Christmas Rush!

Thanks to all of you from the Crown Prosecution Service who have made contributions on our justgiving site in the last two weeks in the run up to Christmas. As I've said in earlier posts, it is not our intention to go all out for support untill the new year, but already we have had more than £600 pounds donated without really trying, and it's very encouraging, and thank you all.

Our local pub, the Coach and Horses, have set themselves the challenge of raising £1000 pounds for us. Well, after the showing last week at their anual Christmas draw that will be easy. Having ambushed everyone who came into the pub that night to buy tickets for a raffle in our name, a certain member of staff made sure she made her maximum selling potential. The winner decided that the prize should then be auctioned, and a very generous gesture it was as well. The bidding was slightly on the slow side. Then, and she will remain anonymous for the moment, a member of staff declared that if the bidding went up to £50 she would become the first topless waitress in the county. Needless to say the funds were raised and the Coach and Horses infamy has been assured. In all £157 was raised from the raffle and auction, nearly a third of that due to our barmaids assets!

Christmas Cheer

Derrick has slowly been building up his fitness as we near the Christmas period. Myself, I have been poodling along but can't seem to get into a training rythm, work or colds seem to get in the way. Once Christmas is out of the way we will be trying to get back on the hills and get some mileage in. That means winter walks on dartmoor or in the Brecon beacons in Wales. These are not the nicest of places in the winter but needs must when the devil drives and we should count our blessings that we have these places on our doorstep The gym will also be getting some attention as we seek to increase our aerobic ability and work off some of the turkey and excess amounts of Guiness consumed over the holiday period. If anyone would like to suggest some training tips, feel free. Otherwise you can catch a glimpse of us in our white expedition shirts sweating at the liesure centre at St Pierre, just outside Chepstow.

Frost Fair

Derrick and I decided to drum up some suuport in our village for the cause. We have decided that we would not start the main thrust of our fund raising till after Christmas. It may be the season of good will but people are more inclined to spend huge sums of money on worthless tat than support charity at this time of year.

We were lucky enough to have secured a small space in our village hall at its Christmas frost fair. Jammed between the local churches chutneys and hand rolled candles we endevoured to set up our posters, my old walking boots and a rucksack filled with 40lbs of lead hoping to fire up the imagination of all those present. The hall was packed with eager bargain hunters and we did manage to persuade a few to part with their cash. Some people did take away sponsor forms to be filled and some promised to donate on line. I don't know what we expected but I don't think it was a wasted opportunity. Word will get around and we can only hope that come the new year we will have better luck on the fundraising side. If you havent already you can still donate on line at www. justgiving.com/transpyrenees2007

Help!

We at the team would like to hear from you. Perhaps you've been walking in the Pyrenees, or have tried to raise money for charity. Have you any training tips or if you just want to wish us well. You're comments are welcomed. Idealy we would like you to donate to the cause (see link in the colum on the right). If you are a company or business and would like to get involved we would be happy to provide a link to your website, or write a piece for your company magazine, or be involved in your publicity in return for your support. We look forward to your posts.

The Challenge

On 21st July 2007 we (Stewart &Derrick) will attempt to cross the Pyrenees, a snow capped mountain range which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean sea. The journey will take us over 500 miles, and through 150 000 feet of climb. Thats 5 times the height of Everest! It is our intention to do it in 50 days.

The route will take us through some of the most remote wilderness in Europe, high upland pasture, steep scree slopes, boulder fields, snowfields and ice. We will be travelling through territory which has no waymarks or paths and wil have to carry our own food and shelter. There are the occassional mountain refuge huts with a warden where we will be able to buy an evening meal, however, other than these and the handfull of small mountain villages our ability to resupply with food will be minimal. As a result, we both expect to have to carry at least 40lbs in weight.

The whole point of the excercise is to raise money for cancer Research Wales
www.cancerresearchwales.co.uk
Take a moment to think and you will probably know someone, friends, family or work colleagues who are, or who have suffered through this vile disease. Our inspiration was Stewart's brother in law Huw, who is trying to defeat the disease now, even after chemotherapy. We also know of people at work and friends who have not only suffered but died from cancer.
Support us by donating at www.justgiving.com/transpyrenees2007