Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Flossy on June 09, 2014, 02:20:22 AM
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At about 11:00 am on Saturday 7 June we left our friends’ house in Maidstone, Kent, and began the short journey to Leeds Castle. After getting parked we made our way to a marquee where we were required to register our arrival to take part in the 10-mile Pink RibbonWalk at 12:00 pm. Once registered we made our way to the crowd of other walkers gathered around a small stage. Introductions and Welcomes were made and then we started the ‘warm-up’ session. Then at 12:00 pm the first wave of walkers departed followed about 5 minutes later by the rest of us.
The walk started in the grounds of Leeds Castle, so the first mile or so was fairly gentle walking along pathways in the grounds, past a lake where various water-fowl were swimming and flying around. Ahead we could see the long ‘pink ribbon’ of walkers weaving their way into the distance. We left the castle grounds and the terrain became much more ‘interesting’ and varied; through wooded areas, along muddy paths (where Collette almost did the splits as she slipped and fell in the mud!), through fields of crops and occasionally crossing roads or going past farm buildings.
Gradually more and more walkers kept passing us until we only had the back markers behind us, removing the numerous arrows pointing the way as they followed. We reached the first rest point where food, water and toilets were available, but being the last to arrive it didn’t seem long before we were the only walkers left. I’d got a blister on my practice walk a couple of days earlier and on checking my foot I found it had developed again. :-( After applying a blister treatment plaster and not wanting to drop too far back, or to stiffen up too much by stopping, we set off again very soon.
About half a mile after the rest stop, we reached the point where the 20-mile walkers re-joined our route, so once again we had walkers behind us! :) I was starting to struggle after about 5 miles, with my feet starting to ache badly and at least the one blister with the possibility of more (tw o more as it turned out). At various points, I was asked if I wanted a lift back to Leeds Castle but I was determined to complete the walk and politely refused.
Collette proved to be a great help and kept encouraging me to keep going. We knew we weren’t going to finish early but hoped it would still be daylight! :) We eventually reached the 2nd rest stop where I was offered a (canvas) chair to sit on - luxury! We stayed about 10 minutes and then continued on for the last section of the walk.
Every few minutes, 20-mile walkers were catch up to us and we stood to one side to let them past - they always thanked us and told us we were “doing great”. The last section of the walk involved walking through some large fields of wheat and rapeseed, along narrow pathways between the crops, so stopping to let others pass was sometimes difficult but I didn’t want to hold them back - always glad of a moment’s rest while they passed.
Eventually we started getting glimpses of the castle as we got nearer to the finish. Collette started pushing me along, saying “Come on, we are going to cross the line together!” I knew my husband, Rob, would be using his binoculars to watch for us returning and that he would probably see this - I was right. We were back in the castle grounds and could see the castle in the distance, with what appeared to be a wedding taking place.
As we neared the Finish Line, about 6 hours after starting the walk, we upped our pace, especially as there was a group of 20-mile walkers some distance behind and we wanted to cross it before they caught us up. Crossing the Finish Line was the best part of the whole walk and the highlight of the day - knowing we had finally completed the 10 miles and could now relax our aching bodies! We were handed ‘goody bags’ containing various samples, chocolates etc and our all-important medals! We were supposed to get a free massage but there was at least 15 minutes to wait for a turn for full body massages and we were advised to go to the foot-massage tent, but it was closing.
On registering our arrival back from the walk we were given vouchers for a free meal of pasta. I had not eaten since breakfast apart from a banana, an apple and a few sweets, so this was devoured quickly before we headed back to our friends’ house and I fell asleep in a hot bath! :)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_114440_zps27398191.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_114440_zps27398191.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0006_zpsf90d2243.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0006_zpsf90d2243.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0010_zpsae498d32.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0010_zpsae498d32.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_121212_zpsc332ac73.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_121212_zpsc332ac73.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_154724_zps9d7f4128.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_154724_zps9d7f4128.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_173909_zpsb63bb7da.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140607_173909_zpsb63bb7da.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0930_zps0e9e10e3.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0930_zps0e9e10e3.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0938_zps924951dd.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0938_zps924951dd.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0941_zps0d15d4ee.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/IMG_0941_zps0d15d4ee.jpg.html)
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I'm so proud and happy for you Helen! A special deserving WTG & congrats on not giving up and completing the walk! :aok :rock
I didn't even know that you was even doing this until I saw where Jordi had posted a link to your fundraiser page around 9:30pm est my time last night... my sincere apologies for not seeing it sooner
You are truly inspiring, I want you to know!
:salute
Johnny / TC
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WTG Flossy!
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WTG and thank you gals for supporting such a worthy cause! :aok Wear that mud as a Badge of honor! :salute
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Now that is an AAR to be proud of!
WTG Flossy!
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Awesome Flossy! :aok :cheers:
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:salute
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Well done flossy a great effort for a very worthy cause :aok
EatG
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outstanding! :aok :cheers:
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I'm so proud and happy for you Helen! A special deserving WTG & congrats on not giving up and completing the walk! :aok :rock
I didn't even know that you was even doing this until I saw where Jordi had posted a link to your fundraiser page around 9:30pm est my time last night... my sincere apologies for not seeing it sooner
You are truly inspiring, I want you to know!
Thanks TC! After all the generous donations made to Breast Cancer Care on my Just Giving Page (https://www.justgiving.com/helen-lister1953) I didn't dare give up LOL! :lol It would have been very embarrassing. The page will apparently continue to be active for 2 months after the walk. ;)
WTG Flossy!
Thanks, Swoop!
WTG and thank you gals for supporting such a worthy cause! :aok Wear that mud as a Badge of honor! :salute
Thanks, Slate! LOL, that's my friend, Collette wearing all the mud after she almost did the splits on a muddy path. :D I'm the one on the right. :)
Now that is an AAR to be proud of!
WTG Flossy!
Thank you, Skuzzy! :D
Awesome Flossy! :aok :cheers:
Thanks GScholz! :aok
:salute
Well done flossy a great effort for a very worthy cause :aok
Thanks Eatg! :aok
:saluteoutstanding! :aok :cheers:
Thanks Bruv! :cheers:
I might have got on better if I hadn't taken a heavy haversack full of stuff I never used! I tried to be prepared for anything so was carrying waterproofs, sun cream, insect repellant, antiseptic spray, tissues, wet-wipes and lots of snacks as well as my 2-litre container of water! All I really needed was the water and snacks were provided at the rest stops! :) I do feel like I've achieved something though! :D :cheers:
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My medal. :D
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140609_220023_zps574cbe5e.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140609_220023_zps574cbe5e.jpg.html)
(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140609_220130_zpsf04f0a7e.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Pink%20RibbonWalk%20at%20Leeds%20Castle%20on%207%20June%202014/20140609_220130_zpsf04f0a7e.jpg.html)
:cheers:
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Great stuff Flossy! :aok
I knew you would do it and you should be proud of the accomplishment.
You didnt happen to see Beth from portishead did you? I know she was there! :devil
:salute
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Great stuff Flossy! :aok
I knew you would do it and you should be proud of the accomplishment.
You didnt happen to see Beth from portishead did you? I know she was there! :devil
Thanks morfiend! :D Well quite possibly LOL :lol Think I saw most walkers as they passed us along the way. Was she doing 10- or 20-mile walk?
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Thanks morfiend! :D Well quite possibly LOL :lol Think I saw most walkers as they passed us along the way. Was she doing 10- or 20-mile walk?
I'm pretty sure she did the 20 mile walk,TBH I havent checked her site in awhile.
She's fairly young and fit but the Big C caught her and as a result she's a big pink ribbon supporter! I'm a member of the fan club for portishead so I'll have to check to see her results.
I was mostly kidding,I know how many people are there and all that,I had thought she might have been a spokes person or the like do to her celebrity.
:salute
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I'm pretty sure she did the 20 mile walk,TBH I havent checked her site in awhile.
She's fairly young and fit but the Big C caught her and as a result she's a big pink ribbon supporter! I'm a member of the fan club for portishead so I'll have to check to see her results.
I was mostly kidding,I know how many people are there and all that,I had thought she might have been a spokes person or the like do to her celebrity.
Ah if she did the 20-mile walk it started about 3 hours before the 10-mile walk so probably missed her - unless she was one of the many 20-mile walkers that passed us later in the day. :D
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Awesome! My wife is a survivor also. Women are tougher than men when it comes down to the hospital stuff. Breast cancer is a big deal. Lots to go through. <S> greens
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Thanks, greens, and all the best to your wife. :)
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Helen that is absolutely amazing. My wife battled cancer a few years ago, and recovered fully after several very intense surgeries. I am so proud of you for doing this!
One thing I will say though, you didn't get your massage. Rob waited at the end of the walk with binoc's to watch you walk in? Oh dear, I think someone owes someone a very thorough rubbing.
I've "known" you for more years than seems real, and in that time, I've met few who can hold a candle to you. You are simply one of "those" people. Rare, wonderful, and bring out the best in people.
Nicely done young lady, nicely done indeed.
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Helen that is absolutely amazing. My wife battled cancer a few years ago, and recovered fully after several very intense surgeries. I am so proud of you for doing this!
Thanks, ROC. Great to hear your wife fully recovered! :) I had the easy part and if just one person benefits from the money generously donated for doing this walk then that makes it all worthwhile. :angel:
One thing I will say though, you didn't get your massage. Rob waited at the end of the walk with binoc's to watch you walk in? Oh dear, I think someone owes someone a very thorough rubbing.
LOL! Well, in fairness Rob did want to do the walk with me, but when I looked at the website it said it was 'women only' - yet on the day there were quite a few men doing the walk so I wish I'd realised if there had been a change. As it turned out, my friend's husband was working until 3:00 pm that day, so Rob was able to go and pick him up so they could both watch us cross the Finish Line; otherwise her husband would have missed it. My slow progress on the walk meant I was one of the last to cross the line and by then things were beginning to close down. I would have liked the massage but it was either wait for one or go and eat the free meal..... I chose the meal LOL. :lol
I've "known" you for more years than seems real, and in that time, I've met few who can hold a candle to you. You are simply one of "those" people. Rare, wonderful, and bring out the best in people.
Nicely done young lady, nicely done indeed.
Thanks, ROC, it's very kind of you to say such nice things, but I'm really nobody special. If I can do some good by doing something I enjoy it's all I can ask for. Now you flatter me! Young? :lol I'm 60 years young! :D My friend is 10 years younger and I think that 10 year age gap made all the difference in how well we each did. I really felt my age by the time we reached the end. :old: ;)
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If anyone would like to make a donation for Breast Cancer Care, my JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/helen-lister1953) will remain active until September 7th, so it's not too late to give to this great cause. Thanks. :)
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Now you flatter me! Young? Hehe! I'm 60 years young!
I'm 51. As far as I'm concerned, you are young. Hell, if I thought 9 years from now made me old then I'd have trouble making it another 9 years. Knowing what is in front of me and what I'd like to accomplish, as far as I'm concerned, you're barely past puberty so deal with "young lady" because you are. Those young kids wish they knew what we know lol. Actually, come to think of it, can you imagine knowing what we know with the energy of a twenty something?? Cod have mercy on the planet!!! :) Seriously though, Rob owes you a mega rub.
If anyone would like to make a donation for Breast Cancer Care, my JustGiving page will remain active until September 7th, so it's not too late to give to this great cause. Thanks.
I'll push this to the facebook and twitter accounts. Thanks for the link!
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I'm 51. As far as I'm concerned, you are young. Hell, if I thought 9 years from now made me old then I'd have trouble making it another 9 years. Knowing what is in front of me and what I'd like to accomplish, as far as I'm concerned, you're barely past puberty so deal with "young lady" because you are. Those young kids wish they knew what we know lol. Actually, come to think of it, can you imagine knowing what we know with the energy of a twenty something?? Cod have mercy on the planet!!! :) Seriously though, Rob owes you a mega rub.
I'll push this to the facebook and twitter accounts. Thanks for the link!
Yeah, I don't think of myself as old really.... inside I'm still about 18, and sometimes forget I'm not 18 anymore! Loving this retirement thing though, not having to go out to work every day is great. Instead, I am lying in bed using my laptop while I consider getting up soon. :D
Thanks, ROC, for pushing the link! :aok
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If anyone would like to make a donation for Breast Cancer Care, my JustGiving page (https://www.justgiving.com/helen-lister1953) will remain active until September 7th, so it's not too late to give to this great cause. Thanks. :)
Flossy I would contribute but my wife and I already do over here! She's a breast cancer survivor also,stricken at the age of 28,30 years later and well it's reared it ugly head again but in a different location.
However it's people like you that give the others strength to carry on!
:salute
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Flossy I would contribute but my wife and I already do over here! She's a breast cancer survivor also,stricken at the age of 28,30 years later and well it's reared it ugly head again but in a different location.
However it's people like you that give the others strength to carry on!
Oh that's fine, morfiend! I only posted that link in case anyone wanted to donate, but I don't want anyone to feel obligated! I completely understand and I hope your wife will beat it again! I'm lucky in that I've never been affected myself, but have had lots of friends and colleagues who have been which was why I did the walk. All the very best to your wife.... :salute
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From a person that went thru this with a family member, a big heart felt THANK YOU Flossy!!!
If you ever come across the pond, dinner is on us :aok
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Oh that's fine, morfiend! I only posted that link in case anyone wanted to donate, but I don't want anyone to feel obligated! I completely understand and I hope your wife will beat it again! I'm lucky in that I've never been affected myself, but have had lots of friends and colleagues who have been which was why I did the walk. All the very best to your wife.... :salute
Thank you! I was just letting you know we support the cause.
Actually my wife was quite disappointed because she just wasnt up to doing the walk this year,I bet she has over a dozen PINK Tshirts! :D
:salute