Housekeeping E2E

05 December 2007

Housekeeping E2E

To take me and Albert from one end of the British Island to the other is going to take a team of 6 people, plus me. I and the team, will require, at a minim, to be feed & watered, vegetarian or meat eater; likes and dislikes in food. They will all need to be found a shelter, a bed with bedding and washing facilitates; eating and drinking equipment; clothed with E2E AC tee-shirts and if need be, their laundry seen to, plus anything I have not thought of.

One of the tasks of organising this challenge is to figure out how this is going to be done.

As planning the challenge is in its early stage, I shall have to make a spread sheet out, putting the tasks in one set of columns and a square set aside in rows for ticking when the task has to be solved. I think that is the way to do it. If anyone can offer any other suggestions then please feel free to put them here on the blog.

The vehicles, X2, will need looking after, that will be another spread sheet, and someone will have to keep account of all the income and expenditure. This I will leave to someone who knows what they are doing.

So that is my task for this evening, to start looking writing a spread sheet.

The Q6000 was returned today to Scotamart.

The Alber Adventure Returns To Alton Aids

Saturday 1st December 07

Alber Adventure returns to Alton Aids.

Yesterday saw Alber return to Alton Aids after, what I can only describe, as a very successful trial period.

I shall miss this chair very much because the short time I have had Albert, and driven it, has been truly amazing. The shear joy of going at a speed above a walking pace, and the comfort of the suspension, has given me the confidence, that Albert will take me the full lenght of Great Britian within the time I have allowed myself.

I hope it will not be too long before we meet up again and get some more training in.

Thanks Alton Aids for advising me to use the Alber Adventure.

A Message from Jack Adams

29th November 07

A message from Jack Adams

Sustrans are presently involved in a national vote FOR funding to expand the cycle network throughout the UK. These cycle paths are very important to the safety of the users, no doubt you will be using some of them next year. You can access the vote by logging on to www.sustransconnect2.org.uk every vote is vital so please tell all your friends, you can even put it on your blog.

Please see if you can help and get voting.

Thanks

Just Giving Web Site

28th November 07

Just Giving Web Site

http://www.justgiving.com/powerwheelchairchallenge

I have opened a Just Giving Web Site. Please pass on this information to all that you can/

Thanks for your support

It is my intension, for the charity Arthritis Care, to drive a Power Wheelchair, Albert Adventure, from Lands End to John O'Groats between 1st June and 29th June 2008
We are hoping this will be recorded as a World Record.

For more details please visit my blog http://www.powerwheelchaire2e.blogspot.com/
So why do I want to do such a challenge? Why indeed!

There are 2 reasons. 1. At the age of 60 yrs totally human and wheelchair. dependent, I want to experience a life changing experience and 2 at the same time raise money for a charity that helps people, like me, to take control of their lives like I have done, and live as an in depend life as possible.

I cannot do this challenge alone, I will need all the help I can get from friends and strangers like you, reading these words.

If any of you would like to help in any way, that can be from joining me for a day, a week, or even the whole E2E, to supporting me with fundraising, helping look after the team along the route, then please contact me via my blog or email Vincent Moran vincentm@arthritiscare.org.uk and say in what way you would like to help You could also contact your own local group and see how you can help that way. Just to have people cheering us along the route would be very uplifting for the team.

Thank you
Mary Laver


Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Arthritis Care will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.So please sponsor me now!Many thanks for your support.

Sola Panels

28th November 07

Sola Panels

Today I have been looking at charging my batteries on Albert by Sola Panels. I am also looking at having, for safty reasons, flashing lights onAlbert using Sola Lights.

When I have more to report I can come back to this blog.

If anyone has any knowledge on Sola Charging, then can you please put this information here.

Thanks

Alber Adventure 'cont'

25th November 07

Taking Alber out of my comfort zone.

Today I took Alber out of my comfort zone. By this I mean, I took him away from where it would be easy to push him back home if he broke down. I took him to church.

On one of the streets where I live, every drive way has a high dropped kerb edge, know what I mean? Normally I would ether drive my power chair, my Balder or a little DHSS run about, on the road, or if I chose the pavement, I would craw to a stop at each kerb, drive slowly up and down and do this all the way up the street. Not today.

To test the suspension of Alber, I drove straight at them,not oo fast, he took them in his stride. We did get a bounce but it was a soft bounce. Where I would have jumped out of my seat in the Balder or my DHSS chair, All I got from Alber was a gentle bump and I stayed fully in my seat.

For those of you who are interested in Albert, there is a good web site I would recommend. http://www.adventure-news.de/en/accessories/chassis_options.php. If you visit it tell me what you think.

BBC Ouch. There is a good discussion going on there about my challenge.

That's all folke's!

My Power Wheelchair is Chosen

23 November 2007

My Power Wheelchair is Chosen

Today I final chose between the Pride Q6000 and the Alber Adventure…Drum roll…The power wheelchair that I shall be using in my World Record Attempt from Lands End to John O’Groats between 1st June/29th Jun e 2008 is the ‘Alber Adventure’. Congratulations to the manufacture of this remarkable power wheelchair and Alton Aids

There is no doubt in my mind after I had a trial run Wednesday, that the Alber Adventure will give me the World Record, and an experience of a life time.

This afternoon I start my training around the local roads in Alber, there is a circuit that is just under a mile and is ideal to meet my needs. Alber did reach 7 miles per hour with ease; I know this for a fact as my PA was with me and clocked the speed for me with her new push bike. We also recorded the distance covered. It was like riding in a sports wheelchair but powered. If you are thinking of buying one, and I hope you are, please let me know what you think. Did you get the thrill of the ride like I did?

Two photographs were taken this afternoon of me in Alber and me and Alber with my PA and her push bike. I hope to upload this evening from the camera.

So there we have it. We have the route, see my blog. We have the charity, Arthritis Care. We have the power chair, Alber Adventure and we have the Just Giving account open with a target of £17000. Now the hard work starts, organising the challenge.

If you wish to help in any way, please fill in the application form and send it to Jack Adams or Vincent Moran of Arthritis Care. I look forward to meeting up with you.

The Alber Adventure Trial cont

22 November 2007

Alber Adventure Trial cont.

Yesterday the AlberAdventure was returned from Alton Aids with a new seat and the hand control adjusted. Their engineer, Andrew, stayed to make sure that the right adjustment were made to the AA with the result that the AA fitted me as well as it could at this stage; not any easy task as the back of the seat had to be readjusted and the control column put inside the arm rest. All these readjustment must have taken a good 60 to 80 minutes.

When I was happy that I could drive the AA in safety and comfort, the AA and I were left to go for a trial run, well we have until Tuesday to do trial runs.

For the actual challenge some more extras will be added to make sure that I am 110% comfortable while in the chair, after all were are travelling 1000 miles together give or take, at the same time using as little effort in my left arm as possible. We cannot make those changes until we are sure that the Albert Adventure is the chosen chair

My friend Joan and I took Alber, that is the name I shall give the AA, Albert, into the local street that is a dead end. Here there is no through traffic, and it is quite safe to open up Albert to his full speed. Wow it was fantastic. I went up and down the street just enjoying the thrill of been in this fantastic power wheelchair, even put Albert’s lights on! I could visualize quite easley, the roads from E2E in front and felt quite confident that if Albert and I were to take on the E2E challenge we would reach our destination.

The control stick is still a bit too heavy for me but I am sure that Alton Aids can put that right.

The push bike has arrived and tomorrow Alber, myself and a carer will take to the local roads to see what driving Albert is like on the open road. Making at the same time a curcuit for me to go arond and arond and around for my traning seasons....I shall report back.

Wet and Windy Day

19th November 07

Waterproof cover required for power wheelchair

On this very wet and windy day here in Newcastle upon Tyne, I am even more aware that along the route, I am going to meet such weather and that I cannot stop the challenge because of it.

The wet weather gear for the power chair has got to be fully waterproof, not showerproof. both This I fear is going to be a tall order to find and buy. If any of you reading this blog have any ideas of a company that can make such a waterproof covers, not showerproof, cover for the powerchair then please email this blog or Jack Adams or Vincent of Arthritis Care leaving full details.

The problems I have had with wheelchair covers in the past is they are not fully waterproof and when the wind gets underneath the cover lifts. This can interfere with controlling the chair in very bad and extrema bad weather. The answer I feel is that I shall have to have cover specially made for the job.

Speak again soon

Q6000 Arrives

18th November 07

Q6000 arrives

Yes the much antispated Q6000 has arrived, infact it arrived yesterday, and sod been sods law, I was on the loo when the chap from Scottamart came and put it into my conservatory and he had gone by the timeI was back in my Balder. All I need now if for Scootamart to come back and set it up for me.

If I was to discribe the difference between the Albert Adventure (AA) and the Q6000 then I would say the AA is a sleak racing car and the Q6000 is Land Rover.

When I have tried the Q6000 I shall report back.

Have Push Bike Will Train

16th November 07

Have Push Bike Will Train

This afternoon I went to our local bike shop and purchased a push bike. That was the easy bit. I then had to remember to buy all the bits to go with it, lights, stand, padlock, milometer and a bike pump. Since when did push bikes not come with a pump! The simple answer is now.

Tomorrow afternoon the Q6000 will be delivered from Tom at Scootamart. I am really looking forward to seeing this power wheelchair after reading, and rereading so much about it. On paper and video it looks a remarkable machine, but how will it compare with the Albert Adventure!

When the push bike arrives on Wednesday, I can then, on Friday, take one of the two power wheelchairs out on the road, for a test drive, at the sort of speed I hope to be doing on the E2E. 5/6 mph; there is just one big problem, where to go so that my safety and those of the public will be protected. There is a speed limit for power chairs when used on the footpath; of 4 mph. We do have some cycle paths near by but not many. I will report back when I have news on that front.

My local University, Northumbria University, have now said they will be glad to be one of my supporters. I have been trying to get their log on the blog, but the one I have is in word and it will not transfer.

Now it is time to tune into the BBC’s ‘Children in Need’. A great night of entertainment for some wonderful children’s causes. Over to you Terry.

Training, Training, Training

15th November 07

Training. Training, Training.

Today the Alber Adventure went away to Alton Aids to be altered for me to use and Tom from Scootamart has rang to say the Q6000 will be arriving on Saturday for a trial run.

The question I am trying now to solve, my task for today and I am failing terriably is, how can I train, in a heavy power wheelchair, up to a distance of 40 miles per day, indoors and outdoors!

The outdoor training is just a matter of getting me and my PA or friend; out on the roads around here where I live and get some miles in. Not as easy as it seems bearing in mind that I still have to fit in all my eating, drinking and personal care; all this has to be done within a 7 hour window. I could possible build up to do a maximum of 4/5 hrs per day on the roads, which is equal average speed of 5 miles per hour equal to a maximum 25 miles per day. Quite away from my target of 40 miles. Perhaps in the summer I could get more hours in. I must remember to do some training in the bad weather ready for Dartmoor and Scotland.

What would really help would be if I could get some form of wheel rollers, like bike riders use, for here in the house, that I could put the power wheelchair on them and drive to my hearts content, been feed, watered and personal care when the need arises. I have tried every web site I could find about push bike rollers, none of them seem strong enough to hold a power wheelchair, even if I put one set of wheels on one set of rollers and the other set of wheels on the other rollers. Not as daft as it seems. I have even tried motorbike web sites with no luck

Can anyone help with any idea that will solve my problem? I have emailed many roller companies with no success

Thanks for your help

The Arthritis Care Logo for the Challenge

14th November 07

The Arthritis Care E2E Logo.

Vincent from Arthritis Care has just sent me the Logo for the challenge. I like iot very much. I was so excited at trying to put it onto the blog that as you will notice, I have made a spelling mistake! Log instead of logo

Next job is to try and put it onto one of my tee-shirts.

No other news as yet

Running Rollers

Tuesday 13th November 07

I have just sent this email to a roller company. The X's have deleted the companies name. Will I get a result? Watch this space

Running Rollers

I have a request that I am sure you will never get again and I need your help.

Between the dates of 1st/29th June 2008, I am going to attempt to drive a power wheelchair from Lands End to John O'Groats, a distance of approx 1000 miles. Visit my blog http://www.powerwheelchaire2e.blogspot.com/

Why contact you? I need to beable to train myself to do 40 miles per day. Going out on the road will not be all that easy.

Today I had a thought. Runners train on running rollers, if that is the right term, so why cant I? Just one small, well big actually, I need is a running roller strong enough to take my power chair. A big order. Can you at xxxxxxxxxxxx provide such a device?

If you can, then I am sure that the publicity you will get by helping me will be well worth it.

If you wish to ring me, you have my tel no; please give a long ring as I have to operate machinery to answer the telephone.

Thanks for reading the email.

Mary Laver

Kick Start to the Day

Tuesday 13th November 07

Kick Start to the Day.

Today was one of those days when I need a ‘kick start’ to get it going. We all have them and disabled people are no exception. Maybe it was because it is the 13th, who knows. Even cups of coffee did not help.

The kick start really did not happen, but now, when I look back on the day, events have happened that will move the challenge forward.

I have spoken to Tom at Scootamart, he is going to bring me up a Q6000 personally, but this will not be until the end of the week or at the latest Monday.

I have also had an email from Paul at Alton Aids, and they are going to take the Albert Adventure back on Thursday and put me on the fully adjustable seating and adjustable control bracket. Sorry I do not know all the right words. You might be interested in visiting Albert Adventure own web site http://www.adventure-news.de/

Today, after my short trial on the road with the AA, I just knew I must wear, for my own personal safety, head gear while I am out training and taking part in the challenge. I visited our lock expert’s bike shop and got expert advice. I was told that the one I needed which is orange, that says a lot, is going to cost £40, but well worth it. I am also going to have to invest in a push bike so that my pa’s can keep up with me when I go out training. The bike that will do the job for my entire 6 pa’s comes in at £250. Will have to give that some more thought.

Talking of training, I must get myself up to the target of 40 miles per day; I am wondering how I can do this. apart from getting out on the road with my duty PA, I was wondering if it would be possible to have a tread mill, like runners have, but one that would take the weight of a Power Wheelchair. Thought, I could then sit in the power chair and slowly build myself up to the 40 miles without going out into the cold. Does anyone know of such a treat mill? What about one that racing bikes use or say motor bikes use. Any ideas and thought please leave them here on the blog.

Well there you have it for today. See what tomorrow will bring.

Albert Adventure 'cont'

11th November 07

Today I took the AA for a very short ride up my avenue. Wow.

I seem to be using the Wow factor a lot with this AA and this is no exception. Just in the few yards I tried the AA at full speed I was, well, Wowed. The turn of speed was not only a bit scary at first, but was quite thrilling at the same time.

After only these few yards I am sure that if I choose the AA for the E2E challenge, then 40 miles per day is within easy reach. How will I feel with the Q6000? Tom from Scootamart is providing me with the trial run in that.

I hope by the end of next week I will be able to announce my chosen power wheelchair, then Arthritis Care and myself, with help from Jack Adams when need, can get on with the launch of the challenge.

If I have anymore news on my trial run with the AA I will report back.

1430 Monday

Had a good conversation with Alton Aids this lunchtime. It appears that the AA comes with tilting seat as an extra, they seem to do all the adaptaions I require except the lighted colum and something I have not asked for, a mileometer. I am sure that the Q6000 has one. Talking of which, no news on the Prides Q6000 trial yet, but early days.

In my emails was a email from Gill Laidler who writes, quote " am volunteer development manager for North England, based in Wakefield. I would like to assist you on your journey through the north Manchester/Cumbria, with publicity, branch contacts etc etc if you would allow me. I can also assist with publicity for you." unquote.

May I just say thanks to Arthritis Care UK Office for getting the word out and for Gill acting so quickly to respond.

The Albert Adventure (Trial)

10th November 07 1515hrs

Wow! I am sitting in the AA having had it just delivered by Alton Aides for me to try.
First impressions. Control stick a bit on the heavy side for me, but I am sure that can be put right.
There are two different sets of speed setting one for indoors one for outdoors and the speed range is from 1 to 87, but do not quote me on that one. I have just taken the AA for a test drive around my house and garden, not venturing out just in the big wide world yet; the response to my command on the joy stick for speed or no speed is spot on.
What I miss is the elevating back and foot rest, this maybe where the Q6000 will score good points, but what they do have is very comfortable.
I will leave it there for now and will report back later.

1816 hrs
Back in my Balder after having just spent 3 hrs in the AA and it still has the wow factor. The footplate was not a problem which I did expect it to be as it is only one footplate not two as I am use to. The back rest was very comfortable, but, I am sorry to say, the seat, even with my Spenco on, was much to hard for my not well padded bottom. I will try my thicker Spenco tomorrow.

The engine part and suspension, to me, still have the wow factor. When I am more comfortable in the AA, possible tomorrow, I shall take it into the village

The one BIG grip I have about the AA is the control panel is not lite up. The batteries indicator is all in black and hard to read. On my Balder and my DHSS power chair, you can see at a glance the power in the batteries and the maxim speed. I did like on the AA the two speed setting controls. One for indoors and one for outdoors. I maybe wrong, but I am sure I felt a difference in the drive wheels not like other power chairs, they are all one drive but just lower maxim speed.

I would ask the manufacture to improve the chair, if the chair of this quality can be improved, just to have some means of adjusting,if only slightly, preferable by battery, the back support. This is a great help when putting on a sling for hoisting the driver, which is so in my case. Also to get that spot on comfort. Have I explained myself right?

Now it is the X Factor time!

Albert Adventure v Pride Q6000

Saturday 10th November 07

Albert Adventure v Pride Q6000

Today I take delivery of the Albert Adventure, (AA) for a trial period and I am scared stiff! I have read, and reread the specks on this machine and all the reviews I can find. If they are anything to go by, then Prides Q6000 has quite a challenge on their hands. If I was to print hem I would almost be had for copy write but you can find the details I have read by going to http://www.ilcaustralia.org/

When I have tried the Albert Adventure I will report back and give you a blow by blow report on how I found driving it. I must give the chair a name when it is decided which one I will choose.

Power Wheelchair Choice

Friday 9th October 07

Power Wheelchair Choice

Yesterday 8th October, I attended the NIDEX show here in Newcastle upon Tyne. I was there to see what is available in mobile hoist and power chairs. Mobile hoist has been ordered

As regards power chairs. I visited the Alton Aids stand (Alton Aids have looked after all my power wheelchairs, for the past 10 years), to see which chair they would recommend for the World Record Attempt. One stood out in their eyes, and I agreed, in principal with their recommendations.

So we are now down to two power wheelchairs. The Q6000 supplied by Scoota Mart, http://www.scootamart.co.uk/ and Alber Adventure Power Wheelchair supplied by Alton Aids. http://www.altonaids.co.uk/ I still have to try both of them. Question 1. What is the basic difference between the two chairs? Question 2. Which chair will do the job? Both companies are convinced theirs will do the job, so that leaves question 1 to answer.

The Q6000 has the speed and range I want, so has X. I know that the batteries on X are very accessible, infact I am sure I can stay in the chair to change them. X’s batteries have a longer range. Very useful. Motors. These are very different and when I chose the final chair I will give out full specs. I can tell you the X’s motors are in the back wheel and are very upto date. Both chairs have good suspension. Q6000 has 6 wheels, X has just four. Q 6000 has elevating leg rests and back rest; X has neither. This could be a major factor in choosing the final chair.
I have forgotten the name of chair X, a good start, but I will give you the name of X as soon as I can find out what it was. I can tell you it was invented by a racing car manufacture.

While I was at the show I also meet a young lady who was also disabled but driving a three wheel power trike. She said that she would like to come as part of my back up team. I have given this a lot of thought and I am sure it will work, so if you are still interested and if you are reading this blog, them please ring me or contact Jack Adams, he will put you in touch, I would love to have you on board.

If anyone is waiting for emails from me, I can tell you that my sky broad band and emails are down at the moment. I will be in touch ASAP. You can ring me.

Well there you have it guys and girls. This is where I am up to as to today

Battery Location, Battery Location

Wednesday 7th November 07

Battery Location, Battery Location, Battery Location

Today I went to our local NIDEX Show to talk power wheelchairs with different companies. Alton Aids, a company I know very well, were very helpful. I out lined the details of my challenge and said I was interested in certain power chairs. Straight away I was told you cannot have this one, it will take 1 hr to change the batteries, and that is with a trained engineer doing the job. This is something I had not thought off. I have been assured that there are power wheelchairs that would be suitable for an E2E; I just have to give them time to check out which power chair would give ease to battery change. Essential.

Thank you for this valuable help Alton Aids

A Bad Head Cold

Tuesday 6th November 07

I have had a bad head cold for the past 4 days, so I have been off my computer, except for sending a few emails to Vincent Moran of Arthritis Care <vincentm@arthritiscare.org.uk>. These were to bring him fully up to date with what I have done so far, in arranging, and trying to organise, this challenge. He now knows details of the power chair I hope to use. He knows about all the help that Jack Hawkins has given; people I have approached; three routes I have in mind, one of which will be the chosen route. I will be taking Arthritis Care's advice on which they feal would be the best one in terms of support along the route, best for fundraising ect. I also sent him my first stab at a logo.

Other than that I have just self indulged in self pitty with my head cold and looked at the wonder of an English Autumn in my garden. What beautiful colours.

My pups, Jack and Molly had to contend with fireworks, but we got through it.

Today I am going to try and book taxes for my carers for over Christmas Day.

Speak again soon.

And My Chosen Charity Is....

2nd November 08

I feel as if I should have a drum roll.....

"Arthritis Care". http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/Microsites/plu

My chosen charity is "Arthritis Care". Yes folk's, I am going with Arthritis Care (AC). This is, like KAP, very close to me and a subject I know I can speak on with a certain amount of knowledge and conviction. You will read in this blog how our working relationship and progress get along. Thanks Arthritis Care..

I am sure that the journey we are about to under take will be a journey of discovery from both sides. I will not let them down, this I can assure them.

All that remains now is to get the power chair finalized and announced. This I hope will not be too long. It is down to just two.

Now how do I get the AC logo onto this blog? That is a big queastion, but can I answer it?