From Margate to the Maasai

No More Posts

2009-09-16T12:39:00.002Z

This blog will remain up here on the Blogger platform. Please visit my main presenter site at http://www.jeremyjacobs.com

Maasai - Two Years On

2009-02-25T04:42:00.001Z

I've posted something about this here.

My Sister's Birthday

2009-01-06T11:12:00.000Z

January 6th. She would have been 61. Can't believe it

Welcome

2008-12-23T18:40:00.002Z

If you strayed on to this blog looking for me, then try JeremyJacobs.com or Corporate Presenter. I'm also on Facebook and Twitter.

My Sister 20 years on

2008-08-15T23:24:00.001Z

August 14th marked 20 years since Jacqui succumbed to breast cancer.

The JustGiving Blog

2008-06-02T22:39:00.001Z

Delighted to still be on the JG Blog.

Thanks guys

Reunion Tonight

2008-04-26T16:57:00.001Z

London, UK

Will be meeting up with the Tanzania gang at a London restaurant a little later.

Exactly a year ago today

2008-02-16T09:37:00.002Z

Feb 16th, 2007

Seems like yesterday I was at Heathrow meeting up with the gang to go to Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro

2008-01-04T13:28:00.000Z

At Kilimanjaro International Airport on the way back to Nairobi last February, I met some guys who had just been up Kilimanjaro. Do you fancy climbing it?

Not much time for trekking in 2008, I'll be too busy with other matters but in 2009, who knows?

Another Gelai School picture

2007-12-06T23:25:00.000Z

Remember the school at Gelai I visited in February?

See if you can spot the MFC shirt!

This Blog

2007-07-29T10:05:00.000Z

Will sort of be finishing next week when my fund-raising officially stops at Just Giving.

I'll be updating this blog from time to time when:

1. There are things of relevance to do with Breast Cancer Campaign

2. I have time!

3. I'm about to do a trek somewhere.

Meanwhile, keep popping in here and here

10 miles over the Chilterns

2007-07-21T23:47:00.000Z

Later today, I shall be walking around 10 miles in the Chilterns with a group of around 20 or so people. The leader will be Stanley Harris with whom I shared some laughs in Africa (see previous posts)

July 31st

2007-06-13T21:31:00.000Z

Is the date my fund-raising campaign finishes. As you can see from the website at Just Giving, I've raised over £4000.00.

Thanks once again to all those who have contributed.

No blogging here until next week because

2007-06-09T22:28:00.000Z

I'm somewhat tied up on other matters. Please try Corporate Presenter or JJ.Com instead.

Breast Cancer Campaign on MySpace

2007-05-26T23:09:00.001Z

Here

Breast Cancer Campaign on My Showreel

2007-05-25T22:35:00.000Z

For those of you who haven't seen it..................

Speaking about Breast Cancer

2007-05-18T20:05:00.000Z

Can be difficult but so can any public speaking. Over at CP, I've posted something about adrenalin and the fear of public-speaking.

The link there shows a cheetah in action, hence the post here. I was referring to an interesting post over at my main blog about the fear of public-speaking and how the chemicals in one's body stir you into action.

BCC at the House of Lords

2007-05-14T21:42:00.000Z

Last Wednesday, I was invited along by BCC to the House of Lords for a reception. More on this at "latest news" on my main blog.

I'm pictured here with Laura Stowe from Breast Cancer Campaign

Social Networks

2007-05-01T22:01:00.000Z

Some weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be mentioned on the Just Giving blog.

The reason? My approach to getting exposure on the web and in the Blogosphere. I used various techniques in order to get up the rankings. Using social networks like Facebook and YouTube really does work.

"Watch out here comes a tourist"

2007-05-01T11:47:00.000Z

"Watch out here comes a tourist" said the zebras as I strolled towards them!

More Maasai Dancing

2007-04-26T22:28:00.001Z

The Maasai Tribe
Uploaded by explore

A Netizen

2007-04-26T22:25:00.000Z

Another new word for you. Wiki explains more

Trek given more publicity.

2007-04-10T00:25:00.000Z

I'm delighted to report that my article was published in last Friday's Isle of Thanet Gazette. Look, I know it's not the London Times but publicity is publicity.

Red meat link to higher risk of breast cancer

2007-04-04T12:32:00.000Z

Was the headline in today's Daily Mail. In an article by Gwyneth Rees, she states that women who frequently eat small amounts of red meat could be massively increasing their chances of developing breast cancer. Researchers at Sheffield University believe that red meat is contributing to the onset of breast cancer because it is rich source of saturated fat.

Lead researcher, Janet Cade, a professor of nutritional epidemiology and public health at the university said: "The findings are robust. Women consuming the most total meat, red meat and the processed meat were at the highest risk compared to non-meat eaters, although red and processed meat were only statistically significant post-menopausally". The research, published today(April 4th) in the British Journal of Cancer, involved 35000 women aged between 35 and 69 who were studied over eight years.

Henry Scowcroft, science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: " Our best dietary advice to women worried about their breast cancer risk is to maintain a healthy body weight by taking regular exercise and avoiding large regular portions of fatty foods like red and processed meat and excess alcohol". Excellent advice for men and women alike.

(An article in the Washington Times last November, highlighted a Harvard report linking and increased risk of breast cancer in younger women who regualry eat red meat)

Fundraising

2007-04-03T09:09:00.000Z

My JustGiving page will be open until the end of July. This will give the opportunity for more people to donate. I've just topped 4 grand and hope to get a little more for BCC.

Needless to say, I'll be pushing the cause here, here and no doubt here in the forthcoming few weeks.

My Sister

2007-04-01T21:22:00.000Z

Some people have asked me to show an alternative picture of my sister. Here's one of her c.1959

Trek Speech

2007-03-29T22:54:00.000Z

This evening, I was given the opportunity to speak about the trek at my Toastmasters Club . I "merged" the event in Africa with the main reason why I undertook the challenge in the first place. The feedback I received afterwards was very encouraging indeed.

I've mentioned Toastmasters on more than one occasion at CP and on my main site. By joining a Toastmasters Club you will broaden your speaking ability and enjoy yourself at the same time.

Guest Blogger

2007-03-24T23:55:00.000Z

Here's my article that was posted at Ellee Seymour's Blog on March 17th.

Guest blogger today is Jeremy Jacobs writing about his cathartic trek in the Maasai foothills to boost funds for the breast cancer campaign following the tragic young death of his sister Jackie.

How have you marked the death of someone close? My family bought a wooden bench in memory of my father and added a plaque with his name. It is in the grounds of Walsingham shrine in Norfolk where he found much comfort, especially towards the end of his life.

I sponsored Jeremy’s trek with a cash donation and also posted him some of my son’s football strips to hand out to local schoolchildren, hope they liked the Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United shirts.

This is Jeremy’s story:

Just a few days ago, a close friend of mine said: “Jeremy, you’ve had a bit of a spiritual experience haven’t you”? She was, of course, referring to my recent charity trek, on behalf of Breast Cancer Campaign, to the Foothills of the Maasia in Northern Tanzania. I don’t know whether or not it was a spiritual experience – and in any case, the meaning of the term “spiritual” varies depending on whom you are speaking to. But I will state this; the thrill of walking 70 miles in temperatures approaching 90 degrees over six days and on difficult terrain was certainly an achievement to be proud of. Those months of preparation paid off!

Now I’ve been back a couple if weeks, the cerebral enormity of what I and my fellow trekkers achieved is starting to sink in. The ten of us all had something in common - either losing someone close in tragic circumstances or with a strong sense of social responsibility. And in nearly all cases, both. I think it was that “sixth sense” that kept us together and ensured that all who participated came through without incident, unnecessary physical pain or nagging self-doubt.

The charitable leitmotif, as you would expect, dominated conversations amongst the participants and some of our Tanzanian guides. Sharing experiences with complete strangers about ones personal life, close family members, faith and politics had an atavistic feel about it, it reminded me of school-days and holidays at summer camps.

The amazing surroundings also made for a surreal few days. Every waking moment seemed to be filled with some new phenomenon, from the “Milton Keynes” style elephants outside Nairobi airport, to the magnificently named “Superb Starlings”, a brightly coloured version of that bird. Then there would be the confrontation, verbally, of female circumcision followed by a description of termite hills, a Maasai boma and who would be first into the field shower back at camp.

Wildlife featured heavily. Giraffes, ostriches and a nasty looking bull elephant took pride of place on the first full day. A deceased caracal (a type of wild cat) was the subject of much discussion over the campfire that night. Soon, a puff adder would be incinerated in full view of the gang. “Just as well” said one of the crew. “They’re responsible for 25,000 deaths in Africa each year”.

We all guffawed and stared at the heavens which resembled a crisp new “Milky Way” chocolate bar wrapper with a low crescent moon completing the scene. Baboons; wildebeest, zebras; elands, Thomson gazelles; egrets, and lilac-breasted rollers were all viewed along with the vast numbers of goats and cattle belonging to the Maasai farmers. The most voluminous animal seemed to be the African donkey. At times, it was like trying to battle your way through an over-crowded beach at Margate or Blackpool!

Food and drink were plentiful and we were well looked after by our Maasai guides and crew. The latter all employed by the Tanzania Travel Company who in turn were under instructions to look after us by the overall trip organisers, Charity Challenge from North London. The camp sites were erected and dismantled each day in military-style efficiency. However, there was a moment when one of the party fell down a poorly constructed field toilet. The screams would have been heard for miles. Sorry Laura!

Earlier that day, a local school was visited. The classrooms reminded me of a scene from a Dickensian novel. You know, six to a desk and share the pencil. The following morning after nearly 2 hours of trekking, school-children could still be seen walking to that particular educational establishment which by that time was some 10 kms in the distance behind us. A black-backed jackal and a newly-born goat caused sensations that day but nothing could have prepared us for the entertainment that lay ahead. Firstly, there was the awesome “sunken crater”, followed by traditional Maasai “jumper” dancing, then play-time. Picture the scene - two jeeps, a variety of passengers in each, pitch black outside - its hunt the wildlife time. This involved the switching off and on of headlights until bands of wildebeest and zebras realised what was going on. They ran in all directions for their lives! After 30 minutes of animal baiting we headed home. Or at least tried to. Night-time in the middle of nowhere with no “SatNav” meant an hour of frustration ensued.

Twelve miles were covered in the heat on the last trekking day before another school was visited. Entertainment that night included a Maasai version of “show me the way to go home”. The Ngorongoro Crater with its lions, cheetahs, hippos, flamingoes and hyenas was visited on the last day. Now that was something very special and I would recommend you pay it a visit.

http://breastcancercampaign.blogspot.com

http://corporatepresenter.blogspot.com

http://www.justgiving.com/jeremycj

You can see more of his pics at the top of the page.

Maasai Dancing

2007-03-22T23:31:00.001Z

This video shows Maasai dancing. Similar to the rituals we saw in Tanzania last month.

Fatty foods and breast cancer

2007-03-21T02:20:00.000Z

This at the BBC website

The Bishops Avenue

2007-03-20T22:42:00.000Z

Well despite having been back a month, I can't and don't want to give up the walking bug. Well not yet anyway. I can still be seen plodding up and down the Bishops Avenue on a fairly regular basis.

Looking cool

2007-03-20T22:04:00.000Z

or at least trying to!

Probably looking up in amazement at some eagle, buzzard or vulture.

Thanks to Ellee

2007-03-17T13:07:00.000Z

My "Trek story" can be read as a guest post at Ellee Seymour's Blog

Thanks Ellee.

Photo time again

2007-03-16T01:45:00.000Z

One felt so sorry for that injured lioness. As you gain probably gather, she's panting very heavily. A combination of the tremendous heat and the violence of a few minutes earlier!

Thanks to Just Giving

2007-03-16T01:42:00.000Z

I've been mentioned on their Blog

Through adding social bookmarks, joining aggregators like Technorati and other Blogosphere "musts", I've been able to "raise my Internet game" and collect more for Breast Cancer Campaign.

Baboons at Ngorongoro Crater

2007-03-15T11:41:00.000Z

Well two baboons just by the Car Park at the Ngorongoro reception actually.

Funny aren't they.

Elephant at Ngorongoro Crater

2007-03-14T08:55:00.000Z

Wonderful animals aren't they. This one just strode across in front of our jeep as if we didn't exist!

Maasai dancers

2007-03-12T22:51:00.000Z

Well Maasai guides actually. My fellow trekker Dr. Amy Chau and the three main Maasai guides who escorted us over the 5 day Trek. Amy and I have raised around £7000.00 for Breast Cancer Campaign.

Ostrich Pic

2007-03-08T00:23:00.000Z

Taken on the second full day of the Trek on the way to Kitumbeine.

More pics available to view at my Flickr account. Go to the Flickr widget on the right-hand side.

Maasai Dancers

2007-03-04T00:43:00.000Z

Picture above was taken at the "sunken crater" camp on the Wednesday evening of our Trek. Onesmo, our chief Maasai guide, organised for some of his friends to pop along and entertain the gang. That they did superbly. Very exciting stuff. I'm almost sorry I didn't take a video camera for the occasion. Later that evening the crew thought it would be fun to go out and check to see if we could come across any game. After driving in the pitch black for about an hour, herds of wildebeest and zebras were caught in the headlights of the two jeeps. Themba was driving one and "Mr Chris" the other. Both nearly killed a jackal and Thompson's gazelle each and frightened the living daylights out of the rest of the wildlife who had the temerity to come out after dark. But the animals nearly had their revenge. Both drivers got completely lost on the return journey( could have been no more than a mile) and narrowly avoided tipping into that sunken crater. That would have been instant death for us all!
That crater really is a site to see. The bottom of the crater is cultivated by Maasai farmers. We did never quite work out how they got in and out of it!

Some photos from the trip

2007-03-01T07:13:00.000Z

Here's a couple to start with. The injured lioness as seen at the Ngorongoro crater and the gang halting for a photo-shoot on the last day.

Yours truly is wearing the Breast Cancer Campaign cerise top. (I know I'm a bit of an attention whore). On the left are some of our helpers and guides. William, "Mr Chris" (who enjoyed me teaching him some Cockney rhyming slang) and Themba.

These two shots were taken by Chris Cook

Maasai to Heathrow and recovery....................

2007-02-25T20:03:00.000Z

Thanks to the close attention and nursing care of one of my fellow trekkers, Catherine, my dicky tummy appears to be on the mend! Arrived at Heathrow in a state of extreme tiredness and 5 lbs. lighter than last week.

What an amazing few days it's been. More to follow..........................

So, nearly time to go....

2007-02-15T16:39:00.000Z

..will all those months of training be adequate, or will I collapse in a heap?

We'll see...............

See you all at the end of February.

A thank you to Sicily

2007-02-12T22:08:00.000Z

Welshcakes Limoncello (she of the stunning looking Italian dishes, see above) has been very kind enough to give me a glowing testimonial on her Blog.

I've posted it at CP

Many thanks

This morning

2007-02-11T14:50:00.000Z

Well the last stiff walk took place today. A 5-miler around Hampstead Heath and met up with one of my fellow trekkers, solicitor, Stan Harris

He had brought with him his wife and two daughters. All three kept up with the pace as we trundled through puddle after puddle over Hampstead Heath and beyond. There were loads of runners around. Presumably in training for the forthcoming London Marathon. Thought I saw Steve Claridge but I was mistaken.

Bird Flu

2007-02-10T10:08:00.000Z

Saw this at Caroline Hunt's Blog on Bird Flu.

( I've had the lurgi this week - I sympathize)

GJ: Jeremy Jacobs proves you can blog easily

2007-02-08T11:49:00.000Z

GJ: Jeremy Jacobs proves you can blog easily

Do you know this person?

2007-02-08T11:11:00.000Z

He's involved in my health & fitness programme.

Do you know why?

No outdoor training today

2007-02-08T09:18:00.000Z

Due to this..........

Still, I'll try and make it to the gym later today.

Next week should be a nice shock to the system, going from this to 90 degrees

Still suffering

2007-02-07T01:25:00.000Z

Look I should be grateful I'm poorly this week and not next week!

Next week..................................

Lost my voice yesterday

2007-02-05T13:14:00.000Z

not nice, so don't laugh.

Margate did stuff Harrow Borough.......................

2007-02-03T20:48:00.000Z

But only in the first-half.

See full unbiased report at Corporate Presenter

Another bloody sore throat for God's sake.

2007-02-03T10:22:00.000Z

It's all because I try to do too much. Still, I'm going to the gym anyway. Then later, a quick trip to South Harrow to see Margate hopefully stuff Harrow Borough. I'm being joined by Lord Pay of Dartford along with Lord Gary of Barnehurst.

Two weeks to go

2007-02-01T22:51:00.000Z

Am I fit enough? I am healthy enough? Of course I am.

Early start tomorrow morning. That entails a walk to the gym, that's one mile, another mile on the tread mill followed by upper body CV work and then the step machine. Repeated again on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Also good news on the weight. There's 4 lbs less of me that at the start of January.

Water

2007-02-01T01:03:00.000Z

We've been told that it would be advisable to consume 5 litres of water per day whilst on the Trek. That's about 4 and a half more than I drink now!

Better start imbibing some H2O in large quantities!

3 miles today

2007-01-31T00:39:00.000Z

Took some time out today and did around 3 miles in town. Covered the Strand (where I met a colleague at the RSA) , Waterloo, Fleet Street, Soho and finally Euston.

10 miles on a Sunday

2007-01-28T18:02:00.000Z

Yes, I'm really going for the burn, or is it burp!

From Winnington Road through Hampstead and Belsize Park, over to Primrose Hill, where a banana was consumed, then onwards to Regents Park and Marylebone High Street. St Christopher's Place was reached a few minutes later then finally, Oxford Street. Did I flakeout? - NO WAY - my Trek training is reaching a peak!

A few minutes respite where water (not fizzy) was imbibed and then down Bond Street into Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and then the haul back via Tottenham Court Road. Along Hampstead Road and Camden High Street. Then disaster struck - a bus was taken to the bottom of Pond Street, Hampstead. "How could you? I hear you squeal - but the punishment was that long shlep up East Heath Road to Whitestone Pond (see pic) then past the Spaniards pub and the car was retrieved shortly thereafter.

I think that's around 10 miles - anybody disagree?

Now how did Ellee get on in Norfolk this weekend with the Cambridge Ramblers?

3 weeks to go

2007-01-27T23:56:00.000Z

So with just 3 weeks to go, you're probably asking " is he fit enough".

An unequivocal, YES.

Trek Kit List

2007-01-25T10:55:00.000Z

Do you realize I still have to purchase:

A sleeping bag, rucksack, malaria tablets, water purifying tablets, wide brimmed hat.

Snow

2007-01-24T13:19:00.000Z

It arrived overnight. 2 degrees in London N2 at the moment.

brrrr....

It's a cold wind that blows

2007-01-23T20:11:00.001Z

well, it is January. Snow forecast for tomorrow.

A postive approach to life

2007-01-23T08:11:00.000Z

Well we all try to do that don't we?

It's also the description of Beerli's number two Blog , the beautifully named Up an Atom!
She raises a number of issues in Up an Atom!, including an article on what colours mean and World Cancer Day

Beerli is one of a number of people in the Blogosphere who are plugging my Trek. I've already received a couple of donations directly as a result of the extra exposure. I look forward to reaching the £4000.00 mark which is now looming.

Heart & Lung "M.O.T". this morning.................

2007-01-18T22:54:00.000Z

Was put through my paces at a well-known NW London clinic this morning. I felt like a guinea-pig on the treadmill but I would recommend this sort of check-up to anyone over the age of 40-ish!!

I was happy with my recovery rate and general cardio-vascular condition. Even the technician looked impressed. Look, I won't be entering the 2008 Olympics in Beijing but I'm in pretty good shape for an urban type!

Is 5 grand possible?

2007-01-18T22:53:00.000Z

Could be. I'm delighted with the fund-raising. It's just happened without much effort. Thanks to all of you!

A new admirer in the Blogosphere

2007-01-17T23:21:00.000Z

Looks like Tisha is a bit of a laugh. She has left comments here and over here. Perhaps we can meet up sometime?

Of course, that will not be possible until the end of February. I must remain focused on my preparation for the "Big One"

Who's coming for a walk this weekend?

2007-01-17T08:25:00.000Z

12 miles around London.................any takers?

£1000 raised

2007-01-16T23:12:00.000Z

Over here

I've posted about the visit I made to a school in Harlesden. I went there to talk on behalf of Breast Cancer Campaign. Sixth-form students had raised £1000 for the charity.

FROM MARGATE TO THE MAASAI: Ten steps to a healthy new you

2007-01-15T22:22:00.000Z

FROM MARGATE TO THE MAASAI: Ten steps to a healthy new you

My friend in the North West "Cynical Chatter" has just posted this.....

looks like those in "Blogpower" are getting fitter!

Back down the gym

2007-01-15T13:20:00.001Z

Despite only feeling abolut 80%, one must carry on. We don't want those muscles to atrophy do we!

Sunny delight

2007-01-14T19:39:00.000Z

A brisk walk over Hampstead Heath followed by a semi-warm chocolate drink at the cafe in Kenwood House may have done the trick. The malaise of the past few days appears to be on the wane.

It was great to get out into the sun for a change.

Can't sleep...........

2007-01-13T00:38:00.000Z

hence blogging here, here and here

Another stinking cold...............

2007-01-12T14:30:00.000Z

shivers, aching muscles.................. I'm going to bed

Total now stands at £3100

2007-01-10T21:17:00.000Z

Really delighted with the recent spurt of donations. At this rate I may even hit £4K before too long.

Breast Cancer Campaign Talk

2007-01-10T00:18:00.000Z

Details can be found here

£1000.00 for Breast Cancer Campaign

2007-01-09T19:16:00.000Z

This morning, I gave a talk to seventy 17 year-old girls at the Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College in Harlesden.

My speech took about 15 minutes then I took several questions. 3 from one young lady alone. I was very impressed by how she and the other students wanted to understand more about breast cancer and how BCC funds research.

In recent months, the school has raised £1000.00 for BCC and I'll be posting something here, in more detail.

Over £300.00 this week alone

2007-01-08T22:49:00.000Z

Despite the post-Xmas and New Year blues, I've received over £300.00 in the past few days for Breast Cancer Campaign.

A hearty thanks to all.

"MR MASTERMIND"

2007-01-07T22:59:00.000Z

Just stuck up a post at the new site/blog concerning Magnus Magnusson

The latest news.............

2007-01-07T02:47:00.000Z

My main website has been revamped to include a Blog. Check out www.jeremyjacobs.com

Medical Check-up

2007-01-04T19:07:00.000Z

I've already mentioned this here .

Had the results of a blood test - yes, it's red and then later on, I went for those jabs - ouch!! Tetanus, typhoid, diptheria yellow fever et al all very necessary for Kenya and Tanzania

What 200 calories looks like

2007-01-04T00:20:00.000Z

As a follow-up to this. Here's what 200 calories looks like.

Something to consider. Please excuse the Americanisms

Just six weeks to go..............

2007-01-03T13:49:00.000Z

The Maasai Mara awaits..................

Ten steps to a healthy new you

2007-01-02T21:52:00.000Z

As outlined in Medical Notes by Dr Mark Porter in todays Evening Standard.

1. Broaden your mind - do something completely different.
Trekking in Africa next month is pretty unusual.

2. Worry less about your weight and more about your shape.
This is about losing intra-abdominal fat.

3. Run for charity
Well, I'm trekking for charity

4. Identify any problems in your life, face them, and take action
Am doing

5. Join a Pilates class
OK will do

6. Have your blood pressure and cholestorol level checked
Did it 3 weeks ago

7. Quit smoking
Not relevant!

8. Take the right supplements
Not sure about this one. But a Brazil nut once a day can help. Rich in selenium.

9. Cut back on salt
Will do

10. Treat yourself to a regular massage
Frequently do. Ask for Eva at "Sheline" in St Johns Wood

Regents Park and Marylebone High Street

2007-01-01T16:34:00.000Z

A leisurely stroll in glorious weather but still 3 miles were covered before visiting Starbucks in Marylebone High Street

Bumped into two celebrities, Matt Lucas and Barbara Windsor.

Cheetahs in the Maasai Mara

2006-12-31T11:34:00.001Z

Something to look forward to in February.

Top tips for football training

2006-12-31T10:59:00.000Z

This rather amusing cartoon was just posted at Will Kintish's site

I'd rather be playing a bit of football than walking everwhere for my training schedule. But needs must.

Housework cuts breast cancer risk

2006-12-30T00:25:00.000Z

According to this article published by the BBC on their website

In broad terms, research has shown that certain chores equate to exercise. However, the reasearch only applies to post-menopausal women.

Breast Cancer and Betty Ford

2006-12-30T00:03:00.000Z

From another US site "About Breast Cancer", there's this article about Betty Ford...........

Thanks Again, Betty Ford

President and Mrs. Ford read a petition, signed by all 100 members of the United States Senate, in the President's Suite at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD, following the First Lady’s breast cancer surgery. 10-2-1974 White House Photograph Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library, David Hume Kennerly

As our nation remembers former President Gerald Ford, who passed away just after Christmas, we also recall former First Lady Betty Ford, who survives him. Mrs. Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer during Ford's presidency, and she made that news public. In doing so, Betty Ford broke the silence barrier that had cloaked breast cancer, and opened the door to public discussion of the disease and it's prevention and treatment. "I think I was born to be outspoken," she said. "Hopefully, it's been to the benefit of others." Our sincere condolences to the Ford family, with thanks for their teamwork and public service.

Breast Cancer Survivor

2006-12-29T23:55:00.000Z

Just came across this US site.

Breast Cancer Victory - what an inspirational name for a Blog.

Top Tips for 2007

2006-12-29T18:45:00.000Z

Over at the other place, I've done a meme regarding 2007 and what we might expect. Here, I have one main target - and that's to finish the Trek safely and in one piece!

Top tip - don't try and outrun a cheetah.

The sun is out and a tip to relieve winter gloom

2006-12-28T12:19:00.000Z

So the sun is out. I think it's the first time in about a week. Certainly raises any winter gloom that's hanging around.

Time for a stiff walk me thinks.

The daily training continues.

Now if I was giving a pound for every mile I've walked in preparation for my Breast Cancer Campaign Trek................................................................

Back in training tomorrow

2006-12-25T19:46:00.000Z

Before I set off for Ramsgate to see the match of the decade, I'll be out at 7am for a Boxing Day jaunt at Kenwood. The training goes on.......................

Football Shirts for Africa

2006-12-23T20:37:00.000Z

A huge thank you to "Angel Bitch" (for donating a Tonbridge shirt) and to Tony T. ( he's the one in the blue hat) for donating a football shirt each. These football shirts, along with others, will be handed out to schoolchildren on my Trek to the Maasai in a couple of months time.

(The pic was taken during today's away fixture at Ashford Town (Middx.)

You will notice that Lord Pay of Sutton-at-Hone and Lord Gary of BarnehursttoBlackfriars appear to be laughing - or was it just the cold?

Giraffe Feeding

2006-12-23T00:18:00.001Z

Something to look forward to

Breast Cancer Facts

2006-12-22T23:12:00.000Z

An article appeared in today's Daily Telegraph highlighting BBC Woman's Hour presenter, Jenni Murray's battle (see previous post) with breast cancer. Here are some of the facts about this disease.

1. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Britain, with over 44,000 new patients being identified each year. The incidence of the disease in British women is increasing by more than one per cent each year.

2. One per cent of those diagnosed are men.

3. About 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in post-menopausal women aged over 50.

4. Around 80 per cent of women survive breast cancer, primarily because of increased breast awareness, earlier screening and improved treatment. Since 1999 it has fallen from being the most common cause of death from cancer to the third most common behind lung cancer and bowel cancer.

5. Breast cancer claims the lives of more than 12,400 people each year. This represents around 17 per cent of female cancer deaths.

6. Being overweight slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, as does regularly drinking more than one unit of alcohol per day.

7. Having children at under age 30 lowers the risk of breast cancer.

8. Breast-feeding helps protect against the disease, and the longer a woman breast-feeds her children the more she lowers her risk.

9. Starting periods at a younger than average age (under 12) or having a late menopause (after 55) increases the risk of breast cancer.

10. The biggest risk factor is age. The older a woman is, the higher the risk of her suffering the disease. The risk up to age 25 is one in 15,000; up to 40 one in 200; up to 60 one in 23; up to 80 one in 11.

11. Women age 50-69 have a better prognosis than ever, with 72 per cent likely to survive at least 20 years.

cough's gone but it's still foggy...................

2006-12-21T16:35:00.000Z

"A foggy day in London Town", as the song goes.........received a note from one of my fellow Trekees today. Looks like I'll be doing 12 miles in Epping Forest next week.

BBC Radio 4's Jenni Murray has breast cancer

2006-12-21T11:45:00.001Z

Veteran radio presenter Jeni Murray has revealed that she has breast cancer according to the BBC website.

.....and now it's foggy

2006-12-21T01:57:00.000Z

as well as being freezing!

Sore throat

2006-12-20T11:46:00.000Z

Always happens when you least need it or expect it. I'm not going to allow a minor ailment to interrupt the gym later today! The training must go on.

Devil's Kitchen

2006-12-20T01:57:00.000Z

Has now linked to me at the Other Blog. A fiesty chap is our Devil you know!

Dr Crippen's excellent site

2006-12-19T23:35:00.000Z

Is now linked here. A great resource for those who are a little cynical about the NHS.