CUBA

So, the gang are 37,000 feet in the air with Virgin on route to Cuba and here I am, at home, typing on my computer! Why? Because I had so many problems hit me all at once.

 

Edinburgh Steiner turned out to be a nightmare school.  I have to say the main problem was Chloe's main teacher who is the most manipulative woman I have ever had the misfortune to meet in my life.  I took Chloe out 2 weeks ago after realising this was NOT the place for my girl to live out her school years.

 

Dad, well he has been diagnosed with the onset of dementia.  He scored pretty low in his test and my GP, who is wonderful and honest, told me truthfully that it was not a good score.  He is to go for further tests on 29 November as there are different strains of dementia and I am praying it is not Alzeheimers.  His memory (short term) is atrocious and it is a very worrying time.

 

My brother, well he has been in and out of hospital the past few months.  At first gangrene was suspected, then we all started worrying the cancer was back, finally, he has been told it is gout.

 

Having Chloe at home is tiring.  I am home schooling and she is being tutored by a retired P7 teacher whom my mum teaches sewing to but it is very, very hard home schooling a 13 year old girl.  Ruaraidh is jealous Chloe is at home and I am trying to explain to him she would much rather be at school but there is still friction between them.

 

So all of the above, plus my bipolar bringing in the depression prevented me going to Cuba.  I am absolutely devastated.  I have raised well over £4,000 and was so looking forward to trekking the Escambray Mountains with my best partner and Canyon mate, Mandy.  I received a beautiful daffodil necklace which lights up from her today.  I have to admit, I cried.  I have cried a lot lately.

 

Then to top it all off, I phoned Chloe's prospective school and because I am applying for a part bursary, I will have to wait over a week for the enrolment interview as the bursars do not meet until next Friday and there is obviously no point in interviewing us unless a bursary is available.

 

Chloe told me there must be a "reason" that I have had to stay at home and that perhaps I might have broken my leg had I went.  It did not cheer me up but I understood where she was coming from.

 

I guess I just have to plod on and I will feel better about things, soon, hopefully.

 

Life is not that great just now.  I think the only thing that is preventing me having a complete melt down is the amount of medication I have to take for my illness.  I guess that is something to be glad about!

Truckfest

So Saturday just past was Truckfest day.  It was amazing! 

The kids and I got up at 7 a.m. and made a picnic lunch as although I parked for free and did not pay the entrance fee, I knew it would be expensive having the kids as there was so much for them to do.

I kitted both kids out in Marie Curie t-shirts.  I need an XS for Ruaraidh as the S still looked a little like a dress.  Not a good look for a boy.  Although I have to say he did not mind one bit and got into the spirit of things by putting on his Marie Curie top hat.

I think it is really great that the kids are involved in fund raising and knowing what Marie Curie does.  Hopefully it will inspire them to carry on good work when they become older.

The Marie Curie HGV Truck was awesome and John, the driver, said to Chloe and Roo "get in and out as much as you want......"! Believe me, they did.  However, the highlight had to be all 3 of us, driving with John into the main arena and waving to the crowd.

George, the owner of the Truck, spoke about why he had painted this HGV to support Marie Curie, Fiona spoke about the statistics of the hospice and then it was my turn to speak about fund raising.  It was really exciting to be speaking in public again especially about another cause I feel so passionate about.  I explained to the crowd how much fun fund raising actually is, that I had walked on the catwalk this year, stood in the streets, packed bags in Marks and Spencers and now rode in the Marie Curie HGV.  I then went onto say, "If everyone here can just donate 50 pence, we can run the hospice for a full day........."!  Well, the volunteers that were there were inundated with kids wanting to put 50 pence and £1 coins into the buckets.  It truly was amazing and people were once again so generous.

This coming Saturday we have Walk Ten at Athlestanesford, East Lothian.  Chloe is walking it with my friend and Ruaraidh and I are working it.  Our job is the memory bags which is a lovely job as we fill the paper bags with sand, put a tea light in and the bags have messages "cut out" so when the walkers return, all the bags are lit up.  Here's hoping the rain stays away this weekend.



Marie Curie Pub Collection

Mandy, Marion and I had a great early evening pub collection for Marie Curie, last Saturday 2 June raising a fantastic £830.

We started at the West End of Edinburgh in Williams Street, moved along Rose Street to the East End and then head back to the car long Princess Street.  A very kind gentleman stopped Mandy whilst we were walking along Princess Street and deposited £20 in her bucket.

Once back to the car, we headed down to the Grassmarket.  It was so busy down there with Stag and Hen do's but I really don't think the younger generation "get" what Marie Curie is all about.  There was a lot of "no change" and shaking of heads when we went near.

That said, we did collect a wonderful sum.  Mandy and Marion made quite a bit due to having their daffodil hats on and getting "paid" for photographs.  I chose the vain route as I had my extensions in so decided to go without my daffodil hat - it needs washed anyway ;O)

Mandy and I are both extremely near our totals now.  Looks like we are going to smash the totals this year which is fabulous!!!!



Marks and Spencers Bag Packing

We had a fantastic time bag packing at Marks and Spencers on Saturday.  We raised an incredible £1,156.80 for Marie Curie with the help of Eileen, Amanda, Sarah and Tina and of course myself and Mandy.

Marks and Spencers are so generous to allow us into their stores for such a worthy cause.

I had a little boy ask me why I was a daffodil and why were we taking money.  I simply said to him "we help to pay for nurses that look after really, really sick people".  His dad came over and said "remember your papa?  These ladies help the nurses that helped your papa".  It made my eyes well with tears (that is normal for me when collecting) and Mandy looked across and said "Suzy, don't start crying"!  She knows me so well!!!!

I took the money to mum and dad's to count as they like getting involved.  We had a wonderful surprise as dad was full of the cold and counted the £1 coins as £10 per bag when actually it is £20 per bag.  Accordingly, dad had written the figure down as £280 when it was actually £560.  What a WONDERFUL mistake to make!

I think we are going to smash our totals this year which is great as there is no trek next year.

The hospice is currently being refurbished and will be ready in about 6 months time.  The administration team have moved down to Leith and the patients have been taken to the Western General Hospital.  It will be good to get the patients back to the Hospice as soon as possible as the Western General is not really that great!

Anyway, that is my latest update on the Marie Curie side of things.

Laters xxx

Almost £1,000

Am repeating a post of last year as I have almost reached the £1,000 mark in my fund raising albeit for Cuba this year!

Most of this has been through bag packing at Marks and Spencers who have been so supportive.  It is such fun packing bags, dressed as a daffodil and most importantly, having your friends there packing with you and supporting you all the way.

We also had a very successful fashion show and I will post some photographs here.  It was an awesome experience even down to taking Mandy and I approximately 3 hours to choose for outfits for the runway and then having to go back and choose another 2 outfits each.

The grand total for the fashion show was £806.13 which was incredible for a 2 hour show.  I think Matalan did quite well with their sale of clothes afterwards also. 

I totally loved being a model, strutting my stuff on the catwalk and would do it again in a minute if I got the chance.  I am sure Mandy would also.

Being a volunteer for Marie Curie is so much fun as it opens up doors of opportunities for you that you just would not get did you not volunteer.  I would recommend it to anyone!



I AM OFF AGAIN

So, I completed the trek for the Grand Canyon in 2011 and the total amount raised by 44 of us for Marie Curie was £176,000.  Absolutely a phenomenal amount.

I have decided along with Mandy, my friend who I met on Grand Canyon trek, to trek Cuba this year.  I will attach the Itinerary here.

Day 1 - UK to Havana

We depart the UK from Edinburgh International Airport, arriving into Havana, Cuba. We transfer to our hotel for a welcome meal and briefing on the challenge ahead.

Day 2 - Havana to Topas De Collantes

We have a 5 hour transfer from our hotel in Havana to our base for the week, Topas De Collantes, in the heart of the Escambray Mountains. Our route takes us through the historic centre of Trinidad - a UNESCO world heritage site.

Day 3 - La Hacienda Codina, 6-7 hours’ trekking

Today is the first day of trekking, starting off early in the morning towards La Hacienda Codina, an old coffee estate. We will be trekking along unspoilt trails through areas of spectacular beauty, with great views of the Ancon peninsula. After lunch at the hacienda we start the return trek back to our hotel.

Day 4 - Casa De La Gellega, 7-8 hours’ trekking

Today our route takes us through incredible forest landscapes, full of history and local culture. We stop for lunch at a local house before continuing on towards the stunning waterfalls of El Salto del Rocio. From here we continue trekking towards the coffee-growing community of Charco Azul before the return trip to our hotel.

Day 5 - Parque Caburni, 6 hours’ trekking

Today is a tough day trekking as we head towards the Salto de Caburni waterfall. From here we continue on towards Parque Caburni with a spectacular 150m waterfall. The terrain today is steep, but takes us through the lush landscape full of wildlife. Our trek finishes for the day at Comunidad 28 Septiembre where we are transferred back to the hotel.

Day 6 -Parque El Cubano, 5 hours’ trekking

After breakfast we leave for the long trek to the protected area of Parque El Cubano. We take the Guanmuhaya route through lovely forest with stunning views of the Escambray Mountains. The route takes us along the path to Pez Cato farm where we stop for lunch. We continue on to the road head to meet our transfers back to the hotel.

Day 7- La Batata, 4 hours’ trekking

Our last trekking day takes us to La Batata, and incredible cave that highlights the ecological value of the reserve. The final leg of the trek takes us to lunch at Mi Retiro before we return to our hotel.

Day 8 - Havana

Today we return to Havana where we take a walking tour of the city. The rest of the day is free to explore before a meal together to celebrate our achievements.

Day 9 - Havana to UK

We have the morning free in Havana before our transfers to the airport for our return flight home.

Day 10 - UK

We arrive back in Edinburgh.

UPDATES

It has been a while since I blogged here as I have been over rambling in my "Ramblings".  Quite a few things have happened since I last blogged including the arrival of my 45 litre rucksack and set of walking poles - with compass on the top YES - all courtesy of the bargains you can sometimes find on Ebay.

My total amount raised is now standing at almost £1,500 which is fantastic considering I still have several months left to continue raising money.  I am still hopeful of breaking through the £3,000 barrier as there are quite a few events upcoming.  My friend Marion is going to help me at the Summer School Fete where we are having a stall which will include guessing the number of sweets in a jar (always a favourite with kids) and guess the weight of the watermelon, amongst other things.

Training is going well.  I am breaking the boots in slowly.  I have found that I can power walk for at least 1/2 hour before I start to feel a nip at my toes.  If I walk slower, I can walk for about an hour.  I kind of figure that power walking not only blasts my weight better and builds up my stamina but it also proves that if I can walk quickly for half an hour and travel some distance, I can walk slower and double that distance and so far my theory is paying off.  I am combining hills, flat walking, slopes, pavements, grass etcetera into my routes and it is becoming easier.  I really can see now why it is so important to break the boots in thoroughly before you leave for the trek. 

With the better weather coming in now I am trying to walk at least 1/2 an hour each day just to break in the boots.  I will then start pushing for the longer walks.  To trek the Canyon you must be comfortable walking 10 miles.  For me, that would mean walking around Arthur's Seat here in Edinburgh three times.

I am eating a healthy well balanced diet but I am also taking Acai Extreme at present and that is working wonders with my dieting and exercising in aiding weight loss.

I felt a twinge in my butt today which was not very pleasant so I cut my walk down to just 45 minutes and am hoping it will feel better later on today.

Well I guess that is the update done and dusted for now.  If you ever feel like reading my other blog please feel free.

Laters xxxx

£1000

I cannot believe it.  The page has just been running for over a month and I am now £19 away from my first £1,000.  How exciting is that. 

I must extend my thanks to the Johnson Foundation who believe in me and have supported me.

I am very blessed to have such wonderful people who know just how much of the work Marie Curie does and just how much it is a fantastic Charity to donate to.

GOOD RESPONSE

I have had a very good response via email today regarding people (mostly MP's) who will make a personal donation and pass on details to their colleagues which I am very happy about obviously.  The £500 mark is very tantalizingly near and after that has been exceeded it is down to concentrating on the first £1,000 mark.

I am very proud with myself for the fact that I am still not smoking and donating £10 to the Charity each week. I rather naively thought that the Charity received all the money we raised but in fact some of the money raised is your travelling costs, accommodation etcetera.  At least by paying £10 per week of my own money, I am offsetting the costs a little. 

I am off walking again tomorrow with my friend who is a great walking partner and it is doing her the world of good to get outside, have some fresh air and help her lose weight - which is what she is looking to do.  We have found a fantastic walk that involves a little hill climbing (not too much as of yet) and walking down hills through woods.  All in all it is a lovely walk with a stream running down the middle.  I shall try to remember to take a picture of it tomorrow and post here.

My Uncle is fundraising very well on my behalf as are my parents and a friend who is doing a sponsored walk.  I am truly blessed to have so many kind, caring people who really want to push me to succeed and succeed I shall.

Going It Alone

Technically the heading of this post is incorrect.  I am not going it alone to the Grand Canyon as there will be many trekkers (approximately 35) trekking in aid of Marie Curie.

However, Cheryl and I have decided to raise our funds separately.  So accordingly we are both "Going It Alone" when it comes to fundraising.

I wish her every success and I myself shall continue to blog here and continue to raise as much money for Marie Curie as is possible.

Remembrance

When you first complete the registration forms with Marie Curie for a trek/adventure/fundraising scheme, they ask you if you wish to walk in remembrance of anyone.  I left it blank as there are so many people now gone who I wish to remember.

It would have been far too difficult for me to fit the names of all the people I wanted to remember into a form.

My Auntie Mary who died in Marie Curie when I was just a teenager and last year, a very, very sad time when one of my very best friends lost her mother, again, in Marie Curie.  I have blogged about that friend before due to the fact that I knew she was always able to be "herself" around me and I would never have treated her any different.  I remember the night her mum passed away, I received a simple text saying "mum's gone........." it brings tears to my eyes now to even think about last summer.

A friend of mine who has suffered so much through losing her brother (not to cancer but a horrific death anyway) and her mother this year, who I think did not even get the chance to have the care of Marie Curie.

My friend and her family had a bench with her mother's name on it put up on Blackford Hill staring right out over the City of Edinburgh straight to Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags (a picture of which you can see above). 

The above image is what you see from the top of Blackford Hill.  I visited that bench the other day whilst out training for my Grand Canyon trek. There is something very peaceful at this spot.  Something very poignant and it makes me feel at peace to sit down on the bench and stare out over the City.

I remember clearly going to collect the ashes with my friend.  It was all so surreal though as we chose a biodegradable box shaped as a love heart and then the ashes were moved into this box and we "carried" my friend's mother in my car.  We laughed a lot that day.  Strange, that you would laugh when you are moving the remnants of a loved one around from place to place.  Perhaps laughing was the best way for us both to deal with what we were doing.  So, I guess if I were to walk for anyone, it would be my friend's mother.

However, things have taken a turn for the worse regarding my partner's mum.  I guess it is okay for me to call him my partner but perhaps it would be more prudent to call him my soul mate as that is what he truly is.  His mum is currently in Marie Curie, Edinburgh and it is highly unlikely she will return home.  I think every day left for her now is truly a blessing for the family but what is it for her?  Not only does she suffer from cancer which has riddled her body, she also suffers from dementia and to be perfectly honest, perhaps that is the best thing as she really does not know what is happening to her.  However, the family do and that in itself is so tragic.

My soul mate is my boyfriend of my teenage years.  We got back together last year for a short time but it did not work out - nothing bad, it was probably just a little too soon after him splitting with his wife.  He adores his mother and although he says he is strong, I know he is dying inside and there is nothing I can do to take away that pain that he is feeling.  It cuts me up as I wish I had a magic wand - does'nt everybody sometime wish the same?

My post is called Remembrance because I simply plan to trek that Canyon for every single "daffodil" in the sky and pray to god that they find a cure for cancer very, very soon.

"PHOTO SHOOT"

 Okay, so today we decided that we need to get our posters out and about with our collecting tins for Marie Curie.

Fortunately, both Cheryl and I know various places that we can leave the tins in safe places.  Round 1 photo shoot Chezzy strikes a pose!

Round 2 photo shoot, testing the light, bra on display through top and finally, Chezzy not even ready in the slightest!



Photo Shoot 3, goodness only knows what the Paparazzi aka Chloe was up to. 

 

 

The finished product which has now been emailed to mum's (my printer is out of ink oops) and shall be printed off tomorrow with appropriate Marie Curie labelling.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Chezzy and I are having a whole range of ideas regarding fundraising for Marie Curie and a big shout out to Jordana for her suggestions! Friends play such an important role in giving Cheryl and I ideas and please feel free to post comments of any way you guys think we could raise funds.

So far we have a pamper evening with Chezzy's friend just charging for her "tools" is that the correct word when we talk about waxing etcetera ;o); disco for end of February; race night which we may perhaps go for in June; touting local shops for prizes for raffles; sponsor sheets are out; our Just Giving page is live and although it stands at £190 just now, I have emailed councillors, msp's and mp's with a lot of them going back to work tomorrow - especially the msp's and mp's; we have had offers of prizes already; car boot sale; packing bags at our local supermarkets; collecting on the street with official Marie Curie collection tins; Chloe's school are looking to meet up with me when we go back to school to discuss fundraising ideas and we are sure we can pull Cheryl's school on board also; bake weeks i.e. taking cakes into the schools each week for sale; and obviously word of mouth. Any further ideas would be very much appreciated.

We have till the beginning of July to reach £5200 which is quite a challenge but to be perfectly honest, Chezzy and I would LOVE to smash this target and make a heck of a lot more money for Marie Curie.

Thanks for reading our blog!

A Little About Marie Curie

Marie Curie are dedicated to caring for people who suffer from cancer and any other terminal illness. In order to do that they have 2700 nurses, doctors and a vast amount of volunteers who give their time free in order to aid Marie Curie's survival and ongoing good work.

I was reading the Marie Curie website and I came across a few stories which really inspired me and touched my heart and I will share them here with you.

Dawn Dyne who is a Marie Curie Nurse says "I became a Marie Curie Nurse because I feel very strongly that everyone deserves dignity and respect at the end of their lives".

Stuart Laurie, who is a volunteer at Edinburgh's Marie Curie Hospice became a volunteer gardener over 5 years go now after his wife, Lena passed away at the Hospice. Stuart states "Why am I doing it? Quite simply to ensure that the hospice and its wonderful staff is there to provide care for another family who finds itself in the situation we were 7 years ago".

Sandra Osborne, complementary therapist had a patient come to see her for reflexology as she had incredible pain in her feet and could not walk nor even put shoes on. The woman allowed Sandra to touch her feet and perform reflexology and Sandra states "Amazingly after just one session she could walk properly and wear shoes. She was absolutely ecstatic."

Through my reading of the website and the various leaflets, forms etcetera that Cheryl and I have for the Grand Canyon, I also discovered that £20 pays for a Marie Curie Nurse to spend one hour in a patient's home; £135 pays for attendance in a Marie Curie Hospice for one day at the Day Therapy unit; £160 pays for a full shift for a Marie Curie Nurse in a patient's home; and, £800 pays for the cost of caring for an in-patient in a Marie Curie Hospice for a day.

Through the support Marie Curie received last year, they were able to help 29,000 people decide where they wanted to die.

It humbles me reading the website but it also makes myself and Cheryl even more determined to push on and earn that £6,000 so that we can help Marie Curie to continue with their fantastic work.

Things are Moving

Day 3 of me quitting smoking and I actually feel surprisingly well. I firmly believe that because I wanted to quit so much, my kids wanting me to quit and the fact that I along with Chezzy are doing the Grand Canyon trek has given me so much motivation to actually stay quit!!!

Had emailed the kids' head teacher prior to Christmas regarding fundraising at school. Well had an email in my inbox today and she agrees that it is a very worthy cause and could I make an appointment with her once the school is back to discuss a few ideas! Excited - much!!!!!

I am sure if we can get my school on board we will be able to get Chezzy's son's school on board also.

I am loving 2011 already !!!!

Quit Smoking

This is such a disgusting picture but they say "a picture is worth a 1000 words"!!! That's what this picture is to me, a 1000 words.

I decided quite a while ago that I wanted to quit smoking. I did quit previously for 7 months but rather stupidly started again.

Now, what with the thought of trekking the Grand Canyon for miles and miles, the kids hating the fact that I smoke (I don't smoke in car or house) and the monetary value in not smoking, I have decided that New Year is the time.

I have gradually cut down and today have only smoked 2 ciggies - it is now 8.30 pm so I am well chuffed with myself.

I will save around £25 per week from not smoking and have decided that I will donate £10 per week to the Girly Girls Grand Canyon Fund Raising Trek. It will for me, help keep me motivated, improve my fitness and stop me from shouting on the trek "stop whilst I have a fag............"!! Not a really appropriate statement is it. So all change for New Year, no smoking, exercising, fundraising and generally getting my life into some reasonable sort of order.

Roll on 2011 - that is what I say!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Chezzy and I would just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2011, it is gonna be one crazy, fantastic, amazing year!!!

ITINERARY

DAY 1

We depart from UK to Phoenix. When we arrive we are met by local guides and taken to hotel. A quick briefing follows regarding the first trek then we are free for the rest of the evening - ie hit the sack or have our last drop of alcohol - perhaps hit the sack would be more sensible!

DAY 2

We leave Phoenix at 8 a.m. and go north through the Seonoran Desert and into the high elevation plateaus and red-rock canyons of north central Arizona.

After a drive of approximately 2 hours we arrive in Sedona featuring the wonder of what Native Americans consider the spiritual vortex of the Southwest with its red rock formations - Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon rival many national parks.

We embark on a late morning acclimatisation trek of approximately 10k along Oak Creak, home to world class views of famous rock monoliths such as Cathedral Rock. We have a picnic lunch near the creek then we transfer through the breathtaking Oak Creek Canyon and its towering red-rock walls. We then check into our hotel for the night on ROUTE 66 - where Chezzy and I will get our kicks ;o)

DAY 3

Very early breakfast and then 1 hour transfer to Hualapai Hilltop (pronounced Walapai). This is the only land travel access to the stunning Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Starting at 5,400 feet, this demanding trail begins with switchbacks until it reaches a dry stream bed where the train begins to level out. After a trailside lunch, we then descend deeper into the labyrinth of red sandstone. At 3,200 ft we continue on the cottonwood-lined paths through the Indian village into the canyon's back country. A further 2 mile trek after the village will lead us past the awesome Havasu Falls and into camp. Late afternoon will be spent near the waterfalls setting up camp - home for the next three nights - and I am sharing a tent with a "BUNNY"!!!!!

DAY 4

THE EXTREMELY TOUGH DAY!!!!!

Have brekkie at camp then trek deeper into the Canyon to the testing descent at Mooney Falls. Our trek today will be around 9 hours!!!!

We continue into the stunning abyss until we reach a fork where we will be asked to choose a "wet route" or "dry route" (Chezzy has already chosen the wet route). The wet route involves swimming and jumping from waterfalls - hmmmmmmmmmmmm wonder if anyone else is taking the 'dry route' I may leave Chezzy as this point and go that way - nah kidding, I am into jumping from waterfalls!!!!! When we reach Beaver Falls we trek a further 9km to the Colorado River. Here at the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River we are standing one mile below the RIM OF THE CANYON!!!!!!! We still have to trek 12km back to camp though!!!!

DAY 5

Brekkie again at camp (the pancakes sound delicious btw) we trek up a canyon to a hidden side cleft in the cliff wall where we will be expertly guided to the Tonto Platform - this is a broad rocky terrace between the Supai sandstone and the red wall stand stone. This is a huge challenge but we are rewarded with views than can never be seen below - sweeping Grand Canyon vistas all the way to the North Rim and a bird's eye view of both Havasu and Mooney Falls - then it is back to camp for lunch - great bet we are 'starving' by then!!!!

Day 5 is NOT finished though - once we have digested lunch we trek and hike up to Carbonate Canyon which is a very narrow side canyon and we have to wear head torches to explore YIKES!!! After that, we trek back to camp and prepare ourselves for the big challenge.

DAY 6 CONQUER THE CANYON

We start at 5 am and have to be out of the canyon before the midday sun hits. We shall battle against intense heat and exhaustion but the exhilaration of reaching the Rim makes the arduous and challenging day one that neither Chezzy nor I will forget.

We shall then be transferred to Las Vegas and have a presentation dinner.

DAY 7

Brekkie in hote and transport back to airport to return home BOO HOO !!!

DAY 8

We are back in the UK ready to post fantastic photographs of our fantastic journey.

We hope that you can see from this itinerary just how much work we shall put into earning the donations that you give us to ensure that Marie Curie Cancer Care is funded into the future. Thank you all for giving Chezzy and I really appreciate it.

The "Grand" or should I say "Mad" Plan

It all began approximately two weeks ago now when my "undiagnosed" bi-polar, crazy, mental mate (she knows I love her really) came up with this hair brain scheme that she wanted to trek the Grand Canyon and raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. To paint the picture, Chezzy (as she is known to me) gets ideas in her head and who does she turn to, me, the actual diagnosed Bipolar, crazy, mental chick who becomes completely wrapped up in exciting ideas. I think with this blog it is time that I "came out". I am Bi Polar, I was recently given my diagnosis but it does not stop me from trying to do "good" in my life. In fact, my Bi Polar has pushed me to extremes that I would never have expected. Accordingly, I see my "label" as a very good thing especially considering that the Grand Canyon trek is such a very good idea. Thankfully my CPN said "it is the best idea you have had in a long time Suzy.............."!!! To which I replied - "not my idea Gary, Chezzy's, I just went with the flow"! He laughed but he laughed a good laugh!!!

After the initial "how good at fundraising are you...................." from Chezzy, it took about 1 hour for me to contact businessmen that I knew and had very quick responses to which I started thinking "we can really do this"! So from then on it was all systems go. Manic telephone calls to Marie Curie to make sure spaces were still left on the trip, downloading registration forms, photocopying passports, having passport pictures taken to attach to forms and having medicals signed off by our doctors. I'll tell you, us girly girls sure move fast and today, 23 December 2010, we finally registered at the offices of Marie Curie in Edinburgh. The deed was done. We were now committed to the cause and the training ahead.

Let me tell you the itinary we first read sounded great and very doable. Today we received further details which include 'helpful hints and tips for etiquette for using composting toilets in base camp', I kid you not!!! Also more serious and interesting facts that the Havasupai Indians believe that if you take a photograph of them, you can take their spirit!!! Reading the further information we were given today made us realise that this is gonna be one heck of a challenge but something that we will remember for the rest of our lives whilst giving something to a very worthy charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care.

In our very first day posting our Just Giving Page on line, we have so far raised £50 from our wonderful friends who believe in us also. Yes, we have a long way to go - £6,000 but we will do it. We have all sorts of fund raising ideas which will get going in the New Year and we will keep everyone (who is interested) up to date with various events throughout the days, months etcetera ahead.

We hope you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it. Just to let you know it is Suzy writing at present but Chezzy will join in. Enjoy reading whilst we enjoy training !!! Grand Canyon here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and a little teaser - up top is the "bunny" suit Chezzy is taking to wear whilst sleeping in the Canyon. I dread to think what beastie may decide she looks good enough to eat and oh my gosh I am sleeping beside her YIKES !!!!