Meeting the Air Ambulance

We were very pleased to be invited by Midlands Air Ambulance to their Cosford base to meet the crew of the helicopter.

The visit took place today. We were joined by Rachael Dawson, our colleague who was injured last year in a serious horse riding accident. She finally had the opportunity to meet and thank crew from the air ambulance that saved her life last year.

In the photo (front row) are Ian Lock (paramedic), Daniel and Rachael Dawson; (by the helicopter) Phil Diaz (doctor), Andy Bowen (pilot), Bryn, Ross, Rachel, Paul and Graham.

We have now collected well in excess of £4,000.

Survivor's Gathering

Last night, the team attended a celebration of the walk at Stafford. It was a great opportunity to see the army again and thank them personally for their support and hospitality during the walk. We also got to see some of the other walkers, in less strenuous conditions. Also attending the event were Deputy Mayor of Stafford, Malcolm Millichap and the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Terry Dix.

Everyone was in good spirits, and well recovered from the walk. It was a pity that Ross couldn't make the evening. The team's efforts in starting and completing the walk together were recognised in an award given by the Regiment for the leadership and organisation demonstrated before and during the event.

All in all a great night, including the renowned Gurkha curry.

Thank You All

We are all nursing injuries, mainly to our feet, but wanted to record our appreciation of the support and help we received during the walk.

In no particular order

• Steve and Bob - Our support team - When we needed lifting you were always there for us, If it were not for your unstinting support we doubt that the challenge would have been completed. Not forgetting Bob's dad who lent the trailer.



• Russell Edwards, Jerry McGachy and the rest of 22nd Signals Regiment. Of particular note were "Stray", who was always very encouraging and "Tuesday" (we named him that as he was a big guy with a massive chest - it is a reference to a film where there was a similarly sized character "if he says it's Tuesday, it's Tuesday").



• Neil Crump - for the t-shirts.



• Rachel Stanley - provider of the tremendous medical kit.



• The lady in the ice cream boat at Shugborough



• The folks at the Bridge Inn, Brewood - for the teas and coffees provided.



• Michelle Ayres at the Cat, Enville - on hearing of the walk and that we had targetted the pub as a meet point for friends and family, she opened it especially for us.



• Everyone of our colleagues, families and friends who met us on the final day. In particular Sam, Matt, Rachel, Mike, Stella, Cheryl, Ann, Mike, Barbara, Brian, Lorna, Sarah and the lads (I hope I have everybody) who walked with us for part of the day and Mandy for the ice creams. It was truly inspirational to have such support, you made the difference.

I hope I have remembered everybody, apologies if not, blame it on old age and extreme fatigue!

New Photos Uploaded

Some photos from the walk have been uploaded to Flickr.

Day 3 9:00pm The End

We have made it. An emotional end at the end of the Staffordshire Way. One of an elite band to walk the whole of the Way. Some better reflextion in time, it is going dark we're completely exhausted and in extreme pain.

Day 3 - 7:20pm - The Cat Inn, Enville

I'm crying, standing on the street outside the pub. The applause as our team turn into the garden is overwhelming. How the team has coped so far is testament to the character of each person and the wonder of team work.

We are also indebted to the landlady at the pub who opened especially for us after seeing this blog. It wouldn't happen everywhere.

Just three miles to go........

Day 3 5:48pm - Highgate Common

We are completely knackered! It's raining, we're wet and on our last legs. We now expect to be at Enville in 70 minutes.

We will complete but the last 6 miles will be incredibly hard.