1 May 08
Please check out this web site
Today while checking out who had been on my blog i clicked on a Spanish visitor and found this web site. It is in Spanish but scroll down to the video you will find two. Be prepared to be amazed.
Good night
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Team Members Still Required
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1 May 08
Team members still required.
With only 4 weeks before i leave to travell down to Lands End I still need team members.
I am looking for cyclists, drivers, team leaders to deall with the media, shopping, fundraising, organising us all. that sort of thing.
You must be over 25 and have a very clean lience to drive my van.
For more details scan this blog or email me at mary.laver.e2e@googlemail.com or ring me on 0191 266 5197
Thank you.
Care Company Come On Board
30 April
We are moving forward!
I have just had a faboulous conversation with a lady called Sue from "Heart of the South Care Company and they are coming on board to help us with extra carers to rest my carers, this is not only on the English leg but also, we hope, on the Scotish leg and all she is asking that her carers a well water and feed..and they have a roof over there heads. I did point out that the roof will more thank likly be of the canves type, unless the great British public take pitty on us and offer us a roof.
You can find out more about this company by visiting
http://www.heartofthesouthcareagency.co.uk/
I will keep you all informed as we progress.
The Caravan Club have sent their logos for the van. Thanks.
Today i burned up some rubber in Newcastle. Okay i was really showing off, but why not when you have a power chair called The Alber Adventure...
Bye for now
What Happens If The Alber Adventure Breaks Down?
29 April 2008
What happens if the Alber breaks down?
What happens if the Alber breaks down?
A question that I am often asked is “what happens of the Alber Adventure breaks down”? This same question I asked Graham from Gerald-Simonds before I agreed to have the Alber as my chosen chair.. The reply. I received I was very happy with, and I now pass it on for you to read
When you originally approached Alber, manufacturers of the Adventure, and us as UK distributors, we agreed that in addition to giving you a significant discount on the cost of the Adventure we would supply, free of charge, six new tyres and inner tubes and a complete set of fuses. We will also loan you two additional drive wheels, three sets of battery packs, a control unit and a charger for the duration of the challenge. As the Adventure is built on a modular design, you should therefore be covered for all eventualities and any member of your team should easily be able to replace any units that might cause a problem. Tyres and inner tubes can easily be replaced by anyone with experience of bicycle repairs and, when we deliver the set of replacement parts to you, we will ensure that you and any other members of your team who can attend are shown how to change each individual part. I think you’ve already found that making modifications is very straightforward
We did explain at the time that we do not have the facilities to offer a ‘call out’ service, as any potential problems could occur anywhere between Lands End and John O’Groats. I know that, to you, the Alber Adventure is the AA, unfortunately we are not! We will however provide a ‘hotline’ number during working hours where a technician can be reached to help you source and resolve any problems. The Adventure has a facility where technical problems trigger an error code on the control panel so you would simply have to give this code for us to identify the problem and suggest a solution. I’m sure we will be keeping in touch during your journey, so communication should not be a problem.
I’m glad that you are pleased with the Adventure and that you made a good choice. Having met you in Wakefield I am convinced that, with the right team in place, your drive and determination will see you through.
King regards
Graham
Graham Jeffery
Marketing Manager
Gerald Simonds Healthcare Ltd
Tel: 01296 380200
Four Tins of Baked Beans
29 April 2008
“Four tins of baked beans”
Over the past three to four weeks I have been thinking that I want to dedicate this whole journey to somebody or something that had an
impact on my life. I had spoken to a friend on that very subject, but had not come to any firm conclusion until now...
Two people, while I have been on my search, have stood out in my mind, a guy called Lou in his late 20’s. I met Lou while I was a trip to Lourdes with ACROSS. Lou was a doctor, who had been taken ill with a brain tumour, which had been operated on and meant he could no longer be a doctor, but it did not stop him been a human being.
Lou stood well over 6’2, quiet, very handsome, strong, a very good listener and had learned to play a trumpet. While we were away on the pilgrimage to Lourdes I had a birthday, and while we were having dinner in the hotel that night, I heard behind me, a trumpet it was Lou playing happy birthday. I have never forgotten that special moment he gave me. If I can get a copy of Lou playing Happy Birthday on his trumpet, on to this blog I will. Lou died last year and is greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Then I had another thought. Most, if not all of you, will know that I travel to Lourdes with an organisation called ACROSS. Lourdes is where I wish my ashes to be scattered. This made me think of dedicating this challenge to St Bernadette.
This afternoon I came home after been out all day, and there, at my back door, were 4 tins of baked beans, no note, but I knew what those 4 tins meant. You see, my church of St. Andrews, who you will gather, know all about my trip, and as I have already told you, have donated £150 to my expenses. In the church magazine Tiding, in February, someone had put out an appeal to anyone who would like to support me even more, to donate dry rations to my appeal. I must confess, I had not read February’s Tiding all the way through, and only knew it was there when someone from church on Sunday, asked me what I wanted, I was taken aback, but not surprised that the offer was made, such is the friendship that we have at St Andrews.
This whole E2E challenge would not be happening, if it was not for friends, some I know, like Muriel, Jack, my care team, some I have not met but have emailed and spoken to like Wendy, Jane & Hadley to name a few. Some new friends I will meet along the route.
This evening I spoke to a very close friend who is feeling a bit under the weather and friends are rallying around to help her.
This made me think that this entrance in my blog should be about friendship and the meaning of friendship.
I was once asked how you can tell a friend. The answer I was once told by a friend, ‘A friend is someone you do not have to say sorry to’
To all of my friends, who I know now, the ones I am to make, this whole journey is dedicated to you all and with Gods help and a good breeze, this Alber Adventure and me, will make it from Lands End 2 John O’Groats.
Now where is that trumpet recording?
God bless you all.
“Four tins of baked beans”
Over the past three to four weeks I have been thinking that I want to dedicate this whole journey to somebody or something that had an
impact on my life. I had spoken to a friend on that very subject, but had not come to any firm conclusion until now...
Two people, while I have been on my search, have stood out in my mind, a guy called Lou in his late 20’s. I met Lou while I was a trip to Lourdes with ACROSS. Lou was a doctor, who had been taken ill with a brain tumour, which had been operated on and meant he could no longer be a doctor, but it did not stop him been a human being.
Lou stood well over 6’2, quiet, very handsome, strong, a very good listener and had learned to play a trumpet. While we were away on the pilgrimage to Lourdes I had a birthday, and while we were having dinner in the hotel that night, I heard behind me, a trumpet it was Lou playing happy birthday. I have never forgotten that special moment he gave me. If I can get a copy of Lou playing Happy Birthday on his trumpet, on to this blog I will. Lou died last year and is greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Then I had another thought. Most, if not all of you, will know that I travel to Lourdes with an organisation called ACROSS. Lourdes is where I wish my ashes to be scattered. This made me think of dedicating this challenge to St Bernadette.
This afternoon I came home after been out all day, and there, at my back door, were 4 tins of baked beans, no note, but I knew what those 4 tins meant. You see, my church of St. Andrews, who you will gather, know all about my trip, and as I have already told you, have donated £150 to my expenses. In the church magazine Tiding, in February, someone had put out an appeal to anyone who would like to support me even more, to donate dry rations to my appeal. I must confess, I had not read February’s Tiding all the way through, and only knew it was there when someone from church on Sunday, asked me what I wanted, I was taken aback, but not surprised that the offer was made, such is the friendship that we have at St Andrews.
This whole E2E challenge would not be happening, if it was not for friends, some I know, like Muriel, Jack, my care team, some I have not met but have emailed and spoken to like Wendy, Jane & Hadley to name a few. Some new friends I will meet along the route.
This evening I spoke to a very close friend who is feeling a bit under the weather and friends are rallying around to help her.
This made me think that this entrance in my blog should be about friendship and the meaning of friendship.
I was once asked how you can tell a friend. The answer I was once told by a friend, ‘A friend is someone you do not have to say sorry to’
To all of my friends, who I know now, the ones I am to make, this whole journey is dedicated to you all and with Gods help and a good breeze, this Alber Adventure and me, will make it from Lands End 2 John O’Groats.
Now where is that trumpet recording?
God bless you all.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Safety, Safety, Safety
26 April 2008
Safety, Safety, Safety.
At stages thought this blog, concern has been exprest about the safety of this project and now I am going to talk about what is planned and action that will take place, to keep me and my team as safe as possible.
The van that we shall be using will be fitted at the rear, with flashing orange warning lights warning traffic that I am ahead. I also proposed to make contact with the local radio station that I am in their area; if possible I am going to try and inform all the lorry drivers to look out for me: and of course inform the police I am in their area.
My Alber Adventure will have a large flashing light on the rack at the rear, safety bike flags ether side. I shall be wearing a crash hat, elbow and knee protectors.
The cyclist will at all times be wearing a crash hat, an orange safety jacket, and a flag.
I have also decide where the road, in the option of the team, becomes unsafe and there is no alternative route, that I note the place, and time, mark the map, if possible get a signature or make a phone call for proof of this action, get into the following van, travel in the van to a point, it maybe yards, it maybe miles, to a point where, in the option of the team, the danger is past, stop, note the place, distance covered, get signature if possible, mark on the map and note the time, return to the road and the challenge and at an appropriate place, recover the distance missed by driving the distance on the road, track, even at JOD its self, This will mean that I and Alber can say, that we took safety issues very seriously but still wanted to cover the full distance of the E2E Challenge. This means my challenge cannot be clased as a world record, but the safety of my team and myself, must come first.
We all want me to get to JOG dead on the time of 1400 but none want me to arrive at JOG dead on arrival!
I hope that what I have written will put your minds at rest as regards safety issues.
.
Should Disabled People Be
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26 April 2008
Should disabled people be deprived of challenges, holidays?
Putting this challenge together has taught me one thing, that I could not do it with my care team, who are paid under the direct payments scheme, but because I cannot pay them more than they are getting if there were working here, in my home, they are giving a lot of their time free. To you all, I say a very sincere thank you. In the picture L2R Muriel Armstrong, KAP Margaret, Clair & Pauline. Emmanuelle, my 4th team member is missing...
What I am trying to say is without the four carers mentioned I would not be able to do this challenge. I know that there are many other friends helping me make this happen, and they no that I cannot do it without them, to you also, a very sincere thank you. At the end of this blog, the final page, a full list of all who have helped me will made.
The point I am trying to make is, why can I not have 4 weeks holiday like everyone else does and have at least 2 of my carers paid for there time? I do not have family that I can go away with, I do not have informal carers which means, because the system has change, I cannot take respite. Question. Is this a fare system? Why can i not pay my cares for the true time they are giving on this E2E Challenge?
Should disabled people be deprived of challenges, holidays?
Putting this challenge together has taught me one thing, that I could not do it with my care team, who are paid under the direct payments scheme, but because I cannot pay them more than they are getting if there were working here, in my home, they are giving a lot of their time free. To you all, I say a very sincere thank you. In the picture L2R Muriel Armstrong, KAP Margaret, Clair & Pauline. Emmanuelle, my 4th team member is missing...
What I am trying to say is without the four carers mentioned I would not be able to do this challenge. I know that there are many other friends helping me make this happen, and they no that I cannot do it without them, to you also, a very sincere thank you. At the end of this blog, the final page, a full list of all who have helped me will made.
The point I am trying to make is, why can I not have 4 weeks holiday like everyone else does and have at least 2 of my carers paid for there time? I do not have family that I can go away with, I do not have informal carers which means, because the system has change, I cannot take respite. Question. Is this a fare system? Why can i not pay my cares for the true time they are giving on this E2E Challenge?
I could book a holiday in a hotel, lodge, caravan, cruise all around the £500/£600 mark and with saving and cutting back, could be affordable, but what is not affordable is the cost of taking with me 2 prefable 3 cares, thus meaning that a holiday, adventure, challenge of any sort is out of the question. This challenge may well be my last holiday. Should the state, my council, be made to put their hands in their pockets and pay for my carers to accompany me? I have asked companies and charities for help, but I have been declined as they only donate to charity and charity groups not individuals...
When I finish this challenge I am hoping that more doors will open, but can I accept t what is behind them? I would like to take on more challenges, adventures, but to be fare, I cannot expect my carers to give their time free again, and why should they? Why should I not have the right to attempt more in my life, even if I am over 60, but not been able to do so because I am in a wheelchair and cannot use my arms and hands, and need full personal care?
After the E2E I maybe asked to go on say, GMTV, you never no, I cannot do that without a carer with me, who will expect, and rightly so, to be paid for the full hours she does in taking me to London.
Am I just moaning or do I have valid points?
If you have an option on any of the points I have mentioned, then please email me or put them in the comments box. I will then get them and possible air them on the blog.
Bye for now.
Today Some More Progress
25 April 2008
Today some progress made
Today I have been trying, with the help of Muriel KAP and Emmanuel my PA, to bring all the planning together; there is a lot to do. I have a big jigsaw with many pieces that all have to slot in together. A few pieces were put in place.
First Emmanuel has booked a return flight from Cornwall; Emmanuel has to leave me very early Tuesday 3rd June as she has a job to do that day. If we had not booked the flight today we may well have missed out on the seat.
Muriel has been just great. .she has been looking at who has said they can do when and putting it on a spreadsheet. This way we know where the gaps are in care and cyclists. I have told her all the maybes, and what they maybe able to do. I have now started a plastic folder and divided it into stages. This folder will have such information as application forms, accommodation, time table, when and where people will be picked up and dropped off, insurance certificates I think you get the drift.
In a file box will be details of how to look after the Alber Adventure, details of the Molift I shall be using.
In the second file box all the maps, and there are quite a few.
On Monday, weather permitting, some of us are getting together in my local park to put the tent up. This has not been done yet... We shall take many photographs and arrange for a second attempt.
I am getting to the stage where I just need a break from it all. Lourdes is where I would love to fly to for a few days, but that will not happen. Still, thanks to the Internet, I can visit the Grotto when ever I wish, and I wish quite often.
Well that is all for now.
Bye for now.
Today some progress made
Today I have been trying, with the help of Muriel KAP and Emmanuel my PA, to bring all the planning together; there is a lot to do. I have a big jigsaw with many pieces that all have to slot in together. A few pieces were put in place.
First Emmanuel has booked a return flight from Cornwall; Emmanuel has to leave me very early Tuesday 3rd June as she has a job to do that day. If we had not booked the flight today we may well have missed out on the seat.
Muriel has been just great. .she has been looking at who has said they can do when and putting it on a spreadsheet. This way we know where the gaps are in care and cyclists. I have told her all the maybes, and what they maybe able to do. I have now started a plastic folder and divided it into stages. This folder will have such information as application forms, accommodation, time table, when and where people will be picked up and dropped off, insurance certificates I think you get the drift.
In a file box will be details of how to look after the Alber Adventure, details of the Molift I shall be using.
In the second file box all the maps, and there are quite a few.
On Monday, weather permitting, some of us are getting together in my local park to put the tent up. This has not been done yet... We shall take many photographs and arrange for a second attempt.
I am getting to the stage where I just need a break from it all. Lourdes is where I would love to fly to for a few days, but that will not happen. Still, thanks to the Internet, I can visit the Grotto when ever I wish, and I wish quite often.
Well that is all for now.
Bye for now.
A Pray For Help
25 April 08
A pray for help at the Grotto Lourdes.
Votre intention a bien été envoyéeFormulaire internet de Lourdes-france.orgVotre intention de prière :
Mary, mother of Jesus, i pray to you for i need people for this challenge...please help me...I ask this in Jesus name..Armen
Votre email : Nous tenons à vous rassurer en vous informant que votre intention de prière est bien déposée à la Grotte, aux pieds de Notre-Dame.http://www.lourdes-france.org(c) EURL Basilique du Rosaire
Helping a Fellow Wheelchair Traveller
24 April 08
Please visit this web site and the Tou Tub connection.
Edgard I just love the cart and would love to try one, it looks like great fun.
I am sure you will sell many. Hope this link helps...
Love Mary
Hello Mary,
I have been reading your story on http://www.ableize.com/news/Lands...hn-OGroats-by-wheelchair-n33.htmland I wish you all the best with your adventure !
Maybe you could take a look also at : http://www.ableize.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=189Edgard would appreciate some comments.He does not speak English that good , that's why I am doing his ''public relations'' a bit.
Kindest regards,
Walter
Can Any Radio Station Help
24 April 08
Can any radio station put out an appeal.
Time marches, in my case, rolls on, and only 5 weeks for the off gun but there are still gaps that need to be filled, especially stage one.
If you feel that you can put out an appeal over your radio station, or if you could ring your local radio station, then please, please do...i need for stage 1, see blog, 2 personal assistences and 1 cyclist..Ask that they ring me on 0191 266 5197 or email me for more detail..
Unlike most e2e ers, i cannot do this challenge without at least 3, prefable 4 people.
I need your help. please..
A Very Frustrating Day!
23 April 2008
A very frustrating day.
Today I have had a very low bad day, and if it was not for seeing a very close friend to catch up with all the news I think I would have just sat and cried…
When you are as disabled as I am, (to get a full rundown on my disability go to blog 4 October 07), and you have to rely on a support team to meet the every needs you have to deal with such as, eating, drinking, going to the loo, to name just a few of my daily needs, and you find that there is a gap in you care package that has to be filled due to sickness of two carers;. which in turn means making endless phone calls, text message, asking different people if they can help, then you find that have to stay in to wait a phone call from a nursing agency that just maybe able to fill the gap in, and yes they did. Thank you BNA; then you find that you do not have time to get on with any of the much needed training, and or organising the challenge; there are still heaps to do.
If you can have empty with me with all of this then you will no what sort of day I have had…The second one this week. I can only say that I am grateful to Muriel from KAP for helping me to put together the final bits of the jigsaw, I really do need her help, thanks Muriel; you might get close to how frustrating I am feeling right now.
Today is something I find happens frequently, and made my trip out in Alber yesterday, so very special.
Add to all of the above, if I do not get my team together, all of this work and planning, not only by me, but by other people, will have been all in vain, and that is making me very angry and frustrating. The E2E is so close but as things stand at the moment, in both time and arrangements, it might as well be a million miles away.
So today has been a very low day. I have really tried to get it kicked started but I have failed miserably...
I get emails telling me good luck, do not give up, you can do it, you no the sort of thing, I no that I can, but not without help, your help.
In my perfect world right now, my prince charming would come and do all of my paperwork, arrange my life, sort out my new mortgage when it comes through, pay my bills, tax the van, get it all set up, making sure that all that needs to go in, goes in, and I will get on with my training and writing this blog..
So there we have it, I told you I would share the good days like yesterday, with the bad days like to day. I have just had a good moan....
Speak again soon.
A very frustrating day.
Today I have had a very low bad day, and if it was not for seeing a very close friend to catch up with all the news I think I would have just sat and cried…
When you are as disabled as I am, (to get a full rundown on my disability go to blog 4 October 07), and you have to rely on a support team to meet the every needs you have to deal with such as, eating, drinking, going to the loo, to name just a few of my daily needs, and you find that there is a gap in you care package that has to be filled due to sickness of two carers;. which in turn means making endless phone calls, text message, asking different people if they can help, then you find that have to stay in to wait a phone call from a nursing agency that just maybe able to fill the gap in, and yes they did. Thank you BNA; then you find that you do not have time to get on with any of the much needed training, and or organising the challenge; there are still heaps to do.
If you can have empty with me with all of this then you will no what sort of day I have had…The second one this week. I can only say that I am grateful to Muriel from KAP for helping me to put together the final bits of the jigsaw, I really do need her help, thanks Muriel; you might get close to how frustrating I am feeling right now.
Today is something I find happens frequently, and made my trip out in Alber yesterday, so very special.
Add to all of the above, if I do not get my team together, all of this work and planning, not only by me, but by other people, will have been all in vain, and that is making me very angry and frustrating. The E2E is so close but as things stand at the moment, in both time and arrangements, it might as well be a million miles away.
So today has been a very low day. I have really tried to get it kicked started but I have failed miserably...
I get emails telling me good luck, do not give up, you can do it, you no the sort of thing, I no that I can, but not without help, your help.
In my perfect world right now, my prince charming would come and do all of my paperwork, arrange my life, sort out my new mortgage when it comes through, pay my bills, tax the van, get it all set up, making sure that all that needs to go in, goes in, and I will get on with my training and writing this blog..
So there we have it, I told you I would share the good days like yesterday, with the bad days like to day. I have just had a good moan....
Speak again soon.
Elaine From South Africa.
23 April
Elaine from South Africa may be joing my team
I have recieved and email, see below, from Elaine in South Africa. As you will read, Elaine is interested in joining my team. Due to the very large distance she will cover to get to the starting line we are exchanging emails to make sure that she is happy with what is in place. Elain, you may be interested to no that there is another cyclist also interested in joining the team. They, like you, wish to know more details...here is Elaines email..enjoy
Dear Mary
Thank you for your e-mail.
I did reply to your e-mail. I have also been reading your Blog.
I live in Cape Town, South Africa. I have cycled an End to End so I am familiar with what it takes.
How is your training going?
Before, I decide to book an Air Ticket, I am keen to know some details of how the tour is taking place. How many cyclists will you have? How many personal helpers for yourself will you have? I did read that bit on your Blog.
I am prepared to pay my own expenses, and I can bring my own tent, mattress and sleeping bag.
I have read your route on your blog. Is this the route you are planning to take? Jack Adams says he planned the route for you???????
Is your starting date still on 1 June? And arrival at JOG on 29 June?
I did notice that the Scotland Police or Traffic Authorities were not in favour of you passing through their area? What is the latest on that subject?
I hope that you are now used to your new chair. I am sure all will go well with your trip!!!!
I look forward to hearing from you. I shall forward my other e-mail to you.
Kind regards
Elaine
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The More I Drive It The More I Love It..
22 April 2008
The more I drive it, the more I love it.
Yes, the more I drive the Alber Adventure, the more I love the ride I get.
Over the past week, the Alber Adventure and I have been getting use to each other using the local roads and my local park. The hand control has been adjusted to the position I have found to be comfortable. The back rest has been tilted back just by a notch or two, I must point out, that by altering the angle of the back rest, I have lost some of the tipping angle on the seat. Maybe the manufactures could make a comment here on that very small point...
Today, Tuesday, I took the AA into our beautiful city of Newcastle upon Tyne. That is confidence for you. We went on the metro train. The small step on to the metro can cause me problems, not with the AA; he went straight on no messing. I always turn my chair around so as to get off backwards. This I did with the AA, once again no problem. Getting in the metro lift again no problem, but the lifts are no too small. We went into shops, big and small; we went over cobbled roads that were a real test. Thought, as you would expect, the ride was bumpy, but a soft bump and not unpleasant... I found I just wanted to show off my AA where ever I went, even the bus station I went to make enquires about getting one of my team to Cornwall, the receptionist was impressed with the challenge and the AA.
I found that at the end of quite a long stint in the AA, my left drive arm did not ack or hurt, my bottom on my Spenco cushion, was just great. Yes I am a Spenco user and that is a free plug to Spenco. I felt completely safe and at home in my AA.
The more I drive this remarkable chair, the more I love it. Okay, I shall try not to go over the top. If any power wheelchair can make it from one end of the UK to the other, then the AA is the one to do it....
There might be one thing stopping me, and that is if I cannot get a full team in place, but I am still working on that one...
Well I am signing off for now and I will write some more when I have a lot of information to pass on…
Just one other thing before I sign off, if along the route you feel you can help in any way, a good night’s sleep for a team member, good nights sleeps for the whole team. Some home cooking, you know the sort of thing, then please email me… or ring me on 0191 266 5197 you can email me on mary.laver.e2e@googlemail.com You will all be getting mobile tel numbers nearer to the date so you can ring me or a team member along the route....
Bye for now...
The more I drive it, the more I love it.
Yes, the more I drive the Alber Adventure, the more I love the ride I get.
Over the past week, the Alber Adventure and I have been getting use to each other using the local roads and my local park. The hand control has been adjusted to the position I have found to be comfortable. The back rest has been tilted back just by a notch or two, I must point out, that by altering the angle of the back rest, I have lost some of the tipping angle on the seat. Maybe the manufactures could make a comment here on that very small point...
Today, Tuesday, I took the AA into our beautiful city of Newcastle upon Tyne. That is confidence for you. We went on the metro train. The small step on to the metro can cause me problems, not with the AA; he went straight on no messing. I always turn my chair around so as to get off backwards. This I did with the AA, once again no problem. Getting in the metro lift again no problem, but the lifts are no too small. We went into shops, big and small; we went over cobbled roads that were a real test. Thought, as you would expect, the ride was bumpy, but a soft bump and not unpleasant... I found I just wanted to show off my AA where ever I went, even the bus station I went to make enquires about getting one of my team to Cornwall, the receptionist was impressed with the challenge and the AA.
I found that at the end of quite a long stint in the AA, my left drive arm did not ack or hurt, my bottom on my Spenco cushion, was just great. Yes I am a Spenco user and that is a free plug to Spenco. I felt completely safe and at home in my AA.
The more I drive this remarkable chair, the more I love it. Okay, I shall try not to go over the top. If any power wheelchair can make it from one end of the UK to the other, then the AA is the one to do it....
There might be one thing stopping me, and that is if I cannot get a full team in place, but I am still working on that one...
Well I am signing off for now and I will write some more when I have a lot of information to pass on…
Just one other thing before I sign off, if along the route you feel you can help in any way, a good night’s sleep for a team member, good nights sleeps for the whole team. Some home cooking, you know the sort of thing, then please email me… or ring me on 0191 266 5197 you can email me on mary.laver.e2e@googlemail.com You will all be getting mobile tel numbers nearer to the date so you can ring me or a team member along the route....
Bye for now...
Saturday, April 19, 2008
It Is Thank You Time
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19 April 2008
It is thank you time
Over the past 4 weeks events have been happening that deserve a public thank you. I give them to you in no particular order!
Regular readers to this blog will no that the Arthritis Care management decided to pull out of the challenge. You can read their letter if you scroll down to 31st March. This first thank you goes to the members of the South Shields Arthritis Care who even in the light of Arthritis Care not now been my charity, they have said that their donation of £142 towards my expenses still stands. This is very welcome as I am finding that I may have underestimated the cost of this challenge.
Keeping with donations, may I also say thank you to two more parties. The first been my church St. Andrews Benton, Newcastle, who gave me £150 from a coffee morning they had, and the second donation of £50, came from Wheelchairs Direct UK. Thank you Jean for that.
I must put out the begging bowl, and say to you all, that any donation at this stage towards my expenses would be gratefully received. You can email and I will send you full details. By saying this, I am not trying to distract you from donating to my new chosen charity, The Kenya Acorn Project….You can do that by going to the JustGiving link, or when you see me along the route.
Some of you may no that I have two Jack Russell pups, well dogs, they are now 2 years old, Jack and Molly. A friend has offered to help me by having them instead of putting them into kennels. Moira, thank you.
10th April was they day I picket up the Alber Adventure. That day sees me saying a thank you to Arthur Robson of A&D Services, Newcastle for providing me with the vehicle to take me down to Wakefield. Muriel from KAP came with us in her own car which meant that I could have 3 of my carers with me on the occasion, Pauline, Margaret and Clair, as well as a good friend Muriel. We are working well together to promote the work of KAP and to put my plan together. Thank you all.
The handover of the Alber Adventure turned out to be a grand affair. Not the HQ of Arthritis Care in Wakefield as original planned, but at The Waterton Park Hotel
Walton Hall Walton Wakefield WF2 6PW. I have just noticed from my email that it was Grahams birthday on that day, a belated happy birthday Graham, sorry I missed that. So this thank you goes, as you have properly guest, to Graham and Gerald-Simonds for providing and arranging such a beautiful back drop for the handover and lunch thrown in.
There are just two more thanks I must add. Some of you may have read the BBC article written by Rachel Kerr. Rachel thank you for the article which I really enjoyed your support. Rachel’s mom has and Alber Adventure, so I am hoping to meet up with her to burn some rubber!
Someone has to prop up this list and that is you James Duworth. James, son of Jean Wheelchair Direct UK, wrote an article about me after speaking to me on the Skype t, and got the article in many web magazines. I was not very please at the way I felt I came over on the podcast, as I sound very deep and I appear to be cutting in on James interview. The only excuse I can think of is the time gap between our two countries. For those of you who have read this far and feel you would like to read and hear what I said, here is the website, http://www.wheelchairsdirectuk.com/powerchair%20articles/power-chair-interview.html I just hope you enjoy it.
I cannot leave a thank you list without saying a very big and sincere thank you to you my blog readers. I no some of you do come back and catch up. We are now up to 20 hits a day…
Now for coffee and to try adjusting some more the Alber Adventure to make sure it is just so for me.
Speak again soon.
It is thank you time
Over the past 4 weeks events have been happening that deserve a public thank you. I give them to you in no particular order!
Regular readers to this blog will no that the Arthritis Care management decided to pull out of the challenge. You can read their letter if you scroll down to 31st March. This first thank you goes to the members of the South Shields Arthritis Care who even in the light of Arthritis Care not now been my charity, they have said that their donation of £142 towards my expenses still stands. This is very welcome as I am finding that I may have underestimated the cost of this challenge.
Keeping with donations, may I also say thank you to two more parties. The first been my church St. Andrews Benton, Newcastle, who gave me £150 from a coffee morning they had, and the second donation of £50, came from Wheelchairs Direct UK. Thank you Jean for that.
I must put out the begging bowl, and say to you all, that any donation at this stage towards my expenses would be gratefully received. You can email and I will send you full details. By saying this, I am not trying to distract you from donating to my new chosen charity, The Kenya Acorn Project….You can do that by going to the JustGiving link, or when you see me along the route.
Some of you may no that I have two Jack Russell pups, well dogs, they are now 2 years old, Jack and Molly. A friend has offered to help me by having them instead of putting them into kennels. Moira, thank you.
10th April was they day I picket up the Alber Adventure. That day sees me saying a thank you to Arthur Robson of A&D Services, Newcastle for providing me with the vehicle to take me down to Wakefield. Muriel from KAP came with us in her own car which meant that I could have 3 of my carers with me on the occasion, Pauline, Margaret and Clair, as well as a good friend Muriel. We are working well together to promote the work of KAP and to put my plan together. Thank you all.
The handover of the Alber Adventure turned out to be a grand affair. Not the HQ of Arthritis Care in Wakefield as original planned, but at The Waterton Park Hotel
Walton Hall Walton Wakefield WF2 6PW. I have just noticed from my email that it was Grahams birthday on that day, a belated happy birthday Graham, sorry I missed that. So this thank you goes, as you have properly guest, to Graham and Gerald-Simonds for providing and arranging such a beautiful back drop for the handover and lunch thrown in.
There are just two more thanks I must add. Some of you may have read the BBC article written by Rachel Kerr. Rachel thank you for the article which I really enjoyed your support. Rachel’s mom has and Alber Adventure, so I am hoping to meet up with her to burn some rubber!
Someone has to prop up this list and that is you James Duworth. James, son of Jean Wheelchair Direct UK, wrote an article about me after speaking to me on the Skype t, and got the article in many web magazines. I was not very please at the way I felt I came over on the podcast, as I sound very deep and I appear to be cutting in on James interview. The only excuse I can think of is the time gap between our two countries. For those of you who have read this far and feel you would like to read and hear what I said, here is the website, http://www.wheelchairsdirectuk.com/powerchair%20articles/power-chair-interview.html I just hope you enjoy it.
I cannot leave a thank you list without saying a very big and sincere thank you to you my blog readers. I no some of you do come back and catch up. We are now up to 20 hits a day…
Now for coffee and to try adjusting some more the Alber Adventure to make sure it is just so for me.
Speak again soon.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Message From Alber Adventure
16 April 08
Message from Alber Adventure
Glad to see that the manufactors of the Alber Adventure read my blog.
On the last entry about the AA i mentioned the foot bplates and problem with no quick release button, you need an Alan key. Well here is the reply to that statement. I am also excited to read i have a speed and kilometometer. Now all i have to do is find how to work it.
From: Beiter, Sigrid [mailto:Sigrid.Beiter@alber.de] Sent: 16 April 2008 08:13To: Graham JefferySubject: AW: ADVENTURE
Good morning Graham,
I was surprised to read Mary’s comments on her blog:
About the footrests:
I have since discovered that the footrests do not just lift up and down to adjust like my other wheelchairs do, or even allow you to take them off. Their we photgraphs but they have not comeout, sorry AA. Can you possible send pictures that can be istalled on the blog..Thanks
The footrests can be taken off quite easily:
And also be folded up:
Mary is also asking for a “milometer”: She has got a counter for kilometres included (Parameter 13 has to be activated). Unfortunately, it doesn’t count miles but kilometres.
I dearly hope that these hints will help Mary to cope better with her “AA”.
With kind regards
Sigrid
What Stage Are We Up To?
16 April 2008
What stage are we up to?
With only 48 days left to the gun, there is still a lot to do and places on the team to fill. Fear not, with what I already no, I am sure we will be at the starting line.
What stage are we up to?
With only 48 days left to the gun, there is still a lot to do and places on the team to fill. Fear not, with what I already no, I am sure we will be at the starting line.
KAP Photgraph is of a young pregnant girl being taken to hospital in a wheelbarrow.,. Makes to realise how lucky we hare to have an ambulance service which we all complain about!
Some of the things left to do are.
Make sure that I have in place my full support team
Make sure that I have the necessary transport arrangements in place for team members to get to me and hand me over and for their return.
Make sure that the van is taxed, insured, AA membership, that all items and people can fit in it.
Try putting the tent up and noting how this will be done. A photograph log book will be made with this all in. As it is very wet at the moment, putting up the tent is going to be a May job.
Get out and do some training in the AA. Every time I plan to do this, other things crop up that I must do...This all means that training in the AA is not too easy especially when it has to fit around the normal days things that need to be done, my personal care, feeding me, paperwork, shopping. Ect, ect.
My pups are staying with a friend. I have to visit the vets to make sure, if the event every arises, that the pups can be see to by the vet and I will sort out their bill upon my return.
Staying with the pups, My friend has to go out with them and shown their routine and the pups are staying with her for one day and night just to make sure they settle.
I will stop now as the list is getting rather long for a blog and there is more to go on.
If I was not as disabled as I am and need so much personal help, I could get on and d most of it by myself. But such is life.
Please do not forget to take a couple of minuets and visit the “Free rice” and get you grains of rice donated. See column left hand side.
Bye for now.
Staying with the pups, My friend has to go out with them and shown their routine and the pups are staying with her for one day and night just to make sure they settle.
I will stop now as the list is getting rather long for a blog and there is more to go on.
If I was not as disabled as I am and need so much personal help, I could get on and d most of it by myself. But such is life.
Please do not forget to take a couple of minuets and visit the “Free rice” and get you grains of rice donated. See column left hand side.
Bye for now.
Message from Jack Adams
15 April 08
Message from Jack Adams in wake of breaking news.
Hi Mary
Anyone wishing to apply to Guinness World Records for world record status for any end to end journey, must do so through the Lands End John o' Groats Association, providing evidence of their journey. The Association can supply journey verification forms that MUST be completed on a daily basis, plus receipts to back up their claim will be required.
Unlike other organisations the LEJOG Association will only issue membership and certificates when satisfactory proof of a journey has been received and verified, and only then will the application be approved for the GWR who have the final say on the matter. It is up to the individual to apply to GWR who in turn will request verification from the Association.
Regards
Jack
Breaking News "Agreement Between GWR and LEJOG Association.
15 April 08
Subject: Re: Guinness World Records -
Please all end 2 enders read these emails. Congradulations to Jack Adams and the LEJOG Assocation....
From John Taylor> Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:32:27 +0100>
From: carlos.martinez > To: jack_adams41@msn.com> >
Dear Jack,> >
I am glad to read that you are happy with our decision on Mr. Taylor's claim and about our requirements to receive a confirmation coming from you.> > Guinness World Records always requests confirmation of the bodies universally recognized as the authorities in every field and your association is the ultimate authority in the scrutiny of these end to end journeys. For example, Mr. Bernie Hollywood, who is attempting the record for the highest mileage in a week running, as he is crossing Great Britain, will need to receive a confirmation from you of this journey to be included in his claim.> > Receive our best regards from Guinness World Records.>
> -----Original Message----->
From: JACK ADAMS mailto:jack_adams41@msn.com%3E%3E%20To:%20Carlos%20Martinez%3E%20Sent:%20Fri%20Apr%2011%2014:58:26%202008
Subject: FW: Guinness World Records -
From John Taylor> >
Dear Carlos> I have today received the following emails from John Taylor in Australia, John and his wife Helen are members of the Lands End John o' Groats Association for whom I am route advisor.> After being advised last year that all end to end application for world record status had been rested, I was pleasantly surprised at this news of your acceptance. Naturally it is in our own interest to scrutanise all applications for full membership, only then will the applicants receive a certificate verifying their journey. Unlike other organisations who give out certificates to all and sundry, ALL our members complete the journey.> We would be happy to work alongside your organisation and assisting in any way we can, after all the LE to JOG is the ultimate uk logistical challenge, this year alone we have a number of overseas visitors taking up the challenge and we are barely into Spring.> If you can verify John's email with details of contacts within your organisation I would be obliged.> >
Yours Sincerely> > Jack >
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:32:26 +1000>
From: Helen and john taylor > To: jack_adams41@msn.com> Subject: Re: Guinness World Records -
From John Taylor >
Hi Jack,> > Please find requested email address carlos.martinez > > For the most number of completed End to End journeys everyone has to come through LEJOG.> > Have a great weekend
Kind regards
John Taylor
On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 8:52 PM, JACK ADAMS mailto:jack_adams41@msn.com%3E%20wrote:%3E%20%3E
Hi John & Helen> That is great news, thanks to you we now have exclusive contact with the GWR.> Can you let me have Carlos Martinez's email address so I can make contact.> > Regards> > Jack >
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:41:21 +1000> From: Helen and john taylor > To: dondyer don ; jack_adams41@msn.com> Subject: Guinness World Records -
From John Taylor
Hi Don
Carlos Martinez from Guinness World Records sent the following email, which clearly states that LEJOG is the only way future End to Enders can apply to get into the Guinness World Records Book (great news for you, something you can promote to attract additional members.> > Will email you a copy of the GWR Certificate once it arrives into Australia.> > Have a Great weekend.> > Kind regards,> > John Taylor> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> >
Hi John,> I will send you a copy of the certificate to the mentioned address.> I am afraid we can't modify the text of this certificate. The recognition of the lejog association is obligatory though and any future attempters need to come through them like you. As well, if asked we will always mention the recognition of your record by the lejog.> I will be sending tomorrow the certificate then.> Greetings to helen.
Original Message-----> From: John Taylor To: Carlos Martinez> Sent: Fri Apr 04 02:57:52 2008> Subject: Re: Guinness World Record Land's End - John-O'-Groats > News, Sports, Entertainment and Weather on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 Now. > > > Have you played Fishticuffs? Get fish-slapping on Messenger > > ______________________________________________________________________>
An Update on the Alber Adventure
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14 April 2008
An update on the Alber Adventure.
Now that I have Alber I am spending time in getting the cushion and the hand control set to my requirements.
The hand control is taking some doing mainly because I need to set the joystick in a position that means my left hand, arm and shoulder move as little as possible. I am also trying different knobs on the joystick. The one I have at the moment is the large golf ball type, this is not suitable as it put a lot of pressure on the palm of my hand and raises my arm too high. I have ordered the small ball; I wait to see if that makes any difference to the height problem.
Next comes the cushion. I have three different types of cushions of different heights. When I have given all three of them a good workout I will report back.
There is one part of the AA I have to tell you, and AA, that I do not like. When the AA was set up for me, the footrests were fixed to my liking. I have since discovered that the footrests do not just lift up and down to adjust like my other wheelchairs do, or even allow you to take them off. This action of adjustment is a must for using around the town. Some taxies do not have enough room in the back of the cab for footplates to be in place so you are asked for them to be removed. This is also a problem when getting on a bus or any other confined space, i.e. lifts. You must bare this in mind if you are thinking of buying an AA.
An update on the Alber Adventure.
Now that I have Alber I am spending time in getting the cushion and the hand control set to my requirements.
The hand control is taking some doing mainly because I need to set the joystick in a position that means my left hand, arm and shoulder move as little as possible. I am also trying different knobs on the joystick. The one I have at the moment is the large golf ball type, this is not suitable as it put a lot of pressure on the palm of my hand and raises my arm too high. I have ordered the small ball; I wait to see if that makes any difference to the height problem.
Next comes the cushion. I have three different types of cushions of different heights. When I have given all three of them a good workout I will report back.
There is one part of the AA I have to tell you, and AA, that I do not like. When the AA was set up for me, the footrests were fixed to my liking. I have since discovered that the footrests do not just lift up and down to adjust like my other wheelchairs do, or even allow you to take them off. This action of adjustment is a must for using around the town. Some taxies do not have enough room in the back of the cab for footplates to be in place so you are asked for them to be removed. This is also a problem when getting on a bus or any other confined space, i.e. lifts. You must bare this in mind if you are thinking of buying an AA.
Another problem I had was that I did not realise that there no anchoring points fixed to the AA. These are a separate item called “Tie down system for public transport” Fixation of wheelchair during transportation in cars two different versions available: DIN version with buckles (e.g. AMF Bruns) ISO version with hooks (e.g. Q-Straint)
Please watch out for these as they are a must. They cost about £450, but do not quote me on that one.
.What I would really like is a milometer. Does anyone no of such a piece of equipment for a power wheelchair? If you do, can you please email me? Email address on the left.
Before I go can I tell you about a website http://www.freerice.com/
I was given these detail by my friend Allison she adds that it’s great - its a word game and the more answers you get correct, the more rice is donated to third world countries - trouble is you get hooked on playing the game. It's all above board and a not for profit scheme
It's great for adults and children because it detects what level questions you get right and sets the rest of the quiz to it - give it a go and pass it on please
My next entry will be about how things are going with the last stages of the planning...
Rejected Comments
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12 April 2008
Rejected Comment
I have just rejected a second comment from hima because he/she seems to be doing two things on this blog, promoting their web site on a cure for rheumatoid arthritis and also giving me and possible you my readers, the impression that this blog is mainly about a person with rheumatoid arthritis doing the E2E in a power wheelchair. That is not my intension.
My intension is to take you along the road that I, a severely disabled person who happens to have rheumatoid arthritis, are travelling in preparing, and I hope fully executing, to drive a power wheelchair, namely an Alber Adventure, from Lands End 2 John O’Groats.
After today I will have a lot to tell as I shall be taking Alber out on the roads for the first time. Not far I may add. He will be taken with me and my carer, to walk my pups. He is going on the Metro, small train, to the city, and he is going shopping and to the airport. Not bad for a first outing. If all goes well, next week I will be taking him further afield and I hope by the end of this month, he will be doing a full 25 miles, depending on the life of the batteries.
So there we have it. I welcome all comments and will publish most if not all, but be prepared, I may well reject them.
Speak again soon.
I have just rejected a second comment from hima because he/she seems to be doing two things on this blog, promoting their web site on a cure for rheumatoid arthritis and also giving me and possible you my readers, the impression that this blog is mainly about a person with rheumatoid arthritis doing the E2E in a power wheelchair. That is not my intension.
My intension is to take you along the road that I, a severely disabled person who happens to have rheumatoid arthritis, are travelling in preparing, and I hope fully executing, to drive a power wheelchair, namely an Alber Adventure, from Lands End 2 John O’Groats.
After today I will have a lot to tell as I shall be taking Alber out on the roads for the first time. Not far I may add. He will be taken with me and my carer, to walk my pups. He is going on the Metro, small train, to the city, and he is going shopping and to the airport. Not bad for a first outing. If all goes well, next week I will be taking him further afield and I hope by the end of this month, he will be doing a full 25 miles, depending on the life of the batteries.
So there we have it. I welcome all comments and will publish most if not all, but be prepared, I may well reject them.
Speak again soon.
First Pictures
11 April 08
First pictures
I am now showing you the first pictures taken when the Alber Adventure was handed over to me by Grahm. Story will follow. 1st Some of my care team with Muriel Armstrong, Kenya Acorn Project. 2nd picture has Jack Adam, my care team and Arthur of A&D Services.jpg)
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Letter from Jack Adams
10 April 08
Letter from Jack Adams. Thanks Jack
Now this is a turn up for the books, a Arthritis Care! Now how about Scotland Jack!
Hi Guys and Gals
The following is a reply from the Devon police dept, I think they may have softened their attitude after my letter.
Regards
Jack
Subject: RE: Mary Laver NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:34:48 +0100
From: Jeremy.LEATH@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.ukTo: jack_adams41@msn.com
Dear Mr Adams,
Sorry I have not replied sooner, unfortunately I have been off with flu. My only advice in these matters is that all participants follow the Highway code, this hopefully allows for a successful trip. May I once again wish Mary a safe and successful journey, regards Mark.
MPC LEATH,
ROAD CASUALTY REDUCTION OFFICER.
-----Original Message-----From: JACK ADAMS [mailto:jack_adams41@msn.com]Sent: 27 March 2008 15:24To: LEATH Jeremy 14007Subject: Mary Laver
Sorry I have not replied sooner, unfortunately I have been off with flu. My only advice in these matters is that all participants follow the Highway code, this hopefully allows for a successful trip. May I once again wish Mary a safe and successful journey, regards Mark.
MPC LEATH,
ROAD CASUALTY REDUCTION OFFICER.
-----Original Message-----From: JACK ADAMS [mailto:jack_adams41@msn.com]Sent: 27 March 2008 15:24To: LEATH Jeremy 14007Subject: Mary Laver
Dear Sir
My name is Jack Adams, for my sins I am route advisor for the Lands End John o' Groats Association.Mary Laver, who is one of our members, passed on to me your letter regarding her end to end journey by electric wheelchair. I applaud your stance on safety, as we at the Association preach this to our many members. To this end I would appreciate any legal advice you can offer on travel on the highways. 55% of the people taking on this challenge are cyclists, 25% walkers and the rest is split between motorists, motorcyclists and other bizarre forms of transport, such as traction engine, push and go scooter and relay running. Only last year we had three police officers from the Bath area who cycled from LE to JOG in 17 days, they were presented with certificates at our presentation weekend this January at the Toorak hotel in Torquay. So you can see we attract people from all walks of life, some raise vast amounts for worthy causes, while others do it simply for the challenge.I hope you can assist me in keeping our intrepid travellers as safe as possible, I am attaching my advice sheet that goes out with every route pack, any advice on additions to this would be appreciated.
Yours Sincerely
Jack Adams
News, Sports, Entertainment and Weather on your mobile. Text MSN to 63463 Now.
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Internet e-mail is not secure. Therefore Devon & Cornwall Constabulary does not accept legal responsibility for the contents or distribution of this message including file attachments. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. All reasonable efforts have been made to check that any attached software or other material is/are free of computer viruses, but Devon & Cornwall Constabulary accepts no responsibility for any damage, howsoever arising, as a result of their transmission to the recipient's computer or network.
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Internet e-mail is not secure. Therefore Devon & Cornwall Constabulary does not accept legal responsibility for the contents or distribution of this message including file attachments. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. All reasonable efforts have been made to check that any attached software or other material is/are free of computer viruses, but Devon & Cornwall Constabulary accepts no responsibility for any damage, howsoever arising, as a result of their transmission to the recipient's computer or network.
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Last 100 Visits
10 April 08
People visiting the blog.
I often tell people that you are visiting the blog from all over the world, i a, now going to publish the last 100 visits, don't worry, i do not no any more than that. The visits from Newcastle upon Tyne, are not me...
Since 6 October 08 1629 visits have been made upto 1412 today 10 April 08 Now for the list..
World Record Attempt in a Power Wheelchair
Recent Visitors by Location
1 United Kingdom London, London, City of
2 Italy Rome, Lazio
3 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
4 New Zealand Auckland
5 France Billancourt, Ile-de-France
6 Italy Ronchi Dei Legionari, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
7 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
8 United Kingdom
9 United Kingdom Perth, Perth and Kinross
10 South Africa Pretoria, Gauteng
11 United Kingdom
12 United Kingdom
13 United Kingdom Reading
14 South Africa Parow, Western Cape
15 United Kingdom London, London, City of
16 Spain Benidorm, Comunidad Valenciana
17 United Kingdom London, London, City of
18 United Kingdom
19 United Kingdom
20 United States Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
21 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
22 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
23 United States Evergreen, Colorado
24 Australia Sydney, New South Wales
25 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
26 United Kingdom London, London, City of
27 United States East Brunswick, New Jersey
28 United Kingdom Manchester
29 United Kingdom
30 United Kingdom London, London, City of
31 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
32 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
33 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
34 Iran, Islamic Republic of Tehran
35 Australia Sydney, New South Wales
36 Australia Sydney, New South Wales
37 United Kingdom Manchester
38 United Kingdom Ayr, South Ayrshire
39 United Kingdom Salisbury, Wiltshire
40 Italy Cagliari, Sardegna
41 United States Raleigh, North Carolina
42 United States Virginia Beach, Virginia
43 United States
44 United Kingdom London, London, City of
45 United Kingdom London, London, City of
46 United Kingdom
47 United Kingdom Manchester
48 Germany Albstadt, Baden-Wurttemberg
49 United Kingdom
50 United Kingdom Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
51 United Kingdom High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
52 United Kingdom London, London, City of
53 United Kingdom High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
54 United Kingdom Fareham, Hampshire
55 United Kingdom Milton Keynes
56 United Kingdom
57 United Kingdom Milton Keynes
58 United Kingdom Milton Keynes
59 Australia Brisbane, Queensland
60 United States Bakersfield, California
61 Morocco
62 United Kingdom
63 United Kingdom
64 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
65 United Kingdom London, London, City of
66 United Kingdom London, London, City of
67 United Kingdom
68 United Kingdom
69 United Kingdom
70 United Kingdom
71 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
72 United Kingdom Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire
73 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
74 United Kingdom Stockport
75 United Kingdom Manchester
76 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
77 South Africa Vereeniging, Gauteng
78 United Kingdom Reading
79 United Kingdom
80 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
81 United States Houston, Texas
82 United States Chapel Hill, North Carolina
83 United Kingdom High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
84 United Kingdom
85 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
86 United Kingdom
87 United States Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
88 United Kingdom Manchester
89 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
90 United Kingdom Leeds
91 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
92 United Kingdom
93 Sweden
94 United Kingdom
95 United Kingdom Leicester
96 United Kingdom Milton Keynes
97 United Kingdom
98 United Kingdom
99 France Paris, Ile-de-France
100 Qatar Doha, Ad Dawhah
Well there you have it, the last 100 visits. Did you find this information of interest?
I Don't Believe It!
10 April 09
I don't belive it!
What don't i believe? The size of the tool kit for my Alber Adventure.
As you will all no by now, i went to pick up the Alber Adventure at a very posh hotel in Wakefield. This was organised by Graham of Gerald-Simonds, with lunch laid on and coffe, i had my Guiness. I still drink this best stout in spite of the fact that the Guiness Book of Records are resting all E2E challenges!
After we were feed and rested it was time to go into the room laid aside for us, when i say us, there 7 of us plus Graham and ? sorry still connot remember his name! When i get the photographs from Graham i will publish them with a full rundown of rank name and number, if you will excuse the forces pun!
Now where was I? The posh room.. We all went in, and there was the star of the show, Alber, compleat with very smart wing mirror, in all his shinning glory, in the middle of the room I recon he had had special polish for the occasion.. To tell you all about that day will take a long time, so if i may, i will cut to the I don't belive it bit and come back to the day, when i get the photographs, Graham...
When i will all fitted into Alber and had all the photographs taken, i had finished scareing a few people manovering Alber, at speed, in and out of the hotel, we were just about to leave when i saw a nice big shinning tool box, is 'that is the tool box for Alber', say I, no was the reply, this is the Alber tool box and handed over 2, yes i said 2 Alan keys. All that the Alber Adventure Power Wheelchair needs, in your tool box, are just 2 Alan keys.. They fit all the nuts as most parts just clip on and off. When i can, i will show you how this happens as Graham is arranging a fittting demo for most, if not all of the team...Just 2 Alan keys..just 2
Now i am signing off for a bit as i have been typing for the past 1 1/2 hrs.
Think about it, tool kit 2 Alan keys..
PS all photographs will be taken from my selection of the place where KAP do their amazing work..
Answer to Comment
9th April 08
Updating blog
You will read in the comments to the e4ntry, picking up Alber, that nice comments are made, but i was asked why not updated daily.
My reply.
Every day something is happening with organising the E2E Challenge, like yesterday i picked up the Alber Adventure, story will be on my blog very soon with pictures, and today i had the BBC Web site reporter here today, again a story, but some days i have nothing to say or report, or i am just getting on with the every day life that i must do. I can now tell you that visits to the blog has doubled in the last week to 20 per day.
I hope that tells you why i am not writing on the blog every day..
An Artical For You To Read
8th April 08
Today I pick up the Alber Adventure.
0843 hrs and there is a buzz in my tum because part of my team and my self are going to pick up Alber in approx1 hrs time. Now i am sure that this E2E Challenge is really going to happen. People are just coming out and supporting me. In the mean time here is an article that was writen about me, it isvery good. Thanks James.
Power Chair Adventures: From Land's End to John O' Groats on an electric wheelchair!
by James DunworthWheelchairs Direct UK
by James DunworthWheelchairs Direct UK
Writer and power chair adventurer Mary Laver has not walked for twenty years. After a number of operations, she has no knee or elbow joints, and does not have the mobility to scratch her own nose. Yet the cheerful and positive 60 year old is not only refusing to let her disability get her down - she is also planning to cross the length of Britain in a power wheelchair.
I spoke to Mary over Skype, an internet telephone, and asked her just why she wanted to do it.
"I needed a challenge, to be honest. I'd already been invited to a challenge in 2006 … I was in the Great North Run and I went up to a stand at the show and somebody there said do you want a challenge … we had a good old talk and they came up with the challenge of pushing me in a marathon in South Africa."
Unfortunately, the challenge fell through, but it left Mary with the taste of adventure in her mouth. She felt the need to do something, and to have a life-changing experience.
"I'm 60 now, and it's time to get out there and start having some fun!"
The Land's End to John O' Groats run was something she had always wanted to do, although at first she thought it would be cheating to do it in a wheelchair!
A friend persuaded her that the End to End could be done in anything, and research quickly proved that to be the case - the trip has even been done in a jet plane! Two wheelchair users have attempted the trip - one person's chair turned over half way through the trip, and the other managed to complete it in six weeks with the help of a van and three power wheelchairs. Mary hopes to complete the trip in just four weeks.
Getting ready for the trip is not easy. Mary needs a team of carers, who she must feed and house during the trip, a cyclist to accompany her, and detailed planning of the whole route. She has already run into many obstacles - not least bureaucracy and organisations who view her as a health and safety hazard. One police authority wrote to Mary requesting:
"1. The proposed route through our area with road numbers. 2. The dates and times each day that this will be taking place. 3. The location details of the proposed overnight stops. 4. The names and mobile phone contact details of the Support Crew. 5. What type of Advance Warning Signs or Lights will be in use on the Support Vehicles 6. The details of all the Support Vehicles with Reg Numbers type and colour 7. How many support pedestrians will be walking with this event at any one time."
Another police authority asked her to travel off road! As Mary told me, this was unfeasible - as a power wheelchair user with limited mobility she needs to be "gettable".
Finally, and shortly before I spoke to Mary, the charity she wished to raise money for, Arthritis Care, pulled out, citing health and safety concerns.
I was expecting all these obstacles, and especially the loss of the charity and their support, to discourage Mary. Yet when I asked her about them she replied:
"Actually, I'm relieved. I was having to jump the way they wanted to jump: there were certain things they wanted me to do - even the cut off date which they wanted me to have, on the 11th May. But personally I would go to the starting line and start and hope people would help, and if they didn't I would get in the van and come back."
There are other obstacles in her way though - she is, after all, in her 60's and has severe rheumatoid arthritis. However, unlike many other people with arthritis, she is no longer in pain.
This is despite a refusal to use any drugs stronger than paracetamol. Instead, she is a strong believer in maintaining health and fitness through diet - even writing a book on the subject called Food for Life! And while she cannot do most physical exercise due to her disability, she does use a power breather to provide respiratory exercise.
She is now waiting to receive her power wheelchair - the Alber Adventure. She has already tested and used the Alber, and waxes lyrical about the chair.
"When you are in a power chair and it is going at eight miles an hour, believe me it feels fast … to me it is the formula one chair of electric wheelchairs."
At the end of the interview, I asked Mary if she had a message for any other power chair users who wanted to do a challenge, and her reply was simple.
"Just do it!"
You can visit Mary's blog to keep up with her challenge. You can also read or listen to a podcast of the interview with Mary Laver.
James Dunworth is a writer, lecturer and the webmaster of Wheelchairs Direct UK, which specialises in the supply of power chairs to the UK and Ireland. He is based in Qatar.
Fit Food
7th April 08
FIT FOOD
My friends Ed & Phil from 'Run the Country' have writen a book on food for fitness, and been a person who belives in the importance of a good diet i decied to include the details in my blog. Good luck with it guys.
The dynamic duo Ed & Phil "Extraordinary ordinary runners" have recently published another book, Ed & Phil's Fit Food. As Ed is Edward Chapman of Run the Country we thought we would let someone else tell you about the book.
"I'm Nigel Methley, a cycling tour guide. I often take people on long distance rides and quite often they need help with their general fitness. I loved this book as it is simple to follow and can be used like a nutritional and health toolbox. So now I can use it as back-up when talking about healthy eating or if I need more information on a certain dietary requirement. A great little book from a couple of good blokes."
The book is available from the Run the Country shop. http://www.runthecountry.co.uk/aqshop/catalogue.php?id=4&page=2
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