Monday 4 May 2009

A Few Notes In Conclusion

My little ‘speech’ on the green at Elterwater, as far as I can recall:-

It’s eight weeks since we started on Great Mell Fell, and at the very beginning I was in deep depression – as we got out of the car to put on our boots the heavens opened, and before we were ready to go I was already wet through and my fingers were cold and white. That’s when I thought we’d never really get started, never mind finished.

Yesterday the rain came down in truly Biblical proportions but we felt we had to go out and get those penultimate fells done, as it would have been such an anti-climax to have all our friends present on Saturday without it really being THE END.

And here we are, with all 214 tops completed in 39 walking days, 55 days total. The idea of this walk was to do something in memory of Margaret Watkins and raise some money for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation who helped her so much. And I’d do all 214 again if it would bring Margaret back, but that’s not to be. So far the total amount raised is approaching £6,000: I’m very grateful to all those who have donated so generously, and I hope those people who haven’t yet donated will do so soon.

This challenge was not a solo effort – these things never are – their success depends on many people. I want to thank all of them, but if I mention everyone we’ll never get home, so I hope you won’t be offended if I miss you out.

Mike Watkins – who agreed to me doing this, and ended up doing 136 fells with me, with 99% faultless navigation and no shortage of conversation, not all of which I could hear on windy days with my balaclava on, but it didn’t seem to make too much difference.

Robert and Margaret Berry for generously allowing us to stay in their Lake District home, and Allan and Sandra Boardman for providing fantastic digs in Cockermouth – without them the cost of accommodation would have been prohibitive.

The Parkinsons for allowing me to gatecrash their Easter party at the Buttermere Climbing Hut, which was such a great weekend.

All the people who have joined the walk – too numerous to mention, but just special thanks to Ian Hardy – and Carol for being so understanding – Ian turned out on some days when it would otherwise have been difficult solo, and also in some of the worst weather we’ve had (until yesterday!), even though Margaret up there obviously did her best to organise some great weather.

To Val, of course, for food, washing clothes, having to sleep on her own which she hates – I suppose the only way she’s able to put up with me is if Im not at home too much. And to everyone who’s given practical and moral support, and all those who have donated so generously to the Rosemere, all of which has kept me going.

So before I rabbit on for too long, let’s all just raise our glasses to the inspiration behind all this – the exuberant Margaret.

1 comment:

  1. Chris Stockton21 May 2009 at 14:10

    Fine words Bill. Congratulations on achieving something that I could only dream about - especially as I am half a world away. However I have to say that, on the basis of your photo, the world's fashion police have you on their most wanted list!

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