Day 12 - 30th August, 2024

The feet are holding up well but still didn’t make the Olympic team. Got the t-shirt anyway!

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Day 10 - 28th August,2024

It was another fine morning. The weather has been kind to me so far with only one morning that was rather wet. The walk was as serene as usual but I have now completed 6 miles in total (9.6 kilometres).

 

I am going to take Pat out to lunch today as I feel she deserves it after putting up with my obsession for this fund-raising project. We will go to a nice restaurant called Tarentinos in Hornchurch not just because the food is good but the staff there understand why I only have a starter and a G&T and then spend the rest of our time there watching Pat eat. It amazes me that after 41 years of marriage, and a few years before that, I can still happily enjoy watching her at any time.

 

I realise that there are calls on everybody to subscribe to a myriad of appeals for donations, many of them fronted by stars. I’m an ordinary bloke. I’m no star, never have been and never will be, but my cause is just as important, nevertheless.       

If you have been following this blog you will know I was diagnosed with two separate Cancers and have been cured. What has not been told is the harrowing story of the time between those two events. It’s time to relate to you the first part of ‘My Cancer Journey’. 

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Day 8 - 26th August, 2024

After leading the Barking Grand Prix at the Eastbury Manor circuit...

....Terry has to pit stop after 2 laps to change tyres. 

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Day 6 - 24th August, 2024

The Great British summer weather strikes. Was Terry daunted? Of course not, in fact, it was water of a Coot(e)s back to him.

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Day 3 - 21st August, 2024

So far, the weather has been very kind to me but this morning the sky was overcast and grey. The rain from earlier had dissipated but the wind did not, which helped to keep the temperature down during my walk.  James, the Manager of the Eastbury Manor House came out to meet me prior to the commencement of the walk this morning along with some of his team, Mark and Josie. as did Torren, a member of Queens hospital charity unit, yesterday morning. Their good wishes and support were very welcome.

The walks have, so far, been somewhat mundane and uneventful which is not surprising as there is no through road to anywhere from here.  You either live in this small area, are visiting someone or delivering something. The only real exception to this is the visitors to the Manor House on the days that it is open (see the website for details). Footfall increases, of course, at certain times of the day when the children go back to school. This is despite the fact that, in the 1930’s, a complete council housing estate was built around the Manor House. Unfortunately, the A13 main road now runs close to the south side blocking it off from a large part of Barking. I see the occasional neighbour to wave to as I go round plus Tony my neighbour from two doors away who verifies every morning that I have completed the walk. On the other hand, what is nice about the walk is that I find it very therapeutic and it allows me to drift into my own little world, much like I do when working in my garden, and the exercise is good for me also. Only days before I started my walks I was fitted with N.H.S. hearing aids, so I can now hear the birds coughing and many other sounds that I’d forgotten about. Thank you to the Audio unit. The walks allow me to think back to 2019, my Annus Horribilis year, and reminds me of all the reasons that I have undertaken this venture, not that I need much reminding. Perhaps I should start telling you my story of that year “My Cancer Journey” in my next blog. Please be assured the story contains no flashing lights nor any scenes of graphic sex and violence.

  

Some people have asked me about my crumpled and weatherbeaten hat. I bought this in 2011 in the “Flying Doctor’s” establishment in Alice Springs, Australia. It has been left behind, sat on and generally abused but it has been a faithful companion to me on my many travels across the world. It is my lucky charm and goes everywhere with me.

 

Thank you to all of you who have supported me with your contributions. Your donations will be well spent and will help many, many people and possibly save lives.

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Day 1 - 19th August, 2024

All the back room setting-up has been done and today, the 19^th of August I took my first steps on my 127 day fund raising walk. It was a lovely sunny morning with a cool breeze as I took those first steps cheered on by friends, neighbours and some of the back room team. Banners were being waved, photos taken and it was a very lively start to the campaign.  Someone had even kindly provided an abandoned mattress to give me a rest!

The walk was uneventful and completed without any problems but it was great to be cheered across the finish line for the first time.

Eventually my merry band of supporters dispersed and Pat (my lovely wife) and I sat down for a well earned cup of tea. I am really looking forward to the other 126 days and am not daunted at all. The show is on the road and, hopefully, with your help it will be a successful one!

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