Wednesday, September 16, 2009
No More Posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Welcome
Friday, August 15, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Reunion Tonight
Will be meeting up with the Tanzania gang at a London restaurant a little later.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Exactly a year ago today
Seems like yesterday I was at Heathrow meeting up with the gang to go to Tanzania.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Kilimanjaro
Not much time for trekking in 2008, I'll be too busy with other matters but in 2009, who knows?
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
This Blog
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
Saturday, July 21, 2007
10 miles over the Chilterns
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
July 31st
Thanks once again to all those who have contributed.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
No blogging here until next week because
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Speaking about Breast Cancer
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.
Monday, May 14, 2007
BCC at the House of Lords
I'm pictured here with Laura Stowe from Breast Cancer Campaign
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Social Networks
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.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Trek given more publicity.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Red meat link to higher risk of breast cancer
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)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Fundraising
Needless to say, I'll be pushing the cause here, here and no doubt here in the forthcoming few weeks.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Trek Speech
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.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Guest Blogger
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.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Maasai Dancing
This video shows Maasai dancing. Similar to the rituals we saw in Tanzania last month.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Bishops Avenue
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Photo time again
Thanks to Just Giving
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.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Elephant at Ngorongoro Crater
Monday, March 12, 2007
Maasai dancers
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Ostrich Pic
More pics available to view at my Flickr account. Go to the Flickr widget on the right-hand side.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Maasai Dancers
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!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Some photos from the trip
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
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Maasai to Heathrow and recovery....................
What an amazing few days it's been. More to follow..........................
Thursday, February 15, 2007
So, nearly time to go....
We'll see...............
See you all at the end of February.
Monday, February 12, 2007
A thank you to Sicily
I've posted it at CP
Many thanks
Sunday, February 11, 2007
This morning
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.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
No outdoor training today
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Still suffering
Monday, February 05, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Another bloody sore throat for God's sake.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Two weeks to go
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
Better start imbibing some H2O in large quantities!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
3 miles today
Sunday, January 28, 2007
10 miles on a Sunday
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?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Trek Kit List
A sleeping bag, rucksack, malaria tablets, water purifying tablets, wide brimmed hat.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
A postive approach to life
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.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Heart & Lung "M.O.T". this morning.................
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?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A new admirer in the Blogosphere
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
£1000 raised
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.
Monday, January 15, 2007
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
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Sunny delight
It was great to get out into the sun for a change.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Total now stands at £3100
Breast Cancer Campaign Talk
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
£1000.00 for Breast Cancer Campaign
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.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Over £300.00 this week alone
A hearty thanks to all.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The latest news.............
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Medical Check-up
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
Something to consider. Please excuse the Americanisms
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Just six weeks to go..............
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Ten steps to a healthy new you
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
Monday, January 01, 2007
Regents Park and Marylebone High Street
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.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Top tips for football training
I'd rather be playing a bit of football than walking everwhere for my training schedule. But needs must.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Housework cuts breast cancer risk
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
Thanks Again, Betty Ford
Friday, December 29, 2006
Top Tips for 2007
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.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The sun is out and a tip to relieve winter gloom
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................................................................
Monday, December 25, 2006
Back in training tomorrow
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.......................
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Football Shirts for Africa
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?
Friday, December 22, 2006
Breast Cancer Facts
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.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
cough's gone but it's still foggy...................
"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
Veteran radio presenter Jeni Murray has revealed that she has breast cancer according to the BBC website.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Sore throat
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.