Match report: Girls 4, Mountains 1. We got up and over them all, but Snowdon, with help from the weather devils, nearly saw us off. This done simply to spite Sally for saying that grannies in flip flops could potter up the Pyg Track. Wrong, wrong, thrice wrong. But all hail to the Irish for giving us the biggest lift. The final mountain in stunning scenery on the west coast of Ireland was tough but amazing. Including a helmet clad ascent of 'devil's ladder'. When I say ladder you think of something fairly solid, oh no... this is scrambling up wet boulders in a near vertical ravine with loose rocks to bounce onto the climbers below (thanks Jason). On the subject of our driver, he was almost perfect except for the totally unfounded accusation of relentless chattering damaging his ears. Hats off to him though, we reckon the driver role is the most challenging of all. Its like special forces training having to stay awake and drive through two consecutive nights while dodging stags (animal, not 70's porn star motor), adapting climate control for four tropical temperature zones in one Ford Galaxy, loading and unloading every bag (there were several, Jason might say hundreds) at every stop; on the subject of stops, all bladders required a stop at regular intervals but not the same intervals for every bladder; and doing all this without ever having a sense of humour failure. Now I have to say that he didnt make his own life any easier by adding a third night of near sleeplessness through champagne and Guinness soaked post event partying. Only doing his duty I think was his interpretation of standing at the bar sharing Ireland's finest with all 172 challengers until dawn broke. We have so many thank you's - simply look at the list of people below, then add in major sponsors and individuals who went out of their way to get us through, not least of all our families who let us loose to rampage around the country for five days - we know who you are, will be in touch with as many as possible to thank you personally, but would record here again our gratitude and respect. THANK YOU ALL.
Home. Alive. Knackered. Update tomorrow. thankyou all again.
THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU to everyone who has sponsored us - quite incredible support and humbling in its generosity.
Tuesday 29th. Louise buying Sealskin waterproof socks, leaving Andrew to cut out stickers of Jason to 'decorate' the car. Suzie fitting calipers to her lower limbs. Sally practising by walking in heels from Wimbledon up big hill back to train station. Jason hiding Red Bull and buns under his seat. We will survive.
Monday 28th. Long range forecast for Ben Nevis: heavy rain. Helvellyn: heavy rain. Snowdon: light rain Ireland: dont know yet, guessing rain. Searching internet for gale force resistant umbrellas.
Sunday 27th. We will perform better than the football team. it is impossible for anyone to score a goal against us. a nil nil draw is guaranteed. Anyone brings a ball, Jason will drive over it.
Friday 25th. Less than a week to go. Nerves setting in. So far: car got lost, stickers for car not with car. gas for stove expired. fittest team member scaring pants off the others. one of us bandaged and ibuprofened to the hilt. Jason calls from various parts of the country to check we're up to speed (we're not). sniffed sleeping bag, clearly been used by revolting teenagers, stuffed into machine (it says dont wash - not an option). all praise for the weather and new mountain bike, training a joy.
HISTORY
In his glory days it was not hard to imagine Jason Leonard driving three people some considerable distance - normally backwards towards their own line. Now in retirement from international rugby, Jason has accepted the challenge to drive three non-professionals over four of the highest peaks in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, all in 48 hours. They will be on their feet. He wont. Jason will be trainer, driver, navigator, masseur, chef and wardrobe mistress.
Why on earth would Jason do this? After an illustrious 114 caps for England, a World Cup win, and a successful career post rugby, why would he wish to deal with sweaty tops, bleeding feet and driving (awake and without getting lost) through two nights and across four countries?For the kids, of course. The team is raising money for the children's charity Wooden Spoon, with which Jason has been involved for almost 20 years. If you have any doubts about the cause go and look at Jason talking about its work with young people in Hackney at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Go0cppJkk or Lennox Lewis working with the kids http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8ruZlmTulU and Martin Bayfield talking about the work of the charity across the UK and Ireland http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGsayBeX9u0
The 3 non-capped members of the team are Sally Pettipher, Suzie Haworth and Louise Kay. We're in training already.
For all who contribute there is the opportunity to win some signed memorabilia - by Jason rather than the three no-hopers - and for all the invitation to join us at the base of your favourite mountain: Ben Nevis, Hellvelyn, Snowdon or Carantouhill.
PLEASE DONATE NOW, and THANK YOU
ENORMOUS THANKS to our sponsors, the most recent of which DCP - Dulley Ceilings and Partitions Ltd - have given a whopping £2,000 to take our team total over the £10k mark. Watch out for the 114+3 team car which will sport a tasty DCP livery throughout the challenge.
And hot on their heels, our friends at E C Harris with a 'grand' donation of £1,000. "E C Harris is proud to sponsor Wooden Spoon and the 2010 Four Peaks Challenge. We wish Jason and the team every success and look forward to extending our work with Spoon" said Allan Sugg, a much appreciated Spoon Ambassador.
