tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26552518737838151992024-03-13T04:15:54.566+00:00Yorkshire FolliesThis blog is about a group of relative strangers that started a walking group. We have not only become great friends but we're now getting fitter, setting ourselves challenges and raising money for charities along the way.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-14921941893790908142012-07-04T12:15:00.002+01:002012-07-04T12:15:46.522+01:00Charity begins at home?!With the Moonwalk under our belts it is fair to say the the Yorkshire Follies have been riding high since completing their first challenge. <br />
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A marathon is no mean feat and we needed to celebrate our efforts. What better than arrange a fundraising charity night to raise money for worthy causes but also to celebrate our achievement. We decided on a local (to most of us) venue and had been to see Stuart and Lisa from the Constable Arms in Sproatley who were more than happy to help us out. It was booked for the Friday after the Moonwalk, 18th May.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhNgBZzQCchE5tWe2tyIvIwLT0qmr0sa4QEOWz3y_kgPDlCBVKiBMH-CAPKl0J-ZILHz7OAVeBNBz6aYYpsMjkyFqJwSE6hiRgEWBEXzQuXFaQc6ZIqj5luaNNz942iw252TBHfWvxnU/s1600/katy's+1504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhNgBZzQCchE5tWe2tyIvIwLT0qmr0sa4QEOWz3y_kgPDlCBVKiBMH-CAPKl0J-ZILHz7OAVeBNBz6aYYpsMjkyFqJwSE6hiRgEWBEXzQuXFaQc6ZIqj5luaNNz942iw252TBHfWvxnU/s200/katy's+1504.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXfIti05rITldKbSthyfkOxyGj-a6XPDVIlTjYGdNb0G6QiaqxaD2aTgrIpqtk_PJth_yaO896Nwzg5pVR6HzoDTXA7ZLN_IGYzLi9OvbrlZ4SLfzA_cCiAg1VHLFrhQMCcgh5wAZ_3k/s1600/katy%2527s+1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXfIti05rITldKbSthyfkOxyGj-a6XPDVIlTjYGdNb0G6QiaqxaD2aTgrIpqtk_PJth_yaO896Nwzg5pVR6HzoDTXA7ZLN_IGYzLi9OvbrlZ4SLfzA_cCiAg1VHLFrhQMCcgh5wAZ_3k/s200/katy%2527s+1505.JPG" width="200" /></a>It never fails to amaze me how local people can pull together and we had had some terrific support from local business with raffle and tombola prizes coming out of our ears. Thank you so much to everyone that donated prizes to us.<br />
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We decided on raffle, tombola and auction prizes for the night they were all cello wrapped and looking pretty and and we were set to go.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">opening the show</td></tr>
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With artists booked and balloons blown up off we went in the afternoon to set the equipment up and dress the tables ready for our celebration night. Everything was set, time to nip home for a quick shower to get back. It promised to be a busy night so we wanted to get there early to get organised and seats near the stage area so as a team we could direct operations.<br />
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We had an amazing night and had friends come from far and wide to join in the celebrations and help us raise over £1500!! Not bad for a little country pub. It just shows that if you pull together and arrange a good night anything can be achieved.<br />
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I'd just like to say thank you so much to our artists for the night Corrine and Molly from Stagestuk and to Eric Richards for helping make it a night to remember. They all did amazingly and even brought some of the crowd to tears with the fantastic entertainment they showed. I can't remember the last time I saw Constable Arms rocking like that and I look forward to the next one. Who knows I might even book myself a gig in there :)<br />
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Here are a few shots of a small number of the people that were there and the Follies on the night.<br />
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<strong>Thank you all so much for making it a very special night.</strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wMRVzYCIfSdFzJChxCwt3_avh8EIGarYaRsu9E2Q43cBKztXU7MQAOQEs8Qfy_5h99n9jo2VTxPkEcP2upxkRQNCR-ELxEitNz367UcIIxfbmFfhF8mWjazFRavX-g88ngiTm8-8eKU/s1600/katy%2527s+1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wMRVzYCIfSdFzJChxCwt3_avh8EIGarYaRsu9E2Q43cBKztXU7MQAOQEs8Qfy_5h99n9jo2VTxPkEcP2upxkRQNCR-ELxEitNz367UcIIxfbmFfhF8mWjazFRavX-g88ngiTm8-8eKU/s200/katy%2527s+1512.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayne and Lesley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASsWIXeiXPI8-MniyazUQBOK5GNFe8eJHG2vW2_NEYMW-CQWdPUX5HSEJmHxB_k76ohsqE7Y8WorgrDhMQE4Ssim373YLafGzUU4CFW-p9UnguVxrGxg_aDeunc3USJB62BbhcYddtAw/s1600/katy%2527s+1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASsWIXeiXPI8-MniyazUQBOK5GNFe8eJHG2vW2_NEYMW-CQWdPUX5HSEJmHxB_k76ohsqE7Y8WorgrDhMQE4Ssim373YLafGzUU4CFW-p9UnguVxrGxg_aDeunc3USJB62BbhcYddtAw/s200/katy%2527s+1500.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the follies and Malcom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVhSMxz4z_0OOwM10DyTrJaHvmTS10rIYqqfz4ldvJxRFW05xGZgxQobhv8vMIES-V0Ewh4K051i80JBAy8q29wtBpLdpwmrA6C6dRA1qHPEmFXsFb3r5UtYnZtnkKipPS-MvJKODfdw/s1600/katy%2527s+1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVhSMxz4z_0OOwM10DyTrJaHvmTS10rIYqqfz4ldvJxRFW05xGZgxQobhv8vMIES-V0Ewh4K051i80JBAy8q29wtBpLdpwmrA6C6dRA1qHPEmFXsFb3r5UtYnZtnkKipPS-MvJKODfdw/s200/katy%2527s+1514.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me with Chris Fullard<br />
one of our top fundraisers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOJgn5oovO_pNtY4RDnuTXO5yBzkMxLuJjSGxIrWqqCNJWmTlpqBWVlmBaear5MTrYSw9x-_WLpHK6QlOaafUfuDphjoyO0MZMHnHNvIAU0Ga-dB-ETXRXsER4lBGDf1i-OnWIGlp-bI/s1600/YF+charity+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOJgn5oovO_pNtY4RDnuTXO5yBzkMxLuJjSGxIrWqqCNJWmTlpqBWVlmBaear5MTrYSw9x-_WLpHK6QlOaafUfuDphjoyO0MZMHnHNvIAU0Ga-dB-ETXRXsER4lBGDf1i-OnWIGlp-bI/s200/YF+charity+025.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy and Lisa Redhead xxx</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOeCtpmsnz9sthw34I2rgaY07tpIz-FCe3-VQSWuqnVVqOLVyHv3227-obWkkIEEJJN6qW2M9c_LOqMiBlOnn6UQTRM6Tqgq8BMoj4ACFTgiN0f8BnIVG0kP6EydUnjWQvoog_xWxAC4/s1600/katy%2527s+1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOeCtpmsnz9sthw34I2rgaY07tpIz-FCe3-VQSWuqnVVqOLVyHv3227-obWkkIEEJJN6qW2M9c_LOqMiBlOnn6UQTRM6Tqgq8BMoj4ACFTgiN0f8BnIVG0kP6EydUnjWQvoog_xWxAC4/s200/katy%2527s+1524.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katy with Nana Momo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWexTySkaKdr7IKTXZdNccWFaMMRU7ECSB_0VZ8CQ8M7JBLj22HVV1V9emrjQuK8frWCiEyF5fZErwml6Tms9FEHW3FoFnFqrpO-NGSv6_TkRAAKH1SsNVtdUBdGXtP89DVtPANY7VB8/s1600/katy%2527s+1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWexTySkaKdr7IKTXZdNccWFaMMRU7ECSB_0VZ8CQ8M7JBLj22HVV1V9emrjQuK8frWCiEyF5fZErwml6Tms9FEHW3FoFnFqrpO-NGSv6_TkRAAKH1SsNVtdUBdGXtP89DVtPANY7VB8/s200/katy%2527s+1523.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitness Pete and Special Kay xxx</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaIVp_Ikkp3r0XavMnCvvhS8Rq1kggwkQSJB9ooRkJZd9opj4E6ITWTB_xJGy9QggIPznqV2eVlOjtseIzbbAM6fg6Et8Aoi1ajeeXSIkXt0ZgqLILY8FXhch5UknKJaHRTzkdaSC7Sg/s1600/katy%2527s+1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaIVp_Ikkp3r0XavMnCvvhS8Rq1kggwkQSJB9ooRkJZd9opj4E6ITWTB_xJGy9QggIPznqV2eVlOjtseIzbbAM6fg6Et8Aoi1ajeeXSIkXt0ZgqLILY8FXhch5UknKJaHRTzkdaSC7Sg/s200/katy%2527s+1532.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine and Malcom<br />
our Fringe Follies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_gK20UrKqWGqeG_8SJTMQHzGUxZrCuOPHQWx-L92n06f4VIYKNmKPJrHEa-l2H-AJtO8g0d16yrfaGpaYXPLzhNGfV-rI03fYDtw7cnGgzit51AX1SlVhvGPqPGujI1JLNHCDeKgWNY/s1600/moonwalk+jane+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_gK20UrKqWGqeG_8SJTMQHzGUxZrCuOPHQWx-L92n06f4VIYKNmKPJrHEa-l2H-AJtO8g0d16yrfaGpaYXPLzhNGfV-rI03fYDtw7cnGgzit51AX1SlVhvGPqPGujI1JLNHCDeKgWNY/s200/moonwalk+jane+058.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Jane Sturdys 'Mums'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkxpQw-ziP7L_zcETMgFDhyXu_YuMSF_RdoeTG76M3AmZM7bJ-Uzs_d1TwiwfrRfZqVPh3FezDVPsT8NMXFFeVs1HvC2NbLLwwTGceWjTEmDpW511SaKV9ihcebYDTElxX5VK6FD3G04/s1600/moonwalk+jane+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkxpQw-ziP7L_zcETMgFDhyXu_YuMSF_RdoeTG76M3AmZM7bJ-Uzs_d1TwiwfrRfZqVPh3FezDVPsT8NMXFFeVs1HvC2NbLLwwTGceWjTEmDpW511SaKV9ihcebYDTElxX5VK6FD3G04/s320/moonwalk+jane+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane and Rachel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOsBELS3hAlYbWRsKIi5I7DSbYju8K00854MpvwoTW63s4ZbzrXdEMyveuWNvJVnzVDP1MvlCwV63ANau7jjeywfi8kjh5aywHLB95wd6uTyMBnKqQRlbrEUUU1h0eBWNb3Rl4_S1BM8/s1600/katy%2527s+1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOsBELS3hAlYbWRsKIi5I7DSbYju8K00854MpvwoTW63s4ZbzrXdEMyveuWNvJVnzVDP1MvlCwV63ANau7jjeywfi8kjh5aywHLB95wd6uTyMBnKqQRlbrEUUU1h0eBWNb3Rl4_S1BM8/s200/katy%2527s+1502.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrie and 'Bonny face' Cathy xxx</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsne-MazKwIN0IC32OI-w-L8mwMWUuRyrXTqdcnPFLC2tkGAjzszqnCO1aC34lglLzC6iCyM2Ar4bfwcMGFahEZUi4dkAz_OQOPrCoClWbP7j6frBJR5cgJw1q3Lb_N-DedbQuXlr9TK0/s1600/katy%2527s+1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsne-MazKwIN0IC32OI-w-L8mwMWUuRyrXTqdcnPFLC2tkGAjzszqnCO1aC34lglLzC6iCyM2Ar4bfwcMGFahEZUi4dkAz_OQOPrCoClWbP7j6frBJR5cgJw1q3Lb_N-DedbQuXlr9TK0/s200/katy%2527s+1539.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Tracey</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYvKQv9yNhI_N2vu-Lak4oGc7UNesYIrrEFbvXOt8u-_pbg35aPyNsL5nXq1eLIMM8xz5f-pZ6rThhSJmvO4VbiACoiBTp06s9U53qmFeLBKM9y7PhVZYMv6QdW_Tg1Zz57BDf5qZIdw/s1600/katy%2527s+1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYvKQv9yNhI_N2vu-Lak4oGc7UNesYIrrEFbvXOt8u-_pbg35aPyNsL5nXq1eLIMM8xz5f-pZ6rThhSJmvO4VbiACoiBTp06s9U53qmFeLBKM9y7PhVZYMv6QdW_Tg1Zz57BDf5qZIdw/s320/katy%2527s+1519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next challenge is the Jane Tomlinson Hull 10k taking place on June 3rd. <br />
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Five of the Follies - myself, Ray, Katy, Annmarie and Jaye Beck will be completing it with our Fillie Follies Elisha, Molly, Kalem and Benjamin taking part in the Junior and mini runs.<br />
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As for charity nights, our next one is already booked and preparations are well underway. It will be held at Ryder Club on Coltman Street on October 5th. We'd all like to get a bit dressed up for this one so black tie is optional, we look forward to seeing you there.<br />
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Ellie<br />
xxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-54910191476250662782012-05-23T13:31:00.004+01:002012-05-23T13:31:53.514+01:00London Moonwalk 2012Well after months of preparation the day has come that we travel down to London.<br />
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Like 8 excited school children we board the train at Hull Paragon Station bound for London (with a changeover in Doncaster). <br />
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What was supposed to be a relaxing trip with a nap on the way was spent chatting, singing, playing cards and the general frivolity that goes with the excitement of the moment.<br />
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Arriving at our hotel there were only 2 of the 4 rooms ready so we dumped our bags and the general consensus was to have a walk down to Hyde Park (only a mile away) for a recce of the area we would be going too. WOW! Although we couldn't see behind the green boarded fencing the pink village looked amazing and the butterflies started whirring in our tummies. We'd spent the best part of a year training for this event and here we were, in London, looking at the Walk the Walk tent where we would be in only a few hours time.<br />
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So back it was to the hotel for a rest before we would go back down to Hyde Park for 8:30 (via Ask Italian Restaurant on the way for a bite to eat). Some of us managed to get an hours sleep before rendezvousing in our room for last minute adjustments to our outfits and, numbers printed on the top of our chests and backs, we headed off to the start line.</div>
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Ray is always such a hoot when we go on Moonwalks, putting him in a flashing bra brings out the fun in him and he gets 'papped' more times than I would care to count and he just loves it!</div>
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You see him waving to people, stopping for photos and hugging ladies he has never met in his life. This year he even managed to get interviewed by a television crew! Did standing there in a bra bother him?? Of course not as he says, he is there supporting everyone he knows who is suffering or has suffered from breast cancer.<br />
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He is probably on at least 5 other profile pictures on Facebook as well as his own and is now affectionately known as the Moonwalk hussy!</div>
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Hanging around until midnight is always the hard part of Moonwalk city because you just want to be off pounding the streets. The theme this year was rock through the ages so there we were dancing away to rock and roll music, singing along. Where we mad - we had 26.2 miles to walk?!<br />
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Giving all the girls a hug and wishing them all the luck in the world, midnight came and away we went. We had discussed how it would work and that we would stay together for as long as we possibly could before the two groups would split and we would then keep in touch via phone and use the hotel as the meeting area. We all managed to stay together until a toilet stop at about mile 9 or 10 and then Caroline and Tina were dropping back so we pushed on ahead deciding not to use those toilets but to hold out until Battersea Park (by then, the half mooners would then have split off and the queues wouldn't be so long). We got word from the girls behind that Caroline wasn't very well and had been ill. We sent our love back but I just knew she would battle through whatever was thrown at her - she normally did!<br />
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It was at the half way point that our group started going down hill a tad. Jayne, one of our strongest walkers was struggling, badly and didn't seem to be able to bring herself round. It was a long night anyway and now it was going to be longer but we determined we would see each other over the finish line We cajoled, helped, made each other laugh and probably hindered Jayne all the way. <br />
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Busting for the loo, the Marshall's showed us into Battersea Park and told us the toilets were about a mile away. Ah but there was a bush up ahead...... <br />
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The next scene was like something out of Mission Impossible "right everyone lights off!" the air went dark and all you could hear were 7 ladies (plus one gent) run giggling behind a bush and for the first time in history we had our first 'Follie Flush' - oh how we laughed. Ray went across the path only to be greeted by another woman saying "hope you don't mind me joining you?", "Go for you life love" she was told. "Oh it's a man!" she giggled but just carried on regardless. Then out we popped from the bush, lights back on and away we went!! It has to be one of the funniest things ever to happen.<br />
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We plodded on being told our outfits were fab and certainly the brightest thing in London. Even some of the crew said that they could see us on the other side of the Embankment!!<br />
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London Moonwalk 2012 has to be the hardest of the 3 Moonwalks I have done, the sky was clear, we could see every star which meant it was absolutely freezing - I just couldn't get warm. Could we get through it? Yes but it was going to be tough going. Everyone was an emotional wreck but not only that they were absolutely exhausted. I did try to warn the girls that although we had been walking and had trained for it but NOTHING could prepare them for walking through the night and the sleep deprivation they would experience and it was starting to show.<br />
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Everyone kept each other going, we were all tired, emotional and exhausted. All that was playing on my mind was, what have I done to these poor women? Is it my fault they are feeling like this? If I hadn't have put that stupid thing on Facebook they wouldn't be going through the pain they are in now! AARRGGHHH! I have to say Ray was an absolute rock for everyone, he was walking between us all helping us all through and making sure everyone was OK. How he never finished the marathon with a black eye I really don't know because at times he was talking about absolute rubbish that no-body wanted to hear but they were all too exhausted to say anything... or hit him!<br />
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Jayne struggled all the way until the end bless her- it was heartbreaking to see. She was an emotional wreck for the last 6 miles and probably lost her bodyweight in tears on the route too. Annmarie like always was by her side but it was her turn to keep her friend going and not the other way round. Hettie and Hattie there for each other right to the end! <br />
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Katy and Jane were ahead as usual chatting away to each other and Katy smiled for what seemed like the whole of the 26.2 miles if not internally then certainly externally! If truth be known they probably found the pace a little slow and I think it did hinder them but we had made a pact that we would finish together and no matter how much we said they could push on and leave us, they wouldn't so they just kept stopping and stretching waiting for us to catch up again.<br />
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Ray and I went between the two groups keeping eveyone going. Yes we had our moments but we worked through them and like the others pushed through to the finish line. The last .2 miles after the 26 mile mark was absolute hell and I really think the markers had got it wrong. . . . . . Then we could see it the finish line and we were going to cross it!.................<br />
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The other 2 girls were about 30 minutes behind us but unfortunatley we didn't hear from them otherwise we would have waited for them at, the finish line. As Caroline had struggled at the half way point and Tina had helped her through that, at about the 20 mile mark it was Tina's turn to struggle. It was Caroline's turn to help her team mate and together they crossed the line.<br />
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The Yorkshire Follies had completed their first ever challenge. We had walked the London Moonwalk, a 26.2 mile marathon through the streets of London in flashing bras raising money and awareness for breast cancer.<br />
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The photo above is the official photo taken of us at the finish line and none of the girls like it. I'll let you into a secret... in fairness neither do I (of myself!) but it's a moment in time that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The emotion in our faces is priceless, the tears of sadness and joy for what we have done, overcome and achieved cannot be taken away from us. It's for that I love the shot not for how we are stood or how we look or even should look or be stood. <br />
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We've done something we will be eternally proud of and this is only the start, we have plenty ahead of us with charity events, 10k's and half marathons as a starter. But for now it 's time for bed so we can get up and celebrate just what we have achieved.<br />
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Ellie<br />
xxx<br />
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<br /></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-78313940846184093172012-05-07T22:56:00.000+01:002012-05-07T22:56:48.669+01:00It's the Final CountdownWell here we are with only 6 days to go before we get on the train for the London Moonwalk 2012. A 26.2 mile (marathon) walk around the streets of London for Walk the Walk (raising awareness for breast cancer). We've eaten healthily, we've pounded streets and treadmills, we've laughed, we've cried, we've socialised but more importantly we have bonded friendships that will last a lifetime.<br />
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I have to say that when I posted the event on facebook 11 months ago (to the day!) asking if anyone was interested I never expected either the interest or the friendships I received for the event. <br />
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When we chose our team name for The Moonwalk and became The Yorkshire Follies we quickly established ourselves to be a small group of people not only wanted to better our own lives but improving the lives of others around us less fortunate. We have held talks, charity nights, quizzes, raffles, cake stalls amongst other events and raised well in excess of £2,500 for charities including Headway, WTW, Movember, HER breast friends and Run for All to name but a few. <br />
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We have had the pleasure of having a feature in our local paper we have monthly meetings, we have our own bank account and our fundraising is going from strength to strength.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/started-way-healthy-started-raising-money-charity/story-15770636-detail/story.html">http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/started-way-healthy-started-raising-money-charity/story-15770636-detail/story.html</a><br />
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So why do I feel so down at the moment?? :o(<br />
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Whenever I have done challenges before I have always been quiet on the week leading up to an event. It always leads me back to the beginning of my own journey, why I started, what I have achieved and what I have gained (and lost!) along the way. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kf1uBoO7nWr4qjh4XnEpNgmifbJnKfvUO3Zwn-1YUURNY7WMv5CBnPRocFrgLHPT2Nw6N9Guf0bALVpHQ4GyXbGCH3qxaKiHjUzyvQ7vs1K_bzRPrUSgioJuopFQRwDXYJRoyNODX6E/s1600/dsc01894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kf1uBoO7nWr4qjh4XnEpNgmifbJnKfvUO3Zwn-1YUURNY7WMv5CBnPRocFrgLHPT2Nw6N9Guf0bALVpHQ4GyXbGCH3qxaKiHjUzyvQ7vs1K_bzRPrUSgioJuopFQRwDXYJRoyNODX6E/s200/dsc01894.jpg" width="200" /></a>Next to the loss of our daughter losing my Dad was one of the most devastating days of my life. He was my precious Dad, my role model and my friend, the man I looked up too and confided in. In a funny sort of way I look forward to this week because I feel so close to him, I know he watches over me all the time and I know he helps me through. Not that I don't think of him all the time but it's as though this week is 'his' week because I concentrate on him all the more. I remember the precious memories of times we had together and know he is smiling down on me with pride.<br />
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This week seems so different to all my other challenges though. I have only ever had myself to think about before, myself to worry about and myself to get through. Over the last year I seem to have managed to change not only my life but of others around me. <br />
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What started out as a little walk down Thirtlby Lane seemed to spiral quite rapidly into new beginnings. Next weekend I have 6 other people depending on me to help them succeed. I have helped them train as much as I possibly can, I've advised them to the best of my ability and now it is their turn to shine. The girls have set there first ever challenge and I'm proud of each and every one of them. <br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Katy, Jayne, Annmarie, Jane, Caroline and Tina</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you and wish each and everyone of you good luck. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"> I know that you will succeed not just through your training but through pure guts and determination and I am proud to be walking beside you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">I hope I've done you proud. </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Lots of love</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Ellie</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">xxx</span></div>
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Unfortunately, although we will be starting the Moonwalk together, work and family ties have not seen some of the Follies train as much as others to finish as a team. It is a little disappointing but it is as difficult for a faster member to slow down as it is for a slower member to speed up so we have decided between us that we would be together for as long as we need to and then use the hotel as our meeting point. I have every confidence that we will all cross the finish line and be sporting our medals when we go out to dinner on Sunday evening.<br />
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Tomorrow we have a talk at our local toddler group and our local school are hosting a 'dress in pink day' for us on Friday with us going into assembly to explain what we have been up too and to see us off. <br />
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So next time you hear from us we will have medals round our necks and memories to cherish with our first Yorkshire Follies challenge behind us.<br />
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And what's next... We have a 10k at the beginning of June, the Humber bridge half marathon at the end of June, Race for life in July and The Great North Run in September!! Look forward to catching up with you soon <br />
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Ellie<br />
xxx<br />
<br />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-35620736101019041532012-04-18T07:53:00.000+01:002012-04-18T07:53:03.618+01:00Challenge - Complete 1 Step Class!!Monday 16th April 2012.<br />
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Jane Sturdy (Sturdster) had been challenged by one of her Mums, to complete one of her step classes in Burstwick. Just to clarify that our lovely Sturdster is the local midwife, and lovingly calls all her 'patients', her Mums. Whilst trying to obtain sponsors for our upcoming Moonwalk, Lynda, who runs the Step class, told Jane that she would donate £25 if she completed one of her classes. Then Lynda's husband said that he would match the donation. So with a potential £50 at stake, Jane rallied around the rest of the Follies to see who was up for it. Lynda had also wavered the class fee of £4 per person but we agreed we should all put our fee into the sponsor pot. So the challenge was now worth a fantastic £70!!!! <br />
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The date was set for Monday 16th April 2012, 7pm at Burstwick Village Hall. Unfortunately some of the Follies already had other commitments but Sturdster, Benno, Tina and myself were up for it, along with our wonderful Fringe Follie, Christine (Bennos Mum). I have to say I was very excited as I had done Step before....about 24 years ago!! I loved it then, but knew it would be hard, oh gawd and would the knee hold up?????<br />
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We arrived at Burstwick Village Hall, dressed in our matching training gear.... we looked so good. Lynda was there with a smile and a lovely welcome which was almost ignored by our eagerness to secure steps at the back of the hall!!! The hall was full, it's obviously a very popular class. <br />
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</div><div align="center">Smile... :0) x</div><br />
The other ladies were inquisitive as to who we were, and what we were doing. Some even said that they had read about us in the local paper - fame at last!.<br />
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The steps were all set out for us on the lowest height as we were beginners. Apart from me, I don't believe the others had done step before, and I was a tad nervous and very rusty, so gawd help us all. <br />
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Lynda gave us some basic tips.....make sure you put your full foot on the step and keep your head up but also try and keep a slight eye on where your step is. Forget about the arm movements until you were OK with the footwork. Blimey this was going to be fun. Fortunately Lynda was starting a new routine for the class and had kept it a little easier due to our lack of experience. Prior to the class starting, Lynda explained to her regular ladies, who we were and why we were there. She also said that she and her husband had challenged Sturdster, as she was the only one of us she knew.... So basically we could have just watched from the sidelines. No we wouldn't leave Sturdster to face this alone....would we!?!?<br />
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The music starts, the challenge begins - first we needed to warm up. It soon became apparent that despite us being adults, we actually didn't know our left from our right, or manage to step onto the bloody step correctly... (well some of us anyway). I had to really concentrate but soon got back into the rhythm of it...sort of...maybe...a little bit. A couple of comments from the Follies at the back.. "that's never just the warm up"; "I'm knackered already"; "We done now, can I go home?".... afraid not girls there is £70 to earn...Go Follies!<br />
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Warm up complete and we're already very sweaty and panting.....this can't be a good sign. Between us, I think we had more trips and going wrong than the rest of the class put together. At least we were at the back, out of sight.<br />
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So, onwards and upwards... new routine to learn. Lynda went through it step by step very slowly, but sorry to say, not really slow enough. The giggling started as we started the new routine.... step left, tap, right...er no right, then left...OMG! Christine was on the step next to mine, with Benno, Tina and Sturdster on the row behind.<br />
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Really trying to keep in time and ultimately to go the correct way, we at last got into the groove along with lots of puffing and panting, a few OMGs, giggling and the odd swear word.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuDMlp2Ai8Jn5HsjNpBNxZJcIhayJZZvOpfTa0djxezFwNiGTIqey9qTzyfp4gXRemGkPAnWZAYt7OI1y_n4oSYh5Yh15B5g7EDHdsYI43OZqaiJwqQrnqK0mGETtELMSVDX-IjrvXuw/s320/janestep.jpg" width="261" /></div><div align="center">Steady there Sturdster!</div><br />
By this time, I have to say I was beginning to get with it a bit more....names of steps and directions were coming back to me.....oh but I had to concentrate. Another water break and we were looking even sweatier, hotter and turning lovely shades of red blotch and paleness.<br />
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V-step, step tap, rocking horse, around the world ....yep started to just about remember them. Feeling very warm at this point, I was lucky that Tina behind me, was kind enough to give me a shower by throwing water from her water bottle all over me. Howls of laughter from Benno erupted with 1000 apologies form Tina.."I'm so sorry Jayne, I didn't mean that...my water bottle is broken". Just remember Tina, revenge is sweet and now mine!!! Mwhahahahahaha!<br />
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Another water break! Then back to it. At this point I noticed that Christine had moved to the step behind...Did I smell that bad????? The clock seemed to be on a go-slow. Sturdster was still doing her best to get her left and rights correct, Tina had given up for a tad and decided to take some photos, with Benno, Christine and I doing our best. So, the next routine involved step, squat x4 then knee lift, then 3x squat then leg lifts then....er oh gawd what came next????? No time to work it out, back to the beginning; step, squat x4.......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJMGa-mBWedMHSMOGZ27FlK6ZlKWPWlXkJtroB9GutHktb1y0MjywEK5jggrMM4xJxtoCJK2CZB9BX2yyzTLe51CqBS29yR-OA6YK_EUXYx2fbKUcG07WplPjysX7DZgDuK2zetpnqgw/s1600/bennostep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJMGa-mBWedMHSMOGZ27FlK6ZlKWPWlXkJtroB9GutHktb1y0MjywEK5jggrMM4xJxtoCJK2CZB9BX2yyzTLe51CqBS29yR-OA6YK_EUXYx2fbKUcG07WplPjysX7DZgDuK2zetpnqgw/s320/bennostep.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Go Benno and Christine...</div><br />
Sturdster decided to let anyone who would listen know that she had never done step before. This was important I feel, as I really think she hid it well and it wasn't at all obvious...hahaha... <br />
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More combinations of ridiculous steps and we were almost done.....or so we thought. Lynda shouted to put the steps away and grab a mat... oh no abs and stuff!! Taking our steps away, other ladies were very encouraging and telling us all how fantastic we had done. I think we were certainly entertaining, even from the back of the hall! We were certainly the most blotchy and panting ladies in the room!<br />
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So abs work. Sit ups....3 up, 3 down, 3 up, 3 down...again and again....then 2 up, 2 down, 2 up...at least there was no left or rights hahahah. Then pulses...with tummies shouting and hurting so much, we completed the workout....or so we thought.<br />
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Then... that classic moment we get at every outing, came along (you know, the one where a Follie does or says something which has the rest of us in stitches)....Lynda announces The exercise Benno dreads so much....The Plank! Her face was a picture, so funny, I had to quickly look away from her as I knew my tummy muscles and bladder muscles were so tired they would not hold if I cracked up with laughter!!! She hates them!! So Lynda says don't worry we're only doing them for a minute! WHAT, a whole minute....the pain...don't look Bennos'way!!!! Hahahah oh gawd, cross the legs Beckster!!!<br />
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After Benno calmed down and I had compose myself, off we go. Sturdster, Tina and Christine hadn't done these before but tried so hard. Sturdsters back really didn't like them at all, but good on her she did her best. I dare not face Benno, so wasn't sure how she, her mum or Tina were doing, but I reckon they too pushed it to their limit. I tried my hardest but had to come down twice, finishing with a 25 second plank...Arms shaking, legs throbbing, backs sweating like a b***er, we all collapse onto the mats. Next up - stretching. Now this would be lovely.....well it certainly stretched us out, not sure how far on the lovely scale it actually went.<br />
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Class done... we'd made it...yeehaaaaa!!!! From my point of view I was hooked all over again, a hard but fantastic workout....I am going back! Hoping that some more Follies will join me...:0) x<br />
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Lynda congratulated us and said how well we had done. A fantastic class that I would recommend to everyone!<br />
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Thank you Sturdster for letting us join you on this challenge. Thank you Lynda for challenging Sturdster and certainly putting us through our paces....thank you to the other ladies in the class for putting up with us... and a huge thank you to Lynda and her husband for the sponsor! £70 in the bag...big smiles. Go Follies...:0) xJayne Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11184100364619106558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-47270703565963031522012-04-14T08:27:00.002+01:002012-04-14T09:16:55.053+01:00My first blog - ever!Well it's only 4 weeks and 1 day until the London Moonwalk!<br />
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Excited, erm well you could say that! More surprisingly is the fact that everything is done and ready, bras made, packs received, transport booked, hotel booked . . . . all that's left for us to do now is get on with some more training and pack our bags!!!<br />
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Training has been going well, with the consensus that we are ahead of where we should be at this point.<br />
And on that note I feel I must tell you about our last 20mile training walk. We've read the official blog from the fabulous Ellie Birch, now here is my take on it . . .<br />
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<strong>Saturday 31st March 2012</strong> - 5.30am alarm and I drag myself out of bed. Cold, damp and dark outside, do I really want to do this today? Then I hear those blasted voices in my head, Birchy 1 & 2 plus Benno. So despite my knee being swollen and in pain, plus my stomach churning and cramping I get myself ready, really not feeling 100%. Jane Sturdy arrives at my gate, always smiling and chipper (was it wrong that I wanted to punch her at that precise moment!!) Only kidding Sturdster, love ya really. Collect Benno enroute to the Birchies and we are off to Katy's. It's still cold, damp, dark and we are past the point of no return. It's only the 6 Follies walking today but onwards and upwards.<br />
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Ray and I have a passing conversation about the weather; if it's going to rain or not . . . He says not, I say it is - ever the optimist that's me :0) Arrive at our starting point, where the lovely Katy was waiting for us. Katy being another one of those smiley, happy morning people!! After synchronising both Ellie's and Ray GPS thingies (well we don't want there to be any difference in distance at the end with Ray making us walk around the garden do we - it could lead to blood being spilled!!), and we're off - it's now 6.30 am.<br />
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Dressed in our new training gear we all looked fantastic! 1 mile in and Benno and I have already dropped back a tad (we have the shortest legs - do not comment Ellie!!). Benno feeling ill and coughing and my knee throbbing, it was going to be a very long day. Katy, Ray, Ellie and Jane were upfront, setting their usual pace and looking back with those telling looks. We know we are going to get a kick up the bum sometime very soon. Ray checking his GPS to see what pace we are doing . . . oops!<br />
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The next mile was very tough for me and but for the gang, I think I would have dropped out . . . Not like me at all! Anyway, the sun started to shine and my mood brightened up (In my defence I had prewarned the Follies of my bad mood prior to setting off). Heading out of Hessle towards Anlaby, our first toilet stop was imminent. Our main concern at this point was; Could Benno use Jeanette and Mels loo without spitting drink all over their freshly hung wallpaper . . . Yes there is history here hahahaha. Jeanette and Mel were their normal happy, supportive and welcoming selves, if not a tad apprehensive of Benno using their loo. We took this opportunity for a photo shoot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoYzSk04Nj1vs7xBcZvKXpZyccB-b-PMQlJ2du0jXx9BGSGG278ErD4KfWx-csJOoJYh9CCJ3PZ2vsR2e59vb-M7PP7iG2W8s4HFWW6NuNUYv9nHA0L8V_yCsXODtz8nENvti2qPt61E/s1600/wedding+and+walk+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoYzSk04Nj1vs7xBcZvKXpZyccB-b-PMQlJ2du0jXx9BGSGG278ErD4KfWx-csJOoJYh9CCJ3PZ2vsR2e59vb-M7PP7iG2W8s4HFWW6NuNUYv9nHA0L8V_yCsXODtz8nENvti2qPt61E/s320/wedding+and+walk+040.JPG" width="320" /></a>Training gear looking good guys. Off we go again. Knee starting to feel a tad better now, warmed up and a few stretches in. Chatting and laughing we head off on our next leg, towards Hull. It's amazing what you see whilst walking, things which just fly past you when you are driving. Thankfully the huge M&S Food Hall was closed but who knew it was even there!!! With Hull ahead of us, Ray, ever the gentleman, was doing his rounds, making sure we were all ok. I think he actually walks about 2 miles more than the rest of us, with his tooing and froing, Bless him. Then the giant chocolate buttons make an appearance - always a happy time! Ooooo and Ellie has orange chocolate Aero bubbles . . . Fantastic! Even Benno had sweets. Yeay!!!<br />
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Along the route a gentleman stopped us and asked what we were doing. See, wear proper matching training gear and we get noticed. After congratulating us and wishing us well we get on our way. Getting to almost halfway now but it's funny how those last couple of miles before halfway seem to go on for ever!<br />
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Stop for a stretch and sort out the malfunction of the Sturdsters trainers, I'm starting to feel more like my normal self, with a song or a tune about to emerge. Oh how they will wish I was still a quiet moody bugger! Katy does the rounds this time, making sure we are all fine and dandy - It's so great to walk with such fab people!<br />
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Oh dear . . . rain! Never mind onwards we must go. By this time, we are being passed by inviting buses. Benno and I always have a joke about jumping on one and laugh - It's really not that funny now, but it still makes us laugh. What does that say about us? The leading pack look back at us laughing and start to worry and this makes us laugh even more. The next few miles, whilst tough, go fairly quickly. We are now in familiar waters and recognise where we are. A car horn toots and we all try and claim the gesture but accept it was probably for Ray, after all he does have the cutest tooshy of us all. Sun shining again and feet, knees, legs, coughing and all other complaints seem to be holding up . . . We are about 12 miles in now.<br />
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Along the next road we are joined by a Bobby on the beat, who is interested in what we are doing, how far we have walked and why we are walking. Wishing us well for the day and the Moonwalk, she has to turn off our route as she had a date with a cup of tea . . . Buggar! Not far now until our next toilet stop! Grandad Ken's. The wonderful Ken opens his door to us and allows us the use of his facilities . . . He always does this, despite only actually knowing Ellie and Ray. Such a lovely man.<br />
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At this point I realise, whilst sitting on the loo, that my knee is actually very swollen and rather painful. Combination of stopping and sitting obviously wasn't good for my mentality either as I'm actually thinking that if I keep quiet the others may forget about me and leave me . . . Ummm no such luck. Off we go again, pounding them there pavements, each of us trying to say the right things to keep us all going but not really getting the nice response hoped for.<br />
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It's at this point that the language starts to deteriorate . . . a lot! Katy is the first to notice this - It must be the reporter in her. Holderness High Road ahead . We can now visualise what's left to go. Smiles appear and a little more of a skip in our step . . . Then the Birch speaks!!! "GPS says if we aren't at 16.5 miles by the end of the road we have to go the long way round" . . . Ppfffttttt! Benno and I look at each other and start grumping, which makes us laugh but the others seem fine with it. I think they dare not cross the Birchster. Haha. Love you Ellie xx.<br />
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We can now see the end of Holderness High Road. Oh gawd what's those GPS's going to say . . . fingers crossed and praying we wait to hear the news - 15.5 miles OMG!!! Ellie and Ray 'discuss' what we should do while the rest of us keep quiet. We know when to leave well alone . . . Long way round then! Heads drop a tad as we are reaching the black period of our walk.<br />
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From previous walks we know that we all dip at different times over the next 5 or so mile distance. Ellie's fab new walking shoes start to rub a tad but more worringly her thigh, which she tore a muscle in the week before, was starting to really hurt. A few more pain killers down her neck and away we go. What a star!<br />
Hitting a 'dig deep' moment, Jane Sturdy says that she knows a slight detour we should take so that we are not walking on the busy main road - the old Ganstead Road. Due to fatigue, we thought she said short cut so off the planned route we go. Ellie, Annmarie and I make a pact at this point. From here on in, whatever is said and whatever language is used, no-one is to take offence!!! I then announce that I need to find myself some new ****** friends. Oh how we laughed but I wasn't joking, was I? Ray spotted a bungalow he thinks they (Birchs') should move to - Oy Ray we are training not bloody house hunting!!! Ellie replied with some expletives and Ray rolled his eyes and continued along his way, checking the pace on his GPS again. Then as always, that classic moment arrives. The moment when one of us says or does something which has the rest of us all falling about laughing and almost (although I think some actually do - Hornsea walk 1st Oct 2011) wet themselves. Ellie says - "where does this road brings us out? Please tell me it's not at the traffic lights about 100 yards from where we turned off". Benno replies, venomously, "it better not do, if it does I'm getting a ******* Taxi!!!" With legs crossed and tears falling down our faces from laughing we try to compose ourselves with the Sturdster protesting " In my defence, I did say that this wasn't a shortcut guys but as usual you didn't listen to me!!! Nearing the end of the "shortcut", still laughing uncontrollably, realisation dawns and yes we have walked about 400yards and made about 100yards progress . . . Just what we wanted - more howls of laughter. Then to top it off, we still had to walk along the busy main road. Benno was not happy! Such a classic moment . . . We never fail to have one on our walks.<br />
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Jane needed to run at this point as Benno was on a mission . . . It was so funny, but I think you had to be there to appreciate it. Poor Jane got it in the neck all the way back. Jane still maintains that she didn't actually say it was a short cut. Still laughing and crying we get to the corner of Thirtleby Lane. The end is nigh - just 3 more short miles to go. At this point the delirium certainly has set it. Most of us were not making much sense, laughing at anything and everything. The conversation still going back to our "shortcut". Oh dear Jane you are never going to live this one down!!! <br />
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Time for the Frys chocolate creams - Oh how we needed them. Katy was starting to feel it in the back of one of her knees, but with all these niggles and things somehow we all kept each other going - It's just the Follie way. Our pace had slowed a little now, but our spirits were good - crazy but good. Our next milestone, Basil the bush, could be seen in the distance.<br />
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Yes Basil really is just a bush that we have adopted and woe betide any Follie passing him without the now obligatory pleasantries. As we pass we each greet Basil; Hello Basil, Hi Basil how are you doing? then look at each other . . . Yes we are bonkers! Onwards to the end. Every step I take now hurts, new trainers required for me I think. Every boulder, pebble, blade of grass can now be felt by my poor feet through the soles. Having said that my Adidas trainers certainly don't owe me anything at all.<br />
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The last mile or so saw us laugh, almost cry, go quiet - and it seemed to take an age. Nearing our village we hobbled home. At the 20 mile mark we all cheered and whoop whooped, then realised that we still had a little bit more to do to get home. I say home, we were all due back at the Birchies for wonderful homemade soup and sandwiches. They really do look after us.<br />
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Finished at last! 20.6 miles in the bag, the extra bit thanks mainly to Janes shortcut... :0). Soup and sandwiches inhaled, language and pleasantries restored, we disected the walk and decided that we had all done a fab job.With all the aches and pains, injuries and sickness, we completed in an amazing 7 hours and 10 minutes (Ray will give you the seconds too if you ask him). The conversation then turns to Katy, the youngest of our group, who was going out that evening, dancing and drinking. Oh we all remember the days we had the stamina to do that.... Go girl!!<br />
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I'm always just as elated after our longer training walks and the fact that I can actually complete them (although this wasn't my best due to my knee), as I am with our shorter, faster ones. This time last year, I hadn't even thought about the Moonwalk, training or anything, let alone start to walk.<br />
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And look at me now . . . Part of the best group of people ever, getting fit, laughing, crying and making a difference!Jayne Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11184100364619106558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-2051925640678935812012-04-03T11:38:00.001+01:002012-04-03T13:22:08.560+01:00It's our longest one yet!With the Moonwalk just over 5 weeks away and the lighter nights here once again, we are back to training hard. Some of the Follies have just completed our longest walk yet - 20.6 miles were covered on Saturday and I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of everybody.<br />
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I remember vividly when I set out on my journey how the training, eating well and living a 'healthier' life became a drug that some days I couldn't do without!<br />
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So how is everyone else doing? <br />
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Annmarie may not be doing as much training as she'd like but she still has a PT once a week and gets some other form of training on at least two other occasions during the week. She sometimes forgets that her journey started less than 8 months ago when she never did ANY exercise. We even go out regularly now and do interval training in preparation for Hull 10K and GNR (more about them later!)<br />
She has suffered the most horrendous blisters whilst walking yet she carries on regardless, smiling and laughing until the finish and to me she is the epitome of a survivor and finisher. Credit where credit is due - she is a lady who is an inspiration to everyone who crosses her path! She completed our walk on Saturday as one of the strongest and certainly helped to get me over the finish line.<br />
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Katy . . . .<br />
I know we all work hard but all you have to do is ring the office and you can almost guarantee that Katy is still there working hard. She never says no to anyone (a word that sometimes she really needs to learn!) and is always reliable and the best team player you could wish for. Mine & Katy's training regimes are very similar and it's a pleasure to go in the gym or out for a run with her. We seem to push each other along and work hard, far surpassing what we think is our best. Katy's knee was troubling her on Saturday but still she plodded on as one of the pace setters yet dropped back when she saw fit to encourage and help us all through.<br />
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Jane Sturdy (or Sturdster as she is now affectionately known) was up in her usual pace setting mode with Katy on Saturday. We often talk about the very first (fateful?) day when Jane and I went out for our walk. I mistakenly thought that because she had a dog (Willow), she was used to walking . . . . (WHOOPS) how wrong was I! 6.5 miles later both her and Willow where absolutely shattered but she very quickly got the bug and certainly proved on Saturday that she can now literally walk for hours with relatively little effort. Jane has probably surprised me more than any of the Follies because of the way she pushes her boundaries and sets herself new challenges that I don't think even she expects to meet! She has a very busy job as a community midwife yet always manages to fit in our walks between her work, her clients having babies at silly o'clock and her home life with Rachel. How she does this is beyond me but she never misses a walk or a meeting - she is so committed to changing her life and seems to thrive on it.<br />
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Jayne (Becks) is just a machine! Whatever you throw at her she will do. Again we go out regularly doing what we now call GNR training and whether she is on full form, half full or even if she is running on empty she will drag herself out and do what has to be done. Weighing less than she has done in years, Jayne can now count the inches she has lost as well - and I'm not talking about her height!! Hahaha!<br />
Saturday was a tough tough day for her and she was ready to pull out after 2 miles but again true to form she soldiered on and completed the longest walk she has done. Jayne astounds me how she fits everything in, with work, home, home accounts, school governor, school, PTA and the Follies. I wonder where she finds the time to sleep never mind train!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3YDdoDFRm9ZNhX-Gm9W3k0HQDUL1QYVq-IKk0dyTfA5Q3IUihxZFp7H-FirLgEu0-oIidkQAMTVzHlqesS6JpMSA6G_D0IcpiXvncwLIanoh9BmkyE5mozKhDkS0-1I76b3cVTRbG4U/s1600/wedding+and+walk+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3YDdoDFRm9ZNhX-Gm9W3k0HQDUL1QYVq-IKk0dyTfA5Q3IUihxZFp7H-FirLgEu0-oIidkQAMTVzHlqesS6JpMSA6G_D0IcpiXvncwLIanoh9BmkyE5mozKhDkS0-1I76b3cVTRbG4U/s320/wedding+and+walk+049.JPG" width="320" /></a>I have always said that Ray and I are 2 halves of one-being and fit together like a glove but I think it goes further than that when we are out training or walking. Ray seems to be the pin that holds the Follies together. We joke that he is everyone's surrogate husband and I think he really is when we are out. We all seem to circle around changing 'company' on these walks but Ray seems to do the most circling and the talking. I sometimes wonder if he tells us all the same thing or if the conversation changes per person?! He puts everything he has into the Follies and that little bit more, God I love that man.</div><br />
Me, well I have to admit I struggled on Saturday. I've had a muscle strain in my thigh that has been giving me jip and although I knew I wouldn't damage it on the walk it had a dull ache that didn't seem to want to go away and leave me alone. Along with that and the extremely dry skin on my feet that has been cracking and bleeding for the past week (no matter how much moisturiser I used) I was in pretty bad form. Everyone carried me through on Saturday and I can't thank them enough.<br />
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I think that with the laughing, talking and singing that we all did, we carried each other along through our bad times and it also aided to helping us float through the good times.<br />
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Saturday was obviously our biggest tester yet with the Moonwalk only 40 days away. What I was pleased with more than anything was that at the finish, we all said we still had another 6 miles left in us and that was with Jane and me not on top form. After speaking to everyone the next day, we all felt fantastic with very few aches and pains (if any). It's proved that all the training we have done to date has paid off and the short fast walks we still have planned from now to the Moonwalk will simply add to our fitness and speed on the night and of course, help our recovery even more. . . . . . Just think we may even end up going out "in heels" to celebrate - but not Ray of course!? heehee<br />
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Ellie <br />
xxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-29765413466352570242011-12-04T22:14:00.002+00:002011-12-04T22:41:57.539+00:00Our first charity nightWe have been getting the miles in, training is going well, we are frequenting the gym and our fitness levels are increasing, what we started out to achieve seems to be working.<br />
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The Yorkshire Follies moto is Training Together Changing Lives. We are training together and we are certainly changing our lives, we now need to help change other peoples lives!<br />
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Around October/November for the last 2 years I've held a charity concert in memory of my Dad.<br />
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To be honest my heart just wasn't into organising a night this year. Injury, personal circumstances, work and everything else in between seemed to be taking up my energy, time and motivation. Katy was down one weekend keeping me company whilst Ray was away and she sat me down and helped me to organise what was very quickly becoming a reality with a fantastic line up with some great acts with some superb raffle and auction prizes from friends and sponsors who help out every year. WLR, Mona, Tarcani, Stagestruk, Hair by Shareen, Pure Fitness, David Lloyd, Becks driving school to name but a few. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxnepSq3QTBueue5R7Ggjz-9C3wvmyFgTnUc8u2WLYjp2SYydPpif6dL2khM2I7TT1HiNewklGZRm9g21CAKhSCYEkpnBbKoWyu9pSIQ-uw2B6WjnXGTHCoeF10sv-WtgYaCaocT29pY/s1600/2011poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxnepSq3QTBueue5R7Ggjz-9C3wvmyFgTnUc8u2WLYjp2SYydPpif6dL2khM2I7TT1HiNewklGZRm9g21CAKhSCYEkpnBbKoWyu9pSIQ-uw2B6WjnXGTHCoeF10sv-WtgYaCaocT29pY/s200/2011poster1.jpg" width="138" /></a>It seemed only natural that I should change the evening to a Follies Fundraiser and once again with the help of Katy and the Follies my heart was beating and thriving again for everyone to have a fantastic evening and raise money and awareness.<br />
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My brother John owns Popex.co.uk and his help with the Yorkshire Follies with logos and web page building has been invaluable so I contacted him about posters, it wasn't long before he was emailing me posters and tickets back that we could rearrange and print in house.<br />
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The event came round before we knew it. The Follies went into Willows Club first thing in the morning to set up the sound system and decorate the room and it looked absolutely fantastic. <br />
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All we had to do was go home, get ready and come back to enjoy a night of entertainment and fun. Easier said than done!! I had learnt a new song for the night and changed the words to the song to incorporate the Yorkshire Follies and our WTW challenge, my nerves were wrecked I was shaking like a leaf and most of the Follies had never even heard me sing before!<br />
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I opened up the evening with Dance with my Father dedicated of course to my wonderful Dad, I couldn't look at the girls and I certainly couldn't look at my mum. They have seen and helped me through my pain so I knew the words would get to them as much as they have me on many occasions. <br />
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It was time for my new song. Bruno Mars' song 'Marry Me' with a twist because it had been re-written and re-named:- <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">'Walk with you'</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I think I wanna walk with you</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it that look in your eyes or is it your training shoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I think I wanna walk with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well I know I few streets in the capital we can go</div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone will know, well come on girls</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our legs are all trashed got a belly full of laughs with a long way to go</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bras that will glow, so get on girls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't say no no no no no</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just say yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah</div><div style="text-align: center;">And we'll go go go go go</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're ready like I'm ready</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I think I wanna walk with you</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it that look in your eyes or is it your training shoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I think I wanna walk with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What should we bring or should we walk and sing like ooaooaoo</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rock and roll, don't run girls</div><div style="text-align: center;">Walking for miles but we're all full of smiles</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the finish line in sight, it's a really long night, so come on girls</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't say no no no no no</div><div style="text-align: center;">You said yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we'll go go go go go</div><div style="text-align: center;">are you're ready yes we're ready</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I think I wanna walk with you</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it that look in your eyes or is it your training shoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I think I wanna walk with you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just say I do, tell me right now follies tell me right now</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just say I do, tell me right now Follies</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a beautiful night, we've found something dumb to do</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I know I'm gonna walk with you</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's that smile in our eyes we've got on our training shoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hey Follies, I know I'm gonna walk with you.</div><br />
The girls loved it and so did everyone else and we've not stopped singing it since! I can see the streets of London being filled with the Follies singing 'Walk with Me' for 26.2 miles next year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRLVl8NjDSkIK_k8De9O4wSbVCiMZ7AN__NO04hiUAt-36NdgTsRfUcmBGXTZyeRorsz5QGDd7wW0APeVrUtYb-5wil4Ysec0gnyiEgZxJqD0T68DcXuU51i4t_0895ewJ0jV7kUNQ8I/s1600/yfandscotland+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRLVl8NjDSkIK_k8De9O4wSbVCiMZ7AN__NO04hiUAt-36NdgTsRfUcmBGXTZyeRorsz5QGDd7wW0APeVrUtYb-5wil4Ysec0gnyiEgZxJqD0T68DcXuU51i4t_0895ewJ0jV7kUNQ8I/s200/yfandscotland+005.JPG" width="155" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy6WVMouhlXDIW5PNdTnSrM0vox6TWvv6oDW7RAeCKuJylSu1M8DB2SNajQ20c00WRIBrDSu7JQ68njLWng-zv0pBvRKJIcuE3TQSN4a1njS041m2ICM6eKcZINLybYuz0t5eXO88Wi0/s1600/yfandscotland+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRy6WVMouhlXDIW5PNdTnSrM0vox6TWvv6oDW7RAeCKuJylSu1M8DB2SNajQ20c00WRIBrDSu7JQ68njLWng-zv0pBvRKJIcuE3TQSN4a1njS041m2ICM6eKcZINLybYuz0t5eXO88Wi0/s200/yfandscotland+024.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjlS_neOP2ifqNePd9vweNTRMcpdGj4u4n0-G2D20i1omV396sH9K1E4FibsbRDS-CnsbVBbzpZPHQACCP16Bowkn8LFcps0qnHlgC8drGmmiQ79hdYCLczpCeGJq8_xHhNDuohHeBnY/s1600/yfandscotland+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjlS_neOP2ifqNePd9vweNTRMcpdGj4u4n0-G2D20i1omV396sH9K1E4FibsbRDS-CnsbVBbzpZPHQACCP16Bowkn8LFcps0qnHlgC8drGmmiQ79hdYCLczpCeGJq8_xHhNDuohHeBnY/s200/yfandscotland+008.JPG" width="197" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cXiyCCIbgStxgZwBLHJWkeqNMMz3qBtRpFzE5WP-9sB5gfRZ7Fn8egemMvM67fyOHnH5xzU-zYlJY200sB9XtQfAAynwPgQRDWo8BrTHALHPSDQaNyN0Pp5EpGzbQz1diSAseDgFIy4/s1600/yfandscotland+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cXiyCCIbgStxgZwBLHJWkeqNMMz3qBtRpFzE5WP-9sB5gfRZ7Fn8egemMvM67fyOHnH5xzU-zYlJY200sB9XtQfAAynwPgQRDWo8BrTHALHPSDQaNyN0Pp5EpGzbQz1diSAseDgFIy4/s200/yfandscotland+040.JPG" width="93" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFFrcRkUi3uTYAQgfAKShexSPr9yQwQJsErXBwdEijhdHpunN5sO8001_5Wb029Mq4qlbqoqGIUWt1lyBKVIlyQQFRcaXS1XmbukiewvI1Jon2yf5UIMTDfoETSFZb1iZ0p6rPQJthQM/s1600/yfandscotland+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFFrcRkUi3uTYAQgfAKShexSPr9yQwQJsErXBwdEijhdHpunN5sO8001_5Wb029Mq4qlbqoqGIUWt1lyBKVIlyQQFRcaXS1XmbukiewvI1Jon2yf5UIMTDfoETSFZb1iZ0p6rPQJthQM/s200/yfandscotland+012.JPG" width="163" /></a><br />
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The rest of the night was a resounding success with Stagestruk, Jess, Kristian, Steve Adams, Jo Jordan and Tracy Allen all having the audience dancing the night away.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems the first Follies Fundraising charity concert was raising some eyebrows but even more so people were being generous and helping us raise money. The auction alone made £235 for 3 items and with the night drawing to a close the rest of the takings were yet to be counted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEpgez4BbV4lVvnFWTStqndZ_-a0sUZ5F-wq9zo5V_KcECnInEZ3LkaCOaSYBGG-JGwuOq-rVGt_94dpOd3kTP5LKFD4lUCWT4ErrwrAgD_sNoB7k7Y3DFcA7SpYSGU2zRn2rcRYuLeY/s1600/yfandscotland+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEpgez4BbV4lVvnFWTStqndZ_-a0sUZ5F-wq9zo5V_KcECnInEZ3LkaCOaSYBGG-JGwuOq-rVGt_94dpOd3kTP5LKFD4lUCWT4ErrwrAgD_sNoB7k7Y3DFcA7SpYSGU2zRn2rcRYuLeY/s320/yfandscotland+047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The total amount raised for our night was £1100!! We were all on a natural high and absolutely delighted with our efforts for the evening. Not only had everyone had a good night but people could finally see the Follies together and get to know our aims/hopes/fears and dreams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure there will be many more evenings and events to come and they will be on our website for all to see and follow at <a href="http://yorkshirefollies.org.uk/">http://yorkshirefollies.org.uk</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are all on a journey but we've also come through some hard and sad times too. On previous occasions I've always released the evenings balloons up to Dad. On this occasion however I also passed the scissors over to Annmarie because I thought that her husband Dave who tragically died 4 years ago deserves some of the party too. This is our way of saying we've had a great night, we love you, we wish you were here and we miss you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4Ba34tWcxQrKV-S_pg7_BejCg5BR_rlIIbNTZQjhQgxQ3wWjR9VHgr8FwGavTJT5Mm0nYmserJaWdoKDo_HeHFJ0xrfdY9DKnzjZHecUUkvf8dRUvDvcXFDmtf49F8QTMrbpM1gX4hI/s1600/yfandscotland+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4Ba34tWcxQrKV-S_pg7_BejCg5BR_rlIIbNTZQjhQgxQ3wWjR9VHgr8FwGavTJT5Mm0nYmserJaWdoKDo_HeHFJ0xrfdY9DKnzjZHecUUkvf8dRUvDvcXFDmtf49F8QTMrbpM1gX4hI/s320/yfandscotland+048.JPG" width="302" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGkHOqrGiH_DmvXzJyUCkcWXqAEierPowIWTThJc-LIcaU1vg_VWFnuSIYsXGCfg2A7nxkZAivS4DegoIFDEv5Tg1z9yLM9ucvS04ODLE58D_tCmmO45dQ40Xw_0PCxoTWL6xU27mz78/s1600/yfandscotland+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGkHOqrGiH_DmvXzJyUCkcWXqAEierPowIWTThJc-LIcaU1vg_VWFnuSIYsXGCfg2A7nxkZAivS4DegoIFDEv5Tg1z9yLM9ucvS04ODLE58D_tCmmO45dQ40Xw_0PCxoTWL6xU27mz78/s320/yfandscotland+050.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">with our love xxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All that remains for me to say is thank you so much to everyone who helped make it a fantastic night. We are looking forward to next years concert which by the way is already booked at The Willows Club on 5th October 2012. We look forward to seeing you there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ellie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xxx</div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-57722161294897562522011-11-02T23:28:00.045+00:002011-11-03T00:13:04.017+00:00Our first half marathon has been walked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The miles are clocking up - but we need more! <br />
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Most of the girls have only walked a maximum of 9 miles, some only 5 or 6. We needed a longer walk so we set a new mini challenge - a half marathon!<br />
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Caroline has twin boys who go to cadets and they had arranged a sponsored walk to Hornsea on 1st October, raising funds for their Squadron (152) so what better excuse did we need for a long walk. There were no time restraints so no rush and we've all done enough mini walks to give us the confidence to walk that distance. We could take it easy and flush out any injuries or problems and deal with them before marathon day next May. <br />
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We had a couple of Follies missing in action, Ray was away on a walking break with his brother-in-law and Tina was having babysitter issues so that left 6 of us to meet at 8:30 at Jayne's house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7rA3EvvB6N4I3Adq2KqjsYGiI7A4JCPUXF1TQ11pKOZhJWKPio1ck5o_veF_4D_zQlek5hQACMdhlTZ4-fboQ0YkkdtIXfvOkjMbu8XUHy6ihvLkcQ168b_Bgrl6Exp3vl5ME2PAOSA/s1600/yfhornseawalk+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7rA3EvvB6N4I3Adq2KqjsYGiI7A4JCPUXF1TQ11pKOZhJWKPio1ck5o_veF_4D_zQlek5hQACMdhlTZ4-fboQ0YkkdtIXfvOkjMbu8XUHy6ihvLkcQ168b_Bgrl6Exp3vl5ME2PAOSA/s320/yfhornseawalk+008.JPG" width="320" /></a>The weather was beautifully crisp and the sun was shining with not a cloud in sight, a glorious October morning lay ahead of us and an old railway track heading all the way from Coniston to Hornsea and back was our planned route. We set off at a decent pace, chatting and enjoying the stunning views along the way, excited to be heading out and looking forward to our fish and chips half way round. Well come on, you can't go to the East coast of Yorkshire and not get fish and chips? And lets face it we'd earn the calories!<br />
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There were 3 of Carolines friends also walking and as you would expect, she soon dropped back with them because one of the girls had come out without her socks on! She soon started feeling the effect of the charcoal footing and develped some pretty bad blisters. We wondered whether she would make it to Hornsea but more importantly whether she would make it back. The track crosses over roads on the way where the twins and other squadron personel had set up check points to make sure we were OK and replenish our water. We knew that they would help her if it was required. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HpVKAOzASUYx4ARwPYurE0oi9uE6YkXoP19ozBNyQMTPilDeAujKMM2jYeO5i-hdz_ExRdf_vFTqJkdQQyrwiSrXSpLO22aTTg1IpmMBACVLnwPA9uQugk3Gk9AA5gxvQctLtFu6gy8/s1600/yfhornseawalk+011+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0HpVKAOzASUYx4ARwPYurE0oi9uE6YkXoP19ozBNyQMTPilDeAujKMM2jYeO5i-hdz_ExRdf_vFTqJkdQQyrwiSrXSpLO22aTTg1IpmMBACVLnwPA9uQugk3Gk9AA5gxvQctLtFu6gy8/s320/yfhornseawalk+011+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ray kept us updated with picture messages of some outstanding waterfalls and terrain from his Brecon Beacons walk and we were sending messages back, most of them containing Katy and Jane's bums as they were setting the pace and chatting away merrily ahead of us all. <br />
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I do have to say at this point Jane Sturdy had the best bum bag available to man (so much so she went to the shop and purchased said bag for each Follie member for us to take on the Moonwalk with us). It was incredible and had EVERYTHING in it!! Deodorant, food, water, foot balm, suncream (full size!). We just awaited the cooker and 3 course meal to appear but soon realised the kitchen is Rachel domain so that was never going to happen! .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlbT8D8W93t3IqA9FyXxno5AxO-XlmaH_BUHeKD7BhA-Osyo8yoe16RNc7VHbBDNqoAps8SioWIebpM-I8vxJHqB3DSv62j_q_NzGq627N3GPvR0ZCUILL5Clv64f6qnvCCIdBzTs14Q/s1600/yfhornseawalk+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlbT8D8W93t3IqA9FyXxno5AxO-XlmaH_BUHeKD7BhA-Osyo8yoe16RNc7VHbBDNqoAps8SioWIebpM-I8vxJHqB3DSv62j_q_NzGq627N3GPvR0ZCUILL5Clv64f6qnvCCIdBzTs14Q/s200/yfhornseawalk+016.JPG" width="150" /></a>The walk when mapped was 15.3 miles (<a href="http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=C081D73F-AFBD-1A35-25A21566EF53387F">http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=C081D73F-AFBD-1A35-25A21566EF53387F</a>) . Our first half marathon (and some) had been completed! We were tired, we were sore, but we were happy and we were smiling. Annmarie had suffered horrendous blisters even with trainers that had been 'walked in' with walking socks, bless her, but we knew there would be issues and we have time to iron them out.<br />
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We laughed until we wee'd (some of us literally!) and we were buzzing. We had achieved something that 6 months ago none of us thought we would. We soon worked out that it's OK going to the gym and training there and doing interval training, it all helps towards fitness but we need to get out and walk. We are planning to set a long walk every 4-6 weeks covering at least 13 miles. It's good training and it'll keep us all on the level we need to be at to start together and finish together.<br />
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To top it all off we raised £152.10 - for Squadron 152. What a fantastic day!!<br />
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Well done Yorkshire Follies, we rock!<br />
<br />
Ellie<br />
xxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-61387650972920640302011-11-02T21:50:00.002+00:002011-11-02T22:37:46.969+00:00Let the challenge begin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvYEXSShhZ_hb9OOovbGTSPeTOv49Ouikx9yDMO-O6xaqx7J17M2cBjPMlVEjdSHQQWnc0cEK2ogBLMvt2mCUQqiJiaVSijqwDB_EDXx6fHKGpoHIfDa40uAZDlyXG7XYR_dEAQBZ8Vw/s1600/yfcelebration+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvYEXSShhZ_hb9OOovbGTSPeTOv49Ouikx9yDMO-O6xaqx7J17M2cBjPMlVEjdSHQQWnc0cEK2ogBLMvt2mCUQqiJiaVSijqwDB_EDXx6fHKGpoHIfDa40uAZDlyXG7XYR_dEAQBZ8Vw/s320/yfcelebration+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>THE YORKSHIRE FOLLIES</strong></div><br />
Well we had walked and talked but now it was time to put planning into action and register for our first challenge, the London Moonwalk 2012.<br />
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The Follies up to now hadn't ever been in any room all together at the same time so what better day to arrange it for but the opening of London WTW registration day - 29th September 2011.<br />
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Our inaugural Follies meeting was therefore arranged, we would meet at The Old Rectory straight from school in the morning and register, go off and do our thing for the day and meet back at 5:30 after work, with children in tow to enjoy a buffet dinner and celebratory drinks on the patio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbW1uM0jLuaPG1yVzYoTh0jUoFY7KP9gaar9X_I65w5Jb0rp7i4OF8poBAYRiFMNxyvQ0wZOcVeYOjgXxWld6rF85VM3yPSD4xp-oKfOUWwuBC8AOCO44IGOcYifVgUqYZQ3jsxK4Zdc/s1600/yfcelebration+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbW1uM0jLuaPG1yVzYoTh0jUoFY7KP9gaar9X_I65w5Jb0rp7i4OF8poBAYRiFMNxyvQ0wZOcVeYOjgXxWld6rF85VM3yPSD4xp-oKfOUWwuBC8AOCO44IGOcYifVgUqYZQ3jsxK4Zdc/s200/yfcelebration+009.JPG" width="200" /></a>All the girls were presented with bags which included a letter of congratulations, a Yorkshire Follies t-shirt and YF pens. A couple of the girls even had surprise gifts in their bags - Jayne laughs a lot so she got incontinence pads and Tina has a weak bladder so her bag contained a catheter - all good fun and that's just how the girls took it. What a hoot!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iNZ_VPT9BbSkYV_9KcTsWvTiedZHjSj5QP-FqyXJHQxBZxqWN0U4wUTjjJaWaSLTYn6pVd0pDINJCdF7NIcZOWIihwrJ4pIZu_BCU6DF2up4-SUGH8vrIRHRoL-0-HYMdeBkmLP006Q/s1600/yfcelebration+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iNZ_VPT9BbSkYV_9KcTsWvTiedZHjSj5QP-FqyXJHQxBZxqWN0U4wUTjjJaWaSLTYn6pVd0pDINJCdF7NIcZOWIihwrJ4pIZu_BCU6DF2up4-SUGH8vrIRHRoL-0-HYMdeBkmLP006Q/s200/yfcelebration+002.JPG" width="200" /></a>The banter flowed as did the wine and we all had a fantastic night building even stronger bonds. It was wonderful to get everyone together and finally get that long awaited group photo!!<br />
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For the first time since some of us took part in that first walk in June we had finally got together and set our first challenge in stone. All the things we had been planning in our heads were finally becoming reality.<br />
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We have all now been formally accepted onto the Walk the Walk London Moonwalk 2012. Now the REAL training begins, working as a team, finishing what we started, together!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem8u76Gc44vJ0GwFetttvu87Qnse3MBIH6PRTYjeytC8CNvOLdYzr7duvucVU3q7NUO3YFWURDS_ixqSJllLJPi2vY2UVvG9sQCxcxZVHXL9iCtEZAi83ucJwRo_9z8S18d6L95LSZHA/s1600/yfcelebration+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem8u76Gc44vJ0GwFetttvu87Qnse3MBIH6PRTYjeytC8CNvOLdYzr7duvucVU3q7NUO3YFWURDS_ixqSJllLJPi2vY2UVvG9sQCxcxZVHXL9iCtEZAi83ucJwRo_9z8S18d6L95LSZHA/s320/yfcelebration+024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I even made a cake for the event!</div><br />
The laughter flowed, with yet more wine, as did the ideas for not only our fund raising but our outfits for Walk the Walk. Oh what fun we are going to have.<br />
<br />
Ellie<br />
xxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-21824915746205579262011-10-05T09:52:00.000+01:002011-10-05T09:52:10.812+01:00Ellie Birch - a different perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ4UXJYoP4HlYj83SjafRd0By-LmpyhcFwVwiAicIZb8SJLRRFALWGwvuqDS8ApSduJ5qN72TKeO37GZGPIRzZ1TzXXaLDzy6Lco-m8Jdy6U3K_AShfIHUYx8q3HLvfKA6At6mbH1dg/s1600/elliebenjipic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ4UXJYoP4HlYj83SjafRd0By-LmpyhcFwVwiAicIZb8SJLRRFALWGwvuqDS8ApSduJ5qN72TKeO37GZGPIRzZ1TzXXaLDzy6Lco-m8Jdy6U3K_AShfIHUYx8q3HLvfKA6At6mbH1dg/s320/elliebenjipic.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy, <span style="font-family: inherit;">Proud</span> and Determined!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So – Ellie thought that she’d got away scot-free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . . . . Not so, Lady – pin your ears back! Lol</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It will come as no surprise to anyone when I tell you that Ellie is the most wonderful wife and mother but there is much, much more to this young lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might be accused of being biased but those of you who know her will, I am sure, agree whole heartedly with my comments and observations.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ellie has already explained the how and why our group was formed but it really didn’t “just happen” . . . . it was a far from easy journey.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever since her dear dad (and my very dear friend) passed away she has been driven with a desire not only to improve her own fitness and wellbeing but also to raise awareness of the cause and effects of heart disease and whilst doing so, raise funds for charity, primarily but not limited to the BHF.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the very start, the enthusiasm and commitment with which she embarked on this crusade was contagious and the success of this change of lifestyle so obvious that friends and acquaintances became intrigued with her methods and wanted to know more!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As with most new projects / ventures, the initial period is usually the most successful as determination, novelty and dramatic results provide the motivation to continue and improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was certainly the case with Ellie as she shattered her initial weight loss target and discovered just how good life could be!!</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alas – some 18 months ago a shoulder injury and two subsequent operations meant that the training schedule that she so enjoyed had to be put on hold. The noticeable effect on her mental attitude and general habitus was a real problem for her!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Earlier this year, thank heavens, her injury was cleared and she was able to re-establish her training and healthy eating regime and start to overcome the frustrations of the previous months.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever searching for new challenges, Ellie had become involved with the local school during this relative period of inactivity and in so doing, opened the door to many new friendships and the inevitable discussions about her lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the results of one particular liaison that inspired her to share her methodology (dare I say doctrine?) in a much more positive and open manner and so after much soul searching and deliberation about the best vehicle with which to carry this forward, the local walking group was formed . . . . . their first challenge being to walk the “London Moonwalk, 2012” . . . . . enter the Yorkshire Follies!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This group of dedicated, barmy, fun loving <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>keep-fit ladies has been a real <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tonic for Ellie, and the friendships and camaraderie that has developed since its inception is evidenced by the seemingly endless banter and chit-chat on the groups FB page – who will ever get the last word!!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But make no bones about it people – this is a group with a purpose, driven by a lady who will only settle for the best and for whom the word failure <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>does not exist!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She is an inspiration, a wonderful example of what can be achieved by resolve, commitment and sheer guts and hard work.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She is my Ellie, my soul mate . I love her to bits and I’m proud to be part of her dream!</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">XXX</span> </span></div>Ray Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07994070736099524349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-1381136869286166832011-10-04T19:20:00.000+01:002011-10-04T19:20:13.700+01:00Ray Birch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQX3-2-44w_H8PtftHFhsWiL28lvBB8jnaqd8izwmF2cCk5OFgOs8Wk_1bdh0gbvtsJene-Vpd8BXWlm8Jz-MwgfYKTSiLtlsnYcQ4ruLvn3CpFmDjADtqnpxDpxl30rU8-_vzoolHfU/s1600/august11+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQX3-2-44w_H8PtftHFhsWiL28lvBB8jnaqd8izwmF2cCk5OFgOs8Wk_1bdh0gbvtsJene-Vpd8BXWlm8Jz-MwgfYKTSiLtlsnYcQ4ruLvn3CpFmDjADtqnpxDpxl30rU8-_vzoolHfU/s320/august11+066.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>RAY</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyone that knows me will know that there is not just me!! There is another part of me, another half of me, the part that makes me whole and complete.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It all seems very 'Mills and Boon' but .......................Let me introduce you to my husband Ray Birch, Since getting together with my soul mate in 2003 we really have been a team in every sense of the word. We've battled through people not believing in us (completely understandable considering the circumstances), we've struggled through the shock of finding out I was pregnant when it was never even considered because I'd been told years ago that I would have to undergo medical intervention and then had to endure tragically losing our little girl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We then lived the worry not only of being pregnant again but going into early labour and giving birth to Benjamin 10 weeks prematurely. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Together we suffered the unexpected loss of my wonderful Dad who was not only my rock and mentor but one of Rays best friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Only recently Ray lost his Mentor and great great friend (and since losing his Dad his Father figure Lou Betros). For the first time I saw him physically crumble. How do you endure a 72 hour round trip to Kansas in the USA alone to say goodbye to your longest running friend of over 35 years?? Ray did and wouldn't have been anywhere else, that's friendship and thats the wonderful man I married. He always puts on such a brave front and is so strong for others to help them through, this time it was our time to help him through and my turn to hold him up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see with such a small synopsis of our bad times (oh there are plenty more!) it would have broken many couples but with the love and friendship we have for each other it's brought us closer together, made us stronger and changed our lives.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to add at this point that it hasn't always been bad luck and trauma! We have lived life like we would never dream. We've walked and laughed the full length of Alcatraz together looking in every nook and cranny, we've hung off the side of trams in San Fransico just like Mrs Doubtfire. We have sat in the square in Barcelona sipping on wine watching the world go by. We've sat on our own patio until the small wee hours putting the world to rights, laughing about our experiences and planning our future. We married aboard the Sea Princess just off the coast of France on 1st June 2005 which was one of the happiest days of our lives and we've watched our little boy grow up with such beautiful manners. We've endured 10k's, half marathons, climbing the 3 peaks together to name but a few. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We have met some wonderful friends and our door is and always has been open, our kitchen table holds more secrets and conversations than I would care to mention but he really has got the best shoulder to cry on and has seen so much of life and the world he is possibly the best source of knowledge that I would know. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He is kind, generous and loves company, he always starts the day with a smile and I love him unconditionally. One of my friends said to me only last week. "If I'm HALF as happy as you and Ray are then I have found my way in life". In response, I never dreamed I would be this happy and can't imagine life without my Raymondo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ray is my biggest form of support and we now lead a healthier life TOGETHER. Yes we enjoy a glass of wine and yes we enjoy entertaining but we are alive and we so enjoy living it. We also know what needs to be done to compensate our luxuries and we enjoy training together so when I set out on my challenge of getting 'the girls' together it seemed weird that he wasn't involved. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know he would never have said anything and I also know that he was screaming inside to join us, after all he had done the previous two Moonwalks with me. Before very long it seemed obvious to me that the girls expected Ray would be joining us in London. All I can say is, your gonna have to step up to the plate love and get them legs a moving to keep up with us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So he is now one of the team and we have his outfit all sorted for the London Moonwalk 2012. Let's face it we just know he adores wearing he bra and flashing his way all the way to the finish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ellie</div><div style="text-align: left;">xxx</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-69263211899379310372011-10-04T14:43:00.000+01:002011-10-04T14:43:03.822+01:00Tina Muldowny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gOPnrybLwBeZ5wQ9xP0MxPYu8NG3pZIu5WQvktrEa_mIbhaYla_UwoIukw9018T7VN8pgzOjZFonFvHBJjnetBls1u4u3jUvRBgW6sIns538zGquLvtoqf1u64FgQuOlyr_zG8MlVZg/s1600/tina1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gOPnrybLwBeZ5wQ9xP0MxPYu8NG3pZIu5WQvktrEa_mIbhaYla_UwoIukw9018T7VN8pgzOjZFonFvHBJjnetBls1u4u3jUvRBgW6sIns538zGquLvtoqf1u64FgQuOlyr_zG8MlVZg/s320/tina1.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>TINA</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This particular blog is probably going to be a short one and you will soon see why.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When we first started our walking group there were names flying all over the place and people dropping in and out of walks and conversations. Eventually things settled down and culminated into 8 of us that were committed wholeheartedly into signing up for the London Moonwalk 2012.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I kept hearing the name Tina from everyone but to be honest I had absolutely no idea who had introduced her. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I knew that she was aquainted with Jane because they had worked together and I knew there was a link with Annmarie because their girls Bethany and Elisha went to school together. Her son Bailey is looked after by Christine, Annmarie's mum who is his childminder. Are you confused yet??? Now you can see my problem!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tina has only managed to meet us for a couple of walks because of work commitments and the demands placed on her by her children and a single parent existence. What has struck me is the ease in which she gets on with everybody even though she is possibly the most shy person I have ever met. . . . . another one of us with low self esteem it seems? I remember that on her first walk she hardly said a word only to say how grateful she was that she was meeting new people and new friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When we set of on our journey we all committed to getting healthier, getting our fitness up to the same level and when we went out on team walks that we would help each other along. Because of her sheer determination and enthusiasm for the challenge she has set herself and the fact she can't get out walking as often as others, Tina trains on the treadmill she has at home every night tokeep up her fitness. She hates the thought that she may get left behind but one thing is for sure, the way she is going she will be running a marathon well before the rest of us!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I really do look forward to spending more time with Tina - on the few occasions that we have met she has been an absolute hoot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just one more Follie to introduce!!!.........</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ellie</div><div style="text-align: left;">xxx</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-4606491566373846722011-10-03T22:19:00.000+01:002011-10-03T22:19:09.617+01:00Caroline Whincup<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8irZtrZpJKNnUc0I9A0WV2f3hNxxPwzikFEa2mY0dqzAgrzyCTDoimjqqW-Qk6-HSlJSWNVQroVaV2aJ4OYo2TUs-u0hC_IdgaEA9OZ9XA6hAzWjE2vvpEcXGHVZYrHlh9sPzAynIkZ8/s1600/Caroline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8irZtrZpJKNnUc0I9A0WV2f3hNxxPwzikFEa2mY0dqzAgrzyCTDoimjqqW-Qk6-HSlJSWNVQroVaV2aJ4OYo2TUs-u0hC_IdgaEA9OZ9XA6hAzWjE2vvpEcXGHVZYrHlh9sPzAynIkZ8/s320/Caroline.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<strong>CAROLINE</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
I first met Caroline about 2 years ago when she came to see me about hiring one of my dresses for a ball she was going too. As with all my ladies I made her feel welcome and hopefully made her feel special. We eventually found her perfect dress and after a couple of spray tans away she went and had a fantastic night wearing a Simply Elliegance gown. People are always grateful and say thank you but Caroline is one of the only people ever to have sent a thank you card to the business so I think I did a good job.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That was the last I heard until Jayne B said she was at a slimming club with a girl I'd previously met . . . . . low and behold it was the same Caroline.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When I saw her again I was astounded at how much weight she had lost. Well over 5 stone and looking incredible. Before long she was showing an interest in walking with us but with so little self esteem and thinking there was no way she would be able to keep up, she did not dare to say she would 'Walk the Walk'. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It wasn't long though before she was setting herself her first ever Challenge of doing the London Moonwalk 2012.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Caroline has twin boys whom she idolises and it certainly shows in the way she talks about them and supports them. They are her world and that is very evident.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a lady that has developed from someone who would drive in her car to the corner shop to someone that now walks on the treadmill for over an hour each day; from someone that hated any form of exercise to someone who now lives at the gym and gains so much from it- and it is showing. Not only is her her physique changing but also her personality! <br />
<br />
When I've met people along my journey it always amazes me that I can somehow see myself in them. Is that what connects people do you think? Caroline has so much to give yet seems frightened somehow of giving herself any justice or reward. Not daring to try something just incase she fails and thinks she looks silly. Well she certainly is trying new things and is certainly not looking silly, all she needs to do is start believing she can do things and she will certainly amaze herself like she is amazing others.<br />
<br />
I'm certainly looking forward to getting to know her better.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ellie<br />
xxx</div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-87814785552473245442011-09-16T21:37:00.002+01:002011-09-16T21:39:30.234+01:00Jane Sturdy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbpr2gS-pOwLDwSDHR0RSFgRNjvhgjwhyphenhyphensDTU7utclO5gzAfVG7Va2cy8TA0RWskHEx2l4lMUFDTTJrFM37fA5KMyttXoqmakvzvFdGsK37ISbd_B-B4tJM9hPhT4_WoeDndTo8ScIgk/s1600/Jane+Sturdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbpr2gS-pOwLDwSDHR0RSFgRNjvhgjwhyphenhyphensDTU7utclO5gzAfVG7Va2cy8TA0RWskHEx2l4lMUFDTTJrFM37fA5KMyttXoqmakvzvFdGsK37ISbd_B-B4tJM9hPhT4_WoeDndTo8ScIgk/s320/Jane+Sturdy.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>JANE</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've known Jane over 6 years now. She was my midwife and the lady that saved our son's life!<br />
<br />
At 30 weeks pregnant Jane had popped in to do her usual anti-natal check on the way home. I had been diagnosed with Symphesis Pubis Dysfunction and was basically bound to the sofa because of it. Jane and I live in the village so it made sense for her to make me her last call of the day on her way home.<br />
<br />
She left having phoned her son Joe to run her a bath having had a bad day at work but within 30 minutes I was on the phone to her sobbing because I'd had a show and 'I didn't feel right'. She battled with the hospital because I'd had previous problems with pregnancy and they finally agreed to take me in to check me over. They monitored me, injected with hormones, made me as comfortable as possible and kept me in for the night for observation.<br />
<br />
The next afternoon at 14:30 our son Benjamin Harold was born 10 weeks premature and weighing in at 3lb 11ozs. I can't begin to tell you how frightened we were but I also can't begin to tell you how grateful I was and still am to Jane. She kept me calm and told me everything was going to be OK - she was right. We now have a beautiful 5 year old that I seriously believe would not be with us today if it hadn't have been for her.<br />
<br />
She puts her life and soul into her midwifery and everyone is her family as her poor partner Rachel finds out everytime they nip into the local supermarket when it takes them 2 hours just to buy a pint of milk.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jane has always supported me in whatever event I've been doing with words of encouragement and telling me how proud and inspired she is of me, putting her hand in her pocket and sponsoring me for every run, walk, jog or mountain climb I did.<br />
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Jane also sponsored Andy for his Challenge66 event and I remember her saying she always liked to sponsor people because she never did events herself so it was her way on contributing - how times have changed! She has done not one but 2 Race for Life's this year and raised a staggering £551.00 for cancer research. An amazing feat for someone who does nothing!!<br />
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Jane and I went out for a couple of walks together with Willow and Finlay, our respective dogs and when the email went around regarding the Moonwalk, Jane told me she might do it and would go home and think about it - that was a BIG MISTAKE JANE, HUGE!! By saying you would "think" about it you set ME the challenge of wanting you to say yes and I didn't have to wait too long at all. <br />
<br />
All of a sudden she was enjoying herself and walking further that she had ever walked. Jane says I am her mentor - personally I still find it hard to hear people saying that but if I can pay her back for the way she helped me all of those years ago then it is my honour. The fact that we now also have a wonderful friendship to go with it is an added bonus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv75QsnVT-l4U0WSoVi24SHUMEpztH0TYmGJ8yrdAsXAcXtbyJIRC2N4KSndO1g4VBVnjot-6wSDBJCnRT4299OK6DLOuIOVFUsrjuBMHsrhRux_3i-eGmndqo-Cp0cEztBQktcaGO1LY/s1600/frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv75QsnVT-l4U0WSoVi24SHUMEpztH0TYmGJ8yrdAsXAcXtbyJIRC2N4KSndO1g4VBVnjot-6wSDBJCnRT4299OK6DLOuIOVFUsrjuBMHsrhRux_3i-eGmndqo-Cp0cEztBQktcaGO1LY/s200/frog.jpg" width="200" /></a>When we go out walking, Jane really is our Mary Poppins, our David Bellamy or even our Dr Doolittle. She has saved frogs from the jaws of death (well car tyres anyway). She could tell you every bird in the Sproatley countryside, she can count rabbits quicker than I can count my calories and she is a Deer Hunter Extrordinaire (real or statue!). Jane even finds fairy slippers in nettle flowers. (I for one can actually see the slippers in the flowers and think of them everytime I watch Tinkerbell). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zxIH5LPTB4nstXoGuAhypO2n0yOEIf4YaAVeEPFVyvBU2upIwjEvEUBPsmZSz6QQe5rXOuz703H0-cwvEfBd_dhk3ZxVNwb4-bs7v1A1WiYqheNDm2orsPcuwn1pELTZU3t1IKkQ5VE/s1600/nettle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zxIH5LPTB4nstXoGuAhypO2n0yOEIf4YaAVeEPFVyvBU2upIwjEvEUBPsmZSz6QQe5rXOuz703H0-cwvEfBd_dhk3ZxVNwb4-bs7v1A1WiYqheNDm2orsPcuwn1pELTZU3t1IKkQ5VE/s200/nettle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgsfLyTh1le3Kgu-2hj_byNxlY9plxwjWGliEUnoojCehi0mPG8v8OwEcqwFim3cuI48b4p2vuzkp_JQF4oWm4owdmjNCtjVby0Ct_nJMjKkhsEhyPrpMkOsiD2mB2inQnxFOfUNVhys/s1600/sheep.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgsfLyTh1le3Kgu-2hj_byNxlY9plxwjWGliEUnoojCehi0mPG8v8OwEcqwFim3cuI48b4p2vuzkp_JQF4oWm4owdmjNCtjVby0Ct_nJMjKkhsEhyPrpMkOsiD2mB2inQnxFOfUNVhys/s1600/sheep.png" /></a></div>She also has a wonderful way with.......................... SHEEP, she talks to them and tries to get into fields with them when all we do is run away from them. Jane even lets wasps sit on her arm and sting her - what a woman!!<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Like myself, Jane lost her Dad and talks or both him and her Mum when we are out. She has picked up her Dads wonderful love for animals and nature which she passes on to us all, or anyone that will listen and not think she has had far too much sun, or wine!! <br />
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It is my pleasure to have you as a walking partner Jane and look forward to downing many bottles of wine along the way, well we have earned them after all!! <br />
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Now who's next......................<br />
<br />
Ellie<br />
xxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-43718145332158079172011-09-15T07:19:00.001+01:002011-09-15T16:49:39.819+01:00Jayne Beck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhixN185TA0bD3L2yjWWxkQ7XzwCumZBg1J2AbG_3bM0CE5De2RIomewiIzR_Y1YFOoZM0REBF9EvBFKEJoMHeVaGxbsa-QScFig-aUVFqXD6d8Mz11xVkkHNptZEF_Vj8zdfBY5jfmqA/s1600/Jane+Beck+cheryl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhixN185TA0bD3L2yjWWxkQ7XzwCumZBg1J2AbG_3bM0CE5De2RIomewiIzR_Y1YFOoZM0REBF9EvBFKEJoMHeVaGxbsa-QScFig-aUVFqXD6d8Mz11xVkkHNptZEF_Vj8zdfBY5jfmqA/s1600/Jane+Beck+cheryl.png" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>JAYNE</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well what can I say about................................................. Jayne?!?!?! Hahahahahahahahahaha.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've known Jayne for about a year through the school that our children go too, dropping them off and picking them up. Then latterly through F.O.S.S.A (friends of Sproatley School Association) our schools fundraising group. We are both members with Jayne being the secretary *still waiting for minutes!!*. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
It was Annmarie that initiallymentioned to her about our walking activities and before she or any of us knew it she was well and truly hooked, out nearly every day and falling down on most of them! Going out with injured knees bruised legs, swollen ankles - nothing stopped her because Jayne has found something she loves doing and was getting such a buzz out of it.<br />
<br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Again Jayne really will do anything for anyone always lending a hand and is always willing to go that extra mile.............LITERALLY. Many's a time we've been out walking for a short 4 miler and have come back 7 or even 9 miles later not even knowing we've walked that far because we have talked and laughed non stop along the way.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Jayne always comes across as the life and soul of the party but there is a side to her that she never seems to give herself credit for. She has such enthusiasm not just for everything she does but also for helping others. She'll push and encourage you to go just that little bit more, JUST when it's needed and always just at the right time. We really don't know where we would be without her personality on board.<br />
<br />
Although Jayne has a partner, daughter and 2 dogs who she often used to walk, since starting doing 'proper' exercise (sorry Jayne couldn't resist) with us on the 10th July she has logged every mile. Whether it has been walked with us, walked with Shaun and the dogs or cycled with Molly it has been entered into her notebook and so far from just walking, she has covered an incredible 149.2 miles. I have to say though, I'm still to know if she has a column in there that gives injuries sustained when she is out?? If she's not dropping her water bottle she is dropping herself!<br />
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I suppose I best introduce you too her properly now, although it has to be said she is as gorgeous as Cheryl Cole anyway!!<br />
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I love you Jayne and thank you so much for being just you, you really do brighten my day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhX-GNSxtk0mL8Zs9ipXPLv7FKkoVB1ABzWyGSCE9MO0zDAX4UNlTJNt0Pzic1rvoLbEVDJ7iUCbvAVIrqKYBeZnNiF0QQW39ZSPEljaljrLcm2Y4pGS_7bgQ-JpsKi47NcZ4vLslJmw/s1600/moonwalk+training+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhX-GNSxtk0mL8Zs9ipXPLv7FKkoVB1ABzWyGSCE9MO0zDAX4UNlTJNt0Pzic1rvoLbEVDJ7iUCbvAVIrqKYBeZnNiF0QQW39ZSPEljaljrLcm2Y4pGS_7bgQ-JpsKi47NcZ4vLslJmw/s320/moonwalk+training+022.JPG" width="313" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ellie<br />
xxx</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-28232726158288198732011-09-12T09:51:00.003+01:002011-09-13T15:22:38.821+01:00Katy Wood<strong></strong><br />
<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CEEWMPy0prqpe2171N67j0KAqhMoNWcTcDv7TQ-QNx67pCRegQxcNmr63WuwIulIjNQigk1RL5LtHxsAVIaF4e9sIzX4tthEnaQxRotW3jm20NYTrLVj7rez44XKXD0R4lfdXiaXN1g/s1600/sports+and+hen+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CEEWMPy0prqpe2171N67j0KAqhMoNWcTcDv7TQ-QNx67pCRegQxcNmr63WuwIulIjNQigk1RL5LtHxsAVIaF4e9sIzX4tthEnaQxRotW3jm20NYTrLVj7rez44XKXD0R4lfdXiaXN1g/s400/sports+and+hen+032.JPG" width="293" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>KATY</strong></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Contrary to popular belief I've know Katy for over 8 years. We first met during a local talent competition but it's only over the last couple of years that we have become really close friends.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my honest opinion, she is possibly one of the best reporters in the area and when I say that she will do ANYTHING for ANYONE I really do mean it. Katy has not only raised thousands of pounds for charity on her own behalf, she also supports anyone else attempting to raise money for worthy causes, whether it's by supporting them via the local paper, putting her hand in her pocket to sponsor individuals directly or just getting stuck in and helping out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Katy's had her own 'rubbish' to deal with over the last year or so but she always presents herself with a smile and is ready to listen to your problems rather than burden you with hers. I admire her so much for showing such resolve, anyone else would have hidden under a very large rock but she has come out fighting and it's made her all the more loving and caring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Katy like myself comes from a very close family and her Mum, Dad and brother are wonderful people who present the true epitomy of what a family should be. They work together sharing problems and opportunities and demonstrate a wonderful rapport. We've had the pleasure of spending many times with them as a family and look forward to many more in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Katy and I have always been able to 'put the world to rights' chatting easily and openly about so many things. We've laughed and cried as we've gone along helping each other with our problems and worries. To me that is what friendship is about - sharing in things whether it's good or bad and helping each other deal with the highs and lows of whatever life throws at you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Katy is yet another of our group that is always striving towards a healthier life and this has presented the opportuity to talk often about diet, fitness and lifestyle. When work and other committments allow we also enjoy training together . When Katy decided to join us on the Moonwalk I was absolutely delighted and knew that even though I was the only person in the group she knew she would soon be laughing and working along with everyone else - I wasn't wrong!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Katy is doing a skydive next weekend for Dove House and the Love you 2 appeal (yes it is debatable whether she is insane!!). I'm just gutted that we can't be there to support her by being there to watch her skydive but we shall be in Newcastle preparing for the Great North Run that falls on the same weekend! I for one wish her all the luck in the world and look forward to hearing all about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ellie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xxx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div align="center"></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-39914431765478092172011-09-10T23:31:00.003+01:002011-09-12T09:14:50.220+01:00Annmarie BennettYou know about me from the post above (only I'm now 42!!). <br />
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Over the next few days I would like to introduce you to our walking group. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipHOiCcBJbZ13I6pVQkAfhYtQDkKkiNmalb7Gd8PaGMQw0wWS3cmwY-tkeJBBXNqXTtEEOikRs_Gq7VWXDvwodiikIW1esNOhy-tDkof0eqeL_MtZAZvqZslOryytTAsVN8H6v4G-_Yk/s1600/Annmarie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipHOiCcBJbZ13I6pVQkAfhYtQDkKkiNmalb7Gd8PaGMQw0wWS3cmwY-tkeJBBXNqXTtEEOikRs_Gq7VWXDvwodiikIW1esNOhy-tDkof0eqeL_MtZAZvqZslOryytTAsVN8H6v4G-_Yk/s400/Annmarie.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<strong>ANNMARIE</strong></div><br />
Back in June a girl in the village came and asked me about my weightloss and if she could have a chat. ME miss a chance to put the kettle on?? NEVER!!!! <br />
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With a very common starting point and an even more common goal, Annmarie and I were soon chatting like long lost friends and got on like a house on fire. After 3 hrs she left with my telephone number and the promise she would be in touch.<br />
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The next week she asked about going for a walk and off we trotted, just for an hour and both came back pooped but having talked non stop all the way felt full of purpose - and hope. <br />
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We always say everyone has a story - It was the loss of my Dad that started my journey. It was the thought of leaving her children on their own with no parent that started hers. Annmarie is a lady who lost her husband Dave (4 yrs ago) to heart disease at the stupidly young age of 27. She has been left under tragic circumstances to bring up 2 beautiful children on her own (with the help and support of her family and friends) but still she is on her own. With Kalem, her youngest being disabled Annmarie never sees what she does for him or Elisha or anyone else for that matter. She NEVER complains, helps everybody as much as she possibly can is in the middle of a Uni course but thinks everyone else is always worse off than she is. <br />
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We are now 2 months down the line and Annmarie has lost 1 1/2 stone. I'm so proud of her but more importantly admire her so much. Elisha and Kalem are a credit to both her and Dave. They are wonderful kids and I have no doubt that their Dad shines on them all every second of every day. <br />
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I hope our journey and friendship continues for years to come.<br />
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Ellie<br />
XxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2655251873783815199.post-47273582521454123512011-08-19T18:27:00.000+01:002011-08-19T18:27:39.830+01:00IntroductionsFirstly let me introduce myself. My name is Ellie Birch, I'm 41 years old and I'm a recovering.............. couch potato!! <br />
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3 years ago on 20 November (also my sons 3rd birthday) I lost my wonderful Dad to heart desease and determined to turn my life around, get fit and lead a healthier lifestyle. I was at the peak of fitness running 5k's, 10 k's, half marathons and training for my first marathon and I'd lost 6stone.<br />
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BUT . . . Due to a shoulder injury that took me out for nearly 12 months and having needed 2 operations I had put a stone of that back on and my fitness levels had dropped considerably and my self esteem was at an all time low. I needed a boost, a kick up the bum and but more importantly some motivation to get me back on track so I asked around to try and get a group of girls together to walk the London Moonwalk with me in 2012.<br />
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<strong>Little did I know that I would soon be walking around with people I hardly knew but who very soon to became very good friends.</strong><br />
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This blog will be written by our 'walking group'. It will no doubt contain hopes, tears, fears and be tinged with sadness but hopefully will contain a whole heap of laughter from a group of girls that are not only building a wonderful friendship but who are also getting fitter together too.<br />
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We hope you enjoy our journey too.<br />
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Ellie<br />
xxxElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717722570192170156noreply@blogger.com2