Mission Nepal

MORE PICS

Tue, 21 Nov 2006 13:11:52 GMT

Bhule Bhule to Kathmandu

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:48:26 GMT

Here are some more pictures - they are of the end of the trek and the temples in Kathmandu.

WARNING- There are a couple of pictures of the burning ghats

The Hepatitis C Trust Nepal Trek has certainly kept me busy this year and 2006 will be one of my most memorable years.

The trek was a huge challenge as I had never tackled anything like this before. I trained and prepared as much as I could but without the help of my team mates and the patience and quiet encouragement of the Nepali Sherpas who walked with us I don't know if I would have made it. Here are a few of the highlights.

We reached the CAT supported school at the end of the second day. As we looked up we could hear singing and see the children and teachers lined up to welcome us. They were wonderful and we felt like royalty or as Jeff put it ‘like a circus coming to town.’ Namaste all round and we took our seats as the children got ready to entertain us. What a show they put on and we were invited to join them and dance.

A group of youths asked very politely if they could speak with Jeff about getting help with their ideas for a community and youth building for the villages. Dilli was their spokesperson and told us that this was the first time he had conversed with English speakers. His approach took courage and determination, principles which should be applied to the awareness raising campaign. Don't wait for others to do it for us get out there and do something for ourselves..

My breathing became difficult on the third and most challenging day and the days walking was completed after sunset and with hail stones falling. I had one to one support from Tanka, one of the Sherpas. Bestari (slowly) was his advice, one, two, three small steps at a time until eventually we reached camp. I was exhausted, emotional, cold and wet but thankful to have reached safety with his encouragement. Another lesson learned, if we take our time and move forward however slowly we will reach our goal.

I cannot describe accurately the feelings I had as Jeff counted down the steps into camp on the last day; wonder, self achievement, how on earth did I do this, most of all I was very proud of myself and my team mates. Self respect is a wonderful thing.

Will write later

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 10:19:23 GMT

A few pictures - I got back yesterday at 4.00pm, bed by 5.00pm and slept till 9.00am today.

I will post later

I have added pictures-they are all of the first 6 days trekking.

10 days and counting

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:46:07 GMT

A lady of the hilltribes of Thailand - i hope that I am at least this fit.

When I started out I thought that I had so much time ahead to get it organised (fool that I am) i'm looking forward to this so much now. I've trained (I hope enough), the journey so far has been a roller coaster ride.

Today I bumped into a friend of mine whose brother died in November of last year from HCV. I had known him for 30 years and we discussed this trek in the week before he died. He had travelled in India many years ago and loved the place and people. Our discussion about Nepal sparked so many happy memories for him and his words to me were 'Get them telt hen' 'go for it'.

It was good to be reminded of the reasons why I am doing this.

I passed my sponsorship target today, thank you so much to everyone who has supported me - I won't let you down.

2 Weeks to go

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 18:40:26 GMT

I know I haven't updated this for a while (to say the least), life, as they say can be very tricky at times. I will try and give a brief synopsis of the last 3 months.

The training weekend at Keswick was fabulous. We all made the climb and were very kn*****ed at the end of the day. It was really good to meet the people that I will be trekking with, they are all lovely - check out the hepc trust website for some pictures.

I had a great weekend trip to Mull and Iona in early July. Then things went a bit squiffy - my very good friend Harry Stewart died suddenly from a heart attack. Enough to say that I was deeply shocked as this was totally unexpected.

I got back into training in September and this week climbed Schiehallion (Wednesday) and Ben Lomond (Thursday). Yes I am knacked but very chuffed with my wee self. Here is a link to info about Schiehallion, reading this I don't know how I did it but there you are.http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/rannoch/schiehallion/index.html

I will try and keep this blog updated until it is time to go.

Maid of The Forth

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 08:50:17 GMT

The Jazz Cruise was fabulous. Everyone enjoyed the trip.These are just a few of the photographs. A few people have yet to pay online and I will give a final tally shortly, but around £1000.00 was raised.

Good effort by everyone. Thank you so much.

Good Day

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:35:42 GMT

Its been an eventful month to say the least. The walking is going fine and I am getting fitter, leaner (by 3k) and more determined. I have taken a picture of my mega blister but I don't want to upset you all or put you off your tea!!

The newspaper articles are over and done with, I feel like I have lifted a huge weight from myself, that I can move on from here. The worst effect, for me, of HCV has been the stigma, now I feel that I have regained some of my self respect. This trek has been the vehicle for my 'coming out' and I am so grateful to the Hepatitis C Trust for making it possible.

The Jazz Cruise happens on Saturday, still some tickets left, go on, you know you would enjoy it. I have had a response from Cathy Peattie, my MSP, unfortunately she cant make the cruise as it's Grangemouth Gala Day on Saturday. I got an acknowledgement from my MP, Michael Connarty's website but nothing further yet. Harry Constable, my local councillor hasn't even sent an acknowledgement.

I will add some pictures after the cruise.

Hepatitis C Trust Reports

Fri, 26 May 2006 08:15:15 GMT

I haven't posted for a while, but I have been just a bit busy. My local newspaper www.bonesstoday.co.uk did an article about my trek and put it on the front page. It was strange to see my name on the boards outside the shops. People have been very supportive of my efforts and all in all i'm feeling positive. A photographer is coming today to take a picture for an article in next weeks West Lothian Herald and Post.

The Hepatitis C Trust received national coverage earlier in the week, Sam was on GMTV (swoon, swoon) and wearing her lovely Trek T Shirt. The trust had delivered a follow up report on UK v Europe www.hepctrust.org.uk oh dear oh dear, how long can we go on wasting time. The results of a survey into how well the Action Plan has been implemented in England was also revealed www.hepctrust.org.uk with damning evidence that its not working too well, to say the very least.

Here is a quote from Charles Gore which appreared in The Guardian:

'The trust's chief executive, Charles Gore, said: "We have an opportunity to reverse this spiralling epidemic and avoid not just the unnecessary deaths of thousands but also a financial crisis for the NHS. If we do not seize this opportunity, we will look back and know that by our inaction we let it happen."

Here is a link to the consultation paper for The Proposed Action Plan in Scotland

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/06/14134528/45302

I have sent e mail to my MSP, MP and local councillor telling them about my trek, the need for an awareness campaign, an invitiation to purchase a ticket for my cruise or donate and a copy of the UK v Europe report. I will keep you updated on any replies I receive.

How did I get here?

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 16:49:11 GMT

A Word to the Wise (from the 1st Canadian HCV conference)

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry - two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone.

The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow with its possible adversaries, its burdens its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendour or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it as yet unborn.

This leaves only one day - today. Any man can fight the battles of just one-day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities - yesterday and tomorrow- that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives men mad - it is remorse or bitterness for something, which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.

Hectic Few Days

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 10:02:46 GMT

Monday/Tuesday smoothie - Banana, Pear, Kiwi, Strawberry and Pineapple.

My retirement dinner on Friday went well. The company was good and the food was delicious. I was given a beautiful bouquet, I just love flowers. It was great to discuss HCV with some of my friends for the first time.

I let them know about the Maid of the Forth trip in June and a couple of other wee ideas I have running around. All in all I feel very positive.

Organised my Trek travel insurance yesterday, not as costly as expected. E-mailed the Dundee and Edinburgh Support Groups asking if they had anyone taking part in the trek and if not could they help me with my fundraising. I will wait and see what happens. (Mail for Edinburgh groups returned as incorrect address!)

Training

Friday - Written off retirement dinner

Saturday - Hubby took me out for a drive/walk to Stirling. There is a woodland walk at the back of the castle, not too steep but steep enough. All in all a great wee day out for breaking in the boots.

Sunday - Written off mother in law visit, although I did wear the boots.

Monday - Took a long walk locally. No boots because of stookie as I can't tie the laces.