Dutch Courage

I'd not really given this one a lot of thought, so it may be short.....in the last 24 hours my blog has been viewed by 26 people in Holland?   As far a I can work out, I only know 3 people who are Dutch, or who sound like they could be Dutch. 

Anyway, in recognition of this amazing influx of visitors I thought I would apply a Dutch theme to my blog.  So here it is....

First we have Jan Van Reibeeck, who in 1621 was the founder of Cape Town, South Africa....they've been great explorers, and trend setters in the world, and good old Jan followed a line of famous Dutch seamen who explored the globe while the English were too busy fighting with the French or the Spanish.

And it's not just exploration of the globe that they've been good at.  They grow some of the most exciting house plants too!!

And who can argue that they may have produced, in Johann Cruyff the third greatest footballer in the world.  I can hear the cries of foul already....who are the other two I hear....well, of course there is Pele...probably no argument that he just pips good old Johann to the pinnacle, but what about this other chap?? 

Possibly the greatest world cup goal ever?  You decide....thats what the comment box is for!!  Just follow the link below, sit back & enjoy....(unless you're Dutch of course!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8uchI1g3tM

Beware of expensive immitations...

Ok...that's a bit tenuous ....but I'm very aware that taking on a challenge like Kilimanjaro is an expensive business...since picking up the mantel I've been astonished by just how many sources there are now offering the opportunity of a lifetime....and no doubt...it is the opportunity of a lifetime!!

For every one of these challenges there are overheads to be paid, flight costs, porters, medical support, park fees etc....not to mention the backroom staff, advertising costs, business locations, and marketing that these businesses need to support.   Since the high profile of the sports relief challenge in 2008 the number of climbers on Kilimanjaro has quadrupled, and now around 50,000 people attempt the climb each year. 

Around 70% will be successful, but for everyone there are generally three ways to fund the climb.

•  Minimum Contribution - Raise minimum £3500 Charitable donations, and pay about £499.
•  Mixed Contribution - Raise minimum £2500 Charitable donations, and pay £1000.
•  Self Funding - No Charitable donations necessary, pay around £1750.

There may be a little variation, but the cost of those overheads for all the businesses offering the trip is around £1750 - £2000.  That's why my contribution towards the cost of my event will be £1750.   No ifs, no buts...

I want 100% of the donations

 you make to be used for

the charity of my choice. 

There is no doubt, this is the most exciting, challenging, and daunting thing I've ever set about embarking upon.  Kilimanjaro is 19,340 ft (5895meters) to the Uhuro peak, the journey takes you along around 63kms of treking path, over 7 days, and 5 distinct micro climates.  Typically, the temperature at the bottom will be a tropical 30 degrees, by the time you reach day 5, climbing from 14,500ft to the top, temperatures may fall to -24degrees, and the last 3,000ft is likely to be across a frozen ice cap.   

For me, the value of this experience is priceless, and for sure it is not one which I would want anyone else to pay for.  I have set my heart on completing this, it will provide me with memories that you just cannot replace.  I will share mine, as I have read others....but only by doing it will you really know.. 

So if you have any doubts, that a donation, no matter how small was not going to be used directly to support Autism Concern, then I'm happy to dispel those fears.   No donation is too small...and every penny will be used to support the families, children, schools, support workers across our county.

Autism Concern (part of the the Autism Alliance) provide superb care, and support for thousands of families in Northamptonshire.   Climbing Kilimanjaro is beyond a value....donating just a few pounds can change lives.  You can be sure 100% of it will be donated to the Charity, and 0% to the organising company for my challenge. 

Thank you everyone who has donated, and to those still thinking..... well...I hope I've helped you reach a decision.  £1 or £100...invaluable, thank you :-)

Autumn Leaves

  

I love this time of year...for just a few weeks the world develops the most fantastic colour, of reds, and oranges, purples, and yellow....what was once shades of green is now a cacophony of colour.  

Preparing for the ascent of one of the world's magnificent mountains is probably not helped by a few miles around the Batsford Arboretum, but it was such a magnificent day, and the colour so vivid, who wouldn't enjoy the walk here?  

After several weekend of walking up hills, some higher than others, it's been a time to relax a bit recently, and to enjoy some of our Northamptonshire countryside with the kids. 

My fundraising has been going well so far, and this week, I passed the £2000 mark which is fantastic, thank you to everyone who has donated so far.  Something else that's been going well so far is my relationship with Mr Wii.....yes...it's been a while since I mentioned him, but this week I also went past another milestone, which is 12'7lbs.  So far, I've lost 20lbs (about 9kgs) since the start of August, and I'm feeling better, and fitter than I have in a long time.  

There is a long way to go of course, but I think my preparation is coming on.  Mr Wii will see a lot more of me for the next few months. I'm running in the 10k at Castle Coombe in November, and of course the Wicksteed Half marathon on New Years Day.  

In the mean time, I hope the weather stays fine, and I can enjoy a few more walks through the rainbow world, that is Autumn.  Thanks again to everyone who has sponsored me so far.  If you would like to contribute, please visit my fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/graham-kennedy1 

Collingtree Golf Day....

It seems like ages in the planning, but finally today I was able to host my golf day.   The weather was really kind, and the course at Collingtree Park was in excellent condition.   I have to confess that I never troubled the scorer much....I think 4 years without a game, and possibly only 10 times in the previous 2 years before that was a bit too much of a break....and no!  It's not like riding a bike...actually, it strikes me that golf is a game which needs practice. 

Anyway, who cares about the result...I did manage 3 shots in a row, which not only went straight, but also finished just 8 feet or so from the hole, and in rolled the putt for a birdie :-)) 

Golf has always been a game where the bad shots are easy to forget, and the good ones get exaggerated for weeks. 

Congratulations to my winner David Wright, who put everyone in the shade with a great score, and walked off chuffed with his £100 worth of Silverstone Vouchers.   Second prize courtesy of Ernie Els, and third prize was a signed book from Golf Commentary legend Peter Alliss.  

Huge thanks to everyone who played, and donated so generously.  Thanks also to Autism Concern trustee Bryan Dunne for his help.

Life....According to Sam

The quickest way to get ready for work is to go to bed in your work clothes

Are you going to work Graham?

Yes, Sam

Oh good, that means I can be naughty when you're gone

Sam...at the Supermarket till....Jessica, don't be naughty or you will get a sore bottom so you can't sit down for a week.

I can't do my homework, I lose concentration

You should join my cooking club Graham if you're hungry

Why don't you give my dinner to the dog and make me Cheese on Toast instead?

Spellings; Cross....Like Jesus died on the cross? 

Yes Sam...

Ok, I'm going to write crab again

Kids television does not finish at 7 o'clock, I've watched it when you're out the room.

'Mum your really hard work', !!!!!!!!!!

The only people who can stroke Charlie are you, my mum, my teacher, or the tooth fairy.  I can stroke Murphy

It's hard to argue :-)

A Little reminder of why I'm doing this

So, it's a video not made by Autism Concern, but the message is very clear. People with autism struggle every day of their life to fit in, and to have the acceptance that we take for granted. Charities like Autism Concern make this just a little easier.



Liz & Sam after a huge Zip Wire

 Please sponsor me. I've dedicated 8 months to raising awareness, and raising some money for our local Autism charity, helping local people, with genuine hardship.

At the end of it all, I will have the satisfaction of knowing that my mountain has been climbed. For some people, climbing the mountain never stops. Please help. Use my link to sponsor me.

Thank you.

www.justgiving.com/graham-kennedy1

My Perfect Day....

WOW, if there is a god, then he has visited Scotland this weekend.  Two months ago, when I was planning my strategy to prepare for Kilimanjaro, I had planned to climb Ben Nevis yesterday.  As luck goes...I think I just ate the lucky tree!!   I am almost unable to describe to you just what a fantastic day we had.  The west of Scotland enjoyed the most amazing Indian summer, with temperatures reaching up to 20c and wind speeds of next to nothing.

This is a part of the country that has long been a favourite of mine since, as a 19 year old I cycled down the length of Scotland's great lochs, but I can honestly say that she has never looked more beautiful.   This is gold, silver and bronze,  purple heather, endless hills of rainbow shades. Cold rock, and warm colour against the bluest sky I have ever seen.  Reflections from the clearest lochs only add to the wonder, like mirrors exaggerating the colour and magnifying the beauty here.  This really was the most fantastic day, and one which will long live in the memory. 

At 4,409ft Ben Nevis is the highest point the in British Isles, and there is no doubt, this was a great walk, and great preparation.  The scree top, like walking in a sand dune is hard work, and unlike the miner's path up Snowdon, Ben Nevis does not offer you much of an introduction, its steeply into it's stride from the off. 

Forget the hours on the exercise bike, or pacing on the treadmill, there is no substitute for getting hills in your legs as preparation, and if you can do it in brilliant sunshine, with people you love? Well, it just doesn't get any better than this.  Of course, it's a long way to go for a walk...8 hours either way, it's been a hell of a weekend, but of walking a few miles around the flat midlands is one thing, trying to replicate a daily elevation of 4000 feet quite another.  Legs feeling great this morning, so I'm feeling good about how my training is going.  Snowdon twice, 22 miles around the Malverns, and countless walks through the Northamptonshire countryside are one thing....this though, was the most fantastic of days.

This was the a great climb, in the most beautiful place.  I have stood at the highest point our home country has to offer in brilliant sunshine, looking down on the few wispy clouds that dared to show their faces.  It's not the height of Kilimanjaro, of course, but this mountain, on a day like today is possibly the most beautiful place on earth.  I loved it, it was my perfect day.  

Whatever the weather....

Come rain or shine, there are two pieces of advice I have been given about climbing Kilimanjaro. 

1. When you get there, be sure to look after your porters and walk slow...this is a marathon, not a sprint!!

2. Before you get there, there's no substitute, you have to get some hills in your legs!!

So today whilst the rain was doing it's best to put the midlands under water, we headed up the Lickey Hills for a stroll through the woods.  Nope,  definitely not the longest walk in the world, and probably not enough to prepare me for much more than the climb up the steps of the plane before we leave, but it was nice to get out in the fresh air with the kids, and of course Charlie, who enjoyed the extra company.  Plenty of volunteers to keep him entertained, and throw imaginary stones for him to chase.

It's been a pretty good week all in all.  My new coat arrived, the best that North Face can offer thanks to Catalyst Logistics who's help will ensure that I stay warm, and dry, even in the -24 degrees temperatures which I can expect by the time I reach Uhuru Peak at 19,340ft on March 24th 2011.   

That was Tuesday, the same day that the Collingtree Park Golf Club agreed to host my golf day on the 21st October, a raffle gift from Nick Faldo turned up and the Northampton Saints stumped up a promise of some match day tickets for a prize too. 

Of course with less than 6 months to go before I leave, the golf will be fun, as will the quiz night that Liz is planning, but it will be walking and exercise that I will be concentrating on most.  Just a week from now I'm off up to Scotland to take in the view from Britains highest peak, a paltry 4409ft, but another 849 more than Snowdon has to offer, and a good practice walk of about 7-8 hours up & back. Short of replicating the altitude this will be a good test for me of how my fitness is coming on.  

And, I'm looking forward to some new company, as William & Helen come along to lend their support, and to bag their own highest peak.  Charlie, unfortunately has to sit this one out!!  The long drive up to Scotland would be too much for him, so maybe another time when I have more than a weekend for the job!

And finally, it's been a few days of amazing coincedence....you'd think that travelling 4,600 miles from home to climb a mountain would be a fairly safe way of getting away from it all....well, not only this week have I been sharing some experiences across the atlantic, ( http://www.climbing4health.com/ ) but even in our own village there is another group climbing for the Daniel Worrall Memorial Trust.  Good luck to you both.... there will be some fabulous experiences to share on the way I'm sure :-)

The Saints Go Marching in.....

...and they did.  Northampton Saints 27 Exeter Chiefs 21. 

We had a great afternoon today.  These guys are huge, and we had front row seats for the game which was brilliant.  More than once the ball came flying towards us as Saints slotted over 3 penalties and a conversion in the first half to take a 16-9 lead.

This may be a game for men with odd shaped balls, but the Saints continued to control it in the second half, adding a further 11 points without reply, before Exeter found their own form and made the last 10 minutes interesting as they scored 2 tries of their own.  Thankfully it was all a bit too late, and we held on to the win.

Quite apart from the game of course, I was excited to see the job that they had done with the programme.  Bloody great actually, and 13,296 people there today to see it!!   Here's hoping just a few are encouraged to donate.  Huge thanks to Chris Wearmouth & Sian Haynes at the Saints for providing me with the coverage. 

Anyway, I think thats quite enough watching other people exercise for now, tomorrow it's back up the hills, and next weekend I have an appointment in Scotland as we head off to the top of Ben Nevis....I'm really looking forward to that one.

The Psychology of Giving.....

It's apparently true that Men who give generously are more likely to have a rewarding sex life.  A fact well demonstrated by the Chimpanzee.  In a study of Chimpanzees it was apparent that those which gave freely, in either food or attention were rewarded with higher status in the group, and sexual favours. 

So, armed with this, I have quickly studied my friends list on FB and I have discovered that I have 67 male friends who are clearly missing out, and only 5 who are living up to their potential?

Now I'm not suggesting that you either;

a - wander over with some fresh fruit, and a hair brush, expecting to check me for nits!

b - wander over with a wicked grin on your face expecting some sexual favours! or

c - wander over with a copy of animal farm, and a video camera!!

It is the art of giving, which on it's own makes you immediately more attractive to a partner, who will see in you someone caring, thoughtful, unselfish...all qualities likely to engage a partner, and persuade them to perform gymnastics in your bushes to ensure that it is their branch you hang on to.

This is easily corrected of course.... click the link, donate a £tenner & watch your sex life blossom as you shake the receipt at your beloved.  www.justgiving.com/graham-kennedy1

Which way is the wind....?

Well, that was the question....Not that it was blowing a gale, it was a beautiful day.  Twice now, I've been to the Malverns and I have to say I'm quite falling in love with them. 

So, anyway, I looked at the Sun....above, but just to my right...so its heading West, the time is about 1:30pm.  The wind is coming over our left shoulder, and I confidently announce it's coming from the North East!....Really?...you got that from checking where the sun was?  I would have checked where the M40 is?

Laugh...absolutely....but I often do that with her.  She is so fantastically daft, and stubborn you have to laugh. 

Of course it's self indulgent, but in this blog I thought I would share another of the very important reasons I have chosen to forgo chocolate, pizza, chinese takeaways, Guinness (you'll like this link :-) )....the list is endless, and instead to punish myself with healthy living, exercise, and HILLS!! 

There is an inspiration in my life who I now have the pleasure of watching daily as she works herself far too hard....she's completely unaware of just how fantastic she is, but I've seen it most with how she deals with Sam....who, by the way can now spell 4 letter words ending in "CK" with some talent, and will be taking his first Judo grading belt in January...this despite his tutor telling her in May that perhaps he would be better doing something different, something easier, something he could manage?...hmm big mistake... of course I'm writing about Liz....and you should get to know her!

If there is one thing I have learned, it is do not, I mean, do NOT tell Liz that there is anything that Sam cannot learn to do for himself.  Independence has many forms, but being able to shower himself, ride to school on his own, go to the corner shop and bring green topped milk are measures of just how far Sam has come.  There are so many people involved in this achievement, not least Sam's SET, but it is Liz who I watch, joyful when Sam spells "sock" correctly, or when he counts the numbers in 10's from 10 to 70.  

When he writes his own name, or reads a new word it's Christmas every day in this house.   Liz is absolutely amazing with all the kids. Stories have to be read, homework HAS to be done, (even if it sometimes takes 2 hours to write 10 words) and above all....Sam will do this, he CAN do this....it is the achievement I think that spurs her on.  Not her's, his!!  

When I first met Liz, Sam was diagnosed as severely autistic, now it's moderate!!  That's her Kilimanjaro right there!  Liz has climbed it, and she continues to climb it!!   That's why I'm climbing it in March 2011. 

Like Liz, Autism Concern dedicate every waking hour to helping children, or adults come to terms with their autism, and help them lead absolutely the best life that they can lead.  Independence comes in many forms, we are all unique, but some are more unique than others.....please sponsor me generously :-)

Ernie....who Els

Sometimes life throws you up the most wonderful surprise.  Ernie Els, twice winner of the US Open Golf Championship (1994 & 1997) ,  Winner of the British Open in 2002 and three times winner of the World Matchplay Championship has offered to support my fundraising with a fantastic donation, which I will be auctioning soon. 

Ernie, known in the game as the Big Easy has been one of the world's greatest golfers for over 20 years.  In 2008 Ernie's own son Ben was diagnosed with Autism, and since that time he has been dedicated to helping with fundraising support for Autism Charities.   Chuffed to bits only begins to describe how I feel.  

I grew up watching Ernie...not the fastest milkman in the west, but the greatest golfer between 1997 & 1998.  Ernie Video  <<<<<  please follow this link

If you want to get ahead, get a head......

My Auction for the weekend tickets at Silverstone, donated by the British Racing Driver's Club was a great success and I'm delighted that they have helped raise £84 towards my target of £3000 for Autism Concern. Hopefully, I will be able to twist the arms of a few more marketing directors to contribute more prizes as the next few months go by.

It's been a busy week and Mr Wii is not happy with me at all, as my training quota for the week has been just a little over nil, unless you can include 10pin bowling, and a drive to Truro & back as exercise.  Still, it could have been worse, I avoided the "so why do you think you put on weight" question, merely standing still at my now fighting weight of 12st 12.  It's very symetrical, so I'm quite pleased with it, but I know that I need to get back in the gym this week. 

Anyway, if you want to get ahead, get a head!!  So I did...courtesy of my talented sister in law.  Now I'm not really sure what to do with it.  Actually there were 5 of them lined up on her kitchen counter, scared the living daylights out of me, and I only went to put the kettle on.   

Check her out she's good !! http://www.helenbutton.com/ 

They're for an exhibition, she says....at least 3 of them were, so I decided I would nick one and try & make a little contribution to my fundraising.    Sceptical, Helen thinks I will never find a home for this.....help me prove her wrong.  If you like it, or if you have some ideas about how it could be used, leave me a comment.  If you want it?  Even better....This is an original art sculpture from the best ceramics artist I know....ok, so a little bias there....but if you want it £50 in my donations pot and it's yours. 1st come 1st served!! 

If you're close enough I'll deliver...if you happen to be the owner of a Moscow Art Gallery?  I'll deliver too :-)

Hey ho....Kilimanjaro still waits...

A Weekend of two halfs....

And so it was, that on Saturday, Liz & I joined a strange cult...it's called Champney's where people wander amongst you in just a brilliant white gown, bare-footed, often, except where health & safety won't allow.  Like rabbits trawling the halls, brilliantly white, with exaggerated tails, letting the lush carpet tickle your feet.  It's not grass, but a blue deep pile, Some choose to just lounge on one of many settees, quietly enjoying the mini heaven.   People whisper, not to be heard, and just occasionally, someone breaks free...dons a new uniform, made of lycra and heads off to another room, where you work!! On treadmills, bikes, step machines, and the biggest beach balls I've ever seen.  It felt earily like a scene from Blade Runner....only without Arnie. 

Anyway, it wasn't long before we were called to our preparation room...."take off the robe, I'm going to smother you in butter" she said...it sounded fair enough, so I complied..Basted like a chicken, and covered in foil, I cooked slowly for 30 minutes, while having my temples felt.

"Did you enjoy that?" said Liz....also removed early from the oven....I did, but I really don't think I'll cook in just 30 minutes, not even in a microwave, and not even though Mr Wii is now reporting I'm 15lbs lighter than I was on July 27th!!

Well, I'm off for some more, and so she went....meanwhile I was called to the labour room.  No...not that labour room fgs??  The HARD labour room, and my carriage awaited....for the second time in my life I "enjoyed" spinning!!  45 minutes like a gerbil on a wheel, only sweating profusely, and trying hard to keep up with my lycra mistress....anyway, I'm still not convinced by spinning, but it did leave me with legs that for 10 minutes were just an imagination...I was walking on jello (oh, a chance to play that clip again, for those of you that missed it)....just click the work jello & all will be clear.

Meanwhile, Liz was being pampered...she had risen up the ranks of the warren, deserving of special status where glamourous fingers would rub enriching gels all over her....phew....so that was Saturday....

Sunday, was a different matter....just a few friends had invited me to come & do some training, while helping them raise some money for Cancer Research...and so it was, that for the 2nd time in a Month I was climbing Snowdon. 

Not that Charlie minded....this time we headed off up the Llanberis path, 9 miles apparently around....4.5 of them are easy...4.5 of them are hell!!   Coming down is hell....it's a loose path, and my knees now feel like that of a 43 year old!!  (Oh?  They are those of a 43 year old?) 

We did see a little more of the train than the last time, as the Llanberis path crosses the line twice on the way up.  Not quite the tranquility of Saturday, but it was good to catch up with some old friends, and share their first experience up this particular hill.  Congratulations Phil & Claire, and well done with your fundraising.

3 weekends time til Ben Nevis....it would be great to see you there!! 

Of course this week has been a fantastic one for my fundraising....Silverstone Race Track, and the British Racing Driver's Club have helped me with a donation of some tickets, for 2 adults, and up to 8 children to enjoy a weekend of racing at Silverstone in 2011.  Imagine the joy....your 13 year old son is going to have the best 13th Birthday of his life, and all because you stumped up enough to win these tickets.  You are now the proud owner of the greatest 13th Birthday present in the world.  He will thank you forever, and the 7 friends he invites will now think "You are one cool Dad!!" ..... so....Derren Brown moment over, wake up, and make a bid :-)  Click on the word "bid" to  access the auction page.

Numbers....

Some numbers are very important. Others?  Well they are just a number, unmemorable, unassociated, and unloved.   50 for example, half a century.  If you're Kevin Petersen you'd be delighted with 50, but if you were born in October 1960, you're probably dreading it. 

100  wow...get your letter from the Queen, or a standing ovation at Lords!

17 - learn to drive...(well, actually 20 in my case),  18 you can vote!! 

1953, the Queen's coronation, Roger Banister breaks the 4 minute mile and Edmond Hillary conquers Everest....important, and memorable!  Well tonight my number is 3.37 and 20.  (km's in 20 minutes!!) 

I'm actually amazed, 6 weeks into my training, tonight was my first run of note.  On July 27th I think I could have managed 400 meters at a push before crumpling under the pressure from heart, lungs & body to give in.  So 20 minutes at 6 minute km pace has chuffed me to bits!!  

There have been other numbers; 60 - the number of Kilometers we walked for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, in 2007.  How about 121,769 a nice big number!  This was the number of wheel turns in the 157 miles of the Coast to Coast path from Whitehaven to Sunderland.

12,000...feet, that we chucked ourselves out of a plane in March this year.

Numbers have always been important...every day, there are important one we plan for.  Birthdays, Anniversary's,  the time your alarm is set for, or the time your favourite program starts on the box. 

There are only two more numbers to mention.  The numbers I'm planning for;

£3000 - the minimum amount I would like to raise for Autism Concern.  (This is the important bit for you to help with....please follow my link & donate)

5895 meters - The height I want to be sitting at on March 25th next year.

oh....actually, there are two more numbers worth mentioning....27 - 19.  This was the score in the Northampton Saints opening game of the Rugby season, against Leicester Tigers.  Why is it important??   You'll need to keep reading...I hope I have an update to give you in the next few weeks :-)

In the mean time, please help me towards number 1 (£3000), and encourage me towards number 2, (5895 meters).   Please share my blog with your friends.  Autism Concern is hugely important for us, and for many Northamptonshire families, so your help is invaluable.