The Cancer Blog

The information on this US blog is comprehensive and there's a special section on Breast Cancer .

The dropping temperature

So winter is uopn us. Ant the thought of trudging around Hampstead Garden Suburb at 6 in the morning doesn't exactly fell me with glee. More intrepidation.

Still. I must prepare for the Trek and keep busy elsewhere.

Top Tips for Sports broadcasting on Radio (3)

How many times have you tuned in to a football or cricket match and it takes an age for the commentator to tell you the score?

How many times have you gone to the internet because you can't get the score because of the above?

If you are commentating, ensure that you tell the score every 2 minutes or so. Otherwise, people will just switch off

Make hay while the sun shines..........

another glorious winter's day. Time for that 7 mile walk.

Regents Park awaits.......or perhaps I'll make it as far as Regents Street; Christmas decorations an' all that stuff. Besides, I need to do a little shopping.

Just seen something about working from home. Get paid read e-mails. Must check that out.

Just 2 months to go to the Trek.

I shall be flying out to Nairobi on February 16th. There's still much training to do - not a moment to waste. See ya later!

Blogrankings

One of the ways to get more traffic to your site or blog is by way of the various aggregators. Blogrankings seem good and there's now a link to them from here.

Adam from Margate

I've just added his Blog

...on my other site - Weebl something

Get the Body you want

Says the advert. If you excuse the North American sales pitch style, there are some interesting tips if you sign up here.

Exercising is all very well but nutrition is key.

I wonder whether Eastcliffe Richard is a keep fit sort of bloke, or is he a couch potato? Perhaps a bit like Pillage Idiot?

Top Tips for Sports Success

1. Don't sell your football ground to developers!

otherwise, this could happen (as posted by the Spine)

Thanet Blog List

The Thanet Blog List has just been updated. Looks terrific.

Sleep is important..................

..........particuarly if you're working hard and have a tough training schedule. I can't seem to get any!

So much for my Top Tips for Sporting Success!

Top Tips for Sports success - Weight loss

Perhaps unwisely, I 've set a target of losing 1/2 a stone before February 16th. On the face of it, it doesn't seem too difficult! I mean come on, that's less than one pound a week - no problem.


The punishing training schedule is very firmly under way. The Masaai awaits.

The Guildhall tonight

Had the privelege of attending, with a friend, the Annual Banquet of the Guild of Freeman of the City of London .

The event took place at the Guildhall with around 600 people in attendance. One of the speeches was made by former BBC broadcaster and presenter, Sir John Tusa.

The evening was great fun and I hooked up again with one or two new friends. Great company, great food and I look forward to the next Guild "bash".

Top Tips for Sports Success

Following on from the theme below, what about sports success?

Well, how about this for starters..............

1. Exercise reguarly.

2. Get a good nights sleep.

3. Eat sensibly

4. Know your limits.

Top Tips for Sports Broadcasting on Radio (2)

Earlier I mentioned that having a great voice for radio is important. Well, there are many great radio voices out there. The best "voices" are those that talk with variety, enthusiasm and clarity.

More information can be found at the British Voice Association - BVA

Top Tips for Sports Broadcasting on Radio

As mentioned below, so I've decided to reproduce the two articles here....

Earlier today (Saturday, December 9th), I paid a visit to Sussex. No BBC TV haven't moved from London W12. Just my latest outing for BBC Radio Kent earlier today. Not Gillingham FC but Margate FC who were playing at Horsham.

Sports presenting on radio, as many of you know, is one of my great passions. It's fun and particuarly great when your broadcasting about your own team! It may sound easy but let me assure you that to be reasonably good at it, you'll need these qualities and characteristics:

The ability to write scripts under pressure.

Prepare in good time - and get there in good time!

Research the match you're covering.

Understand what's at stake.

Listen to and carry out instructions from your producer/anchor/editor.

Ensure all technical equipment is in good working order.

Understand the laws of libel, and how they relate to journalists.

Be tactful

Don't engage in polemical arguments.

Have a great "radio voice"


........and that's just for starters


BTW, for those of you who are wondering what the score was, then pay a visit here.

Zara Phillips

What an amazing result at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award last night.

It was also good to see many of our familiar BBC commentators, sports presenters and sporting heros all under one roof. Well done to the BBC for yet another great sporting spectacle.

....and talking of sport, my Top Tips for Sports Broadcasting on Radio posts on my other blog, appears to have gone down well with a few of you.

Margate today

A fleeting visit to see Lord Neville of Margate. Before doing so, I took my lovely niece down to Foreness Bay. You know there's something so refreshing about an English seaside resort in December. It's called the temperature! Although one was blessed with some excellent winter sunshine, the cold curtailed our visit to one of my childhood playgrounds.

Undeterred by this calamity, His Lordship was collected and transported via the seafront at Grenham Bay , Birchington and onwards to the Minnis Bay Restaurant. The fabulous threesome eat their way through a pleasant Sunday lunch before taking in the sites of the wonderful Isle of Thanet.

It was so clear today that one could easily make out La France. The huge cliffs at Cap Gris Nez are easily viewed when atmospheric conditions allow. Apart from being in a plane over Manston aerodrome, or Kent International Airport as it's now known, the "best" place to see France is abive the port at Ramsgate. Yes, Ramsgate, home to Eascliffe Richard, Frannie Oapen, Ramsgate Tourettes and other well know personages of the East Kent Blogosphere.
(Iain Dale is from West Kent).

Having survived "Chav Central", our route took us through Westwood Cross.
(This absurd "out-of-town" shopping centre has decimated the High Streets of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate in one very foul swoop).

Upon our return to Westgate-on-Sea, tea was taken before the long-haul back to the centre of the universe.

What's this got to do with my training schedule. Not a lot. But families should always come first.

Another Blog added - Nourishing Obscurity

Just added James Highams excellent Blog to the links list. Loads of stuff on it.

No probs here....

Had to get my Visa sorted for Tanzania yesterday morning. No queueing for hours on end. Helpful staff.

Well done to all those at Stratford Place.

The Trek awaits.

Come on Simon!

Simon Moore's Zentelligence has been quiet of late. Is he bored with the Blogosphere?

Strenous exercises

Costas put me through my paces this morning. Various stretches, lunges and vigourous exercises all designed to assist with the Trek which is in less than three months time.

Sometimes I think about my sister. She's probably looking down and laughing to herself at all the preparation I'm doing for February's adventure.

Gym Membership

........has been taken out at a place 80' off the ground in East Finchley. Now that's got you all thinking hasn't it!

Still a fair bit of preparation to do, so I'll be down there 3 times a week and that's excluding the walking.

Have also added the very lovely Frances Oapen from Ramsgate to the Blog Links. A fiesty young woman, whose looking for a fit bloke with a Beemer! Her Blog is called FRANORAMA.

Fundraising update

Now nearing the £2500.00 mark. Thanks to all of you who have very kindly donated.

My work for BCC continues. I'll be making a speech at a local secondary school in a couple of weeks time. Raising awareness is so important.

(The photo is courtesy of Lisa Shalet Photography)

Annual medical check - up

Mine was on Monday. Prognosis - should last the weekend!

Seriously, when was the last time you had your cholestorol levels/bp/eyes/feet checked?

Ten things I wouldn't do

Having been tagged by Ellee Seymour , I've listed below my "ten things" I wouldn't do.

1. Kill someone intentionally

2. Vote for the EU

3. Visit Syria

4. Become unfit

5. Lose my sense of humour

6. Smoke reguarly

7. Hit a woman

8. Never say “no comment”

9. Give up massages

10. Stop learning

Ollie

View from the Coffin End

Eastcliffe Richard

Francis Oapen

Dane Valley Ted

Thanet Life

Ramsgate Tourettes

The Angina Monologues

Nethercourt Notes

Sashinka

"Abbo from the hafway line"

Nayim, Real Zaragoza - Paris, 1995
Ronaldinho, Brazil - Japan, 2002
Phil Collins, Margate - Hereford, 2003
Paul Abbott, Margate - Tonbridge, 2006

Margate's second and winning goal yesterday afternoon was a bit special. Just after conceding the Tonbridge equalizer, Paul Abbott, the Margate midfielder, swung at the ball from about 50 yards out. The ball ballooned high into the air, swerved in the blustery conditions and found its way into the back of the net. The unfortunate Tonbridge goalie, Aaron Kerr (perhaps he should have been called Wayne) looked a right plum as he grovelled in the mud as the travelling Margate fans celebrated with delight.

Margate FC is now firmly on top of the Ryman Premier League. Conference football awaits.

The picture above shows a some of the younger travelling support.

Big Drip

Didn't listen to the weather report last night. Boy, did it bucket doen this morning along Aylmer Road at 7.00am. Luckily, I was wearing the correct apparel. Can't do a training session with out the right gear can you!

The Other Blog

This Blog will continue in existence until July next year. At that point, all monies raised for my Trek should be in.

The Other Blog will also continue, well as long as the Blogosphere Police allow me do to so, but I intend to make changes to my website which will involve regular updates.

New gym nearby

Will be checking out a new gym/fitness clinic in a day or two. It appears that one can join for a month at a time.

Now that would be very useful for the 2 and a half months I have left before the Trek!

Perhaps I can persuade the lovely Ellee Seymour to pop down for an afternoon on the treadmill!

Keeping active

Much of today was spent with Lord S. of Rickmansworth and his heir. The spritely 6 year-old showed us his footballing skills this morning, then after lunch, at home, run rings around me in the back garden.

Not to be outdone, yours truly rolled back the years and after 30 or so minutes of tackling, shooting, dribbling and doing "keepy uppey", one felt a great sense of achievement. So today's aerobic exercise has set me up nicely for the trek in Oxfordshire. Mind you rain is forecast. Am I bovvered?

Ferenc Puskas

The 79 year-old Hungarian forward who tormented England in 1953 has passed away. He scored 83 goals in 84 appearances for the Magyars.

Quite possibly the best striker the world has ever seen.

IMO, England still hasn't learnt from that drubbing at Wembley over 50 years ago. Our football is still all gung-ho and no finesse.

Orthotics

Two pairs have been purchased recently and they really do make a difference. Any knee problems I may have had recently have just evaporated! The training schedule is going to plan without any great hiccups.

Tomorrow morning, I shall taking the usual stroll up to Hampstead Heath and back again. Then there's a bit of gym work and on Sunday morning I'm off to Oxfordshire.

Here are the details..........

Walk: 7 mile circular walk, Marsh Baldon to Clifton Hampden, Oxfordshire. Could be fairly muddy, so bring spare shoes for travelling.

Lunch: Optional Pub Lunch (or bring your own sandwiches) or Pub at end of walk.

Walk Start Point, Grid Reference: Map Explorer 170, GR 562992. Walk starts at 11.30am. Parking at start of walk is either by St Peter's church or 200 yards further on at village green at Marsh Baldon, by Seven Stars pub.

If you want to come with, then meet me at Mill Hill Thameslink Station at 9.50am on Sunday.

I'm rather hoping that that well known plodder of the Fenlands, Ellee Seymour, will accompany me on a future occasion!

Made it

From London N2 to the Cenotaph in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. OK , so most of it was downhill. The return leg took about the same time.

Details of events can be seen on the BBC this evening and on my other Blog a little later!

Cenotaph

Looking at walking to the Cenotaph in time for the march-past tomorrow morning!

Should take me around 2 1/2 hours to cover the distance.

Another week, another hectic training schedule.......

just got back from a day in Burnley. Yes, Burnley the centre of the universe it is not, but a day out doing various pieces to camera with a promise of more work. Loads of scripts and not too many takes! So the only exercise I managed to do was walking up-and-down the corridor in the "Pendolino" Virgin train.

Still, no matter, yours truly will be back on track tomorrow morning. Think I'll check out the pools at Hampstead Heath. Should I go for a cold dip at 7 tomorrow morning?

Go on what's it worth?

Inoculations - are they a rip-off?

Just before the Christmas break, I'll have my various inoculations in preparations for the "Trek". The organisers of the event suggest Yellow Fever, malaria, rabies, Hepatitus A & B and a couple of others.

My GP's surgery intend to charge me about 50 quid. Is this reasonable?

Should Breast Cancer Campaign pay?

What do you think?

Post a comment here or at the other Blog

That East Finchley Monthly Paper, The Archer

"ordinary" press releases sometimes get published.

Needless to say, I'm pleased with getting in to this months edition. See other Blog

London 2 Brighton Run

Think I'll take Dad to view some of the cars (some are even older than him.). They're at Regent Street today, before leaving from Hyde Park tomorrow morning.

"Effing nippy, innit"

......said the bloke in the newsagents this morning. He was about to make a purchase of 20 Rothmans and a copy of the Sun. " Well, what do you expect - after all it's November in England" said I jokingly. "Spoze your right" he gruffed angrily.

What a miserable bugger. Some of us, of course, had been up since 5.30am and had done a 3 mile walk. Do we complain? Never.

The only mild disappointment was being met at 6.51am by a security guard. Mr "Jobsworth" explained that the Kenwood Estate and Hampstead Heath weren't "open" until 7am. I pointed out that one can stroll on to the Heath elsewhere at any time. But of course, he wasn't having any of it.

Getting there - Maasai Mara awaits............

Well the £2000.00 mark has been reached! Just another £1500.00 to go by next July. Should do that easily.

You know, I feel as though I've crossed a threshold of fitness and general well-being in the past few days. I suppose you could say it's been a cathartic experience - I'm sure I'll easily cope with the rigours of the Maasai Mara next February. But I musn't get complacent about my training schedule - in fact I'll be popping out for a brisk evening walk in the dark. Must be mad!

One of the beauties of trudging around the district is it gives one thinking time. With a speech to write and audtions for corporate presenting coming up, walking is great preparation time.

No reaction of course!

Obviously I'm fitter than I give myself credit for. Details of yesterdays plod thru' Norf Kent is here.

Kent later today

This'll be the first of the "major" hikes I'll be doing in the run up to my Maasai Mara Trek in February. It'll be interesting to see what reaction I get on Tuesday morning.

My mind sometimes goes back to those weeks and months of preparation before my one and only London Marathon in 1991. On the day after a half-marathon(I did four from memory) I could hardly walk! Still not bad for someone who was a bit of a lounge lizard in those days.

Has anything changed?

Well - did you?

Alter your time-pieces.

Lovely weather today. Hampstead Heath awaits.

Wear it Pink

Today, October 27th, 2006 is "Wear it Pink" Day Details can be found from the link and at Breast Cancer Campaign's website.

Breast cancer, as you all probably know, is diagnosed in 41000 women each year in the UK. A thought to ponder when your out watching football or playing golf this weekend.

Watch the clock

I've already mentioned the loss of BST this weekend on the other Blog. This will not make an iota of difference to me. There will not be thecompulsory extra hour in bed as yours truly will be up and about marching somewhere in the North London area.

I think my perambulations will take me to Highgate Woods then across into Hampstead Lane in order to finish up in the Spaniards just by Hampstead Heath. What better way to finish off one's weekend training schedule!

On Monday, I'll be visiting friends in Kent. A 10-mile trek has been organised and apparently, they've been busy doing some fund-raising for me.

Tomorrow

Will be spent training in the morning at Hampstead Heath, followed by football in the afternoon. That's watching not participating. A certain well-known Kent club is playing in an East London suburb.

Should I video tomorrow's events for braodcasting on YouTube?

Eat the right foods

A proper balanced daily diet of all the "right-stuff" is important. It's even more important when you have a physical challenge that awaits!

One of my dear friends suggested I ought to take the occasional slice of caramalized ginger. "It's very good for you" she said enthusiastically. That and apple cider vinegar.

What's your opinion on alternative foods?

Back on track

It's good to have recovered and back on track, albeit only 90% from the dreaded lurgi.

IMHO, I think I picked up this virus thingy on the Paris Metro. No doubt some Johnny Francois (or even a Marianne) had been suffering from something similar and luckily, there were no problems in Manchester this last weekend. My friends, Nicola & Michael ( above) ensured that I'd be too merry to worry about being under the weather.

and what's worse

is that I've come down with some flu virus. Felt awful today.

Must have caught something whilst being cooped up in that TGV from Paris to Bordeaux last Friday. Still, one must struggle on. And I have to say, that the Jewish penicillin taken at Bloom's in Golders Green a little earlier appears to be doing the trick.

The weather

Always difficult to get up at 6 on a rainy morning!

99 kilometres

Just one short of Pierre's magic 100 km figure.

Pierre, as you may have gathered, was on duty at the Budget Car Rental office in Bordeaux. A dour and sullen character - the highlight of his miserable Saturday, would have been charging Paul and I, the additional 17 Euros (or whatever they use for money in France nowadays) should one be so silly to go over the 99 kilometres mark in a single day.

Pierre was aghast when he took the odometer reading from the black Renault Clio and his moment of expectation lapsed into deep depression. Poor chap - I did feel so sorry for him, for he was totally unaware of the shenanigans over the preceeding mintues. Having punched the air with delight in finding a filling station (so one wont incur a hefty charge for bringing one's car back a little empty of juice), I noticed with horror, that this "station automatique" didn't take UK credit/debit cards, nor cash! Panic ensued but a couple of left turns later, another station was found and this time it was "manned" so we were able to fill up.

For more details on the Bordeaux trip check out the other Blog

Bordeaux

Tomorrow, I 'm going to have break from the tiresome routine of training, working , training...............Herr Slagelian is coming round at 5.25am. We will then be whisked by taxi to Waterloo International where our international travels begin. For the intrepid two will be visiting Bordeaux par train.

Fifi Labeau awaits

Blogger problems

Typical. The nice people at Blogger have been driving me mad to change to something called Blogger Beta. It's a new version of Blogger,so I make the transfer. What happens, only this Blog makes it through the Blogger system, (owned by Google).

Let's see if months of Blogging can be restored to my part of cyberspace.

To Regents Park and back............

The mileage is increasing. Tomorrow morning, one shall endeavour to reach London NW1 and return safely.

Autumn Leaves

My very good friend and neighbour, Dexter Moseley, does a great rendition of this classic jazz song - but that's not the point! Those autumn leaves are about to fall, and have you noticed it's getting a bit nippy. This morning we've had rain and wind in North London, very annoying when one is supposed to power walk one's way to fitness! However, I shall march on (sorry for the awful pun).

Presently, I'm updating my Blog and Web favourites. If you're into networking and making your life work have a look at Will Kintish's Blog and the one by Jim Ewan. His strapline is the excellent "Do the stuff that works"

Thanks to JPO for his donation*. If you need good I.T. support contact him here.



* Getting close to the £2000.00 mark - check out my Trek Site. The link is on the right-hand side of this Blog.

Tragedy in the Maasai

Patrick Smith, a man in his 30's and on his honeymoon, was killed by an attacking elephant in the Maasai over the weekend.

Under normal circumstances its very unusual for an elephant to attack human beings. Needless to say, certain family members are concerned about my forthcoming trek.

There'll be no second second tragedy in the Maasai next February.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Campaign's highlight will be "Wear it Pink " .

This year it will be held on Friday, October 27th.

For more details go to the BCC website. You can link to it from this Blog.

From Margate to Whitstable and back again

On my other Blog I've written a report about MFC's exciting FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match against Whitstable yesterday.

My day started early and badly ( a traffic hold-up on the North Circular Road at Ilford). Despite this, I managed to collect Lord Pay of Sutton-at-Hone (nr Dartford) before continuing our journey to collect my father from Westgate-on-Sea . Lunch, consisting of Marks & Spencer (Temple Fortune) sandwiches/rolls and wonderful trifles, was taken at around 12.30pm. Then we three, with a combined age of nearly 200 (Many of which supporting Margate FC) ventured back down the Thanet Way ( or Chav Crescent according to a local journalist ) to see Margate win at tiny Whitstable FC.

So from Margate to Whitstable and back again. But the day wasn't finished there - no not a bit of it. September 30th, saw the culmination of the "Margate Exodus" and with it the burning at Dreamland of the Antony Gormley structure - now that was a site to behold! Luckily, the three of us where in the right place at the right time to see it burn to the ground.

Above is a picture of my father enjoying a hearty evening meal of Haddock & Chips and to the right, yours truly, gesticulating with a "Turner" sunset behind me.

What's this got to do with my Trek training? Well nothing, as it's important to realise that there is a life outside fund-raising.

The Bishops Avenue - Part 2

With a few more early morning walks under my belt, it's becoming less of an effort to navigate this magnificent North London thoroughfare.

The Bishops Avenue is now conquered!

Darren Clarke

What a guy Darren Clarke is. Coming back from a personal tragedy to assist the European team is claiming a 5-3 leading margin in todays Ryder Cup.

Quite rightly, the Ulsterman was given a hero's welcome on the 18th green in the morning foursomes, when he and Lee Westwood beat the US pairing of Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco.

Can the European team hold on to their advantage tomorrow?

Richard Hammond

Let's hope Richard Hammond pulls through following the horrific accident in Yorkshire yesterday.

He's always struck me as someone who just loves doing his job. A lesson for all of us to take on board. If you love what you do, you're made.

The Bishops Avenue

Yestarday's training in the September sunshine ( the experts said we wouldn't have another Indian Summer this year) took me along The Bishops Avenue.

What amazes me are those sad individuals who drive slowly to gawk at the various dwellings along this well-renowned thoroughfare.

Get a life!!!!

Pleased with the response

The total raised so far, now stands at over £1100 and I'm aware of another £500.00 which is on it's way.

Keep it coming!

Concerned relatives

I've just spent an hour or so with my niece,* Emma. She's very concerned about my preparation. So, she's brought over a yearly planner and has entered my schedule for the next month or so.

We agreed on one thing - that Gyms are not the place to train for a long distance walk. Some years ago, I injured a leg muscle on one of those Leg Press machines, then promptly strained my neck trying to be "Mr Universe" weeks later. And, you have to pay the privilege of £500 a year!!!

One is much better off doing some yoga, cycling or swimming and if you have to go to a gym, the walking machine - but take it easy!



* Emma is the one next to my Dad

£1000 barrier reached

Donations over the past few days has meant that I'm well on the way to achieving my fund-raising total of £3500.

Within the next week or two, there'll be some more publicity about next years trek....

A "normal" Saturday

Taking it easy today. A couple of hours training, watching football and later, a relaxing evening.

It's been quite a week. The highlights - having an interesting chat with Frank McKintock at a well known North London golf club ( the Society day was partly organised by Robert Green ) and yesterday had, in the sunshine, an excellent lunch with some colleagues at Queens Club.

The longest drive.................

starts with a 90 mile drive!

Day off today, yet no respite from the training.

Instead of the daily trudgery of walking a l'East Finchley, one played a reasonable round of golf at the Westgate and Birchington links. My opponent, Geoff P. remarked on my improved performance. All the more remarkable as I hadn't picked up a club since May! Not a million miles away from a hole-in-one at the 17th - an excellent day's outing to the seaside.

Lunch was taken at the "Minnis Bay" with my father, who spent most of the time reminiscing about his war-time exploits in Burma.

Over £800

My target of £3500.00 by next July is looking a little closer.

An unexpected testimonial

After speaking to a friend today, whose also involved in raising funds for BCC, my mobile rang again. It was my friend's friend. She didn't realise that I was involved with BCC. The gratitude that streamed down the phone over the next few minutes was, to say the least, unexpected.
Sometimes in life we never know how our words and deeds inspire others. This person is a breast cancer sufferer and her kind words made me feel a little humble, mindful of the needs of others, yet more determined to meet my fund-raising goal.

On the Kent Coast today

A stunning 5-1 victory at Folkestone today. Championship form from MFC.

Bank Holiday Exercise

4 miles over Hampstead Heath this morning. That's walking, not cycling or driving!

The weather just north of the Thames wasn't quite as nice as Nice last week but what do you expect!

The Heath awaits......................

Not Ted, but those 800 acres just around the corner from me - Hampstead Heath. In a few months time, I'll know every nook and crannie. Part of my preparation for the Trek will be a daily strolling session. Where better than around London's lung!

After a short break..............

in France, it's back to the daily grind of walking, walking and walking!






Breast Cancer Campaign

How to donate on-line

Please go to my fund-raising website

Should you have any difficulty in donating there's a special number you can call.







Breast Cancer Campaign

Arrangements, arrangements!

Received a call today from the organisers of the Trek. "The dates are likely to change" I was told - luckily, only by a few days.

Phew!

Heather Clarke.................

................wife of top golf star, Darren, passed away yesterday from secondary breast cancer which was diagnosed two years ago.

On Darren Clarke's website he pays tribute to his wife who encouraged him to continue to play on. He quit the sport just three weeks ago, following the Open, but will compete again in the future.

A reminder to us that this disease knows no boundaries.




Breast Cancer Campaign

A difficult anniversary

Tomorrow, August 14th, 2006 will be the 18th anniversary of my sister's passing. "Where have the years gone" is a cliche that's so well-worn and yet it's so true.

As I say in my talks at Breast Cancer Campaign fund-raising events, one shouldn't mention loss. Perhaps gratitude for the years that a loved one was around would be more appropriate.

Tomorrow, I'll start the training, in earnest, for next years' trek.

Breast Cancer Campaign

I've been involved with Breast Cancer Campaign for over two years now and have been fortunate to have spoken on a number of occasions for this wonderful charity.

As you will see from my special fund-raising website I'll be trekking in the Maasai Mara next February. This will take me on to another of supporting this wonderful charity.

In April, I had the privilege, once again, to speak at a BCC fund-raising fashion show run by Julianne Finucane. There were more than 100 in attendance at a Surrey golf club, mostly women of course but a surprising number of men too.

What I liked about this event, is that I spoke to quite a few people, and they rattled off various anecdotes and tales about friends and relatives who've battled with this terrible disease but they've survived and are living life to the full.

The training now begins!!

So the trek is now just a few months away. The charity website is up, money is starting to roll in and the PR will start very soon. What's left? Training. This'll involve hours of CV workouts each week and bucket loads of walking.

I'll let you know how I'm geting on in a few days time.