Has anything changed in your life?

25 Wednesday Sep 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

I have always been accused of wanting the final word, however I would not have wanted to let the site and story ramble on without a sense of great achievement and warmth of farewell to Colin and all that has been done and raised in his name.  But we are all acutely aware life goes on and it struck me that I wonder how many people felt that the experience that bought us all together to differing degrees changed something in their lives. So for not wanting to be bashful and to assist in dispelling my nerves I felt an overwhelming desire to post mine.

As many knew I and a team of hardened supporters went put to Nice (lulled by the clear med sea and the warm summer sun) to cheer and yell at Tony and Dan on their mammoth task back in June.  I returned inspired by the 2800 idiots all there to do the same mammoth task and the resilience and commitment of the last runners struggling over the line in the dark as the race drew to a close.  I jested that this whole Ironman malarkey was all just a big hype and that I could easily take on the challenge, reserving the right to make one incey,wincey change in the rules and extend the period over which one needed to complete it from 17 hours to 1 week!  I chatted about this on Facebook, the place for all heart outpouring! Then a childhood pal Jonathan Taylor started reminding me of my prowess as an “awesome” athlete as a youth (more than 25 years ago I must admit) and that whilst my idea was noble it would also never work. Life, a disaster, illness an emergency or just an appointment would probably get in the way and disrupt the plan.  What I needed was a goal. So playing directly to my strength – the need to get my credit card out he proposed a number of races I should consider, one being the Dorney Lakes Gatorade Triathlon, Sprint distance, 29th September 2013. Thirty mins later I have signed up……..

Good choice, no one I know is doing it, it is flat and it is lake not sea.. full marks!

mmmm

IMG_00000743It all seamed a great idea. I got that credit card out again and bought a bike, it was very nice, red, black and white…. oh and the matching water bottle cage, the obligatory cleats and a new wetsuit, my beach one was too chunky (well I didn’t look very cool in it!)

No problem. that’s all that was needed wasn’t it?

Oh I forgot I needed to ensure I would actually not expire during the course, so … well I also needed to ensure I could not find an excuse not to do some exercise so Callum, a friendly but silently mercenary, personal trainer, came to my aid at the Grange Hotel Gym once or twice a week. Plus discovering that Dorchester actually still had a pretty nice 25m pool and a well equipped Gym upstairs. So whether in London or Dorset I had my new second home.

Ok sorted, training ranged from going out on my new bike, as long as it wasn’t raining – well its new I cant get it wet!  That was about 7.5k per circuit. Then static bike at the gym or in my kitchen, plenty of 10k there and one or two 20’s just to be sure I knew what that felt like.

IMG_00000796

I jumped at the chance to join a fab group of ladies cycling from Nice to Monte Carlo as part of the Insurance Industry’s annual jolly in MC called the Rendezvous. This was 22k up and down hills on rented bikes, dressed as flappers… yes I said Flappers, frequently peppered with coffee stops and view moments along the way. Then the swimming….

I was asked .. “do you swim?” Of course I swim, I have my Bronze medallion Life saver badge, and I appeared as the body on Dr Marion Davies series on First Aid back in 1984! I have always taken the kids swimming all their lives, and well when on holiday I swim… get wet to cool off from the hours of sun bathing. Of course I swim…

Goggles! ok that was unexpected – they actually do make quite a difference! I can see where I am going.

A quick technique revision off You Tube on Total Immersion Technique, surprisingly more useful than the shouty teachers I had in school who’s demonstration of the stroke style always confused me as they stood on the Pool side, after all they were vertical and I was horizontal! But the invention of underwater cameras and hey presto, it all makes sense. So now all I had to do is learn to breath again, advised that 2 strokes per breath was the only way and bingo I had relearned to swim.

Swimming for a long distance was not so easy to master by watching You Tube!

Whaling Cartoon

I did ask if I could do some of the 750m swim backcrawl – “no if you turn over and put a hand in the air they will harpoon you” – mmm thanx Tony!

The run. I was being sensible and nice to my ailing joints and vowed that with all this exercise weight would simply drop off and so when I reached 75Kg I would start to run, concentrating of the other two disciplines first. alas the laws of Biology prevailed and the combined need for more fuel and the transition of fat to muscle meant 75kg seemed never to arrive, losing 4kg quickly then just sitting at 77kg pretty permanently!

So it was not until the second week in September Callum went for broke and announced we would be running today. Geee christmas the body is not designed to run, not for a distance. I was a sprinter in my youth, I played top flight Lacrosse, was in Sussex Athletic team, played tennis at club level and competitively swam. But a) I was only about 50kg! and b) it was as I said before – 25 years ago. So planting 75kg through each hip repeatedly – hurt.

So now I have to face the inevitable. Each hour that passes the starting gun approaches, I now am not alone, I subsequently found out both Tony and Marek (colleague) are in the wave before mine, and Tony is intending to use my slow swim as a gauge to ensure he can duly jeer (oh sorry Cheer) after he finishes before my T1 – Joy!

St John’s are on standby and my blazeh (sp) attitude to those that have gone before me.. nervous? why do you get nervous? I now know.

So I will post again after I complete it – If I don’t need to engage in further therapeutic outpouring of nerves before then. But a sad but heartfelt thank you, Colin for bringing this mad eclectic mix of people together and chain of events that has enabled me to look forward and fear 2 hours of self induced pain, but I have to say haven’t felt as healthy as I do now for years!

The Final Word

03 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by in Blog, Colin's Blog

≈ Leave a comment

Colin Video

Colin provided the entertainment at his send off on Thursday to 400 people in the form of a videoed eulogy. The church was so full the floor gave way and the congregation flick-flacked from tears of sorrow to those of  laughter.  A top bloke who did it in style not just to the end but beyond it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJVhMiam4uc&feature=youtu.be

 

We did it his way!

29 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Tony

≈ Leave a comment

So in just over 6 months our aspirations became reality….the £30k target was breached ! In fact with gift aid we are now standing at £35,253.91…AMAZING.

Colin’s legacy is assured and as Faye put it ‘this bastard form of Cancer’ better watch out cos we are going to get you.

Its been a journey, one which was inspired by a true gent and a mate, who I know will be chuffed to bits at the achievement. He will even now be egging us on to beat this thing as that is just the kind of guy he was.

We still have applications for company charity donations out there and we will be making one to Lloyd’s in the next few weeks, so its not too late, in fact its only just begun.

Thanks to the successful three peaks team who conquered their challenge at the weekend, if you haven’t looked at their blog do so, its great as well as seeing a message to Colin flying high on the top of the mountains.

And finally a huge thanks to all of you who have donated or organised an event which added funds its been a great team effort, one which I’m sure the Headcase charity appreciate and one which I know will make a difference, but hey, that’s what Colin did !

We did it.

28 Sunday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Three Peaks

≈ 1 Comment

Apologies to everyone following the blog. Internet connection ceases to exist in the mountains.

I’ll be uploading all video blogs when I get home but until then, I guess you probably want to know how we did…

Start time: 4:00pm

Ben Nevis: 3hrs 54mins

Scafell Pike: 3hrs 30mins

Snowdon: 2hrs 57mins

Finish time: 1:57pm

Challenge completed in 21hrs 57mins

A huge thank you to Mr Roger Baxter for driving us and to everyone who has sponsored us. Video blogs to follow of Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

1 down 3 to go…

28 Sunday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Three Peaks

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

Scafell PikeSo we’re now on our way to Scafell Pike, having just kicked Ben Nevis’s butt! We started at 4pm as scheduled and completed the highest of the 3 peaks in 3hrs 54mins. I don’t think any of our legs have felt quite so painful but it’s a great feeling to already be a hour ahead of schedule. We met a guy up on the mountain who sponsored us there and then after telling him about Headcase Cancer Trust and Colin’s story. Thank you to all your support and to those who have sponsored us. If you still want to give to this great cause then its not too late. Go to http://www.justgiving.com/tonyanddanironman

Check out the video below too…

Support the Three Peaks Challenge

27 Saturday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Three Peaks

≈ Leave a comment

They are well underway, three posts so far on:  http://headcase3peaks.blogspot.co.uk/

s_223

 

Just chillin in the back of the van. Nick has already got a nose bleed…. as you can probably see. Scotland here we come!

 

 

 

s_1217

After about 5 hours of driving, we’ve crossed the boarder into Scotland. Traffic hasn’t been too bad and it’s safe to say that the scenery up here is much better than down south! Glasgow here we come!

 

 

 

 

So it’s the morning of the challenge. We’ve just enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the premier inn and are now on the road to Ben Nevis. If you haven’t yet seen the weather forecast, it could be an interesting climb up scafell pike early tomorrow morning with thunderstorms a strong possibility. We’re still aiming to start climbing Nevis at 4pm today. We’ll keep you posted 🙂

Watch video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SbfSDxS-8oQ

We need less than 427 quid to reach the target.

3 Peaks challenge commences.

24 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Three Peaks

≈ 2 Comments

So here it is then, tomorrow we’ll be setting off for Scotland… man this has come along quickly. Tomorrow morning we’ll be driving up to Glasgow to stay over night prior to starting the Three Peaks Challenge. Hopefully we’ll be able to get a decent nights sleep before setting off for Ben Nevis Saturday morning. We hope to start the challenge at about 4pm Saturday afternoon with the weather not looking too bad at the moment.

Training has been tough the last couple of weeks especially with this ridiculous heat and humidity. Fortunately myself and Nick were able to get out for a long walk one evening just outside of Hatfield. Neither of us realised that you don’t have to walk far before you hit some pretty amazing countryside.

Last blog

Unfortunately Nick has suffered a slight groin strain from training but we’re hoping and praying that this will resolve just in time…

Last week I also took the time to buy myself some new walking boots. When I had a look at my poor excuse for some walking boots, I knew this was a good excuse to get a new pair. Hopefully they should keep my feet and ankles fairly comfortable… although I don’t think any amount of specialist equipment is going to prepare our bodies for the challenge that stares us in the face. The morning after the challenge could be an interesting one.

We would all like to thank the people who have already sponsored us, both on the justgiving page and sponsorship forms. It’s going towards a great cause and any donation no matter how big or small is hugely appreciated. Not far from that £30,000 target now. Things like this really do draw people together and it’s been amazing to see the love and support of so many towards Colin and the work that the Headcase Cancer Trust is doing. Rest in peace mate, we hope we can do you proud this weekend.

Paul

We are nearly there!

24 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Tony

≈ Leave a comment

We may have lost our inspiration but the fight goes on, Colin would not have wanted it any other way. His passing has just made it even more important that we do not let this disease beat us!

The good news is that Mick Ward has just been awarded £1000 by his companies charity committee. Xylem Water Solutions in Letchworth considered over 20 applications and stated that the Headcase Charity ‘stood out’. It just goes to show that a few minutes to write an email can pay huge dividends.

Great job Mick and thanks very much XYLEM.

The “Last Post”

22 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in Blog, Colin's Blog

≈ 13 Comments

Helen’s Blog (22/7/13)
Well, my Colin has gained his wings. What a hard road that man travelled! It’s kinda funny because at the beginning I promised him that he would never ever die anywhere but home. I meant every word, but, as time passed, it soon became evident that despite all the skills I had acquired, I could not cope with his total needs and I will always carry an element of guilt.

From a strong independent man who had the full respect and trust of his family, he was stripped by this horrible disease of every element and aspect of his personality. A personality that was so strong that everybody in the family (even though they had all formed separate units) trusted him to make financial decisions and hold all their important documents. We had faith in his every word. From almost the beginning though, it became evident that the kids would have to control their own paperwork and finances as Colin was increasingly confused and forgetful. The kids had to handle the financial decisions themselves and it was a very sad day when it became obvious that this was the only course of action.

The months I have recently spent with Colin have been very hard at times but I have also had some very good times as, despite that bitch of a tumour “Camilla”, his sense of humour always seemed to shine through and this made everything much more bearable.

All treatment for Colin was stopped in February and Colin was fine for a while except for his immobility and increasing confusion. At the end of May Colin started to have horrendous hallucinations which went on for several days and I had to call upon both our boys to help calm him down and reassure him that what he was seeing was indeed was indeed not reality – just illusions. Colin was admitted then to the hospice for the second time so that they could help alleviate the visions and reduce his constant state of agitation.

I have never been so grateful for anything in my whole life as I was for the offer of help from Garden House Hospice in Letchworth. They controlled his medication (it took 8 or 9 days to get the combination right) and then his health began a sharp decline – Camilla the tumour was on the march. We all realised that now his time was short but I was able to be Colin’s wife again and not just a carer. We spent quality family time and often cried together but, we also laughed – boy did we all do that! We still continued to take the mick big time. Tommy played the answer phone message from Colin requesting Tom’s immediate presence and then apologising because he (Colin) couldn’t find his phone! He had not realised he was using it!!! We all know that if the situation was reversed, Colin’s banter would be relentless

Colin started to lose his ability to swallow as well as many other abilities. About 2 weeks ago the food that he was offered was refused and when he opened his mouth to eat he was unable to chew and swallow he became weaker and weaker until he eventually became unconscious on Sunday.

On Monday he was put on the Liverpool care pathway, the most heart wrenching time imaginable. He had no nourishment or fluids and eventually fell into an unresponsive state of unconsciousness.

We as a family stayed with him constantly, he was never once alone day or night, it really strengthened our family unit beyond all of our expectations. This mortal man, Colin Smith, could not have had a more genuine love and adulation from his children than if he had been a god. We all love the man that was, not the shell of a man that Colin had become and I think that is why this type of cancer is so very cruel. When the end came for us as a family it was a release from a life robbing illness that had taken every aspect of Colin’s personality and dignity. We love and miss him more than any words can convey. He was always larger than life and always reducing me to side splitting laughter in every situation.
Goodbye my lovely man, my love now, forever and always, Helen

The Funeral will take place at St. Mary’s church Baldock,on Thursday the 1st August at 1 pm, then to the cemetery which is all in walking distance, followed by a celebration of Colin’s life at the Orange Tree pub, that is on the corner of the Cemetery.