Little Adventures :-)

Okay, so Easter Sunday we finally managed to get up to the Lakes. After getting stranded in a blizzard the week before, which was very very scary!!! you know you see those people stuck on the roads when it as snowed on the news, and you sit and there and say why do they go out, how stupid can you be, well guess what that was us the other weekend. How stupid were we!!!!  we were 15 miles away from where we needed to be, but had to turn back, once we were rescued and go home :-(

So Easter Sunday we set off quite handy and headed for Grassmere, it was a lovely sunny day, freezing cold but lovely and sunny with blue skies. First of all we had to have breakfast in Baldry's, now if you ever in Grassmere you really need to pay a visit to Baldry's Tea Rooms, they do the best bread and butter pudding I have ever tasted. Of course we didn't have that for breakfast we were good and had Rarebit with poached egg and bacon and it was yummy. This set us up for the day :-)

We decided to walk up Helm Cragg, then do the extended version of the  walk, along the ridge edge and over the next Peak. Off course with us nothing is that simple and straight forward. The climb up to Helm Cragg was very steep, all the climb was in one go, we have never climbed this steep before so that was a challenge and we did it, with only a couple of little stops for a few minutes, my excuse is I'm taking in the scenery. Clive seems to fall for that one. Once we were at the top, the views are stunning well worth the effort of the climb.

When we got over the ridge we were greeted with snow, yes snow lots of it it came from nowhere, one side of the Cragg was green, the other white over! strange. So me and snow do not go together very well, anyone who knows me well enough will know that I am not the safest person on dry ground never mind on snow. But we had 2 choices, to carry on or turn back, the thought of that steep climb, it was bad enough going up but going down would be twice as bad, so we decided best to plod on. We came to a fairly steep bit, which was icy, I did my usual I can't do this!! Clive gave me the usual pep talk and trying to tell me the best way to get down, on your bum he said, no way!!!! I went to sit on a rock for a minute just so I could think of a plan, the next thing I go whizzing down past Clive on my bum, what a site I must have been, my arms waving everywhere trying to stop! of course Clive thought it was highly amusing and is gutted he couldn't get his phone out in time to video me!

When I eventually came to a halt, up I got and carried on wishing no one had seen me :-( but I wasn't the only one that came down that way, there were a few others that followed my lead. In some parts we were knee deep in snow and of course as usual we went off track, and had to try and re-track our steps, this added at least 2 to 3 miles on. Walking in the snow and ice is hard work, if anyone ever suggests doing Everest think I might jut give it a miss.

We'd been walked for nearly 6 hours, when we came to a point on the map we recognised, yay we were back on track, panic over :-) then we were met with a narrow footpath, and it was narrow and full of snow, rocks on one side and a drop the other, not a big drop but big enough to do a bit of damage if you slipped, now in the summer this would be easy, but in the snow, well that's a different story, I froze, I was on the verge of crying, I can't do this!!! again 2 options turn back, bearing in mind its taken nearly 6 hours to get to this point or just go for it, of course we went for it. Poor Clive had to walk across backwards, it was only a short part of the path, approx. 150 yards, but god it felt like miles, we did it a step at a time, all I could see out the of corner of my eye was the steep slope and sheep at the bottom, even the sheep moved out of the way!! we did it and were very proud of ourselves, after that we were safely on more or less lower ground.

In total we walked for 7 hours and 45 minutes, our legs were even aching at the end, which is good. I think we are now well and truly ready for Petra. After we were in the pub for a well earned Crabbies ginger beer and Clive confessed that a few times over the day he was getting a bit panicky and worried, so glad he left that till after to tell me.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baldrys-Tea-Room/267282139778

Carry on Regardless

Well Millie is 5 this weekend, wow 5 years old. Not a baby anymore she's a little girl and a gorgeous one too :-) Millie is the double of Claire, sometimes i look at her and have to think twice and remind myself it's not Claire it's Millie. So beautiful inside and out.

Millie doesn't really remember her Mummy, she knows who she is from pictures and she knows she couldn't stay to look after her because she was very poorly and that now she is a very special angel in heaven, but most importantly she knows that her Mummy loved her very very much and tried everything possible to stay alive.

Claire went through so much, the pain she was in was horrendous but she carried on regardless, her girls came first, nothing came in the way of looking after them and seeing them happy. Thinking what she went through keeps me going when i am training, as soon as i feel like i want to quit or can't be bothered, i think of Claire how she fought and what she did to try and stay alive, i think what i am doing is nothing compared to that. On my ipod i use when training  I have a playlist called Claireabell. It has all Claire's favourite songs on, so each song reminds me of her, some more than others. The last big thing Claire and I did together was to go and see Take That, little did we know that day that 2 weeks later we would be told she was dying. She loved Take That and Robbie, we went to see Robbie in 2006, a joint present for my 40th and Claire's 21st that was such a fantastic day, memories i shall keep forever locked away in my heart.

Claire's Little Princess's

Getting Close Now!!

Well I can't believe that in less than 2 months we will be trekking across the Jordan Desert, oh dear the nerves are setting in now, excitement and fear!!!

We've been doing lots of walking in the Lakes over the last coupe of months, we are getting there on the climbing now, thank god :-) this time last year I don't think I could climb 500 feet without getting puffed, now I know I can do approx 1500 with comfort still a way to go yet though, a lot to do over the next few weeks, my aim is to be able to climb Scalfell Pike which is 3500 feet give or take a foot or 2. We have a weekend away booked for the 22nd March this is when we are going to attempt it, so watch this space!!!!

Scalfell Pike is in the Eskdale Valley, we have been there a few times over the last few months, have to be honest I have fell in love with the place, it is so quiet and peaceful, not a bit like the Southern Lakes at all. You can walk all day and not see another walker, there are that many walks and not so many places to stay round there. Its just an amazing place to visit, and the scenery is so beautiful. We always stay in The Woolpack Inn  a real ale pub with its own little brewery, their Damson cider is not one to miss out on, with a leaf or 2 of fresh mint in, mmmmm just what you need after a long days walking, and the food is amazing too.

We went the Southern Lakes this weekend for a change, only for the day, we went to Coniston, its beautiful yet, but its way too busy we have definitely been spoilt by the Eskdale Valley.

The walking is going great, we can cover 15 miles easy with a bit of a climb, the most we will do in a day in Petra will be 10-12 miles, so with the distance  I know we are okay, its just the climbing, but I think to myself when I feel I am struggling, I think of Claire. If she can go through what she did to try an stay alive, then god this is easy, and that keeps me going, and I put my ipod on, I have a play list called Claireabell, this is all Claire's favourite songs, each and everyone reminds me of her and they too keep me going.

Until next time :-)

Sorry :-(

God it's been months since I have been on here, sorry!! Keep meaning to write something then something happens, well you know how it is!

So here goes... The last few months have been very hectic as usual, not enough time in the day just lately. We had a great Christmas and a week away in Scotland with all our girls.

Now its back to reality :-( Back in the gym, getting back in the zone again. We have just over three months before our Trek, starting to panic a bit now and feeling nervous, but got a long way to go yet. Lots of training weekends walking up mountains (well, big hills really :-)).

We've done quite a bit of fundraising over the last couple of weeks, with the help of our gym, Fit for Free, they have been a great help. We've hit Tesco and Asda over the last two weekends, we take the exercise bike and a collection bucket, and between us we keep the bike going all day. And over the two weekends we have raised an amazing £500.00, plus today we have had another sponsor for £600.00!!

The Cycle Marathon

A little late this blog sorry, but better late than never as they say :-)

What a great day we had at the cycle marathon, we were overwhelmed by all the support from everyone, especially the staff at Fit for Free Gym in Speke, they were just fantastic. The bikes were never empty, Clive and I did our fair share :-) Between the two of us we did approx. 100 miles, so proud of myself and Clive of course! It's given me a real confidence boost, because I know now I am capable of doing more than what I have been doing.

Through the day we met some lovely people. People we see everyday in the gym, usually we just nod and say hello, but on Wednesday we were all chatting and getting to know each other. I just can't wait for the next one.

On the day we collected £250, and cycled 356.76 miles.
Thank you to everyone who came along on the day.
http://www.fitforfree.co.uk/

Challenges

Well tomorrow is the Cycle Marathon at Fit for Free Gym in Speke Liverpool. They have been so helpful - they have two bikes in reception and the plan is to keep them going from 7am to 11pm. People taking part are asked to make a donation of however much, it's up to them. They are also offering any non members that take part free use of the gym for the day, and if you want to join just mention my name and Claire's Wish and you won't have to pay a joining fee :-)

So lets hope it's a good day all round! The next event is a rowing challenge and that's on July 27th, the same again need to keep it going from 7 to 11. People can sign up for half hour or 1 hour slots. So if anyone is up for a challenge come along and sign up, it's all for a fantastic cause :-)

http://www.fitforfree.co.uk/

Time Flies

Where have the last few weeks gone? I didn't realise it's been over two weeks since I wrote on here...whoops.

Anyway, last weekend Clive and I went the Lakes again, and guess what... it rained all weekend till it was time to go home Sunday lunchtime :-( We tried the Western Lakes where we've never really been before. We stayed in a little village called Boot, it was gorgeous, Clive chose the bed and breakfast which conveniently had a beer festival on and of course the England match on a 100-inch screen, how strange he chose that one.

The rain didn't stop us from walking though, obviously because it was so wet we couldn't do any serious climbing. As some of you may know I am not save on my feet at the best of times, so anyway we were up bright and early Saturday morning and out walking for 9am. Which is excellent going for Clive especially as it was a Saturday.

We were in the Eskdale Valley where there's a walk around the river - you can either do the flat walk or there is detour with a small climb up to the waterfalls. Of course with us being backward we started the walk at the end, so we got a little confused, well Clive did he seems to be loosing his sense of direction as he's getting older. We had walked a fair few miles when we realised we had come off the footpath. We came to a point where we had to cross the river, there was a  shallow bit with rocks, it was either try cross it there or walk back and retrace our steps. Clive went for trying to cross the river - it's all right for him he has long legs, I'm not that lucky. But amazingly after a lot of balancing on one leg and stretching as far as my legs would go I made it safely across the other side with my feet still nice and dry :-) Job well done to me I think. Luckily enough when we got across there was a sign for the waterfalls so we were back on track. Off we went up to the waterfalls, this was a very slippery path, and in some places quite steep and you had to walk close to the edge, so this tested my fear off sheer drops (well not that sheer but a start). The path up to the falls also includes bridges that criss-cross across the river and the waterfall. They were stunning views and even in the rain it looked just beautiful. As we got the next to last viewing point, there was a warning on the bridge that the path was very steep and very slippery. We stood for a short while and watched other walkers going up an down, it was very close to the edge at some points. I lost my bottle there, I couldn't do it. Maybe I will go back again when its dry and try again. So we made our way back down and finished the walk and strangely enough we found our way back to the pub just in time for lunch and a glass or two of cider.

After lunch we walked to the next village and back so overall we did approx. 11 miles, and we didn't feel tired at the end. It was the weather that stopped us in the end, we felt like we could have walked a bit more.

Back On Track

Last weekend we took Megan and Millie to the Lakes for the day - we need to keep walking every weekend to keep up with the training. So we thought it would be a good idea to get the girls involved in it and get them walking too. What a fantastic day we had! The girls walked their little legs off. Especially Millie, she's such a little star, she really is, and she is such a little poser. I'll post some pics below. They are growing up way too fast. They loved the Lakes and can't wait to go back.

Also last week I slacked a bit on the exercise :-( but I'm back on track this week. I've been to the gym a few mornings, and walked to work too after :-) My friend Fran who I go with is super fit and a lot of her enthusiasm has rubbed of on me. I have a lot to thank her for - she inspires me some days to go that bit further. She talked me into going for a jog last night after work, I thought it can't be that bad I'm doing okay in the gym. How wrong was I, shit it was hard work. After about 5 minutes Fran was running and chatting at the same time, as for me I was gasping for breath!!! Oh dear I have a long way to go yet. It's made me realise just how much more I have to do. But I didn't let it dishearten me, in fact its made me more determined to carry on. I suppose exercising in the gym is totally different from doing it outside. So over the weekend I will try another jog.

Poor Clive hasn't been able to do anything this week, hes not been well and he's had this nasty virus going around. I was skitting him at first saying it was man flu, feel a little guilty now because he really has been unwell, but he's feeling better today just in time for the girls coming tomorrow.

We've got a busy weekend ahead, with the charity market on Monday, the girls are helping on that. We also need to get some walking in too, as Megan and Millie are going to be doing The Race for Life on 9th July, might take us all day with Millie, but she will do it!

Update

Well we have had confirmation that the Trek is now full :-) 120 people taking part! There was so much interest they have arranged another one for November 2013, so if anyone is interested I'll post the link below. You only live once so if you have ever thought "oh it would be so good to do something like that" then you should just go for it!

We've been quite busy this last week, we have now got two Bikeathons arranged in the gym we go to. It's Fit for Free in Garston, Liverpool, they are kindly arranging it all. The aim is to keep the bike going from when it opens at 7am to when it closes which is about 10.30pm. So please if you live near us come and put your name down for a stint. The dates for the gym one are 25th June and 27th July, which also coincides with the Olympics.

Thanks for reading. Please share with all your friends and family and come join us on Facebook :-)

http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/

Our first proper walk since training began

On Friday we went up to the Lake District to put our training so far to the test, so here goes.......We got up Saturday morning, the weather was overcast but dry :-) Had a delicious full Cumbrian breakfast to give us a good start to the day. We did originally have a walk round Ulleswater Lake planned, now it's quite a very long walk, and poor Clive has had "man flu!" all week, we thought it best to change the plan! So we did two walks over the day totaling approx. 8 miles. The first walk was around Aira Waterfalls, which I have to say are pretty amazing. It was only about 2 miles, but there was quite a bit of climbing. There were some very steep steps, 100 to be exact!! The woman on the National Trust Van assured us that there was bench at the top where we could sit and get our breath back, there was no bench!! But the view was well worth the effort. After climbing back down and giving poor Clive several heart attacks, as I am not the most safest person on steps, (as some of you know, I broke my foot a few years ago, falling down a step about an inch high, and it was in a wine shop) we made it safely to the bottom. Next we went to Grassmere.

In Grassmere we've always done a walk to Easedale Tarn, now the last time we did this was a few years ago, it's approx. 6 miles and around 750 feet. That doesn't sound very much, but it is a very steep 750, and very rocky. It was also very water logged after all the rain we have had lately, I don't understand how this country has a drought, they need to take a walk up Easedale Tarn! So of course it was like playing stepping stones all the way up, poor Clive having to guide me over them trying not to fall off, so you will be pleased to hear that I made it to the top without getting my feet wet :-) but guess what as I reached the top, there was a big squelch and an OH S***, yes in went my foot, it was that wet it went right over my boots. Clive just looks at me shakes his head and laughs, I mean a walk with me is not complete without me getting very wet or muddy. On the way up we only had to stop 2 times. I was very proud of myself and Clive. Once at the top we had a lovely picnic by the Tarn. After we had been fed and watered we both felt refreshed and ready to go again, so instead of walking back down the way we came up, we walked on a bit further around the Tarn and back down the other side. Now I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but going up is a lot easier than going back down, how I never broke my leg I do not know! Once we were back down, we went to Baldry's coffee shop for little reward.

On Sunday morning, we woke up and felt fine until we tried to move, oh dear!!! We ached, so to try and loosen those muscles we did a small walk from Ellterwater to Chesters Coffee Shop. Now this is the best coffee shop I have ever been to, their cakes are the best I have ever tasted and are huge. Then it was off home :-(

Testing The Training

Lets see if the training so far has been worth the effort!

So next weekend we are going to the Lake District for the weekend, we have a walk planned for Saturday, so lets see if all this training so far has been worth while. I hope so!! It's still going very well, not getting fed up yet, in fact the more I do the more I enjoy it. I am noticing a big difference, I've lost just over a stone now, so my clothes are feeling looser. So you know what that means shopping :-) and of course walking round the shops is good exercise!

Sam had an interesting conversation with a nurse this week. She asked Sam about any history of breast cancer in the family, so she told them about Claire and cervical cancer. The nurse was shocked to hear what Sam was telling her, she can't believe that Claire had not been diagnosed earlier. She asked Sam if she was being screened, and was shocked again when she said she wasn't. Sam is 20 this year, we have spoke to our GP about getting her screened, he said he is more than happy to do her a smear, but it's very unlikely the lab will process it because of her age. Again playing god with our lives. So of course we will be paying for her to go private. The nurse also told her that in their training they are told if someone under 25 is showing symptoms or worried then you can give them a smear as it will not do any harm! So why don't they??

Fundraising and Awareness Day

Charity Market Newcastle Staffs Monday 4th June 2012

We have got a stall on Newcastle's yearly charity market in June to raise funds for our Trek. We will be having a tombola, lucky dip etc. so if anyone has any unwanted Christmas presents etc... please pass them our way :-) And if anyone has any ideas for the day to make it more fun and raise more money then please let me know and pop along and give us a helping hand. On the day we will of course be raising awareness of the importance of cervical screening. NO matter how old you are that five minute test can save your life!! So ladies if you've been putting yours off pick up that phone and make that appointment!!

Busy Week

So this week we have started asking people to sponsor us for our Britain Against Cancer Trek :-) Had quite a few already. It's also been a busy week, what with work and trying to fit training in, but we managed it.

I really have got the gym bug, and total weight loss so far is 12lb!!! Which I am happy with as I have been able to have a treat or 2 along the way. Sometimes though I feel as though I cannot do anymore, but what I have done is created a playlist on my iPod of all Claires favourite songs, so just as I start to think of giving in a song comes on and reminds me of Claire and why I am doing this.

Theres also fantastic news this week! Sandra Cousins, Mercedes mum, has reached her target of 100,000 signatures on her petition!! I'm proud to say that Claire's Wish petition is in there too. She is delivering the petition to Downing Street on Monday 23rd April - Cameron will wonder what's hit him. Sadly I cannot go along as we have family commitments, but I will be with them in spirit and wishing them all the luck in the world, and happy that now because there are over 100,000 signatures this now has to go to Parliment for debate!! So hopefully this time they will take notice and do the right thing and admit they were wrong in raising that age to 25.

Watch this space!!!!

Take a look at the Facebook page for the Mercedes Curnow Foundation for the early detection of Cervical Cancer.

Training has begun!

Well, Clive and I joined the gym a couple of weeks ago... have to say so far so good :-) Our other daughter Sam swears I have been taken over by Aliens, and Clive goes the gym 3 or maybe 4 times a week. As for me well.....I am out of the house every morning at 6.30am, round to my friends house (Fran, me gym buddy), and we are in the gym for 7am! I spend an hour or so doing the treadmill etc.... then shower and in work for 9am. Have to admit it gives me a real good boost in the morning, by the time I get to work I am full of beans :-)

Last Thursday I did a taster class of legs, bums and tums and had a go at spinning - mmmmmm maybe I shouldn't have given them a go on the same day. My poor legs were wondering what had hit them the next morning!!

I also go in the evening a couple of nights with Clive, so hopefully the weight will start to drop off soon.

So... so far so good :-)

Claire's Wish Journey To Petra

Okay, so I thought i had better update this blog! Been a while sorry, things going on at home, but we're back now and raring to go :-)

Clive and I have registered for the Britain Against Cancer Trek from The Dead Sea to Petra, its next year 19th to 26th April. Anyone who knows us, especially me, will know what a challange this will be as I am totally unfit, but it is my goal to get fit and along the way raise money for a good cause. All monies raised will go to Cervical and Breast Cancer Research.

So over the next week or so we shall start fundraising, we are just in the process of setting Paypal etc... up, so all you lovely people can sponsor us :-) Please keep watching this space for updates on what we are doing and where. Along the way we shall of course be raising awareness on the importance of Cervical Screening, and of course getting signatures for our petition to get the age lowered back to 20!

In the meantime have a peek at what we will face on our 5-day Jordan Desert trek here:
Britain V Cancer Trek from The Dead Sea to Petra