Thanksgiving Concert

On Thursday, 27 November, we held a Thanksgiving Concert for my Trek and the amazing support and encouragement I have had from all the Fellowship. We were treated to a wonderful evening by the world famous Treorchy Male Choir, under its Musical Director, Jeff Howard, guest harp soloist, our own Rachael Howard and guest accompanist, David Hughes on piano and organ. 

The Choir was at its best, a sound that is uniquely `Treorchy` and, as a first for the Choir in concert, supported by a husband and wife team, Jeff and Rachael, who thrilled us with brilliant duets on the piano/organ and harp.  It was great to have the Church full again and the 350 plus people who attended showed their appreciation of the music and the talented musicians with a standing ovation. 

A retiring collection was taken, which amounted to £3,544.76, which, together with previous sponsorship/donations already given takes the total to £8,000, some of which is Gift Aided, which will swell the total to be split equally between my two Charities, Rainbow of Hope and The Leprosy Mission.  Thank you all so very much.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Mention of The Leprosy Mission reminds me to ask you to continue to save your used postage stamps and a big change this year is that TLM will take the SCOUT STAMPS as well, only will you please keep the two types of stamps separately.  It never fails to amaze me how much money TLM receives from used stamps and other collectables. Already this year it is well on its way to exceed last year`s record figure of £126,000.  So please keep on saving. 

A Happy Christmas to you all. 

The Leprosy Mission:  Stamps and Collectables

My Diary

Thanks to so many of you for your support during the trek.  It really did keep me going.  
I've attached my diary of the trek below if you want to know more about what I did. 

My Diary

Remember you can still donate in person, online and by text.

Thank you, 

Michael. 

I made it!

Well I completed the trek.  It was hard going but I am very happy to have made it!  It really was the hardest thing I have ever done.  

After the trek I spent 2 nights 'recovering' in a hotel.  Look at the beautiful view I woke up to!

Thanks for all of your support.  You can still donate.

Love, Michael.

Getting ready for the trek!

After staying at the hospital for a few days I am now back in Kathmandu.  I've met the two tour guides and there are eleven other trekkers - one from Wigan (my daughter-in-law will be pleased!)

They are a mixed bunch.  About have of them are experienced walkers and the rest are first timers like me.  They are of all ages too.  I will be sharing with John who is 77!

We have an early morning wake up call at 5:30 am and we will be heading to Pokhara to begin the trek.

Keep those prayers going!

Love, Michael.

I'm on my way!

Well the big day has finally arrived and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit apprehensive about what I am about to undertake.  After saying goodbye to my family and friends my wife and
I left for the bus station.  From here I caught the coach to Heathrow.

My plane stopped first in Abu Dhabi before I continued to Kathmandu.  I arrived at the Leprosy Mission Hospital after travelling for almost 24 hours.

The guest room at the hospital is pretty basic.  I had a supper of cold sausage, chips and baked beans that would've left my Grandson Louis wanting more!  I was then invited to a short prayer meeting in Nepalese.  It's now 7:30pm (Tuesday) and I'm going to bed.

I will be staying here for 3 nights before going to Pokhara on Friday to begin the trek.

Keep supporting and donating. 

Thanks, Michael.

My last big training walk before I go!

Well I've finally finished my last big training trek with a wonderful 6 hour walk in the Beacons. For this last trek I explored an area I had not seen before and I found this beautiful stream.

My training is now winding down.  I have only to do short walks around Roath Park Lake.  I mustn't over do it before I leave for Nepal on Monday.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement.

Michael.

It's getting nearer!

The change in weather is really helping me to prepare for the temperatures in Nepal.  Temperatures there are currently 28 degrees and it's getting hotter!
Last Wednesday I had a 4 hour walk along Porthcawl's rugged coastal path.  I then went over the mountain to Caerphilly and back in the blazing hot sun.

The trip is now fast approaching.  Please continue to support me and the charities. 

Thanks, Michael.

Latest Update

On my training schedule Thursday and Friday are officially 'Rest Days' - if you can call looking after my Grandson Louis restful!  I can't really afford to be resting though so I took him for walks in his buggy.  1.5 hours on Thursday and 2 hours on Friday,  pushing him up the hills of Cefn Coed Road, Celyn Avenue and Penylan Hill etc.  For those of you unfamiliar with these roads it is quite an effort.

On Saturday I did another climb up The Wenallt to the top of Caerphilly mountain.  I had intended to walk to Caerphilly and back but as I reached the top of the mountain it started to rain heavily and soon the summit was covered in mist.  It's not a good place to be in those circumstances so I headed home.  Only 4hours but strenuous!

Sunday was busy and in church I received more kind donations.  The good news is that with the money pledged, donated online or money given to me and banked the new total stands at £1845, plus Gift Aid.  Thanks to everybody.

Keep spreading the news.  Only 2 weeks to go before I fly out!

Michael.

Tuesday 1st April: A climb in the Beacons

After two easy days I thought that it was about time I got serious.  I decided to take a 6 hour walk/climb in the Brecon Beacons.  I picked a lovely day for it but it hard work.

I managed to reach the summit of Pen Y Fan.  At 886 metres it is the highest mountain in the Beacons and all of South Wales.

On my way down I decided to take a well earned rest.  Suddenly I realised I wasn't alone.  I turned around to see a string of wild Brecon ponies!




Did they think 'Fatman' was worth eating?  Perhaps they were offering me a lift down the mountain?  Either way they looked hungry so I didn't hang around to find out.  I was out of there and fast!

At the end of the day I was tired but very satisfied with my progress.

Thanks for your continued support,

Michael.

One small step...

I had a very busy day on Saturday with the Leprosy meeting in Cardiff for the church reps.  This only left me time for a short 3hr walk/climb up Caerphilly mountain.  This is me on the summit which is about 3000 metres below the highest point on my trek.  Well I have to start somewhere!

Many thanks to everyone who has donated.  There are too many to name but you know who you are.  It is very much appreciated.  Your encouragement gives me the energy to keep going!

Thanks, Michael.

Donate by Text!

You can donate by texting FATM75 then the amount e.g £5 to 70070

Please support and share. Thanks, Michael.

Latest News!

At last the Trek of Hope 2014 is ON !  

I fly out to Kathmandu on Easter Sunday, 21April. I will spend three nights at The Leprosy Mission hospital at Anadanban which gives me an opportunity to see the work at close quarters. Then I will return to Kathmandu to meet my fellow Trekkers and set off to Pokhara to commence the 7 day trek.  I am hoping the trek itself will be easier than organising flights/hotels, visas, insurance, medical questionnaires etc. I am very much looking forward to it!

The training has steadily become more difficult. After two months of 2, 3 and 4 hour walks around Cardiff and Porthcawl, I decided that I had better start climbing some hills.  I have now taken to walking over the mountain to Caerphilly and back, 8 miles, on four occasions of up to 4 hours each and once a 9 mile trek in the Brecon Beacons, which took me 5.5 hours (I got lost on part of the route). So far so good. Thank goodness for rest days, which unfortunately I won't get on the Trek!

My webpages are now up and running.  These provide details of my two charities and ways in which you can donate. A big 'Thank You', to all you who have already donated.    Last Sunday we held a bread and cheese lunch which raised £308.  This together with those who have signed up to sponsor me means I have reached the first £1,000 of my target. Thank you so much!

Only 24 days to go know before my challenge begins. Please continue to support me and the work of the two charities though prayers, encouragement, and sponsorship/donations.

Thanks,

Michael.

The Trek is on!

After lots of phone calls and emails I have finally got the green light.  Nepal here I come!

I have been provided with a 14 week training schedule.  It looks daunting but I am raring to go.  I have already completed a few short walks around Roath park lake so I am feeling confident that I can get in shape for my Trek of Hope.

Still a lot to organise too but I will keep you all posted with my progress.

Please support me. 

Thanks, Michael.