Well, sorry for being so quiet of late, there has been a lot going on in my life since climbing Ben Nevis, least of all, leaving full time employment to pursue my ambition to start my own business.
Main headline is that Action Challenge (The climb organisers) have had to move the climb dates to mid February, so i am now not travelling out until 16 Feb, the wife is happy as we now at least get to spend our Wedding Anniversary together! Whilst the date has moved, someone asked me how long it is until we go and it's only 7 weeks away! This sounds like a long time, but i just know the time is going to fly by, so best i start thinking about some of the practical bits and bobs like Yellow Fever vacinations, medication, cleaning etc.
Christmas I am hopeful will bring plenty of kit, i need it! Then i can hire the remainder of the kit i need to get up the mountain.
My fundraising is going really well, everyone has been so generous and i am now up to £3600 or there abouts, so a big thank you to those that have donated and a big reminder to those that have still to do so! :-)
Training is going steady although i am a little concerned about how the bits around my knees are going to hold up, so knee supports will be tested in the next few weeks. The last big training session will be in January when i havea weekend booked with the infamous John Barneby, we are off to the Peak District to go and get a couple more days in and then that will be it, as prepared as i am going to be!
Well, that's about it for now, my next update will likely follow the Peak District, so unless anything bizarre, funny or major happens in between times, that will be my next blog.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Paul
Wednesday 14 December 2011
Monday 24 October 2011
Ben Nevis - Done....
Well, i am now thoroughly knackered having climbed to the highest point in the UK! Here's my journey....
John (My best man) and i set off from my house at around 08:30 am on Friday 21st Oct, we picked up Karl the cameraman on route at about 08:45. Without further delay we journeyed north. Karl and John and Karl shared the driving as we followed the motorways, we were all a little excited about what was to come although John was a little under the weather with a head cold.
We got to Glasgow and John took over the driving to negotiate the winding highland roads, the scenery was aparently stunning and was definately something to appreciate. We had a couple of stops as Karl mounted his Go-Pro camera onto the car so that he could get some footage, he was a little nervous at the prospect of losing the kit, but his fears were unfounded as even the manic driving of John couldn't dis-lodge the camera.
We arrived at the Ben Nevis Inn at around 18:30 and after a bight to eat, we hit the sack for an early night and an early start in the morning.
We rose at 06:00 amd got ourselves prepared with plenty of energy food and water, dressed in wet weather gear, we set off on the approach to Ben Nevis. It was dark and the wind was blowing strong.
As we made our way up the approach, the rocks and ground proved to be challenging, i was feeling tired early on and i was already doubting the decision!
We finished the approach and turned into a big valley to start on Ben Nevis, as we did so we were hit by the 70-80 mph winds and rain that had been forecast! We quickly got balaclavas on, hoods up, heads down and pushed on up the mountain. It was soon after this that i raised my concerns to John, it was so windy and at times we were been blown about and almost of our feet. We agreed to push on and make a call in an hour.
The wind and rain persisted, but we had made some good time and were coming on to the last ascent going directly up as opposed to dog legging.
There was no turning back now, we had plenty of time left in the day and despite early tiredness, i was feeling a lot better. As we climbed we did get to a little snow and then i heard the sound of many voices, this was the signal that has greeted ne at the top of every peak and it the sound of fellow mountain climbers talking excitedly as they to have just completed a truly tough challenge!
We got to the top, took the obligatory photos, had a bite to eat and within 10 minutes were off back down.
The descent in many ways is far more challenging than the ascent, it really takes it's toll on my body as i try and find foot holds without slipping and by the time we were half way down, i was very tired physically and mentally.
All that said, we made it down, somewhat dirty, soaking wet and aching.
The hot shower and pint at the bar were a well deserved treat and we were all very chuffed with the result!
John and I have now climbed all 3 peaks, it has been a pleasure and a challenge and i owe a hell of a lot to John for his, support and guidance! Ben Nevis was tough, i still have a lot of training to do, so plenty more walks to do and i hope that we can do another training weekend before we get to Kili in Feb.
As always, i will keep you posted.
Paul
John (My best man) and i set off from my house at around 08:30 am on Friday 21st Oct, we picked up Karl the cameraman on route at about 08:45. Without further delay we journeyed north. Karl and John and Karl shared the driving as we followed the motorways, we were all a little excited about what was to come although John was a little under the weather with a head cold.
We got to Glasgow and John took over the driving to negotiate the winding highland roads, the scenery was aparently stunning and was definately something to appreciate. We had a couple of stops as Karl mounted his Go-Pro camera onto the car so that he could get some footage, he was a little nervous at the prospect of losing the kit, but his fears were unfounded as even the manic driving of John couldn't dis-lodge the camera.
We arrived at the Ben Nevis Inn at around 18:30 and after a bight to eat, we hit the sack for an early night and an early start in the morning.
We rose at 06:00 amd got ourselves prepared with plenty of energy food and water, dressed in wet weather gear, we set off on the approach to Ben Nevis. It was dark and the wind was blowing strong.
As we made our way up the approach, the rocks and ground proved to be challenging, i was feeling tired early on and i was already doubting the decision!
We finished the approach and turned into a big valley to start on Ben Nevis, as we did so we were hit by the 70-80 mph winds and rain that had been forecast! We quickly got balaclavas on, hoods up, heads down and pushed on up the mountain. It was soon after this that i raised my concerns to John, it was so windy and at times we were been blown about and almost of our feet. We agreed to push on and make a call in an hour.
The wind and rain persisted, but we had made some good time and were coming on to the last ascent going directly up as opposed to dog legging.
There was no turning back now, we had plenty of time left in the day and despite early tiredness, i was feeling a lot better. As we climbed we did get to a little snow and then i heard the sound of many voices, this was the signal that has greeted ne at the top of every peak and it the sound of fellow mountain climbers talking excitedly as they to have just completed a truly tough challenge!
We got to the top, took the obligatory photos, had a bite to eat and within 10 minutes were off back down.
The descent in many ways is far more challenging than the ascent, it really takes it's toll on my body as i try and find foot holds without slipping and by the time we were half way down, i was very tired physically and mentally.
All that said, we made it down, somewhat dirty, soaking wet and aching.
The hot shower and pint at the bar were a well deserved treat and we were all very chuffed with the result!
John and I have now climbed all 3 peaks, it has been a pleasure and a challenge and i owe a hell of a lot to John for his, support and guidance! Ben Nevis was tough, i still have a lot of training to do, so plenty more walks to do and i hope that we can do another training weekend before we get to Kili in Feb.
As always, i will keep you posted.
Paul
Sunday 9 October 2011
Altitude Centre
So, on Friday, i visited the Altitude Centre in London. I wasn't sure to expect, but my expectations weren't massive, after all, how many people want to go somewhere where they simulate altitude! Well, we turned up at the Altitude Centre and were greeted by the consultant Matt. Matt showed me and Karl through to the office which cseemed to comprice one office with 3 desks, a sofa, chair and some equipment.
Matt was incredibly nice, as was the receptionist and i was reliably informed by Karl that the Marketing girl was top notch and also really nice!
Matt sat us down and explained what Altitude sickness was, the varying levels, the ifferences between mild, medium and accute were. They key piece of advise i took away here was the need to keep hydrated, this is not really my strong point, so i will need to get into the habit of drinking plenty of water over the coming months!
Matt then went on to do a blood pressure test and i apparently had low blood pressure and very low heart rate, bordering on dead i think, but Matt likened it to Lawrence Armstrong (Nice chap Mattt!).
We then moved on to the lung capacity test, this was a couple of tests, we had to blow into what seemed to me like one of the breathlizers that the cops use, deep breath, blow into the tube as hard as you can and as for long as you can, Karl won this test! We then went on to hold our breat, i felt like i was a little kid again, i hadn't held my breath for ages, Karl made it 43 seconds and i made it to 45!
The final bit of the consultation was to put a mask over your face which was attached to a machine, this essentially reduced the oxygen flowing into the mask and thus simulted altitude. We had a couple of goes, 1 at 3000m and one at 5000m, it wa odd, sat there doing nothing, I found myself needing to breat deeply, the trick was to breath in and out through your nose.
All in all, the overall results were positive and our bodies reaction to the reduced oxygen was spot on and was not alarming. There was no need for us to worry about future consultations and we were well placed to face the altitude on Kili!
Next, we were off to Action Challenge to pay the guys and gals there a visit. After being confronted by some bloke when we were leaving the altitude centre, we jumped in the car and were on our way. Sat Nav said 30 mins, London traffic saw us take 2 hours to travel 15 miles.... incredible!
Finally we arrived at Action Challenge and i can only describe the place as bloody marvellous. We were greeted by the owner Julian and he was a thoroughly nice chap with no airs and graces, genuine nice chap who clearly cared about people and also the adventures! A complete contract to the grumpy owner at the altitude centre who had no interest in hs and didn't even have the grace to say hello!
At the altitude, we talked, drank tea, had a laugh, did some interviews and filming and taled some more. There were about 15 people there, all really in to challenges nad adventure and the place had a great vibe about it. I left Action Challenge really pleased with my choice of organiser and with complete confidence in them and their ability to get me up Kili!
After that, 2 and 3/4 hours to get home, a journey that by alrights should have taken no more than 1.4 hours.
Saturday, ore me and Karl meeting 12 hours after we parted to go and pay Helen and Douglas House a visit. We spent a good 2 hours there, meeting a couple of the residents and talking to Jennifer Hudson and taking some footae of facilities in Douglas house, as always, i was blown away by the people and the work that they do at HDH, reminds me wha ti am raising money for!
Soo,all in all, a really great couple of days, next stop Ben Nevis in 2 weeks!
All the best
Paul
Matt was incredibly nice, as was the receptionist and i was reliably informed by Karl that the Marketing girl was top notch and also really nice!
Matt sat us down and explained what Altitude sickness was, the varying levels, the ifferences between mild, medium and accute were. They key piece of advise i took away here was the need to keep hydrated, this is not really my strong point, so i will need to get into the habit of drinking plenty of water over the coming months!
Matt then went on to do a blood pressure test and i apparently had low blood pressure and very low heart rate, bordering on dead i think, but Matt likened it to Lawrence Armstrong (Nice chap Mattt!).
We then moved on to the lung capacity test, this was a couple of tests, we had to blow into what seemed to me like one of the breathlizers that the cops use, deep breath, blow into the tube as hard as you can and as for long as you can, Karl won this test! We then went on to hold our breat, i felt like i was a little kid again, i hadn't held my breath for ages, Karl made it 43 seconds and i made it to 45!
The final bit of the consultation was to put a mask over your face which was attached to a machine, this essentially reduced the oxygen flowing into the mask and thus simulted altitude. We had a couple of goes, 1 at 3000m and one at 5000m, it wa odd, sat there doing nothing, I found myself needing to breat deeply, the trick was to breath in and out through your nose.
All in all, the overall results were positive and our bodies reaction to the reduced oxygen was spot on and was not alarming. There was no need for us to worry about future consultations and we were well placed to face the altitude on Kili!
Next, we were off to Action Challenge to pay the guys and gals there a visit. After being confronted by some bloke when we were leaving the altitude centre, we jumped in the car and were on our way. Sat Nav said 30 mins, London traffic saw us take 2 hours to travel 15 miles.... incredible!
Finally we arrived at Action Challenge and i can only describe the place as bloody marvellous. We were greeted by the owner Julian and he was a thoroughly nice chap with no airs and graces, genuine nice chap who clearly cared about people and also the adventures! A complete contract to the grumpy owner at the altitude centre who had no interest in hs and didn't even have the grace to say hello!
At the altitude, we talked, drank tea, had a laugh, did some interviews and filming and taled some more. There were about 15 people there, all really in to challenges nad adventure and the place had a great vibe about it. I left Action Challenge really pleased with my choice of organiser and with complete confidence in them and their ability to get me up Kili!
After that, 2 and 3/4 hours to get home, a journey that by alrights should have taken no more than 1.4 hours.
Saturday, ore me and Karl meeting 12 hours after we parted to go and pay Helen and Douglas House a visit. We spent a good 2 hours there, meeting a couple of the residents and talking to Jennifer Hudson and taking some footae of facilities in Douglas house, as always, i was blown away by the people and the work that they do at HDH, reminds me wha ti am raising money for!
Soo,all in all, a really great couple of days, next stop Ben Nevis in 2 weeks!
All the best
Paul
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Every cloud....
Well, the thoughts rushed through my mind late this afternoon, i took a phone call from Action Challenge this afternoon, they advised me that they had not minimum number of participants on the open group that i was forming and as such, they were cancelling the trip that i am booked on! Well, i was speechless for a second or 2, quick recovery and discussion around the options. "You can cancel your place, get your deposit back and call it a day" said the Action Challenge rep, i entertained the idea, thinking how i might skip the country having taken peoples sponsorship...."No, that's not really an option" i had to admit!
As it turns out i can do the climb in February, a 4 week delay. Not the end of the world and looking on the bright side, i have more time to raise some cash and my wife is happy as i can now make our annual appointment i.e. Wedding Anniversary as opposed to being up a mountain!
Cam't believe that things have moved on so quickly, i have been doing plenty of training, be it walks in the country or time in the garage/gym.
Next Friday i will be going to the Altitude Centre for some altitude training, so that promises to be an experience, i will be sure to post some photos and comments!
I have dropped an email to a local school asking for their help with some fundraising, so fingers crossed, the head teacher will respond.
I finally got my backside into gear and have uploaded my radio interview to skydrive, you can listen to the interview here.
https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=e959f30338775382&resid=E959F30338775382!10
Take care and i will blog again in a couple of weeks.
Paul
As it turns out i can do the climb in February, a 4 week delay. Not the end of the world and looking on the bright side, i have more time to raise some cash and my wife is happy as i can now make our annual appointment i.e. Wedding Anniversary as opposed to being up a mountain!
Cam't believe that things have moved on so quickly, i have been doing plenty of training, be it walks in the country or time in the garage/gym.
Next Friday i will be going to the Altitude Centre for some altitude training, so that promises to be an experience, i will be sure to post some photos and comments!
I have dropped an email to a local school asking for their help with some fundraising, so fingers crossed, the head teacher will respond.
I finally got my backside into gear and have uploaded my radio interview to skydrive, you can listen to the interview here.
https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=e959f30338775382&resid=E959F30338775382!10
Take care and i will blog again in a couple of weeks.
Paul
Sunday 11 September 2011
What have i been doing?
Hello Again,
Thought i better give you an update.
Last week i booked the accomodation for our Ben Nevis trip in Late October! I am very excited about the Ben Nevis challenge, although, given the time it took us to complete Scafell Pike, i am a little concerned about how much time it is going to take to do Ben Nevis. It is almost a 1/3rd higher than Scafell and with the days getting shorter, we are going to have to leave at first light and crossed fingers, we'll be back before it's dark, I am not llooking forward to the prospect of being stuck on Ben Nevis in the cold, wet and Dark!
Anyhow, my documentary friend Karl has been working the people at the local Cotswold outdoor store, so hoping to get a little help with kit, so that will be ideal.
Today, Karl and I joined an Oxon 20's and 30's walk. It was a pretty good walk all in all, Jo, a lovely lady offered to be my guide which meant that Karl could get on and film footage. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty bad, i was pretty happy that i had my waterproof gear with me, although, it has highlighted that the seams on my waterproof trousers are not up to the job, so will be investing in some new ones before Ben Nevis!
Karl had taken the decision to carry a little extra weight as part of his training, what with the Camera kit as well, this proved to be a little to much for Karl at this stage! I took a little of the weight half way round and by the end, we were both pretty tired, so a good workout for us both.
We will be doing some interview filming with friends and family in the next few weeks, so i will let you know how that goes.
Karl and i have agreed to get in a regular mid week walk which will mainly focus on short, intensive walks to help build leg muscles and stamina. We will be joining the Oxon 20's and 30's again next week for another 9 mile walk.
I'll keep you posted.
Paul
Thought i better give you an update.
Last week i booked the accomodation for our Ben Nevis trip in Late October! I am very excited about the Ben Nevis challenge, although, given the time it took us to complete Scafell Pike, i am a little concerned about how much time it is going to take to do Ben Nevis. It is almost a 1/3rd higher than Scafell and with the days getting shorter, we are going to have to leave at first light and crossed fingers, we'll be back before it's dark, I am not llooking forward to the prospect of being stuck on Ben Nevis in the cold, wet and Dark!
Anyhow, my documentary friend Karl has been working the people at the local Cotswold outdoor store, so hoping to get a little help with kit, so that will be ideal.
Today, Karl and I joined an Oxon 20's and 30's walk. It was a pretty good walk all in all, Jo, a lovely lady offered to be my guide which meant that Karl could get on and film footage. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty bad, i was pretty happy that i had my waterproof gear with me, although, it has highlighted that the seams on my waterproof trousers are not up to the job, so will be investing in some new ones before Ben Nevis!
Karl had taken the decision to carry a little extra weight as part of his training, what with the Camera kit as well, this proved to be a little to much for Karl at this stage! I took a little of the weight half way round and by the end, we were both pretty tired, so a good workout for us both.
We will be doing some interview filming with friends and family in the next few weeks, so i will let you know how that goes.
Karl and i have agreed to get in a regular mid week walk which will mainly focus on short, intensive walks to help build leg muscles and stamina. We will be joining the Oxon 20's and 30's again next week for another 9 mile walk.
I'll keep you posted.
Paul
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Scafell and what not...
Well, apologies, i thought i had updated following my visit to the Lake District, Unfortunately, my helper at RM for fundraising events and the idea of a fundraising day has fallen through, so i will need to do some other promotions off my own back. No problem, my donation pots have turned up, so i will get these out and about to collect some money.
I have booked in a trip to the Altitude Centre in October and we are planning to climb Ben Nevis late October, that will be our toughest challenge yet, with it taking an average of 8 hours, meaning that we need to plan to be on the mountain ourselves for 12 hours, this will mean that we are going to have to leave at first light to get back before the light disappears at the end of the day. Quite daungting, so plenty of training going on to ensure that we have the best chance of getting up and down again!
I will as always, keep you posted over the coming weeks, but no major plans, just training hard.
Speak soon
Paul
I have booked in a trip to the Altitude Centre in October and we are planning to climb Ben Nevis late October, that will be our toughest challenge yet, with it taking an average of 8 hours, meaning that we need to plan to be on the mountain ourselves for 12 hours, this will mean that we are going to have to leave at first light to get back before the light disappears at the end of the day. Quite daungting, so plenty of training going on to ensure that we have the best chance of getting up and down again!
I will as always, keep you posted over the coming weeks, but no major plans, just training hard.
Speak soon
Paul
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Scafell pike, here i come!
Hello Again,
Well, it has been a bit of a whirlwind couple of weeks. As per my last update, i have no featured in the Oxford Mail, Bicester Review and on BBC Radio Oxford. In addition to this, i know have a small production making a documentary about my climb! This is all really great news.
I must admit, i am a little disappointed with the rather limited donations to the website following the media coverage, i thought it would generate a reasonable number of donations, in actual fact, it has resulted in only 3 donations so far.
I joined another organised walk at the weekend, 8.5 miiles, a good walk and did make my legs ache a little, so definately doing the trick! I have been in my make shift gym as per usual and now have a rowing machine as well in an attempt to increase my cardio-vascular thresh hold.
This weekend, i am going to be climbing the ever daunting Scafell Pike, so expecting some hard work, achey legs etc.
Still plenty of time to go, but plenty still to organise. I am hoping to book my simulated altitude this week with a view to actually doing the sim in October.
I will be visiting Helen & Douglas House at the beginning of September with camera crew to do a little footage. So a few things on the go, i will keep you updated.
Thanks
Paul
Well, it has been a bit of a whirlwind couple of weeks. As per my last update, i have no featured in the Oxford Mail, Bicester Review and on BBC Radio Oxford. In addition to this, i know have a small production making a documentary about my climb! This is all really great news.
I must admit, i am a little disappointed with the rather limited donations to the website following the media coverage, i thought it would generate a reasonable number of donations, in actual fact, it has resulted in only 3 donations so far.
I joined another organised walk at the weekend, 8.5 miiles, a good walk and did make my legs ache a little, so definately doing the trick! I have been in my make shift gym as per usual and now have a rowing machine as well in an attempt to increase my cardio-vascular thresh hold.
This weekend, i am going to be climbing the ever daunting Scafell Pike, so expecting some hard work, achey legs etc.
Still plenty of time to go, but plenty still to organise. I am hoping to book my simulated altitude this week with a view to actually doing the sim in October.
I will be visiting Helen & Douglas House at the beginning of September with camera crew to do a little footage. So a few things on the go, i will keep you updated.
Thanks
Paul
Saturday 30 July 2011
What a day!
Well, what a day Friday 29th July was. A number of things happened, all pretty cool. At around 10 AM, i recieved a phone call from a lday at the Oxford Love to", carl said. Now at this stage, i had not agreed to a documentary, but hey, in for a penny.....
I entered into the studio, Carl was confirmed as allowed and in we went. A small studio that was nothing like i expected made for a nice relaxed environment. We chatted on and off air, before the last section, Jo (The Radio Host) asked about Carl and i told her that we had only just met "Excellent, we'll talk about that in a second".
All done and Emma, Bethany and i returned home with Carl in tow. Carl and i had a goood chat about him, what he wanted to do and how things would work. I am very hopeful that working with Carl will result in some increased publicity and more importantly an increase in donations, if we achieve at least that, i am happy.
So, the training continues, 2 weeks until Scafell, so plenty of garage time and a 8.5 mile walk next weekend.
All the best
Paul
I entered into the studio, Carl was confirmed as allowed and in we went. A small studio that was nothing like i expected made for a nice relaxed environment. We chatted on and off air, before the last section, Jo (The Radio Host) asked about Carl and i told her that we had only just met "Excellent, we'll talk about that in a second".
All done and Emma, Bethany and i returned home with Carl in tow. Carl and i had a goood chat about him, what he wanted to do and how things would work. I am very hopeful that working with Carl will result in some increased publicity and more importantly an increase in donations, if we achieve at least that, i am happy.
So, the training continues, 2 weeks until Scafell, so plenty of garage time and a 8.5 mile walk next weekend.
All the best
Paul
Monday 25 July 2011
I'm Famous!
Well, not quite famous, but i have made it into a local newspaper! Here is the web link and i also made it into print on Friday's edition! http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/archive/2011/07/22/Bicester+news+%28om_bicesternews%29/9154152.Blind_man_plans_to_climb_Kilimanjaro_for_charity/
All being well i will be on the radio on Friday as planned and today i recieved a call from the local local newspaper Bicester Review, so hopefully i will be in that in the next week or 2. Very proud of myself!
I went for a 6 mile walk with the Oxon 20's-30's on Saturday and it looks like i am going to be allowed to join! So after a little persistance and persuasion, they have finally agreed to take me on board! This is ral positive news and will hopefully open the door to some regular walks for me!
My total fundraising is up to£720, so this is definately positive. Plenty to go, and really hoping that the promotional work results in some donations!
I'm off to the garage for some training.
All the best, keep you posted.
Paul
All being well i will be on the radio on Friday as planned and today i recieved a call from the local local newspaper Bicester Review, so hopefully i will be in that in the next week or 2. Very proud of myself!
I went for a 6 mile walk with the Oxon 20's-30's on Saturday and it looks like i am going to be allowed to join! So after a little persistance and persuasion, they have finally agreed to take me on board! This is ral positive news and will hopefully open the door to some regular walks for me!
My total fundraising is up to£720, so this is definately positive. Plenty to go, and really hoping that the promotional work results in some donations!
I'm off to the garage for some training.
All the best, keep you posted.
Paul
Wednesday 20 July 2011
I'm gonna be on the radio!
Hello Again,
Well on Monday evening i sent my press release to various newspapers and media outlets. So far, i have spoken to the Oxford Mail who are writing an article, they sent a photographer to work today to take my picture. I was sure to be wearing my Helen and Douglas house T-Shirt! Today i recieved a call from the BBC Oxford Radio show "Jo in the afternoon", they have invited me in next Friday so, i'm gonna be on the radio! Cross your fingers for the paper article as this is no gurantee, depends on the editor.
This is great news, i'm really excited and i cross my fingers that it generates some interest in my blog and more importantly, i hope it generates some donations on my just giving page!
I'm off on another walk with Oxon 20-30's this weekend, so things are looking promising on that front, hope this will open up some regular walks, particularly as my current walking partner Chris has hurt his back!
Speak soon
Paul
Well on Monday evening i sent my press release to various newspapers and media outlets. So far, i have spoken to the Oxford Mail who are writing an article, they sent a photographer to work today to take my picture. I was sure to be wearing my Helen and Douglas house T-Shirt! Today i recieved a call from the BBC Oxford Radio show "Jo in the afternoon", they have invited me in next Friday so, i'm gonna be on the radio! Cross your fingers for the paper article as this is no gurantee, depends on the editor.
This is great news, i'm really excited and i cross my fingers that it generates some interest in my blog and more importantly, i hope it generates some donations on my just giving page!
I'm off on another walk with Oxon 20-30's this weekend, so things are looking promising on that front, hope this will open up some regular walks, particularly as my current walking partner Chris has hurt his back!
Speak soon
Paul
Monday 11 July 2011
Update
Hello Again,
A quick update on how things are going.
Things are moving along with fundraising at RM. We are hoping to have some fundraising days late in October with some fundraising tasters in between times.
I have submitted my Media text to Helen and Douglas House for their experienced input, hopefully I will be in a position to go to the press and media in the next week or so, i really hope they are interested in my story, it will give a massive boost to my fundraising!
On the training front, i have been using the brick built step in my garage and working myself to exhaustion since climbing Snowden! this weekend i was out on a walk with the Oxon 20 - 30's walking group and all went well, i am very much hoping that they will have me as a member so that i can start regular walks with them. Later this week i will be out on an evening walk with Chris Willson, so plenty of training going omnm, the name of the game is "Hill Climb".
Speak soon
Paul
A quick update on how things are going.
Things are moving along with fundraising at RM. We are hoping to have some fundraising days late in October with some fundraising tasters in between times.
I have submitted my Media text to Helen and Douglas House for their experienced input, hopefully I will be in a position to go to the press and media in the next week or so, i really hope they are interested in my story, it will give a massive boost to my fundraising!
On the training front, i have been using the brick built step in my garage and working myself to exhaustion since climbing Snowden! this weekend i was out on a walk with the Oxon 20 - 30's walking group and all went well, i am very much hoping that they will have me as a member so that i can start regular walks with them. Later this week i will be out on an evening walk with Chris Willson, so plenty of training going omnm, the name of the game is "Hill Climb".
Speak soon
Paul
Thursday 30 June 2011
Reality Bites....
Well, time I updated everyone on what I have been doing since my last blog.
Joining a walking club - This has proven more difficult than I could ever imagined. I am still working with Oxon 20's - 30's walking club and am due out on a training walk towards the end of July. I am really hoping that after that walk that we will be able to move forward and I can become a member. So fingers crossed on that front as this is a key part of my training plan.
Holiday - I had a week in South West France, there was no rigorous training, but I did ensure that I got out for the odd walk and bike ride, possibly not enough to burn off the cheese and wine though!
Mid week walks - Last week I went out for a mid week walk with a colleague Chris Willson, we went for a walk along the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire, definitely worth doing, but caws lacking any real tough terrain, so this week we are going to find some hills!
Snowdonia - Well, reality does bite! I spent the weekend in Snowdonia and climbed Mt Snowden and my god it was hard, harder than I had ever imagined. The hardest thing was finding a place to put my feet as we climbed up the rocks and boulders, as I became more tired, the harder it got to find a stable foot hold! The rain chucked it down all the way up the mountain and I soon found out that the water proof coat I was wearing was not....
Anyhow, I made it up the mountain, and after doing some more hill walking on the Sunday, I was thoroughly knackered. I am really glad I have done it and I owe a big thanks to my best man John Barnaby. I now have some idea of what faces me on Mt Kilimanjaro and it is certainly not going to be a walk in the park.
Now what - So with a rocket up my backside, hill training is on the agenda, I have built a big step out of bricks in the garage and have already been putting myself through my paces, bricks in a rucksack and climbing the step to exhaustion will help me to build those essential muscles, retain balance and strengthen my ankles!
In the next week or 2 I will be submitting my story to the local press in a hope to drum up some awareness of my challenge, so I'll keep you posted on that front.
Plans are coming along within RM to get a fundraising day going, so hopefully this will see a little more cash come Helen & Douglas House's way!
SO, I'll keep training and mid August I'm off to the Lake District to climb another mountain!
Paul
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Getting Started!
Welcome back,
I am on catch up with this blog, but from now on in, i will endeavour to post at least monthly. So where have i got to?
i have paid my deposit to Action Challenge who are the company that are running the group up Kilimanjaro. They have sent a bunch of info through for me and there is plenty to do logistically just to get to Tanzania, so far, i have managed to arrange my travel insurance even with being blind, so no matter what, if i fall off the mountain, i am insured to do so!
In terms of my training, things haven't progressed as much as i would have liked. I have been getting some regular sessions on the ski machine in my garage, but i have not really been out on many distance walks. I have been trying to join a walking club as this i thought would be a good solution to my problem, but unfortunately, they have been reluctantt to help due to my blindness. I did however recieve confirmation this week that they would do another trial walk in late July, so this will have to suffice for now and fingers crossed it will all fall into place.
In the meantime, i am going to wonder around Snowdon with my mate John for a weekend at the end of June, John is a bit of a task master, so i fully expect to be put through my paces over that weekend and it will really hit me what it is like to do 2 distance walks on the bounce, which in turn will give me some small insight to the challenge that i face on Kilimanjaro.
On top of John, a couple of people at work have offered some walking assistance in the evenings, and again i have booked for the end of June, all being well, i will start to get some regular walks in as June comes to an end and July gets started.
That's it from me, i am on holiday for the next week or so, i'll update you again with how i am getting on in the next couple of weeks.
Do take time to donate to HDH through my Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/paulsepicclimb
All the best,
Paul
I am on catch up with this blog, but from now on in, i will endeavour to post at least monthly. So where have i got to?
i have paid my deposit to Action Challenge who are the company that are running the group up Kilimanjaro. They have sent a bunch of info through for me and there is plenty to do logistically just to get to Tanzania, so far, i have managed to arrange my travel insurance even with being blind, so no matter what, if i fall off the mountain, i am insured to do so!
In terms of my training, things haven't progressed as much as i would have liked. I have been getting some regular sessions on the ski machine in my garage, but i have not really been out on many distance walks. I have been trying to join a walking club as this i thought would be a good solution to my problem, but unfortunately, they have been reluctantt to help due to my blindness. I did however recieve confirmation this week that they would do another trial walk in late July, so this will have to suffice for now and fingers crossed it will all fall into place.
In the meantime, i am going to wonder around Snowdon with my mate John for a weekend at the end of June, John is a bit of a task master, so i fully expect to be put through my paces over that weekend and it will really hit me what it is like to do 2 distance walks on the bounce, which in turn will give me some small insight to the challenge that i face on Kilimanjaro.
On top of John, a couple of people at work have offered some walking assistance in the evenings, and again i have booked for the end of June, all being well, i will start to get some regular walks in as June comes to an end and July gets started.
That's it from me, i am on holiday for the next week or so, i'll update you again with how i am getting on in the next couple of weeks.
Do take time to donate to HDH through my Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/paulsepicclimb
All the best,
Paul
Wednesday 1 June 2011
How did i get here?
Well Hello and welcome to my blog. Here is what it's all about.
The company i work for RM Education setup a pilot scheme called "EPIC", the scheme was open to one division within the business and in a nutshell, if you fancied doing something EPIC, then submit a request.
Having initially not given it much thought, i began to consider the possibilities of what this scheme was offering, it was the chance to do something that is once in a life time. One evening, the Thursday before the closing deadline on Monday, i lay in bed and came up with i'll climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Some investigation was quickly done on the Friday and over the weekend and by Monday i had submitted an application.
I pitched to the Managing Director, HR Director, Services Director and a couple of other individuals, i was asking RM to sponsor me £2000, figuring that they would offer me part of my request. Aftera few nerve racking days waiting for a result, i recieved news that i had been succesfull in my pitch and i was indeed on my way to Mount Kilimanjaro!
See the attached video as i made my way into my pitch.
So, that's how i got here, for me this challenge really is about pushing myself to new boundaries, meeting new people and taking my independence to a whole new level. Just to clarify to those that read this, i am blind and this is what makes it a real challenge for me.
I will keep you posted on my progress, training fundraising and more over the coming months, for now, please do visit my just giving page and make yourself feel a little better by giving some money to my chosen charity Helen and Douglas House http://www.justgiving.com/paulsepicclimb
All the best
Paul
The company i work for RM Education setup a pilot scheme called "EPIC", the scheme was open to one division within the business and in a nutshell, if you fancied doing something EPIC, then submit a request.
Having initially not given it much thought, i began to consider the possibilities of what this scheme was offering, it was the chance to do something that is once in a life time. One evening, the Thursday before the closing deadline on Monday, i lay in bed and came up with i'll climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Some investigation was quickly done on the Friday and over the weekend and by Monday i had submitted an application.
I pitched to the Managing Director, HR Director, Services Director and a couple of other individuals, i was asking RM to sponsor me £2000, figuring that they would offer me part of my request. Aftera few nerve racking days waiting for a result, i recieved news that i had been succesfull in my pitch and i was indeed on my way to Mount Kilimanjaro!
See the attached video as i made my way into my pitch.
So, that's how i got here, for me this challenge really is about pushing myself to new boundaries, meeting new people and taking my independence to a whole new level. Just to clarify to those that read this, i am blind and this is what makes it a real challenge for me.
I will keep you posted on my progress, training fundraising and more over the coming months, for now, please do visit my just giving page and make yourself feel a little better by giving some money to my chosen charity Helen and Douglas House http://www.justgiving.com/paulsepicclimb
All the best
Paul
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