Its time to go...

Hi everyone, are you all nervous yet?
Well its that time!
The planning has been done, the training has gone very well, the last minute adjustments have been made and the final checklist has been completed, there is nothing more to do except get on with it.... Bring it on! Let the challenge begin.

I've done my best to dot all the i's and cross all the t's, and I have done all I can. I even had my moment of local fame when BBC York invited me to do a live interview from their studios in Harrogate. So the word is spreading...

I also had the privilege of spending some time with the Team at Saint Michael's Hospice, as I did a photo shoot with Dolly Daisy the Star of the Fundraising Team for a press release. Dolly will be accompanying me on my challenge in miniature form as a mascot and because she is due another holiday, I think she's in for a shock, this sand doesn't equate to beach!!

As I drove to and from the Hospice it was very poignant for me, as when I started out on this challenge 18 months ago, I could little have known that my Dad would come to depend heavily on the support of wonderful Hospice staff as he struggled to maintain his independence, pride and dignity in the final stages of his battle against cancer just before Christmas.

I know what I'm doing seems extreme, but I also know that some of the patients at the hospice face a "marathon" battle each day as they summon the strength to get through another day without giving in to their pain and discomfort, so if I can do my bit to help... then they are all very welcome, and I am proud to be of service. I'll be thinking about them all when the going gets tough and I need that extra edge to maintain my focus and pace.

And finally... when the pain kicks in, and the going gets tough... I know there will be a familiar voice in my ear saying...
" Pain is just a case of mind over matter... If you don't mind.. it doesn't matter... c'mon son ... dig deep... You can do it"

Oh how I miss that voice...

Next time you read this it will be sent from the Sahara Desert... see you soon.