Abseil - we did it!

I am so chuffed that everyone managed to make it on Sunday and we all completed the abseil!  The cliff was part of an old quarry and was about 70-80 feet high (25 metres).  After being kitted up in harnesses and helmets, we walked up a little track up the side of the quarry to get to the top which was hard going in itself!

Given that I had organised the abseil and persuaded everyone to join in, I was nominated to go first!  The only problem being that I was easily the most scared but at least it eased the pressure for everyone coming after me!  Below are a few photos at the top - I'm not sure how well I hid the fear...

However, I knew that everyone had been so supportive so I didn't really have a choice - I had to do it.  So, I screwed up my courage and went for it!

I struggled with the technique of abseiling and seemed to either stop or hurtle to my death (or so it felt!).  I was so scared that I didn't look down the entire way so the landing came as bit of a surprise...

I have some video which I need to edit which shows me letting out a very undignified squeal at the end!  Everyone else then followed with much more grace to show how it was done!  Really proud and appreciative of all of the support that people have shown.

Fancy winning £20 on the Grand National?

I am running a sweepstake for the Grand National which takes place this Saturday 6th April.  It costs £2 to enter per horse.  I will pick a horse out of the hat for you and let you know which is yours before the big race.  The person holding the winning horse will win £20 and the balance will go towards the fundraising for the Genesis Research Trust.  To enter, all you need to do is donate £2 by clicking the justgiving link on this page or sending a text to 'CHNA79 £2' to 70070.  Put 'Grand National' in the comments on the justgiving page or send an e-mail to me at rebeccalouisesmall@gmail.com so that I know what it is for.  Some of the favourites are left such as Colbert Station and Imperial Commander so you are in with a chance!

West Lavington and Salisbury Plain Walk

Thought I would get the Easter weekend off to a good start with a walk - got to start the fitness training at some point.  Started at a little layby just off the main road in West Lavington, along the Wessex Ridgeway onto the Imber Perimeter Path then back into West Lavington.  Total of 6 miles which took just under 2 and a half hours.  The details of the walk are here.

Huffed and puffed my way round but made it without being too tired so seems to be a good base line.  The hardest bit was this hill on the Wesex Ridgeway where it joins the Imber Perimeter Path.

Beautiful views but it was freezing on the perimeter path.  Mind you, it was pretty cold down in the valley as well!  Bailey had to break the ice on this puddle to have a drink (and generally get nice and muddy).

Back in time to carry on with the packing - what fun...

Who can spare £2?

I know that it is difficult to find spare cash at the moment and sometimes it seems like everyone is asking for their share.  That is why I have decided to ask people for a low donation in the hope that many more will feel like they are able to spare £2 for a great cause.  My goal is therefore to ask 1,000 people to donate £2 each.  I have sent out e-mails today to many of my contacts and have already had some lovely responses.  I am also asking people to share this page and my justgiving page so that as many people as possible have the chance to participate.

First Few Donations

All very exciting - the first few donations on our team justgiving page for the abseil!  Always so touching to see how supportive people can be especially when from unexpected corners.  Thanks Mum and Dad for being the first - lol!

Here is the link to the team page Mendips Abseil

Thanks also to Donna and Paul for reposting the team page onto facebook.  Hopefully it will all gain momentum.

E-bay Queen

I have spent ages yesterday and today putting 30 cross stitch kits and charts onto ebay - thank you Mum for the donations!  Really chuffed that about half of the ones that were put on yesterday have already had bids on.  E-bay makes it easy if you are selling for charity as you just click on the correct charity and they will also waive the same percentage of fees that you are donating so I get to sell them for free as all of the proceeds are going to the charity.  It evens puts details about the Genesis Research Trust on the listing which looks really good. The real pain is taking them all to the post office in a weeks time but it will all be worth it!

More willing participants!

The abseil is getting closer!  Another willing volunteer this morning bringing our total up to 9!