The reason for my journey

Hi,

Welcome to my blog page, and my very first post!

I’m pretty nervous about writing this but not half as nervous as I am about flying to America next May and trekking through the Grand Canyon with organisers, Discover Adventure……..

YES I did say the Grand Canyon!

Those of you that know me will already be laughing in disbelief- as you know:

• I don’t do the camping malarkey, 
• I prefer to drive rather than walk,
• I don’t go anywhere unless I have my make-up on and my hair done! 

BUT when you lose a friend that’s larger than life, it seems only fitting to do something BIG to remember them by.

On March the 17^th Salisbury lost a great personality, a lovely lady lost her husband - the love of her life and me, well I lost an amazing friend after he'd fought and lost his battle against cancer.

For those of you that were lucky enough to have met Chris Ewington will, I’m sure, remember his infectious laugh, his great personality, and his caring nature.  He certainly helped me get through a really tough ordeal and during that time, we became great friends.

In January, Jayne Prigent, of the Jas Hair Group, spoke to me about joining her, Martin Starke

(Spire FM) and others; on a trek through the Grand Canyon. She said it was to raise money for the Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal. It sounded great - but also very tough. I thought about it for a few days and luckily had the opportunity to talk to Chris about it too……… 

Laugh - oh Chris certainly did that, to the extent he nearly fell of the chair when I told him. He pointed out that:

• I rarely wear anything on my feet other than stiletto heels; 
• My iphone and iPad are an extension to my arms;
• I’m no longer the fittest of people. 

Trek Launch at Parkwood

Thanks Chris! But when he finally stopped laughing, he agreed it would be awesome and that he would be really proud of me for doing it. He even joked about sitting in Vegas and waiting for us all to arrive at the end of the trek with a pint in his hand! Nothing new there then I told him. 

The moment I received that awful phone call, telling me the very sad news that Chris had passed away, my mind was made up. I knew that I had to do this trek in memory of my amazing friend. 

After a week or so had passed, I spoke to Chris' wife Liezel, asking her permission to raise money in honour and memory of her husband, for the Stars Appeal.

I am so pleased to say that Liezel is behind me and happy that I am doing this for Chris, and for the charity he not only supported and raised money for, but a charity that also helped him.

So, I have a target of £4,000 to raise and today I received another large donation extending my balance to £2,000 – WOW! 

Massive thanks go out to my wonderful friends that have already donated on my just giving page and to some local businesses too: 

•  Laraine Voce - Lara’s Hat Hire;
• Martin Quigley - Qudos, Bar and Grill;
• Amanda Newbury - The Chapel Night Club;
• Theresa Trevett - Elite Care Agency; 
•  Gavin Barrett - Barrakav Properties;

      Since launching my just giving page in May: www.justgiving.com/Mandy-Woolford3 I have been contacted by some wonderful friends wanting to help me raise funds for my trek through music, fitness and other fund raising events. I am so touched and overwhelmed by their support, and I know Chris would have been too.

Thank You! You really are amazing!

Martin Quigly (right) and the Qudos team with me

This blog is a place for me to share my progress with you, throughout my journey. I will no doubt have up days and down days, high points and low points – all of which I will share with you. 

Last week I was lucky enough to have been introduced to Matt Chappel of Evolved Health, Personal Training & Physical Therapy. Matt with his expertise and knowledge, is going to be helping me train and prepare for my journey of a life time. He comes highly recommended and I feel privileged to have his support; thank you Matt!

I will be updating you with my training progress through this blog, so please remember to check in regularly.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and for your support.