29th May 2007: Shireen Jordan of SpireFM radio in Salisbury called this morning for an update on the trip. She interviewed me just after I woke up so I hope I wasn't too hoarse. She sounds like such a nice person and has been very supportive. She has this cute habit of saying "Crumbs!" which is very endearing.

18th May 2007: All Packed up, Angus is here and ready. His passport came yesterday and his photo is being printed out. I need to be at the airport at 1pm tomorrow for the 4pm flight. This will be the last entry for a week and a half. Please follow the itinerary and check out this map to see our progress until then.

17th May 2007: I had the morning off to do a school run and to buy last minutes items. I got everything on my list from last entry except the pen-knife. I also bought a drinking cup; much better for drinking rehydration fluid and keeping my normal drinking tube clean. I don't have anything to read at the moment, but I don't know whether I should take a book or not. It will be more to carry, it gets dark there at 5.30pm and we might just talk around the camp fire instead of read.

13th May 2007: Yesterday, I bought spare batteries for the camera and for the head-torch, spare laces for my boots and extra rehydration sachets. I also picked up my dollars on Friday so just have a few bits and pieces still to get:
I need to remember to take ear plugs from work, buy breath freshener, a few bars of kendall mint cake, toilet paper and look for a decent pen-knife. Every time I think I'm all set, I remember something else to buy :-(

11th May 2007: Many thanks to Shireen Jordan of SpireFM radio in Salisbury who interviewed me today and helped raise the profile of MacMillan Cancer Support. She has asked to speak to me on my return for an update.

10th May 2007: I bought my Crocodile Dundee hat yesterday. Emma just laughed at me when I tried it on for her. The things I have to put up with .....
When I got home tonight I had an email from Spire FM, the local radio station for Salisbury. They want to do a telephone interview before I go. That will hopefully give me some good exposure and maybe bring some further sponsorship. I'm not sure how they heard about me though.

8th May 2007: I finished most of my buying at the weekend: diarolyte, wet-wipes, nappy sacks and another wicking T-shirt I found in a sale. I am supposed to have a wide-brimmed, water-proof hat with a neck-cord but I couldn't find one with all those features so I will try again in Salisbury during the week. The rain, sun and insects mean I shouldn't skimp on the hat, however stupid I look. It needs to be practical.
I also need to research more on pen-knives. The lonely planet guide book recommends we take one but I'm not sure of the law concerning that or what I would need it for. More research needed I think
I need to convert money into US Dollars. The travel company recommend taking $150 and point out we need to tip the guides ($30) and pay an airport exit tax ($28) out of that. Two lunches and 1 dinner are also not included in the itinerary so we need to have enough for that and any snacks and souvenirs we buy. The exchange rate is good at the moment so I'll probably exchange £150 to be on the safe side.

4th May 2007: I bought blank DVs and three spare batteries for the camcorder this week. Emma said I can use her memory card with it. I told Nobby the price of the batteries before I bought them because they were expensive, but he was happy to authorise them. He has been great this last year. The total Serco have contributed to kit and camera is now £1200. I certainly could not have afforded to go on this trek without their support.

30th April 2007: I received the video camera today. I need to buy replacement batteries, sd card and mini dvd disks for it. It re-charging at the moment and I'm sure Emma will teach me how it works later. It's a shame I didn't have it for the Nevis trip but I will plan what to film this week.

18th April 2007: I received a letter from Serco advising me that they will supply me with a camcorder to make a video diary. I need to talk to Lesley at work and arrange which kind. What great news. I could start now with entries about training and prep, include talks with the school, trip to Ben Nevis and next week's Cake Sale at the Library. I will check out some web sites tonight and see what is available.

17th April 2007: I bought my trekking trousers and two pairs of trekking shorts at the weekend. Once more, thanks to Serco for their continued support.
I was really disappointed to find out that I leave for Peru on Cup Final day and I will be near the highest point on the trail at around the time of the European Champions League Final. Tim Healey from work was joking with me about it. He asked if I would like Serco to buy me a portable television with a sattelite dish on top.When I said, "that would be cool" he just taunted me saying, "Naah, It'll never happen" It was very funny actually.

11th April 2007: Angus is getting some training in this week as he accompanies a teacher from Wallacestone Primary to the Amazon Rain Forest. Hopefully we will have story and pictures for his diary page soon.

9th April 2007: I bought a new rucksack at the weekend. The previous one was bought partially because it was cheap and I didn't want to spend too much of Serco's money. However I couldn't use my water bladder with it because the tube kinked and no water could flow. There were also not enough pockets or a place to put Angus. Anyway, my boss gave me the go-ahead to get a new one.
I am shocked by the price of sun protection. I had to buy factor 50 because the sun's harmful rays are worse at altitude. Fifteen pounds for a small bottle seemed excessive.

29th March 2007:The company magazine, Distil, came out this week with a good follow-up article and a picture of Angus. I have had a good response from my customers who have read the article and from other people I know around site.

16th March 2007: I had my second Hepatitus B injection today. The third and last one will be in August.
My fellow trekers mentioned on the chat rooom that they had Polio injections so I asked the nurse about it today. Apparently Polio has been included with Typhoid and Tetanus since last year, so I need to contact the hospital where I had my finger stitched to find out whether or not I had it along with the tetanus.

12th March 2007: My recent radio interviews are now on Castledown Radio's web site. They broke the interview into two parts which you can listen to from the following links:

7th March 2007: I had my last Rabies Injection today.

25th February 2007: Angus and I attended a pre-trek briefing in London yesterday. We met thity or more people who will be trekking with us including Ledge and Rosie who I chat to on the newsgroup. It was a very good meeting and we got a lot of good tips.

We also heard good advice about looking after each other, egging each other on and tips on personal hygiene to stop the group getting ill and to protect the trail for future trekkers. (You don't want the details, believe me)
Sadly, the meeting over-ran and I had to leave to rescue the girls from shopping in Oxford Street. I didn't get to chat to the group as much as I'd like but I'll see them in May.

23rd February 2007 I bought a see-through, water-proof map case today. Yesterday my map almost disintegrated in the rain so I certainly needed it. I also bought some padlocks for my rucksacks. I still need to find some kind of security strap for the rucksack protector I bought last week.

16th February 2007 I had my first Hepatitus B injection today. At least my arm will have a couple of weeks rest now :-)

14th February 2007 I was interviewed by Rick at Castledown Radio today. He interviewed me last August and wanted an update on how the trek was going We had a nice chat. He is going to turn it into a two part interview for the show. Rick and Castledown have been very supportive, Thanks guys.

13th February 2007 2nd Rabies injection today.

9th February 2007 The school nurse at Wallacestone Primary has agreed to give Angus his injections. In addition to his injection for yellow fever, he'll probably need one one for tartan fever :-)

8th February 2007 I had my yellow fever injection today. I'm beginning to feel like a pin cushion.

7th February 2007 I received confirmation of the flight times today. We do indeed fly to Peru via New York, with all the security restrictions that entails. We fly home via Ecuador, so that will be interesting:

6th February 2007 First Rabies injection today but I feel fine. Woof Woof GRRRR!!!

2nd February 2007 I got my Typhoid and Hepatitus A injections today at the local health centre. A bit of a shock when they advised I need injections to guard me against Yellow Fever, Rabies, Hepatitus B and a booster for Hep A. They would have charged me £255 and couldn't reduce it "just because I was raising money for charity". Luckily we have a good Occupational Health dept at work. Pam Panther from occy health very kindly agreed to give me all the injections free of charge. I am seeing her Monday to arrange a timetable for them. Thank you Pam.

29th January 2007 I'd like to welcome the regular readers of this site from Los Angeles, California and across Western Europe. I have recently been looking at the site stats and have been pleasantly surprised to see that we have hits from all over Britain, regular hits from California and occasional hits from France, Belgium and Germany. If you are reading this site from California or Europe, maybe you can email and let me know how you came across us. I love the power of the internet and how it can join and unite people across the world. Tell me your story! How has cancer affected you? Has this site been of interest? has it helped? inspired? annoyed? depressed? or angered you? If you'd like to share your thoughts get in touch.

26th January 2007 I purchased the rest of the kit today, including travel towel, gaiters, fire lighting kit, water purification tablets, thin thermal gloves, wash kit attachment for the rucksack, insect repellant, ankle supports and hyradtion system. I still need shorts and trekking trousers but there are four months to go and I hope to drop a couple of waist sizes before that. I look funny enough already, walking around in oversized trousers but I want to hold off buying more until I am finished losing weight. I am back to my pre-christmas weight now and am back into a good training pattern, so we'll see.
I also need to buy some toiletries including "lots of wet wipes", travel hand-wash and sun block ; but I can't really justify claiming them back.
I notice that the amount of non-cash contributions made to the trek is now equivalent to more than one thousand pounds. These contributions include nearly 700 tubes of smarties, 2 food hampers and my trekking kit, and purchase of travel insurance, spanish lessons and gym equipment. The total of Cash and Non-Cash contributions is currently £4975. AWESOME!!

14th January 2007 I sent Angus back to class yesterday by special delivery. He should be there Monday with new t-shirt, jeans, goretex jacket and rucksack, thanks to my wife Asia, who spent most of last week making them.
Unfortunately, there was a slight accident with his kit. Asia made a fleece for him but it seems to have been thrown away with the material off-cuts. Sorry Angus - if there is time later we can try again.

10th January 2007 I received confirmation this week that my trip to Peru will be designated "Special Leave" so won't be taken from my annual entitlement. I also submitted my expenses claim for the rucksack and sleeping equipment. I don't know how I would have afforded this trek without the assistance of Serco.
I originally thought I might sell all my equipment afterwards, proceeds to MacMillan. However I quite enjoy walking now and was reading about the great wall of China recently. That looks like a good trip. Mmmm..... I'll need to give that one some serious thought.

8th January 2007 I returned the sleeping mat and upgraded to a prolite4 as one of my fellow trekkers recommends it. I tried it out and it feels a lot better.
I received a nice email from MacMillan this week praising this web site. "That website is fantastic! Wow!! Just the kind of thing I needed to see on my first day back at work to get the adrenalin running again! " Lucy at MacMillan is also going to send me a toddler sized T-shirt for Angus. I may need to boil it to get it into shape, though. A job for Mum I think 0-)

31st December 2006 I purchased a sleeping bag and liner, sleeping mat, small rucksack, rucksack liner and rucksack rain cover from the xmas sales. I think I got a good bargain but I need to take back the sleeping mat. I slept in the sleeping bag in the living room last night (It's a boy thing). The bag was nice and warm and comfortable but the sleeping mat was terrible. I was so sore by morning that it took me three hours just to stand up straight. I had bought Black's own brand at £35 instead of the recommended brand at £70 but that was obviously a false economy because I would never see day two of the trek if I slept on that mat after day 1. I'm going to upgrade it.
Good news though:- the cover for the sleeping bag liner is the exact shape and size for Angus' new rucksack. It even has a draw-string catch to keep his clothes dry. Asia is going to make the rucksack. I just need to get a sleeping bag for him now.

21st December 2006 Angus arrived today to spend Christmas with my family and to get measured and fitted for his trekking gear. He tells me the journey was very good and he is looking forward to visiting Stonehenge while he is here. He also wants to walk over Salisbury Plain and "see what all the fuss is about".

10th December 2006 I seem to be spending a lot of money at the moment. I wrote a cheque for the travel insurance for the trip today. That was £64. I also got word that my daughter's school is starting a "Spanish for Beginners" class in January. A ten week course running an hour and a half every Tuesday for £55. I am sending a cheque to school for that. I have 8 teach yourself CDs for the car but I would benefit from speaking it more and meeting people who are also learning.
I sent away the fee for the gym membership last week. That is a one off fee of £33. Once that arrives I have yearly subs of £50 to pay, but that is still pretty cheap compared to others

2nd December 2006 Beth is sending Angus down to Wiltshire to be fitted for a new waterproof jacket. She had some goretex left over from a previous school project on material. Asia is a good dressmaker so has volunteered to make the jacket.
I have an old waxed jacket I don't use and a couple of cans of re-waxing spray in the cupboard, so there will be extra material there if needed. We might actually get two jackets. Well... it will get up to 18 degrees. He might need a change in the evening :-)

19th November 2006 I received the third newsletter from MacMillan about Peru, including:

• The planned get-together for the trek participants will be 24th February 2007 in London.It's a Saturday afternoon and is only scheduled for 2 hours. I was under the impression it was going to be longer so I'm unsure if the trekkers from Northern England and Scotland will attend.
• The Flights to Peru "may" be changed to go via New York rather than via Madrid. Discover Adventure are holding two flight options. Unsure why and I'm guessing this is their way of breaking it to us gently that the flights have changed.
• More forms to fill in about travel insurance and passport details. The local authorities have limited the number of people on the trail at any time, so it is important that the passport details match the forms exactly. The travel insurance comes in at £64 and I need to find that before February.
• Dos and don'ts for the trip. From what to eat to how to conduct yourself in a foreign country. Mostly common sense and courtesy.
• Some more info about the history of the country and people. I have sent a copy to Beth for her project work.

9th November 2006 I bought more equipment over the last few weeks. Torch, head-lamp, walking pole and knee supports. Again Serco have reimbursed me for it. I can't thank them enough. They have been supportive over and above the call of duty. I'd like to thank Nobby and Jim for their added support, understanding and condolences since Anne died.

24th October 2006 I got the doctor to sign my form today. She didn't charge me for the signature but she did ask a lot of questions and took my blood pressure. She said it was quite high and she wants to monitor it for a while, but it won't affect my participation on the trek. I need to go back in two weeks for another blood pressure reading though. I'll send off the form to MacMillan tomorrow.

30th September 2006 Got the chance to use my waterproof trousers and wicking T shirts this week while in Scotland. I also purchased first aid kit, whistle and walking stick and got to grips with the practicalities of packing my day-sack and being prepared for a long walk. All good practice.

19th September 2006 I bought some wicking T-shirts and base layers at the weekend for training in. I tried the wicking t shirt on Sunday on my 3hr walk and it was actually quite comfortable. Still got sore feet though.
Beth is looking at kitting out Angus with the same good quality gore-tex and wicking equipment, and is currently talking to a number of manufacturers to see if they can provide kit to fit Angus.
A scary program all week on BBC2 about a group of inexperienced trekkers in the Andes. It was both inspiring and scary. I just can't afford to drop the training or go to Peru in anything less than a trek-ready state.

12th September 2006 I bought a gore-tex jacket off ebay. It is new and usually retails at £200 but I got it for £80. I'm just waiting for it to arrive and make sure it fits.
I was researching on the web and came across a moving site by a woman in America who is writing a diary about her ongoing fight with cancer. Read Sarah's Story here.

28th August 2006 The weather is turning and there is a lot more rain around. I went to "Black's" camping store to look for gore-tex jackets. Wow! they are soooo! expensive. £160 for something that looks like a kagool. Apparently it is very light and lets the sweat out without letting the rain in; but it seems an awful lot. I know that my employer is footing the bill but I don't want to take advantage. I will talk to them this week and ask around for ideas and alternatives.

6th August 2006 Spoke to Tim Healey at work last week about the kit. He is happy for me to go ahead and purchase what I need now and submit the receipts. I went to Millets Saturday and purchased the boots and socks. The sales assistant in Millets was very good. She is trekking the Great Wall of China next year and was quite supportive. Millets usually give 10% discount to Guides, Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award contestants, but she was happy to give me the same discount for MacMillan.

31st July 2006 Second Newsletter from MacMillan received this week. Details of all the other (66) fellow trekkers. One of them lives less than ten miles away near Andover. I left him a voicemail message but I haven't heard from him yet. It will be nice to share ideas, stories and fund-raising plans with someone close.
The newsletter also said to buy walking poles when we get there and that the final day includes 2,000 steps. The rest was about insurance and possibilities of extending the stay to visit the amazon. I emailed the trip organiser to see if I could fly over the Nazca Lines on the free day but it is just too far away. Shame.

30th June 2006 Met with Tim Healey from Serco today and he confirmed that Serco will be happy to pay for my kit. He took a copy of my kit list away but we agreed that they would get my boots and socks now and the rest of the equipment could wait until early next year. I don't want to purchase trousers, shorts, shirts or jackets at the moment because they'll be way too big by next May.
They also offered me time off for the trek itself and to visit Wallacestone Primary which would be over and above my annual entitlement. That was very generous of them and it will help me a lot

18th June 2006 It was our work's summer barbeque yesterday and I had a chance to talk to Roland from our personnel dept. He tells me Serco are happy in principal to help me out with sponsorship and has suggested paying for my equipment. He will talk to me next week to iron out the details. That's great news. Because of the altitude and the remoteness of the climb, it is important for the kit to be right. This is an important part of the planning and it looks like it will be taken care of.

20th May 2006 Now less than a year until the trip. Psychologically, that is a big step. I can think of it in terms of "months to go" rather than in "years".
I was contacted this week by Jen, a fellow trekker, who will be on the same trip with her mother. She set up a chat-room so we can discuss our plans, fundraising, etc. A few others have joined too. It will be good to chat to them when I am down (as I am sure I will be, at some point in my training) and help encourage each other through.
I had deliberately not sent out any press releases up until now because the trek was over a year away and I thought it would not be the right time. I plan to prepare a few now; not only locally, but also in Cumnock and Falkirk, and send them out start of June.

18th May 2006 The Daily Mail is giving away an 8 day Spanish Language course this week. I have been collecting the disks and I have started to use my drive time to learn Spanish. I must look strange driving along, talking to myself in Spanish, but it is good use of the time and will come in handy on the trip since we will have local guides and they speak Spanish.

15th April 2006 The full trip planning pack came from Macmillan this week. Some good advice on what to take. I also emailed Innes Cameron, a former workmate in Edinburgh, who is a keen hill walker. He will give me some good advice and is calling on his walking companions to help with ideas.

8th April 2006: Received a phone call from Macmillan on Thursday evening to tell me I had been formally accepted onto the trek. I'm glad about that because I have already told everyone and made some progress on fundraising. I was told to expect an information and fund raising pack in the next ten days.

29th March 2006: Wallacestone Primary School in Falkirk want to get involved. My sister (the teacher, Mrs Boyiatjis) wants me to take their school mascot, Angus, on the trip. If I take pictures of him on route and give a talk to the school when I return, the pupils will help raise sponsorship. This is a great start, but more pressure on me to take it seriously and not drop out. Good!

26th March 2006: Couldn't stop thinking about this trip. Talked to my wife about it this week and she was very encouraging. I check the web site and it is not full up. I download the application pack and register my interest on-line.

19th March 2006: Saw the advertisement in The Sunday paper and looked at the web site. Looks like a fantastic trip but I guess it has been filled already.