went to see Muse at Wembley Stadium and I have to say it is very, very impressive and so were Muse. Unfortunately it did rain a bit and hasn't really stopped yet.

Scott, (my son) and I went to the MotoGP on Sunday and it rained heavily. We still had a good time though and the racing was good. Casey Stoner getting the win. In the 125 class young Bradley Smith rode another excellent race and finished seventh. He is having a great season, is English and he is only 16 as well.

Yesterday was the worse day so far and we had a months rainfall in 30 hours. Its all over the news and in particular Sheffield where it has been very bad. I feel for all those who have had their homes ruined by the floods. So much for summer time. Global warming??? That will probably get the blame. Too hot....Global warming. Too cold......Global warming. That's the reason I haven't been training, yep, Global warming!

The Great British Summer

Wembley Stadium
Muse
MotoGP. Notice some more lovely weather

The last picture is of the great Valentino Rossi, he only managed a Fourth but once again tyres let him down.

That's about it. The last two weeks have been busy but not very productive training wise, need to get off my bottom as from today there are 101 days to go. Please try and sponsor me if you can and make a difference. Also check back regularly to see how things are going.

Week 20 WEEEEEEHOOOOOOOO

2007-06-14T12:17:00.000+01:00

Did it!!!!! Hit my target and now its just a case of how much I can get in the next three months. Thanks to everyone who has helped me achieve this.

I still have some updates to do so it is even higher than the £2579.98 we are sitting at now.

This week was the Download festival and I had so much fun over the five days I was there with some wonderful friends from all over the country. Thanks to them for making it so special.

One of those friends is Luan and she has sponsored me. Thanks. Luan is training for the race for life on the 15th July and she has her site as well. Take a look and help if you can she is a lovely person and would appreciate anything you can donate. Click on the link http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/urbanchick

Now to what is probably the best story so far. Live nation who organise the Download festival are making a sterling effort to make it as green as possible. Part of this was to offer twenty pence per beer cup returned. One of my friends Steve, who I was with at the Download festival had an idea and said to me "I am going to collect cups and donate it to your cause." I gave him a few cards as proof of what I was doing, all in line with Save The Childrens requirements. Steve was relentless and his effort to collect as many cups as possible while still enjoying the festival was nothing short of outstanding. He got everyone in the near vicinity bringing their cups to him, he got all the other friends from the boards involved and it was just great fun to watch all these Heavy Metal fans bringing cups to Steve

At the end of the festival he gave me £190. yes ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY POUNDS!!. I couldn't believe it, that equates to 950 cups collected. Thank you Steve, you have my utmost respect and eternal gratitude.

Here are some pictures of the man at work and some other festival pictures.

So, that's it for another year, looking forward to next year already.

Off to the new Wembley this weekend for Muse and then its back to some serious training after the time off and it is a bit like a weight lifted now I have hit my target. I have never done anything like this before and I had no idea if I would make it. Thanks to some wonderful people, hard work and loads of fun we are there. Now its all about getting as much as possible. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me and if you haven't yet, you need to be part of this. Click on the link at the top and help save a childs life.

Week 19 One Step Closer

2007-06-04T20:39:00.000+01:00

Back to a happy chappy this week, some of it is pure excitement. More on that later. We had the family fun day and it went really well, the weather was great and although not counted yet we think we raised the best part of 150 quid which is wonderful. It was a real good laugh and a big thank you to everyone who turned up to make it such a good day. Particular thanks goes to Steve and Anita for their continued support. Keith my mate and Julie who were on the BBQ all afternoon, Conrad for his help on the karaoke. Mind you we both had a sing!!!!! Warburtons bakery and in particular their employee Steve Hurst who arranged and donated the rolls for the day, Geoff Sheldon the local butcher for the burgers and sausages, Izzy for doing the raffle and Farley for supervising :-)

A very big thank you to Ripley Rhinos RFC for a cheque for £82:78 that was from all the lads fines and collections. Its good to have mates like these.

Sleepz, another Download Festival friend. Thank you.

Chesterfield Football Club have donated a couple of league game tickets for next season which I shall be raffling off in the future. They have had a real difficult season but still find time and generosity to help out, so a big thanks to them.

Derby County got promoted and we got £191 for the shirt and ball not bad for a small village pub. Good luck to them next year although I will get told off again for praising football clubs.

The totals have not been added to the site yet but its getting very close to my target and it feels great. Steve was making fun because my training has slipped but I have been working in other areas. Well, that's my excuse. Foot is OK now so back in training with a few walks of about a couple of miles.

However it is now Download Festival time and the reason I am excited. Silly I know, I have been going to festivals for years but I just love it, there are loads of us who meet up every year thanks to the Internet and have a great time. I am going Wednesday and return Monday and there will not be much training going on apart from walking to different stages!!! There are some amazing bands on. Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Linkin Park, Megadeth, Machinehead and loads more. You just cannot beat sitting in a field watching great music with friends. So I will be late updating this blog next week but hope to have some good pictures to add.

After that its back to some real hard work and training. Please keep checking back and if you can find a way to sponsor me to save a childs life it will be appreciated by me and the charity I am helping.

Week 18 Disaster Strikes

2007-05-27T13:37:00.000+01:00

Well glad that week is over!!! Leaving work on Wednesday morning and while putting on my bike boots, something went what can only be described as "twang" in my foot. I got home, went to bed and when I awoke in pain four hours later I no longer had a foot but a balloon!!! My arm had become the same from the vaccinations and I had a sore throat and felt really Sh***y (Not very well) Although the arm had gone down and feeling ill had gone by the next day, my foot was still very painful. By Friday it wasn't too bad but I had to do the Rock Disco. Well, I could hardly let the fans down now could I?. The show must go on and all that. It was a great night and full of people but my foot at the end was pretty painful and swollen again.

Its now Sunday and I am back at work. In fact I am on a lunch break as I type. I am still in pain but not as much and hopefully it wont be long before I can go back to training. Trouble is I was hoping to push it a bit as the Download Festival is very close and there's five days of not much training. When I say not much, I mean none! However, I do hope to do some fundraising while I am there.

I am all set for next Saturday and the family fun day, just got to pick up all the stuff next Friday and hope the weather improves. Once again its chucking it down. Mind you its bank holiday weekend and I would rather be at work this weather.

As I informed you last week I have now joined the myspace revolution and added a link to the justgiving site on there and I hope that increases my chance of more donations. Have a look if you wish but be warned there are some frightening pictures on there HAHA and maybe some adult language. http://www.myspace.com/littleredtricycle You will need to add me as a friend to view my page. Its easy to sign up and it is fun.

All I hope for now is my foot to get better so I can go back to training, I am enjoying it and miss it. Please help me make a difference and sponsor me. Follow the link in the top right hand of the page. You know it makes sense. For example just 20p, yes 20p!!! could provide a child with life saving treatment against dehydration.

Week 17 Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

2007-05-22T21:49:00.000+01:00

The first week since I began this journey where no money was added to the site. Still, not to be down about it as money is still being collected off line and will be added and put on the justgiving site at a later date.

Still managed to stay out of the gym and especially now the weather is getting warmer (shame its not dryer) its nice to get out there and walk. Nothing quite as rigorous as Jacobs Ladder but walking none the less.

We chose (Julie and I) a local walk of 6 miles and drove the 4 miles to the starting point and the walk started pleasant enough. We then hit what can only be described as a bog, we got soaked up to our knees and it began raining! Then just to cap it all we took the wrong turn and got lost in a wood. We did come out eventually but totally in the wrong place. We then back tracked, found on the map where we should be and finished the walk. Not exactly sure how far it was but it wasn't too far off 6 miles in the end. We did however have to stay in the next day to dry out our boots and it gave me the opportunity to finalise some issues for the up coming family fun day.
After a days rest we planned another walk without even getting in the car. I have no idea how far it was but I do know we got absolutely drenched again.

I have not taken any photos as it just wasn't worth it and the weather although warm has been very wet and the views have been reduced to say the least. It was then back to work.

I have had the first lot of vaccinations. Diphtheria, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. I talked to the nurse about being vaccinated against Hepatitis B and meningitis but she didn't think I would need them. I need to go back and ask about TB because I am not sure if I have been vaccinated against it. It maybe just me but there seems a reluctance to vaccinate if it is deemed free. However, when I mentioned the rabies vaccination it was no problem, it will cost you a £100. I nearly bit her!!!

I shall be doing some DJaying at the Corner Pin Rock night this coming Friday The last chance to advertise for the family fun day. Chance for a few beers with some friends. I have also joined the myspace revolution and added the justgiving link on there as well. You never know it may get more funds.

I will post the link next week so you can go and look if you wish. Please, if you haven't already try to sponsor anything you can by doing so you can save a childs life

Week 16 Walk This Way

2007-05-13T21:07:00.000+01:00

First of all let me thank Steve Cope for his donation. Copey, is a member of Ripley Rhinos and we play together in the seconds. Copey has a reputation for injuring more Rhinos than the opposition!!! Thanks matey you know I hold you in high esteem and you have taken my total to £2,058.98

Had my training on the Karaoke machine and it went really well on the night and we had 29 singers, which apparently is a high number in 3 hours. It certainly went a lot better than the awful UK entry into the Eurovision!!! June 2nd at 2p.m. is when we are doing the family fun day and things are being organised and going as planned so far.

So, to this weeks training. This has been the best week so far and have really enjoyed it. No gym this week, just walks.

Monday
Was about 4 mile. It was in a place near to me called Golden Valley. Julie and I walked around the fishing lake and then extended the walk because we didn't feel it was far enough.

Tuesday
It was back up to the High Peak trail and that was about a 5 mile walk with some good inclines.

Wednesday
Was an 8 mile walk around Carsington reservoir. No hills as such but an undulating walk which we completed in about 2 1/2 hours. That was a lovely walk, loads of wildlife and nature to look at and a couple of beautiful villages. Guess who forgot to take the camera?.......Julie. No it was me really, When we got home we had a look at house prices on properties we noticed were up for sale. I don't think we will be moving there.......unless we win the lottery that is.

Sunday
This was my favourite. A friend and colleague Dave Shires put out an invite for people to come on a walk, charge a fiver and raise money. Initially we had some interest. This dwindled as the date got closer and the poor weather forecast probably didn't help. In the end it was just Dave, his wife Jo, Julie, myself and the dogs. we arrived at our starting place at 10:35. This was near The Blue John Mines a place called Edale Vale. The walk includes "Jacobs Ladder" and is 5.22 Mile walk beginning at 891 feet above sea level rising to 2044 feet above sea level. (Thanks Dave for the info) Clever me remembered to take the camera as well!!!
We began and the weather was quite nice, not too hot and dry.

Getting ready to begin

Dave and Jo about a third of the way up Jacobs Ladder

"Pym Chair" At the top and time for a drink, banana and to admire the view

You can make out the path we walked up.

It was just about this time the clouds rolled in and it started to rain. Unperturbed we carried on and then it came to the descent. The following pictures are of that descent and I hope you can see how steep it was. It was also made harder by the wet conditions. By the time we reached the bottom my legs were shaking.

We got back to the cars at 2p.m. after walking for 2 1/2 hours

This walk was by far the most challenging and enjoyable to date. This is a must to do again. It was made even more enjoyable walking with friends and I would like to thank Dave and Jo for making it such a great day.

All the different training is important but there is nothing like the real thing and this week was just the best, because it is what we will be doing. It is hard and requires a lot of effort and commitment but it is all for an excellent cause.

Every three seconds of every day a child dies from preventable diseases such as pneumonia, malaria, diarrhoea or measles. The children die because they do not have access to immunisations and basic healthcare. Help me to reverse this trend providing basic immunisation and healthcare. Just £10 provides simple but essential interventions that will help to save a child's life. So please visit my justgiving site and sponsor me.

week 15 A Huge Milestone

2007-05-09T19:36:00.000+01:00

Did it. £2,048.98 broke the 2 grand. 82% of the way there and I was given a target of 40% by the end of May, so well on the way. It was the £300 from all the generous people at The Corner Pin and the money raised from the Easter Egg.

This week I have a training session on the Karaoke machine for June 2nd. That's the date for the family fun day at The Corner Pin. Bar-B-Que, Kids Karaoke, raffles, games etc so should be a laugh.

Hopefully the walk will go ahead next weekend but it now all depends on Dave Shires solicitor as he may need to move house this weekend. Can't be helped but i know Dave will be disappointed.

We will also be raffling off a signed Derby County Football Club shirt and ball. Thanks to Derby and as they head into the play offs for the premiereship I shall be wishing them all the success to achieve their goal. (In more ways than one)

Still visiting the gym and my arm is getting less painfull. Training is going well and I am really enjoying it.

Please keep checking back and if you can, sponsor me.

Week 14 Scotland The Brave

2007-04-30T23:00:00.000+01:00

Well, Ripley Rhinos all travelled up to Edinburgh on tour and surprisingly we all made it back safe and sound. The amount of alcohol that was consumed was immense as was the laugh. It does go well for the club though that no one in the hotel had cause to complain and everything was a success and there was no trouble. We did lose the game but the spirit in which it was played was very positive and we beat them in the bar afterwards. As you can see everyone was fit, healthy and ready for action. Reminds me a bit of Rocky Horror. The Time Warp. "You put your hands on your hips"Edinburgh is a lovely old city and we did get chance for some sight seeing. The day we visited the castle was on the Queens birthday and we got to see the 21 gun salute.

We went to Murrayfield the Scots national Rugby stadium and very impressive it is too. We also met Lorna, a friend from the Download festival and she showed us The Heart of Lothian. (Which you have to spit on if you are local, apparently) We also saw Scots Monument. As I said a lovely city and well worth the visit and the hospitality we received was outstanding.

After that most unhealthy of weekends, since I have been back I have been to the gym everyday and put some local walks in as well. Mind you, didn't appear to lose too much fitness.

I was hoping to have some more photos of the Easter Egg. Mick Mellors who won the egg donated it to the childrens ward of the hospital his wife works at. Which was a lovely gesture. If I eventually do get some photos I will post them.

The fund raising is going well and there are still some updates to post. However, £1748.98 is still an excellent number and I am now 61% into my target.

I would like to thank Paul Kelsall. Paul is a friend and colleague who has just recovered from a nasty injury, he is a big Nottingham Panthers fan (Ice Hockey) and his lad plays for them. he is only 7 but looks the part in all his gear. The Panthers won the championship this year.

I would also like to thank the Morrises for their donation. Dean, Kate and their sons Nathan and Aiden live in the village a couple of doors from me and my son is mates with Nathan. A big thank you to them.

Last but not least Dick and Trish. These two are very old (I mean it) and dear friends. Hopefully they will be stopping at ours for Christmas this year. Last year they didn't and it wasn't the same. A massive £200 Thanks you two.

Don't forget, keep popping back to check my progress and now the summer is upon us I will be getting more walks done and take more photos of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.

Week 13 On Hold

2007-04-18T22:10:00.000+01:00

With work and a trip to Edinburgh this coming weekend on a rugby tour I will have to update next week. I will not be training this weekend and I am very sad to say I shall be doing nothing apart from having loads of fun and laughs with some great people and good friends. Disgraceful I know but I will be trying to raise money as well, so it's not really all on hold, just the training.

Pop back for updates soon.

Week 12 Eggshellent

2007-04-11T22:22:00.000+01:00

Well, Easter has come and gone and the fundraising still maintains its momentum. Training continues although I am saving my arm as much as possible in the hope it recovers quicker. So its walk, walk walk.
As said a couple of weeks ago my mum managed to raise £145 by organising a fish and chip supper, raffle and skittles evening in Brandon club the village where I spent most of my youth. Thanks to everyone who turned up. The first collection box from a shop in Binley Woods has been filled, collected and added to the site. In fact instead of leaving money around the house the donation total has been made online so it goes quicker to Save the Children.

Also many thanks to Dave Trubee and his family for their support. Dave is, in my opinion Mr Ripley Rhinos and is undaunted and untiring in the work he does for Rugby, including training children, women and the big hairy variety. I shall be going up to Edinburgh on tour with Dave and the Rhinos next week, although I have made the decision not to play at the moment. A hard one to make but I dare not risk injury with all the money and help that people have given for this challenge.

Timmi Winmill!!!! thanks Timmi I haven't seen you for a long time. Hows that leg of yours? I still maintain it was a fair tackle. Thank you my friend. In fact thanks to everyone who has helped so far.

There is still more money to add and I have given it to my friend Steve to add to this months Corner Pin donations instead of keeping money around my house as well.

we are now sitting at a grand total of £1,528.98 which is 61% of the way there!! With the egg I have raffled off at work and other donations that will jump again soon. The egg has a bit of a story attached to it and I am waiting for further information and some photographs so you will have to pop back to find out. There are still things happening such as the walk on 13th and something really special from Derby County Football Club. More on that in the next few weeks.

Week 11 Oh So Quiet

2007-04-01T19:38:00.000+01:00

Well, another week goes by and although I still haven't updated my total as yet things are still happening behind the scenes and as I posted last week once Easter is out of the way there should, hopefully be a large update.
The invite has gone out for the walk on May 13th and we have already had some interest shown, which is good. The big egg will be drawn at work tomorrow and hopefully I can get a photo of the lucky winner.
Training is still going well, unfortunately still getting pain from my elbow even though the cream has arrived and being applied.
I have been speaking to Chris, another trekker and he may take a trip to train up here in Derbyshire.
I have also visited sites of other trekkers and everyone appears to be doing very, very well. The amount of money we are raising is going to do so much good it makes me even more proud of what we all are doing. One chap has raised over £7000!!!!! Which is absolutely incredible. Things are still happening so please keep checking back. Oh......and sponsor me please.

Week 10 Time For A Quickie

2007-03-26T14:38:00.000+01:00

Right then. Training is going very well, maintaining momentum, feet are hardening up and its quite noticeable. I suppose that should happen. One nuisance is I have a touch of golfers elbow which is giving me some pain and I haven't played golf for over a year!!!!! I think it maybe due to all the rowing. I have ordered some cream from the US which is supposed to help and its all natural ingredients.....We shall see. Still, just carry on walking which according to my doctor is the best possible training to do anyway.

On the fund raising front it is still going very well. My mum organised a fish and chip supper and raffle and raised a stonking £145 I don't have any more information on that as yet. I have nearly sold all the numbers for my Easter egg and will draw that on April 2nd. I also have a friend doing an Easter raffle at my old company. Go for it Stripper!!!!!

As I do not have all the information and there are things going on which will be finished over the next few weeks I have chosen not to update the offline figure yet. Be prepared for a big total going in after Easter.

I am not sure what to do with the offline donations. I don't want to have the money hanging about the house so I may ask a friend to donate it through the just giving site for me and it also goes straight to Save The Children quicker. A bit like my friends at The Corner Pin did last month. More on that when I have sorted it.

That's it for now, please check back and see how things are going and if you haven't sponsored me yet, feel free to donate as much as you like.

Weeks 8 and 9 A Special Offer

2007-03-18T14:54:00.000Z

Well, two weeks since I last updated and its been a couple of busy ones so I just haven't had the time to tell you whats been going on. A lot of the time I have been discussing with Scott, my son his options for his GCSE's, visiting his school and supporting him to get what he wants from his education.

Training has been going very well visiting the gym, I have started playing squash which is fun, swimming and walking. In fact the only days I don't do anything is when I am on day shift and then there just isn't the time. I leave the house at 6am and do not get back until 8 at night. still, there is plenty of times on the four off and when on night shift.

The fund raising continues and this time the people I would like to thank are
Zofoto. Zoe is a friend I used to work with and is heavily into folk music. Zoe travels all over the place to see bands following the Sandal and Aran jumper brigade.
Hi and thanks to Lorraine another old colleague.
Alex, who I work with.
Jim Oddie a good friend and old colleague and a big Blackburn fan. He has a friend who has a Manchester United season ticket and Scott, Jim and myself went to Old Trafford. Scott being a Man U fan was really looking forward to it and Blackburn won 3-1. Scott was gutted but Jim was happy. It was a great day and I'm not a football fan but it was a fantastic atmosphere.
I would also like to thank some of my mums friends for their kind donations
Joan and Rick Leigh
Hazel and Brian Hier
Sheila Beesley
Pat and Bill smith
Linda and Graham Platten
Maureen Heggarty
Thanks to everyone whose donations have made my total a fantastic £1310.98

There are other things being planned and in progress at the moment. I am raffling another 4.5 KG Easter egg at work and will make the draw for that on April 2nd.

On June 2nd we are planning a fun day at the Corner Pin where in the afternoon we will have a Karaoke for kids a BBQ and some other fun events. We are also planning something for July 28th.

Dave Shires a friend and colleague is planning a walk for May 13th. It's going to be a "challenge" as he says and will be close to Castleton in the Peak District. We will be walking about six and a half miles. We are going to open the walk to anyone who wishes to join us for only £5 which will go towards the total. If you would like to join us send a mail to littleredtricycle@hotmail.co.uk

That's about it for now, the training is going well as is the fund raising. Please keep checking back to see how things are going and if you haven't yet sponsored me please try to. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated.

Week 7 A Grand Week

2007-03-04T16:02:00.000Z

Total now stands at £1,223.48. A milestone. Now over the £1000 mark and 49% of the target and it was a donation from an old colleague and good friend John Tryner and his lovely wife Big Pants that took me over that figure. Sarah is so named because she looks like Rene Zelweiger and it was the Bridget Jones connection that gave me the idea for the nick name. Thanks you two. We went to Hyde Park last year to see Roger Waters and we had such a great time and JT was introduced to the wonderful taste of Margaritas. All afternoon in the Hard Rock Cafe!!!!!

Also thanks to Sandra who is the trek organiser. Sandra saw this blog and felt the urge to donate. I hope you, dear reader feel the same.

All my friends at The Corner Pin with Februarys donations from raffles and "swear box" (that's what Gian called it Steve) a fantastic £213.48. We have more events in the planning and more details here as they come to fruition.

A couple of walks of apporoximately 6 miles each this week. Lathkill Dale and The High Peak Trail.

Here is a picture from the Lathkill Dale walk

The High Peak Trail.

On the way up

Can you guess what this is?

Here is the answer. Did you guess right?

"Runaway wagons sometimes occured on the incline and on this slope they could reach 120mph (193kmh) In 1888 there was a spectacular incident here involving a brake wagon carrying gunpowder."

From the topTraining in the gym has been good this week as I try to step it up. Four visits which consist of the following.
15 minutes rowing level 10 and 30 strokes per minute
15 minutes cycling on random level 9
15 minutes cross trainer (skier) on cardio level 8
15 minutes stepper level 7 This equates to 32 floors climbed
150 sit ups
All these get my heart rate up to 150 - 160 beats per minute which is good aerobic training, although I rest for a minute between each one.

The swimming baths open again this week after refurbishment, so I will start with a few lengths. I hope no one calls Greenpeace when I get into the pool.

I would like to say Hi to Janice Reid. Janice is another trekker and lives all the way over the pond in Toronto, Canada. We have communicated through e-mail and Janice is busy raising money as well. Apparently she may be having her head shaved!!! Best do it quick as you'll be cold up them thar hills in October.

Not only is this challenge for a very worthy cause, rewarding and hard work it is also making new friends for me worldwide! So please sponsor me. You know it makes sense.

Week 6 Couch Potato Week

2007-02-25T21:46:00.000Z

A quiet week this for me and I'm afraid a lazy one before the full training plan kicks in I start in real earnest tomorrow and will give a full update next week.

Too much sport to watch is my excuse. Shame about England who were beaten by a better side. Simple as that. Still, James Toseland got a second and first in the first round of World Superbikes which was nice to watch. Hope he can win the title back this year but it will be tough with the superb Biaggi in the competition. Not to take anything away from the likes of Bayliss, Haga, Corser etc. Shame about John Terry, now that did look nasty, hope he's OK. I wish footballers would learn to punch properly. The fight that broke out later in the match was handbags at twenty paces HAHAHA.

I did take the opportunity to go and see mum and dad to drop some more leaflets off and one of my mums friends has made some cards for me so I can give out to unsuspecting people that cross my path, so many thanks to Mike Hobday for that. Also two of my mums friends Brenda Stone and Joy Oldfield donated £20. Thanks ladies.

Just as I was about to update the blog my old gig buddy Bill popped into my site and donated a tenner with the promise of some more at a later date. I didn't think they had money where you live matey I thought it was all bartering and leek swapping.

Total now is £965 which really is amazing. There are plans to increase this in the near future and my colleagues at work will hopefully be able to join in later this week if all goes to plan. Although they don't know it yet.

Keep checking back and all being well this week should see the target go above the first £1000

Week 5 Easter Bunny Comes Early

2007-02-19T20:10:00.000Z

The ball keeps rolling on with another hundred pounds added to the total from last week and now sitting at 935 which is 37% of the overall target and all that in 5 weeks. Very impressive and thanks to Tracy and Marj (Jappos mum) Nashers and Dan for all their help. Dan, you know I am thin!!!

We had another raffle this week, the prize was an Easter egg and a young lady called Morgan won it.

I think you may need some help with that Morgan. Perhaps your mum and dad will help!!!!!!! Well done and enjoy it.

Training is going well did a 6 mile walk which was enjoyable and a couple of smaller walks of about 2 miles each. The 4 on 4 off shifts are making it a bit harder as when I am working it is so tiring with the twelve hours there is not much time for anything else but sleep. Perhaps it will get easier the more I get used to them. I really have to start stepping the training up and will show more detail as March progresses and we start the six month countdown.

Bought my boots this week with a couple pair of socks. I needed to have a good pair for the trek and I now have to wear then in properly. These boots are about the best on the market so hopefully they will do the job.

Anyway, keep coming back and check out how things are going and if you haven't yet, please try to sponsor me and become part of the journey yourself.

Week 4 The Memory Remains

2007-02-11T11:19:00.000Z

Another amazing week. After last weeks visit to Rugby I had some fantastic donations from some old buddies who bought loads of good memories back. Ade, Sav thank you very much.

For those not in the know Dog Bolter was a very strong drink and if you drank 8 pints in a session you got a free T-shirt. Well I did on a Sunday within 3 hours and guess what? There were no T-shirts. I was in a bit of a state at this stage, but I do remember a good friend, Wayne Sadler on vocals and myself on the piano singing about Dog Bolter, no T-shirts and Winston Churchill????? Oh, happy days.

Sav I recall one Bank Holiday disappearing up the canal and we were getting worried. Next thing a barge came passed and we thought oh no!! Then about 25 yards hanging onto a rope being pulled along was Savage!!!!! The canal is not one of the cleanest places.

Finchy as well. Played Rugby with Finchy then he disappeared to do his Bathroom. Wonder if its finished yet. Cheers buddy

Thanks for the memories guys.

Also a fantastic donation from Jappo, someone who is always in my thoughts. Everyday in fact. I still miss him so much. Again some fantastic memories there.

Hopscotch, thank you, thank you I don't know what else to say. Hoppy is another friend from the Download Festival and as you can probably guess. A lovely lady.

On Friday in The Corner Pin there was a Mr and Mrs competition and guess what?? Julie and I won!!!!! Oh the shame!!! The point is though a young lady called Ann gave me £5 and said "that's for your challenge." Thank you Ann, much appreciated.

Anyway back to the training. It's been walks all the way this week. Approximately 3 miles a day and even in the snow. Did the Morton Tip walk again.

Chatsworth House as well

On Saturday night we drew the first raffle prize and many congratulations to Conrad and Pat who won the bottles of wine in the presentation case.

Well, that's about it for another busy week. Thanks to everyone who has visited and sponsored me. The total is now an amazing £835. Please keep checking back to follow my progress

Week 3 A proper thank you

2007-02-03T20:05:00.000Z

I was thinking this week about all the excellent people who have donated and the fact I haven't actually named them. The reason for this was that I didn't want to offend anyone or detract from those that may not be able to afford a lot. Then I thought, hang on most are my friends and know me well enough to realise I am grateful for any donation no matter the size and the names can be seen on the donation site anyway.

So here goes
Dave Harrop for donating within half an hour of the site going up!!
Pat Richardson, Nikki, Wayne, Phil, & Mark all from KER videos and the huge £250 in the first week.
Steve and Anita, The owners of The Corner Pin in Morton for their donation and continued support by providing a venue for the fund raising activities.
Liverpool Football Club for donating a pass for four to visit Anfield and their museum..
My mum and Dad for their efforts and support.
Wolston Parish Council for their £10 which is the first offline donation.
Of course all the other names on my just giving site. Thank you very much.
That feels better.

So then, this week has seen a few things going on. Started continental shifts this week, not too bad as I fell for only two nights (Monday and Tuesday) and then four off. Although twelve hours is tiring.
Did a couple of hours up the gym Monday afternoon all cardio work.
Wednesday night played badminton.
Thursday I popped down to Rugby and was interviewed and photographed by two of the local papers (Rugby Times and Rugby Observer) who are kindly covering my story to help.
Friday went for a walk down to Ogston Reservoir which is about 2 miles but all down hill there and up hill (obviously) back.
Played Rugby on Saturday, we lost again but should have won and it was a bit disappointing. Still England won.

Bought my Download tickets this week. This is a festival I always go to and I have made a lot of friends through the forum and we all meet up and have a laugh. In fact Rachele has donated some dosh bless her and is the first to do so from my Download festival buddies. Also some guy called Ian made a nice comment and a good suggestion for raising more funds.

Please try and sponsor me if you can.

That's about it for this week. Please check back for updates.

Week 2 A Few Surprises

2007-01-28T16:08:00.000Z

Well another good week with £85 added to my total and many thanks to those who took time out to sponsor me. £590 total and that's in just two weeks. Still, must keep the momentum going so please sponsor me.

A visit to the Doctors on Tuesday and a clean bill of health which he signed and I need to send off. Passport arrived and it only took two weeks which I was very impressed and surprised with. More than I can say about the photo!!

After the Docs it was up the gym and an hours cardio work. Wednesday an hours walk, nothing too strenuous. Its what we call the "Morton Tip" walk and it was enjoyable walking up the hill with hail stones stinging my face. It really came down and I hope the weather is kinder in October.

Friday night I did a rock disco in the venue that will be holding most of the fund raising activities and "planted the seed" for what is happening over the next few months. I also saw the first raffle prize which Steve and Anita have found and its very nice. We have a card with 100 numbers on which we will sell and an envelope with a secret number in. Once all the numbers have been sold we will open the envelope and whoever has that number wins the prize, simple. We plan to do one a month and that's Februarys sorted.

A big surprise on Saturday. A major Premiership Football Club has donated a prize and we shall be raffling that off as well in the future. Some return for the letters I have sent. I also received a letter giving me permission to use the Save the Children logo. Once I receive the jpeg I can start to add it on the posters and my information I am putting with the collection boxes which also arrived on Tuesday.

Played Rugby on Saturday. we lost 8-0 but it was an enjoyable game and its more fitness.

Really having fun doing this and everyone has been fantastic so far, so lets see what this week brings. Keep checking back.

Week 1 A Whirlwind

2007-01-20T17:11:00.000Z

Well, what a week!
Put the site up, e-mailed friends and within half an hour got my first donation from a friend I have not seen for some time to start the ball rolling and at the end of the week a total of £505 in donations!!!!!

Thank you so much to everyone who took time out and donated. I cannot express in words my gratitude to make it such an excellent total after the first week. Absolutely amazing.

Its been a busy week for me as well. Booked the flight, sent my passport off for renewal and sent ten letters off to various businesses and personalities asking for their support. I aim to try and send ten a week and I am very hopeful of some help from this avenue.

Also started discussions for some fund raising events and the support I am getting from two dear friends who just so happen to own my local is wonderful and next Friday, January 26th we are having a launch party. Not to raise money as such but to make people aware what I am doing and to keep a watchful eye for future events. They don't want me to name their establishment as they are not interested in raising the profile of the place. I can't see how this is possible as we go forward but for now I will try.

I have also been a pain to my contact at Save the Children and she has been lovely.
As this is the first time I have ever done anything like this there is an etiquette and rules which need to be observed and I had to ensure I was doing the right thing. The last thing I want to do is upset anyone.
I have also requested some boxes to distribute to local businesses and I needed permission to use to the Save the Children logo and received the letter today which I have to sign and send back.

I have been a bit remiss though as I have not been to the gym all week. I will need to get my act together next week as I need to have a good level of fitness to attempt the challenge. A poor excuse I know, it will be addressed.

Please keep coming back to find out what is going on and thanks again to everyone who donated this week.

My very first post

2007-01-13T07:50:00.000Z

Hello and welcome.
This site is all about my personal preparation and training for the Global Challenge 2007. It will also include details of events to raise money for Save the Children which hopefully you maybe able to attend.

Today I received a package with the details of the trip. There is a lot to do and its not going to be easy with a visa to get, flights to book, all the medical requirements and vaccinations (which I am not looking forward to), equipment to buy and the training. There is of course the matter of raising the £2,500 for Save the Children. However, I always knew it wasn't going to be easy. anything this worthwhile never is.

I will try and update evey week. More if needed, so please pop back regularly and see how things are progressing.