The Final Countdown

"We're heading for Venus". Well ok, Tanzania...

It's the final week and it's all horribly real. I'm thinking about it every minute I'm not doing something that completely absorbs me, such as baking. The office will be getting another cake tomorrow... I've had good luck cards from my family and a fabulous poem from my Aunt which I laughed at so much I almost cried. Thank you so much, you have shown me such support and I really wouldn't be where I am without you. Extra special thanks as follows...

Thank you to my Aunt for the poem and for trapsing around the village collecting on my behalf, it means so much to me. Thank you to Richard for climbing Ben Nevis with me. I'm glad we were able to share the experience. To my grandparents for their generous donations and to their circle of friends. Thank you to Anita and Gordon for your kind words and sponsorship. To Jo and Brendon for offering refuge and sensible words. To Shruti for making me do this in the first place and for being so encouraging and a great friend. To Dave for keeping me smiling. To everyone who's sponsored me, wished me luck and offered advice. And biggest thanks of all go to my parents who have given me more support in more ways than anyone else, despite their fears for my well being, safety and probably sanity. I can't begin to thank you enough but I will try. I hope I do everyone proud.

I've raised a total of £4,344 but this isn't all with the Charity yet. Some people wanted to wait until I actually got back before giving me the money... I guess that's ok. I tried to arrange something last minute for this weekend but the store was rather uncharitable. I'm not giving up on that £4,500 target though. I'll get there by hook or by crook, even if it's a little bit after the event.

There's really not a lot left to do now. I'm packed, all but the last minute things. I've got Friday off work and I'm coming home Thursday lunchtime to work from home so that I can get a last minute B12 jab. I have a deficiency that can make me tired and lethargic which is the last thing I need. I've done only minor exercise the past week or so but I intend to do a lot of stretching out so that my muscles don't start off really tight.

I realised I've not done much in the way of video diaries or photos of late so I'll be doing one before I go and do some more while I'm away ready for posting when I get back. I don't intend to stop writing this blog after Kili. I'm going to use it to document all my other adventures and efforts. There's plenty more where this came from!