Roger's Challenge

Where has the money gone?

2009-07-03T22:05:00.004+01:00

Below is a list of ShelterBox's that have been paid for by "Roger's Challenge" with box numbers and where they have been deloyed to

(if deloyed...however the Shelterbox website is still working on a way of locating where the box)

Roger's Challenge to Machu Picchu, Peru April 2009

30116 £490 Vanni Region, Sri Lanka

35734 £135

35321 £490

35019 £20 Swabi District, Pakistan

34912 £10 Swabi District, Pakistan

34616 £176 Gaza

34763 £64.74 Sri Lanka

34764 £90.26 Sri Lanka

34723 £40

33219 £46

33277 £71

33332 £100

33195 £490 Agok, Sudan

33196 £490 Agok, Sudan

33126 Agok, Sudan

33038 £5 Gone to Inaruwa, S E Nepal To accommodate those affected by recent flooding in the area.

33398 £50 Goma, D R Congo

33412 £30 Goma, D R Congo

29552 £490 Gone to Haiti To accomodate those affected by the recent hurricanes in the area.

33434 Goma, D R Congo

About Machu Picchu

2009-07-03T22:05:00.001+01:00

The Inca Trail heading to Machu Picchu (one of the new 7 wonders of the world) is an extreme challenge that will require a 45km hike over 4 days of through mountains in the Andes at high altitudes. We will also be visiting a local school supported by the Charity Challenge. I will need to spend over 6 months training before the challenge to get my fitness up to the level required for this extremely tough hike.

Why?

2009-07-03T22:04:00.000+01:00

I have always wanted to do the Inca Trail however have never been fit enough to do it, however after losing over 10 stone since May 07. I am at my fittest I’ve ever been and this challenge will push me to lose that last bit of weight and at the same time raise money for a charity that helps everybody around the world no matter their region, race, wealth or political views. You never know where the next natural disaster might happen and who will be affected.

What's in a ShelterBox?

2009-07-03T22:02:00.001+01:00

Each ShelterBox normally holds a 10-person tent and a range of other equipment, such as:

• Thermal blankets, insulated ground sheets
• Insecticide treated mosquito nets

• A wood burning stove, or a multi-fuel stove

• Cooking pans, utensils, bowls and mugs

• Collapsible water containers and water purification tablets

• Basic tool kit –hammer, axe, saw, pliers, hoe head, etc

• A small, children’s pack etc.

Each box is 23.7” (570mm) wide by 33.2” (842mm) long by 22.4” (602mm) deep – giving a capacity of 40.7gallons (185 litres). Fully packed, a box generally weighs between 110lbs and 130lbs (50 to 60kg).

All equipment is new and selected for durability, practicality and suitability for where it is needed. Tough, lightweight and waterproof, the box itself can also have many useful functions from food container to cot.

ShelterBox also continually work with a range of manufacturers to improve the quality and extend the range of equipment that we have available.

About Shelterbox

2009-07-03T22:00:00.002+01:00

Since operations began in January 2001, they have helped an estimated 500,000 people and worked in more than 40 countries – responding to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, wars, volcanoes etc. Like the recent events in Burma and China.

ShelterBox's are sent out in a tough green box containing a large 10 man tent, other items may include insulated groundsheets, thermal blankets, a multi-fuel stove, cooking equipment, tools, mosquito nets, water containers etc.

For more information visit www.Shelterbox.org

Fw: Roger's Challenge to the Inca Trail

2009-05-18T15:53:00.001+01:00

Below is a email I recieved today from Shelterbox..

Hi Roger

Just a note to thankyou for all your great work in promoting and fundraising on behalf of Shelterbox.

It was interesting to read of your inspiration being the earthquake in China and our response. I led teams delivering aid to China at the time and it was heartbreaking to see so many families left homeless and having lost family members. Every where we went, people could barely believe help was coming from as far away as UK.

Now you are in Peru - I thought I would advise that ShelterBox also provided help to families left homeless after the Peru earthquake in September 2007.

At the time I worked with Rotary Clubs in Ica, Pisco and Chincha which were the main affected areas with about 300,000 left homeless.

Finally congratulations also on your personal achievement. The health & fitness benefits have no doubt been immense for you - so well done.

Thanks again and best wishes from all of the team at ShelterBox

Regards

Lasse Petersen

General Manager

ShelterBox

Teignmouth Post May 15th 2009 Clipping

2009-05-16T21:40:00.002+01:00

Herald Express Press Cutting

2009-05-12T15:59:00.003+01:00

Here is a clipping from today's Herald Express.

Some photos

2009-05-06T23:16:00.004+01:00

Coming Home

2009-05-02T16:12:00.001+01:00

It´s been a amazing time in Peru, but its under an hour I will be heading back home. 3 buses, a train and 3 flights! Home by Monday morning!

Just done Machu Picchu

2009-05-01T18:28:00.001+01:00

Well I am now sat at an internet cafe in the town below Machu Picchu before we head back to Cusco.

Today I was at Machu Picchu around 6am for the stunning sight of Machu Picchu, it might have been misty but it looked fantastic. We had a tour around the sights, with the mist coming and going. I also climbed the Wachu Picchu which was at hell of a climb and even worst coming down, before sitting down to enjoy the scenery before having to leave.

A fantastic day, with a train journey and bus trip back to Cusco before a celebrating dinner.

Pictures to follow next week!

Please Support me on my trek to Machu Picchu in Peru for ShelterBox in April 2009. You can Sponsor me at http://www.RogersChallenge.co.uk

It´s nearly done!

2009-05-01T00:37:00.001+01:00

After 4 days of trekking across the Peru landscape, I have finally had a shower...nothing like camping with just wet wipes!

I am now in an Internet cafe at the town just below Machu Picchu, were I head in about 12 hours (up at 4 to go for sunrise!).

The trek has gone extremely well for me as I only had 1 headache from the high altitude which was gone rather quickly...Others however weren´t as lucky with 2 people missing the trip before we left after being taken to hospital, 3 other guys dropped out after the training climb, another women was escorted off the mountains and taken down by horse after really struggling.

All my training paid off, as I was ahead of the pack and often ahead of the guide (often being told I was running or being put on the reigns) and was the first one into camp each day. I have been called a number of things, including Speedy Gonzalez, Llama Boy and Action Man! A few of use even did an extra detour up a unknown mountain to 4561 metres for a bit of an extra challenge. I have really enjoyed the trek as I was barely affected by the altitude and it turned out I was the only one who had gone through the 22 week program properly (the guide Mark said no one ever has!)

The food has been very good on the trek with the cooks taking care of my personal diet....though I did end up becoming vegetarian for the past 5 days bar a bit of Guinea Pig I had for lunch!

I will upload some photos when I get back, but so far its been a great experience and was certainly a challenge for me and everybody on the trip. But tomorrow is the main day as we finally get to see Machu Pichu!

Please Support me on my trek to Machu Picchu in Peru for ShelterBox in April 2009. You can Sponsor me at http://www.RogersChallenge.co.uk

Finally....´The Inca Trail

2009-04-27T12:26:00.000+01:00

Well the training is over..

In little under an hour, I head off for a 4 day hike across the Peru mountains to Machu Pichu along the Inca Trail.
With 3 nights camping out in minus figures!!! With no shower nor internet access!

Yesterday I did an training walk around cusco up to 3700m, and it was a nice walk. However 1 women who has been suffering from Altitude sickness was taken to hosiptal and won´t be doing the trek, another guy injuried his leg on day one and won´t be going. Plus last night 3 people decided it was too tough and won´t be going along the trail later. Many people have been affected by the altitude, lucky and touch wood, nothing has affected me yet!

Anyway got to go have some breakfast before a long 5 days ahead.

I will update as soon as I can!

Please Support me on my trek to Machu Picchu in Peru for ShelterBox in April 2009. You can Sponsor me at http://www.RogersChallenge.co.uk

First update from Cusco

2009-04-25T18:34:00.001+01:00

Well I have just arrived in Cusco, after 3 flights, a couple of buses and a train ride....

The altiude is already affecting a few from the group and we have only been here an hour! So far nothing to report!

So far all is well, I am about to head out for a "gentle" walk around town to get used to the altiude.

Anyway.. just a quick update, I will do a more detailed update tomorrow after our "test" walk.

Please Support me on my trek to Machu Picchu in Peru for ShelterBox in April 2009. You can Sponsor me at http://www.RogersChallenge.co.uk

It's the final countdown!

2009-04-23T13:58:00.005+01:00

After a year of planning, fundraising and training, its time to head off to Peru to do the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This evening I catch the train to London for a nice nights sleep on the hard floor at Heathrow! Then tomorrow I head off at around 7pm (meaning a 4:30/5am check in) to Madrid, followed by a lay over for a couple of hours before doing a 12 hour flight to Lima, where I get to stay a night before heading on another flight to Cusco. So today I have been putting together my bag which isn't easy as trying to get to the 15kg allowance is tricky...but I am within a kilo so I am hoping I can get away with it!...

Anyway...

Training: This weeks training has been lovely, since it has dramatically dropped off so I only did a couple of hour walks (including a nice stroll along the seafront this morning!) and a 3 and half hour to Dawlish Warren and back on Monday. The general idea was not to over train in the last couple of weeks and to have some rest before heading off.

Fundraising: Last weekend I took out the Stocks again, had some homemade cakes made up by a friend for a "going away" weekend. It didn't go as planned, first none of the Shelterbox equipment arrived (not a major problem, as it might have been needed at a larger event), but more importantly it was a dreary damp cold day and there wasn't as many people on the seafront as I would have liked. Dad and me did however allow ourselves to be blasted with wet sponges by those people that were there.
The good thing is however that I was able to send off over £625 a few days ago due to all the donations and last minute sponsorship in the past couple of weeks. The customers at East Cliff Cafe have been very generous in popping their change into the buckets and its all adding up, hopefully by the time I come home there will be even more to send off.

I will be trying to update the blog & facebook while I am away, however it might be more difficult during the actual trek itself (I don't imagine I can get too much O2 coverage there!)

Anyway....thank you all for your support!

If you still haven't sponsored me, you can do it at www.justgiving.co.uk/rogerpalmer
And if your waiting for me to complete the Inca Trail before sponsoring, no problems....you'll hear it here first.

This time next week....

2009-04-16T20:22:00.003+01:00

It's down to the final week now until I head off to Peru.

Training: As I have now entered the last week, training has been slowed down, according to the exercise program its just a couple of 1 hour walks and 1 longer 4 hour walk. Yay!!
This last week I have done a lot of shorter 1 hour walks with a 3 hour walk on my day, I should have done 2 six hour walks back to back but due to the Easter bank holiday and unplanned family commitments I was unable to do that. I even got up at 6:30 to go swimming on Easter Sunday only to find the pool closed, I wasn't impressed!

Fundraising: Easter has been great for donations, with the fantastic weather there was lots of people down at the Cafe, I collected in over £200 in the past week. This weekend I am hoping for one last push with "hopefully" some advertising & a demo box from Shelterbox. Also Dad and Me will go into the Stocks for an hour before I dismantle them. I will be sending off a donation in the next few days for a whole Shelterbox.

With just a week now to go, I have all the little things to sort out such as checking all my kit and making sure I have anything, then going through again to cut weight.

After the events in Italy just this month, In total ShelterBox has distributed 365 boxes and 500 blankets to those affected by the 6 April earthquake. “We estimate that 2,000 people are currently sleeping in our tents,” says team leader John Diksa. Also this week 200 ShelterBoxes have been sent to Namibia to those affected by the flooding in the north of the country.

2 Weeks to Go... Today I did the Teignmouth & Dawlish Way...

2009-04-08T16:29:00.004+01:00

It's now just over 2 weeks until I head off to Peru, so its a case of getting all those final last minute things together, I think I have everything but there is the odd thing I might need!

Shelterbox have had a busy week this week, after the events in Italy with the dreadful earthquake, so far A ‘tent city’ to house more than 300 homeless people has been put up in the village of Assergi. 20 tents have been used so far with an additional 200 tents will be arriving in the area on 9 April. ShelterBox has a four-person volunteer team in Italy. Below is a picture of a Shelterbox tent in Italy.

Anyway training hasn't been great in the past few days due to a death in the family, however today I completed a long 16 plus mile walk, along the Teignmouth and Dawlish Way, heading from Teignmouth to Luton, then onto Ideford then to Ashcombe before heading back to the coast to Dawlish and then back home to Teignmouth. It's a 14 mile trail, but I then had to walk back to Teignmouth and I got a little lost at one point and probably did at least another mile or so until I got back on track. The Teignmouth and Dawlish Ramblers have just launched this walk with a new brochure (which is available throughout town). The walk goes through some beautiful countryside and the weather was fantastic, however my legs now ache and have enjoyed the last hour sat at home resting!

Here is a picture from today's long walk.Below is a clipping from today's page 2 of the Teignmouth News which is Teignmouth's free paper that is delivered to all the homes in the area.

3 Weeks to Go!

2009-04-03T18:40:00.003+01:00

The final countdown is now on.... with just 3 weeks to go until I head off to Peru.

Training is now approaching the end...this week saw swimming on Sunday, 1 hour walks on Monday and Tuesday plus 1 hour's fitness training on Wednesday plus a 5 hour walk around Exeter doing the Green Circle Trail in reverse. I was supposed to go to the gym tonight but my leg is still hurting from Wednesday so I decided to have a day off and try and get an extra 1 hour walk in tomorrow. According to the Training plan, there is only another 2 weeks of training at full steam as the last week it all gets scaled back to get in a little rest before the trek.

I picked up what I hope is the last of the kit needed for the trip, my bag is now stuffed with bits and pieces.

Sponsorship and donations continue to come in down at East Cliff Cafe and am hoping for one last push in the next few weeks.

The plan for next week is to take on the 14 mile Teignmouth to Dawlish long way round walk which has been put together by the local ramblers.

Here is a clipping from April 2nd's Express and Echo...

Just over 3 weeks to go!

2009-03-30T13:55:00.002+01:00

So far today it has been one thing after another, after a customer showed my photos of their trip to Machu Pichu, then spoke with another Customer who comes from Peru.. I then recieved the "joining instructions" which detailed all the information for the trip, aka the email saying its full steam ahead!

Here is some little bits of information about the trip:

There is 21 of us doing the trek, 19 will be heading out on the same flight as me.
Mark Smith will be my Expedition Leader for the challenge. Mark has led treks in Chile, Argentina, Morocco and Europe. Mark is English and now resides in Peru and has led many Machu Picchu treks with Charity Challenge.
Our other guide will be Juan Loayza. Juan is an experienced guide who knows the Lares Valley region and as well as English and Spanish, speaks the local language of Quechuan.
There will also a Doctor who will look after our medical needs whilst on the trek.
There will be a number of local guides and support team.

BST has now come in (I didn't enjoy waking up at 5:45GMT for swimming on Sunday morning!) so it now means I get a little more time after work to get some last minute extra training in... just a few extra hour walks here and there!

Another Press Clipping...

2009-03-27T18:42:00.002Z

Above is a clipping from today's Teignmouth Post..... I've just got back from the Gym and I am really looking forward to tomorrow...as its my rest day...time to give my blisters a day off!

I would like to thank Bev and Stormin Norman for their sponsorship via the website.

Press & Walks

2009-03-24T19:33:00.005Z

Above is a Press clipping from todays Herald Express (http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Cafe-owner-takes-Inca-trail-raise-charity-cash/article-839014-detail/article.html), I spoke with the Teignmouth Post yesterday and will be in this Friday's edition, I've also heard from the Express and Echo and will be in the April the 2nd Action page.

Today I did the Green Circle Walk around Exeter which was about 10 miles, visited some family members and got some gear for the trek.

Press Release: Roger's Challenge to Peru for Shelterbox

2009-03-22T18:51:00.002Z

Roger Palmer from East Cliff Café, Teignmouth will be undertaking the challenge of his life on the 24th of April when he heads to Peru, South America to hike at High Altitude along the Inca Trail to the famous Machu Pichu, the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas", to raise money for Shelterbox.

A Shelterbox is a tough, big green box containing a 10-person tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a family to survive for at least six months. The tents are suitable for a wide range of conditions. Other items may include insulated groundsheets, thermal blankets, a multi-fuel stove, cooking equipment, tools, mosquito nets, water containers etc. Shelterbox sends these boxes around the world to disaster areas such as the recent fires in Australia, floods in Columbia and many other places.

Roger decided to raise money for Shelterbox following the massive earthquake in China last year and seeing how quickly Shelterbox reacted with such a common sense idea of sending real aid that can be used instantly by the people who need it and bypassing all the government red tape.

So far Shelterbox’s paid for by Roger’s fundraising efforts have been sent to victims in Sudan, Gaza, Congo, Nepal and Haiti. Throughout the last year he has been raising money by jumping out of an airplane at 15,000 feet, having sponges thrown at him while in a pair of stocks, having coffee mornings at his families East Cliff Café, and through sponsorship. “I think the scary thing about doing the Inca Trail is that it is nearly the same height as my skydive, where it was freezing and hard to breath.”

Roger came about the idea of doing the Inca Trail in the same week as the Earthquake by coming across an advert for a Charity Challenge, “I knew a few friends who did it and said it was tough, but I had always thought I couldn’t do it because I was too big as I was nearly 25 Stone, but that night I thought about it loads and thought that there was no reason not to do it anymore as I had lost nearly 10 stone in the last year as I had a spent 3 weeks in hospital with pancreatitis.”

He signed up for the Inca Trail Challenge and has spent the last 11 months training for it, “I thought if I can give myself a year to get ready for it, I could do something I’ve always wanted to do and it would give me one big push to lose that last bit of weight, get as fit as possible and to raise money for Shelterbox at the same time would be fantastic.”

Since then Roger has been training up to 6 times a week, “I’ve never been so fit in my life, I weigh less now then when I was in High School, the trouble is I can get bored when exercising so have mixed my training up with loads of walks, going to the gym, swimming and doing training with the Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club.”

The Inca Trail is 45km long and crosses rugged mountains at over 14,000 ft high, which can be dangerous due to Altitude Sickness. Which will see Roger hiking 4 long days to the final destination, Machu Picchu.

For more information on Roger’s Challenge, Shelterbox and to donate, please visit http://www.rogerschallenge.co.uk/

Whooo...£3000

2009-03-18T20:58:00.003Z

For the past few weeks I have been collecting money for my sponsored trek on the Inca Trail down at East Cliff Cafe and today I sent off £490 to Shelterbox. (I was waiting until I got enough for a whole shelterbox!). Which has put the whole Roger's Challenge to over £3000, which is fantastic, however now is not the time to stop..With just 1 month left I would like to raise as much as possible to do the job correctly.

I must thank all our customers for their donations.

It is fast approaching just 1 month until I head off, so its time to sort out the last few items on my kit list, sort out getting to and from Heathrow and a lovely visit to the Nurse on Monday (hope I don't need any more shots!)... Oh and I have to ram up the training...

Training since the last update has been going well, after last weeks 15 mile walk to Exeter, it took a couple of days before my feet got back to normal, Friday night I went to the gym for an extra cross training session, fitness training on the beach on Wednesdays (I've just got back from another session), Sunday was swimming and lifesaving training...Plus 1 hour walks on Friday & Monday.

Yesterday I once again walked the 15 mile walk to Exeter and this morning I was going to go for a walk at 6:30 but there was some surf, so I went out...so it was 7am in the water for surfing and 7pm on the beach for fitness training!!

One long walk

2009-03-10T14:31:00.002Z

Training had to be pushed up this week, with just over 6 weeks until I head off, my long walk of the week went to 6 hours long. So today I walked from Teignmouth to St Thomas, Exeter, had a subway sandwich and caught the train home.... I had planned on being in Exeter a little longer however there wasn't going to be another train for 2 hours.
Anyway...going by a online Gmap Pedometer I clocked up over 15 miles this morning. No wonder my feet and legs are aching. Walking for that long without stopping was fine, it was only really the last hour when the pain clicked in, but I just wanted to get a Sandwich.

Below are some pictures from this morning

Ipod....

2009-03-06T16:37:00.003Z

One of the benefits of all this alone time while walking, other than thinking (which is always a little dangerous) is that its given me more time to listen to my Ipod. So here are some of my favourite walking tracks & albums at the moment.

Up by the Saturdays, nothing like a group of girls shouting Up at you while walking up a hill!
I Hate my Life by Theory of a Deadman is my most played track...with.Rev Theory's Voices as another rock track that gives me that little extra push!

Also the latest albums from Taylor Swift, Lilly Allen & Lady GaGa's are all very good.
But its the Rock albums that are keeping me pumped while stomping around...with the latest from Kings of the Leon, Nickleback, 30 Seconds from Mars, Angels & Airwaves however for me the best album at the moment is Scars & Souvenirs from Theory of a Deadman....

Peru Flag Flying!

2009-03-06T16:25:00.002Z

This week has been another busy week for training, its the last of the 4 hour training walks, which saw me walk along the coastal path from Teignmouth, through Shaldon and onto Babbacombe, plus some smaller 1 hour walks around Teignmouth. See pictures below.
And to help get a little more exposure for my sponsorship for my customers at East Cliff Cafe I got a Peru flag.....a little different to our normal Union or Devon flag, but Dad doesn't need any excuse to fly a different flag. So every weekend until I go I will be flying the Peru flag and it will also be flying the whole time I am away.

It's Next Month!

2009-03-02T18:51:00.006Z

I can't believe it, its March! I'm off to Peru next month..

Late last week I started to promote my sponsorship to do the Inca Trail Hike down at my East Cliff Cafe with my Info Board (see photo) which is working quite nicely with over 20 sponsors in the first couple of days..which has been a nice lift to get that "extra" training in.

Because its still about 8 weeks to the trek and the "credit crunch", I'm not actively asking my customers for sponsorship, I will get a little more active once I'm into the final countdown in April, as I don't want to be pestering people for the next 8 weeks!
However my family members are different!

Training is going along nicely, I've just popped my March training calendar on the wall and don't like the look of all these "red" 6/8 hour walks on my day off. Tomorrow looks like its going to be a rough day weather wise, so it might be an enforced day off to walk to Babbacombe..what's more perfect than a nice long walk in the rain, maybe a play on my new surfboard...my reasoning is that its still exercise..

One of the major advantages at the moment is the extra light in the mornings, the only problem is now I have to get up earlier for longer training walks... I want to try and make the most of the extra daylight before the clocks go forward as I will lose morning daylight then. Below is one morning out last week at the top of Exeter Road.

I've finally got around to converting my DVD of my Sky Dive from last July...So here it is in full glory...me falling to the ground while yelling!!!

Getting Closer

2009-02-23T20:14:00.003Z

Its now just 2 months until I head off to Peru for the Challenge. Suddenly everything is becoming more real and its getting closer. This week is the first week where the training starts getting heavy...no more simple 1 or 2 hour walks... its 4 hour walks for 2 weeks, before going to 6 hours then to 8 hours.. Fun!

Last week I did a 3 hour walk from Teignmouth to Dawlish Warren and back, which wasn't too bad. I've been on a few 1 hour walks every week since November, this morning I headed up Exeter hill and around before coming back, but did notice the hill didn't effect me in the same way it used to...so the training must be working! Tomorrow morning is a lovely 6:30 am wake up and a walk to Starcross/Dawlish Warren (may go around the nature park while I am there as I haven't been there since I was a kid!).

I have been doing other forms of exericse such as Fitness Training, Swimming and Lifesaving throughout the winter every week, which have made life a little less boring. I may even add an extra swim per week just to break up the boredom for the next 2 months before the trek. With the extra light in the morning it is making it a lot easier to get up.... getting up when its dark is no fun!

I am now just putting together the Sponsored Walk information together for East Cliff Cafe, this morning I brought a 7 foot long piece of wood to use as a Poster board. I've had some large A3 posters made up and will be getting them laminated while in Exeter...its bound to rain at some point in the next 2 months! I've been printing all evening and will be starting to collect sponsorship later this week (well I actually got 1 today). I'll post a picture when its all done on Wednesday. I can't believe I am now looking to collection sponsorship for the walk, it always felt a long way away....

Shelterbox´s Fundraiser of the month

2009-01-25T18:41:00.002Z

Just a quick note that apparently I´ve been awarded the " fundraiser of the month" from Shelterbox.

"Our fundraiser of the month is Roger Palmer, who has raised over £3,000 to take part in a challenge. Shelterbox would like to say a big thank you to our fundraiser of the month."
There is more information to follow when I get home when I will scan in the information.

Training Update: I´ve been doing plenty of walking in the past week with a 2 hour walk almost daily...today I´ve done 2 long walks at over 1500 metres.

Also I would like to thank James Milstead for his donation.

Quick Update

2009-01-15T16:03:00.002Z

Today I recieved an email from the trek company with a 3 month update... Yep its getting closer! I have the flight information and will be going via Madrid. So its all go go go!!!

I would also like to thank Thomas Farrimond for his donation last night.

Mid Jan Update

2009-01-12T13:05:00.003Z

Well we are now well into January and it will be my last update for a month as I am going to be on holiday but will be continuing with my training as much as possible by doing plenty of walking and swimming!!
Since the new year, I've so far managed 4 walks a week (with 1 longer 2hour one a week) plus some fitness sessions and some swimming as well. Overall its all going rather nicely, today is my rest day so I am sorting out all the paperwork and other things that need to be done!
The fundraising has been going well for the time of the year but when I return in Feb, it will be down to the last 10 weeks, when training is pushed up into overdrive and the last few fundraising efforts kick in! So the next month is a great time to have a break from everything but still get in plenty of exercise and have some fun!
Below is some photos from the past 2 weeks walking, it wasn't fun being out in minus 2c and having to watch my step on the ice...a rare thing in Teignmouth!

New Year = New Challenges

2008-12-31T15:35:00.005Z

In a few short hours, it will be 2009... The year of the trek! Oh and the new diet starts in a few hours too!!! Time to finish off those extra Granola bars I got for Xmas!

No longer will I be able to say "oh its next year" or hit the alarm clock and have an extra hour in bed! It's quickly approaching!

I put together my training program a few weeks ago now and have kept to it sort of (Fitness Training and Life Saving got effected by Xmas & NY).

I also went out in the sales on the 27th and got myself a nice snug Down 4 Season Sleeping bag with my Christmas money, I have never spent so much on a sleeping bag before, normally I would buy one, use it for a few months then toss it. But not with this new one... I am just glad it was 50% off as I wasn't going to pay nearly £300 for a sleeping bag!! As my brother pointed out, that's a good few nights in a hotel!

Like most peoples New Year, its a time when all the getting fit is in fashion, all the fitness DVD's come out, exercise equipment is in all the shops and in a weeks time, they are in the cupboard or garage... I have had way too many thoughts about picking up Wii Fit for training purposes.... Loosing a few extra pounds would also be nice!

Yesterday I went back to Haldon forest for a 3 mile walk and my nice new shiny boots are now covered in mud!! December was always the easiest month for training with just nice short walks, but January kicks off with some 2 hour walks creeping into the plan. Also the easterly winds for the past week has been a bit blustery while walking along the Coastal path.
See Below of some photos of those training sessions!

Christmas Collection Update

2008-12-31T15:30:00.002Z

Through December I have been running a small little fundraising effort down at the cafe, with people trying to guess the Penguin's name (Which was called Pablo) and what time the Bear woke (That will be revealed on New Years Day!).

In total over £175 was raised, So I would like to thank everyone for having a go and the extra donations. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year

Mid December Update

2008-12-12T11:27:00.002Z

Well its now just about 4 months to the trek and I kicked off the walking training about 4 weeks ago, just starting with a few trips to the gym to spend 35 mins on the running/walking machine and 5 minutes on the steps. Plus a 1 hour "real walk". Plus Sunday mornings doing lifesaving training and Wednesday Evenings doing fitness training... This week I slightly changed my program to do 1 2 hour walk from Teignmouth to the other side of Dawlish and a 2 mile walk in Haldon Forest.
I've sorted out my training plan and will be increasing the amount of time walking each week. For the next 6 weeks or its nice short walks.

The Christmas campaign with the name the penguin and what time will the bear wake have gone very well, however this week its been a bit slow...oh and I sold a tumble dryer and popped that into the Christmas campaign!

Christmas Fundraising

2008-11-20T19:55:00.002Z

I will be having a small fundraising event throughout December down at my East Cliff Cafe.

Guess My Name? and What Time Will I Wake?

Just 50p a Guess

Guess My Name? I could be POPPY?... I could be PIP?... I could be YOURS if you guess my name CORRECTLY! Loveable penguin that sings and dances that everyone will want to try and win!

What Time Will I Wake?...... This tired little bear is trying to catch 40 winks! Can you guess what time he will wake up? Will it be 8.00am?... Will it be 5.00pm? He could be YOURS if you can guess the time correctly! Adorable, soft fabric teddy that snores! His tummy even inflates and deflates as he breathes.

First information on Boxes

2008-10-30T12:10:00.003Z

This morning I recieved a letter from Shelterbox informing me that a box has been sent out to Haiti to accomodate those affected by the recent hurricanes in the area. I also had a look at the Shelterbox Honor Roll to find that another box went out to Inaruwa, S E Nepal To accommodate those affected by recent flooding in the area.

Shelterbox's Honor Roll is a way of tracking where the boxes go out to, however they are still working on it so not all donations are trackable.

The box that has just gone out to Haiti was directly funded by the money raised at the Coffee Morning & Stocks day last month.

Press for Stocks & Coffee Morning

2008-10-23T16:46:00.002+01:00

Here are some press clippings from this past week from the Herald Express and Express and Echo for the Stocks & Coffee Morning.

Coffee & Stocks Day raises £800

2008-09-27T18:26:00.002+01:00

Today we had our “Coffee Morning & Stocks” day at East Cliff Café, on the seafront of Teignmouth. And it was a huge success where we raised over £800, it was a beautiful sunny summers day that brought out plenty of people onto the sea front as well as many of my regular customers. A big thank you has to be given to the Pope family who donated £50. Also all the sales from the café between 10am until 1pm, which is thanks to many of our suppliers including Hunts, Devon Cake, Tetley and Rhodda Cream. I would also like to thank Mike Irvin who made 3 lovely cakes for us to sell.

Throughout the Day both my father, Iain, and myself placed ourselves in the stocks for people to throw wet sponges at us. Luckily for us, most people had poor aim!!!!
I would like to thank Dave Purchase Home Improvements for building the stocks.

I also had another pleasant surprise when I got home to find a £50 cheque from South West Water.

See below for some pictures from the day and a video can be found on Youtube thanks to Chris Lavis at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM3GB6YJHvU

Mid Sept Update

2008-09-11T13:42:00.002+01:00

Well its just a couple of weeks from the stock & coffee morning on the Sat 28th Sept, one of my main suppliers for East Cliff Cafe has seen me and offered their support by giving me some bacon, baps, sausages, bread etc. So a big thank you to Hunts Food Service.

Also as of this week, my new training programme starts with me going over to Dawlish Leisure centre every day for swimming and using the gym! Fun Fun Fun!!

End of August Update.. Stocks & Coffee Morning 27th Sept

2008-08-31T18:34:00.004+01:00

Well that was August. This month hasn't been the best month for fundraising however I had planned on doing very little due to it being the busiest month of the year for the Cafe and I simply didn't have the time.

However I have been sorting out the next event, a Stock & Coffee Morning will be taking place on Saturday 27th September at the East Cliff Cafe, on the Seafront of Teignmouth. I have a local carpenter putting together a stock for me and Dad to be placed into.

As well as money being raised from people throwing water at me and Dad, all sales between 10am and 1pm will be donated as well from East Cliff Cafe.

I contacted all my suppliers and would like to thank Tetley for sending me 1000 tea bags and future thank you to Devon Cakes and Rodda Cream for their promised donations.

Training.... This month has just flown by, training has involved swimming at least 20 lengths front crawl of the Outdoor Lido every morning plus Lifeguard training 2 to 3 times a week. Hopefully now the kids are about to go back to school, I will get a little more time off to train. As its been nearly 2 weeks since my last day off.

Anyway...thanks for reading...

Update for Early August

2008-08-05T17:24:00.003+01:00

Its the start of August and it is the busiest time of the year at Work down at the East Cliff Cafe. With the skydive feeling a long time ago, its time to move onto the next stage of the fundraising.
Plans are afoot for a "stock" event at the end of September. Where my Dad (Iain) and I will put ourselves at the mercy of our friends and customers while they hurl wet sponges at us! Of course at a price!!!

I am still putting together the details i.e. choosing a date and making a pair of stocks (well I will be speaking to my useful little brother about this!).

As far as training goes, I will admit I haven't done any walking in a few weeks (except for around town). I could say that working 6 days a week at full steam is my excuse however I have been throwing all my efforts into training for a Surf Life Saving Lifeguard award, with my Exam being at the end of September (I need my exam date before I can sort out the Stock date). This means I have a two month training programme that is physically challenging that requires me to swim, paddle and run in a number of different situations. My biggest obstacle for the exam is a 16 length 400m timed swim in just over 9 minutes. So I have been down at the lido every morning for the past 3 weeks (and for the next 6 weeks!) doing lengths as well as doing 3 evenings a week training out in the sea. I may not be walking but I am still exercising more than I have ever done in my life and I figured this is a great way of breaking up the exercise routine for the summer before getting on with the walking in October.

I also am in the process of contacting some of my suppliers companies regarding some support for coffee mornings...

Anyway that's an update of what's happening!!! all go go go !

SkyDive Roundup

2008-07-29T20:06:00.005+01:00

Well it has been a few weeks since my skydive from 15,000ft, all the money has been collected (well apart from 2 people I need to catch!) and sent off to Shelterbox.

I also had a blurb in last weeks Express and Echo and a full report and picture in the Herald Express. See Above

A Week Later!

2008-07-18T22:37:00.003+01:00

Well its a week since the Skydive....And its been an fun week telling everybody (and showing the photos) about the Skydive. Luckily for me, I had collected most of the money before the jump so have only had to collect a small amount after the event. But my intentions were to send in the donations a week after the jump...Which is today. With only a handful of donations left to collect, I have sent (well online anyway) the sponsorship money off. The last of the sponsorship shouldn't take too long to collect, its just a case of waiting to see them!!!

Also Shelterbox and Charity Challenge have confirmed the Peru trek in April so its all systems go!

Woooooo I Jumped!!!

2008-07-11T18:54:00.004+01:00

Well today was the day I've been waiting for, after a false start last week, the weather had turned and it was all go....

So I suited up, boarded a small plane and took to the skies in what easily is the scariest flight of my life.. There was no peanuts, no toilet and just two benches with me sat in a lap of my instructor (Jason). Then as everybody else leaped, it was just me left (well and Jason, oh and the Camera girl Keri and another camera man!).

Looking over the edge of the doorway with the wind making an incredible noise, looking straight down, was a terrifying thought, but it didn't last long as soon I was plummeting to the ground, from a height of 15,000 feet (the highest you can go with Tandem!)....

The feeling was that of complete adrenaline and of complete sheer terror and fear. Posing for photos wasn't exactly the easiest thing to do (but I was a pro), My head throbbing due to the attitude and pressure. Then suddenly it goes all quiet as the parachute opens and we come to a Holt.

The freefall was fantastic as it was so weird but fast, the paragliding in after was just strange, my legs just dangling with the world below me. Then having to adjust my leg strap (man did I do that slowly!). The pressure on my arms and legs was intense, causing them to go rather numb. With my throbbing head (its still aching now, a few hours later!), numb legs and arms I thought I was having a heart attack! Then just before we came in for the landing, I started to feel rather sick in my stomach (but I manned up and kept it down!).

Then with a slight bump, it was down onto the ground. The most exciting event in my life had just happened and was over. And I was glad....it was fantastic but never again!

After boarding the school bus back to the centre, I slumped into the couch, only for the receptionist to come over as I looked "a little pale" and got me to have a look at the photos.. Well I hadn't intended on purchasing the photos and video, but I had too. They were fantastic (Keri certainly was a lively girl!) but I knew I was never going to do that again and would regret not getting them... Sure my credit card wasn't happy, but I certainly was.

So there it is, after months of planning, the big jump is now done and boy was it great...its going to take days to come down from the high! Now I just have to collect the last of the sponsorship and try just to drum up that last bit of sponsorship. At the moment I have raised over £1050 for Shelterbox, it might have cost me over £400 for the jump (with the video and photos!), but it certainly was worth every penny...

For more pictures see my facebook album http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=133889&l=5d850&id=851990250

What a day......

2008-07-04T18:00:00.002+01:00

Well today was the day for the Skydive..

However it wasn't too be. The weather came in with too much cloud (there was 2 types of cloud, neither are good for skydiving) and there was too much wind (with gusts over 24 and we couldn't jump if it was over 20). So I spent the entire afternoon at the Dunkerswell AirField waiting for the weather to change...but it didn't. So I am now rebooked in for next friday....the 11th of July... At least it gives me another week for collecting sponsorship!

Final Hours

2008-07-03T17:31:00.001+01:00

Well its now the day before the big leap of faith.... Hopefully the weather will give me a window of opportunity to do it, otherwise it will be postponed...

A busy week

2008-06-29T19:56:00.002+01:00

It's been nearly 2 weeks since my last update...its been very very busy down at the beach, with last weekends Folk Festival taking up loads of time and effort. This weekend saw the Den play host to Veteran's Day, which had 4 paratroopers come down.. Unfortunately 1 of the 4 came in too fast and plowed into the crowd. Hardly the thing I wanted to see before doing my skydive this coming Friday!!!

I've been continuing with my sponsorship for my skydive, however it has slowed down (only so many people I could ask!). Due to being rather busy I have only managed a couple of short walks, but lifesaving training has continued twice a week...(I've Lost another 2 pounds so I haven't done too bad!)

ShelterBox at Babbacombe Fayre

2008-06-18T14:03:00.004+01:00

Today I went over to the Rotary's Babbecombe Fayre where the ShelterBox demonstration trailer was there. Here I got to see the contents of a ShelterBox up close and personal. Oh and I have a nice new ShelterBox T-shirt for the skydive! And make contact with one of the workers down in Cornwall.

See below for some pictures

I had a ShelterBox for a morning!

2008-06-15T18:04:00.003+01:00

On Saturday (14th June 08) I had a nice surprise, as one of the NCI (National CoastWatch Institute) Members who is also a member of the Rotary brought down a ShelterBox to me at my East Cliff Cafe while he was on watch for the morning. He is going to be using the box as part of a demonstration with the roadside truck over iat Babbacombe Fayre on Babbacombe Downes on Wednesday 18th June , which I will be going to as a fact finding mission!

I was able to put the box out on display (unfortunately I couldn't open it as it was sealed for the demonstration on Wednesday) but it still was a great opportunity to have an actual ShelterBox to hand for a couple of hours. Informing some of my customers of ShelterBox and my skydive in a couple of weeks (and getting some sponsorship!)

At some point before the Machu Picchu Trek in April, I would like to have a demonstration day down at my East Cliff Cafe. But I've got to get this small "jump" out of the way first!
Here are some pictures of that morning

Weekly Update Week 2

2008-06-13T20:26:00.001+01:00

In the past week, sponsorship has gone extremely well for my sponsored skydive which is now just three weeks away!! At the moment all my fundraising efforts are on the skydive and will be for the next month (since I will have to spend a week or two chasing up some pledges!).

This week was the start of the new summer training night for Teignmouth Beach Surf Life Saving Club, so Monday and Wednesday nights was training out in the sea which saw me swimming around the pier! I’ve also walked to Holcombe Village and back twice. Last weekend I went into the tourist information office and got some local walking trail brochures and I also went up to Haldon Forest yesterday to the visit centre to get some trail guides!
I even managed to get a letter into my local newspaper the Teignmouth Post for the jump.

First Week!

2008-06-06T22:17:00.003+01:00

Well it's been a week since I booked on the Trek in Peru which has kick started the fundraising campaign. Plenty of background work is underway for the next few tasks and events, but my main focus has been on the SkyDive which is now all booked for the 4th of July..American Independence Day and I have been busy collecting sponsorship for the Sky Dive .

Training has begun, two nights this week I have gone out for an hour walk off to Holcombe and back. As well as a few swims... I've certainly got my government recommended 5x30 minute exercises!

On the 4th of July!!!! Jump!!!

2008-06-03T16:28:00.006+01:00

Well I've gone and done it now, I've just gotten off the phone with Skydive UK over at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton and have booked in my Tandem Skydive for the 4th of July 08. Ahhhhh!!!!

My sponsorship for the skydive has gotten off to a fantastic start but everybody wanted to know when I was doing it.... Now I have a month to try and raise as much sponsorship as possible for the jump!! I have paid for the parachute jump myself since I think its going to be a hell of an experience and one of those "things to do before your 30" type of things and after hitting 28 last week, it seemed a good idea!

To sponsor me, it can be done online at http://www.justgiving.com/rogerpalmer or in person down at East Cliff Cafe.

SkyDiving!

2008-06-01T20:00:00.001+01:00

Today was my first day where I started to collect sponsorship for my first fundraising task, a sponsored Skydive. Which I am looking to do at some point in July maybe August, depending on how my sponsorship goes but I would like to get it done before the 6 weeks kids holiday.
I have never done a Parachute jump before and have always wanted to do so, however I have always been too large to do one. Now I am below their maximum weight allowed, there is no longer an excuse not to do it!
Once it’s all booked, all the details will quickly appear here!

It all go now!

2008-05-29T22:06:00.000+01:00

After a few weeks of research and thinking, I have contacted Shelterbox and pre-booked on the Trek to Machu Picchu for April 2009.

I want a challenge, I want to lose some more weight, I want to get fitter and this trip gives my the incentive to do it, spending 4 days hiking across 45km through high attitude mountain regions to one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Its been a year since I started my new lifestyle choice due to a health scare and have lost over 10 stone, but I can’t seem to shift that last couple of stone and this trek means I have to up my training regime to the next level. And if I can help people along the way then that is a fantastic bonus.

Deciding what charity didn’t take long, after the events of the Typhoon in Burma and the Earthquake in China and seeing the boxes arriving on our local news made it an easy decision. Shelterbox helps everybody around the world no matter their region, race, wealth or political views. The money I raise may not help those in need in Burma but you never know where the next natural disaster might happen and who will be affected. I am lucky enough to be in a position to take time away from work and willing to give up my time and money for training and raising money for Shelterbox.

Now the trip is booked and the hard work begins. This challenge isn’t only about getting fit (which is going to be hard work) but raising money for sponsorship (which is going to be a lot harder!) I’ve never done anything like this before, the only sponsored thing I have ever done was an Ice Cream eating contest!

I’ve put together a number of ways to raise sponsorship and a fitness plan.My first money raising idea is to do a sponsored tandem Skydive. I have always wanted to do one of these however have been over the weight allowed to do it. It’s a scary thing to do, but is another challenge I’m able to do following my weight loss. I am planning on doing the skydive at some time during the summer (probably in August). But don’t want to book it under I am half way to my skydive sponsored target.

So now the money plan is in motion, with other ideas to sort out over the next few weeks, I also have my training to get underway with. Since the Teignmouth Lido is just across the street from the café, I am going swimming as much as possible during the next few months to build up my stamina and Cardiovascular. As well as plenty of short walks, luckily for me I am in a beautiful part of the world with plenty of walks nearby including coastal paths, forests and of course Dartmoor.
But for now…its time to knuckle down and get going or jumping!!!