.jpg)
09 May 2008
Fun day with van
Yesterday some of my team members and myself, spent time at looking at how best to load the van, some of you may know the Citron Relay van, the one I have is a SWB and it is red.
The main items that had to be put in place first were, the two wheelchairs I am taking, namely the Alber Adventure, of course, and a manual chair. I have chosen the manual chair as my second chair because it is very comfortable with a reclining back and elevating legs rests. I will be sitting in it on the way down to Lands End and one of my carers will be sitting in the Alber in case I need help along the way
Next on board went on the stretcher. We decided to take the stretcher because I can lie down on it and be moved around easily, especially at the camp site, and get my legs straight; if possible, while having lunch on the challenge I will put in it for about ¾ hour. I may well sleep on it. We have that trial run tonight.
Next went on board was my mobile hoist. I am using a Molift because it is very light, folds up Easley, and is battery driven. And of course, I like it. This will go behind the passenger seat and made secure, as will all the other equipment and wheelchairs.
When this was all on board, there were only two more large items to go, my commode and the bike. Have commode will travel! I cannot get onto a loo, so for my ablutions in the morning, I will be using the commode for a wee during the challenge I will be using a special wee bottle I can use from my chair, to reveal all, I use a ladies wee bottle, during the night.
The bile only just found room. I was considering not taking it, but I soon changed my mind. We need the room, but not that urgently.
When all this was done, the ramp put into the up position, we are sure that other things like the tent, food and team clothing, could fill in the gaps
We did discover after a phone call the Gerald Simonds that the AA has its own jack on the back anti tip wheels to enable you to change a wheel. Truly amazing, but more about the AA later.
At the end of an hours work, we all sat down and started to realize that this is really going to happen, hard to believe at times. My team are starting to feel a little bit excited, especially Clair, along with Megan her dog who is with us as the team mascot, who is in for the full E2E and Pauline who is with us for two weeks and will be there, along with Muriel from KAP, at the finishing post. The third member who was there was Margaret. Margaret is doing stage 3 and is in charge of all the paperwork. An ausom job and one none wants’ to take on. My new friend Wendy is with me for the last day. But as I have already said that if, when we get to Glasgow, there are still only 2 team members, the challenge will stop.
Last night when Eileen came on duty, she checked the top of the van and there runners in place to attach bars so that I ski box, which she will lend me, can be put in the roof. This will save me a lot of space, all I have to do now is to go the Halfords to get the runners put on. Another job for the list.
Nearly for got, another 4 tins of baked beans appeared at the back gate!
So there we have it, a fun day with the van.
Fun day with van
Yesterday some of my team members and myself, spent time at looking at how best to load the van, some of you may know the Citron Relay van, the one I have is a SWB and it is red.
The main items that had to be put in place first were, the two wheelchairs I am taking, namely the Alber Adventure, of course, and a manual chair. I have chosen the manual chair as my second chair because it is very comfortable with a reclining back and elevating legs rests. I will be sitting in it on the way down to Lands End and one of my carers will be sitting in the Alber in case I need help along the way
Next on board went on the stretcher. We decided to take the stretcher because I can lie down on it and be moved around easily, especially at the camp site, and get my legs straight; if possible, while having lunch on the challenge I will put in it for about ¾ hour. I may well sleep on it. We have that trial run tonight.
Next went on board was my mobile hoist. I am using a Molift because it is very light, folds up Easley, and is battery driven. And of course, I like it. This will go behind the passenger seat and made secure, as will all the other equipment and wheelchairs.
When this was all on board, there were only two more large items to go, my commode and the bike. Have commode will travel! I cannot get onto a loo, so for my ablutions in the morning, I will be using the commode for a wee during the challenge I will be using a special wee bottle I can use from my chair, to reveal all, I use a ladies wee bottle, during the night.
The bile only just found room. I was considering not taking it, but I soon changed my mind. We need the room, but not that urgently.
When all this was done, the ramp put into the up position, we are sure that other things like the tent, food and team clothing, could fill in the gaps
We did discover after a phone call the Gerald Simonds that the AA has its own jack on the back anti tip wheels to enable you to change a wheel. Truly amazing, but more about the AA later.
At the end of an hours work, we all sat down and started to realize that this is really going to happen, hard to believe at times. My team are starting to feel a little bit excited, especially Clair, along with Megan her dog who is with us as the team mascot, who is in for the full E2E and Pauline who is with us for two weeks and will be there, along with Muriel from KAP, at the finishing post. The third member who was there was Margaret. Margaret is doing stage 3 and is in charge of all the paperwork. An ausom job and one none wants’ to take on. My new friend Wendy is with me for the last day. But as I have already said that if, when we get to Glasgow, there are still only 2 team members, the challenge will stop.
Last night when Eileen came on duty, she checked the top of the van and there runners in place to attach bars so that I ski box, which she will lend me, can be put in the roof. This will save me a lot of space, all I have to do now is to go the Halfords to get the runners put on. Another job for the list.
Nearly for got, another 4 tins of baked beans appeared at the back gate!
So there we have it, a fun day with the van.
