The first week of challenges is now complete.
The thing that has struck me most from the first week is people's generosity. In difficult financial times and with so many charities vying for contributions and donations, my faith in human nature has been restored by all that I have seen. From people joining in challenges to people committing their time and money - friends, family, colleagues and strangers have been incredibly supportive of my little fund raiser.
The curtain raiser was the 40 laps of Westport Lake. Approximately 40 miles of perpetual circuits wasn't hindered by the horrendous weather we had witnessed the day before the challenge. It was tough, but thanks to the support of everyone on the day, we did it. My sister Alex walked the first 20 laps with me before tottering off on high heels to a hen do. I thought my feet were hurting the following day but hers must have been like a hobbits. My brother in law joined me for the final 15 miles in what my Mum would describe as 'going out shoes'. Without his support, I doubt I would have made it. Slightly delirious (and dizzy from going round and round and round...) I finished what I thought was lap 32. My beautiful niece changed the number on the board as I came round to tell me I was about to start lap...32. I was convinced I had already completed it but no. Silly how something like that is so demoralising but it really was. Finally after 9hrs 27mins and 40secs (not that I was counting) we finished. Thank you in particular to Price, Julie, Sarah x 2, John, Wendy and all my family for being there.
Day 2 saw me present with Tony on 6 Towns radio for 40 minutes. Less physically challenging yes, less daunting - no! Thanks to Tony and the team for their time and support.
Monday's challenge was the first set for me not dreamt up in my twisted mind. I'm not exactly a fan of sprouts so the challenge was to eat 40 in one sitting. Some called it cheating, I'd like to think it more as being creative. No stipulations were set regarding the preparation of said little balls of flatulence creating evil, so I made them into a bake, par boiling before adding to some lightly fried onion, garlic and bacon. I then mashed the whole lot together before sprinkling with cheese and baking. The result was actually quite tasty, however the quantity brought me close to the point of hurling.
Tuesday was a killer. 40 minutes of zumba. I always believed I had no co-ordination and this proved it. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole session and was overwhelmed by the nigh on £130 raised from that one challenge alone.
Another challenge again set for me was Wednesday's litter pick. Unbelievable the things that people discard and who obviously have a blind spot when it comes to a bin!
I have to admit, Thursday wasn't so much a challenge as a pleasure. In order to raise a little more money, I made 40 cakes to sell at work the following day but the regular kitchen activity was made all the more enjoyable as I had 2 little helpers in my niece and nephew, Amelia and William. It was great fun and the results were delicious.As the week drew to a close, I had 40 winks on a bed in Debenhams much to the amusement of shoppers, a little bit of fun but a challenge in attempting to evade security and the staff!
Yesterday I had 40ish penalties taken against me by the lads and Dads involved with the Sporting Ventures football session. £65 was kindly donated by Rob and the parents of the lads involved. Another great challenge although my ribs know all about it this morning. Note to self - diving on astro turf hurts! Today, the challenge is this blog. Someone has kindly offered to donate if it gets read 40 times. So please retweet, like, and pass on to others.
I cannot begin to thank everyone enough for their help with these challenges. It means so much to my family and I. As it stands we are well on the way to raising the £500 I set as a total. If you would like to donate then please do so here. Or you can donate by text by texting STKE 72 and the amount (£x) to 70070, texts are free. I am also still looking for 40 prizes to raffle off at the conclusion of the 40 days so please get in touch (adscomms@gmail.com) if you have anything you would like to contribute.
Thanks again and here's to this week of challenges!
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