No photos, just emotions

It's Friday and my last day in the offices of the Co-operative Banking Group before I leave for my polar adventure.

Since Monday evening, my mind has increasingly filled with thoughts, nerves and emotions about the imminent departure (not helped by my polar colleague Douglas throwing a curve-ball into the whole adventure on Wednesday evening - you little tinker). And today things have reached the point where the nerves are tangible, the butterflies seemingly roused in the pit of my stomach and my appetite is dimmed.

It's not the idea of doing the challenge that's driving me to mild distraction, it's the anticipation and the desire to 'just get on with it'.

Moving hugs from Dora yesterday, handshakes from Craig, Jon and others yesterday as well as lots of good wishes today, complemented with "Be careful", "Stay safe", "I'll be thinking about you every day" and "Hopefully see you when you're back" (usually followed by a weak smile or some quip about ".... unless the polar bears get you" just add to the tension in my gut.

All well intentioned but I'll be glad when today is over; Lucia and I can talk about everything OTHER THAN the trek over the weekend and then it's goodbye for over two weeks, as I head to Leeds to buy the last two pieces of equipment I think I need, to see my youngest daughter, my 'most worried friend' Pam, and then packing commences.

The organisers have evidently sent one final package with an extra holdall, some new gloves and a 'wee' bottle for the tent (they already said we had to buy two 'wee' bottles so exactly how much fluid I'm going to 'pass' during curfew hours I really don't know. Might as well get a bloody catheter at this rate!!).

Writing about my tension helps (just come to that conclusion) so I'll drink a 'skinny gingerbread latte, extra hot, no whip, no nutmeg' Starbucks before getting my hair cut and the day will be all but over, workwise.

And so I conclude this penultimate blog entry with the following words (Dora, Alison and Jon ... you might want to get the Handy Andy's out again now): -

- Thanks to all who have read my blog entries thus far. Knowing you are out there, interested, has spurred me on

- Thank you to those who have donated (as well as in anticipation of those who still have to pay for getting their logo #ontheflag), and I salute those of you who might somehow be inspired by my madness to find out for yourselves just how far you can push your minds and bodies in support of those less able.

- I acknowledge the astonishing bravery of Dr Jon Hastie and James Golding (and countless others I have never ever met) and hope I can display a fraction of what you possess; I salute the memories of Nick Pratt and Oliver Shaw, admire the sheer guts and determination of my arc-angel Mandy Barwick and the brutally honest Ellie Jeffery in their fight with breast cancer, and thank my most amazing of supporters and enablers; Rushfirth Creative, the Yorkshire Mafia, my girls and my partner Lucia. I thank you all for everything you have given me psycholgically, emotionally and spiritually for, without you, there would be no polar adventure.

- I thank my Dad for helping me through those dark training days when, if not for remembering your grit and determination to overcome the odds, I might not have made it this far ... even though you haven't been here to see or hear of my exploits. And I thank my Mum because if my Dad was the kite, my Mum is the ribbon keeping the kite safe whilst still letting it soar.

There's only one way; the 'Mafia' way

Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd March saw a VERY busy week for me peak with my stand at the Yorkshire Mafia Conference in the Royal Armouries, Leeds.

I had visited the stand on Tuesday morning, after another PT session at Iveridge Hall and then racing to Ossett to pick up 'the flag' from those lovely people known as Rushfirth Creative.

Howard is a tad camera-shy, as was Kathryn (not that you'd know it ... lens-hogger)

The trip to see the layout at the Yorkshire Mafia Conference also meant I could check that those other jolly nice people at Prego Events had not faced any undue hiccups when delivering 'Peter the Polar Bear'; they let me use 'Pete' for the exhibition in exchange for getting their logo #ontheflag. Chris at Prego had called to say they were on their way to deliver the bear and I was supposed to be there to receive it, but was running a wee bit late. Fortunately 'Pete' was there when I arrived, and so it was off to Manchester to work.

Wednesday morning duly arrived and I set off in the beautiful Yorkshire sunshine with my bottles of water and sundry 'kit' for the stand, ready to help inform the swarms of interested passers-by with one of the all encompassing North Pole Trek business cards, as well as encourage them to empty their pockets into one of my collection buckets.

As I arrived the other Geoff (aka 'big Geoff', because of his status as 'Don' of the Yorkshire Mafia - no double entendre's here thank you very much) was already directing exhibitors and nervously biting what nails he had left. Without doubt organising this sort of event, with several multi-£millionaire speakers and lots of nervy exhibitors, meant he'd had several restless nights but here he stood, like a gargantuan of industry, leading the charge for Yorkshire business.

Or maybe he just looked like a bouncer at a posh 1980's nightclub; your choice.

For the first hour, a few attendees at the conference milled around checking out which exhibition stands they wanted to look at later, but most of the discussion was between the exhibitors, either checking out the competition or trying to understand what the heck was going on at Stand 24.

For me it was a good corner in the main hall as 'the neighbours' (Direct Voice & Data, Mitrefinch, Mosaic Events, Redvoice [with the lovely Helen] and Claritas Solutions [with the lovely and ever-so helpful Dee]) were supportive.

Dee and Helen even looked after my stand on the rare occasions @suebecks and I were temporarily unavailable. Sue was brilliant, taking two days annual leave from Hallam University to help me out, and eagerly capturing people's attention as they passed-by. In fact, every time I left the stand, when I came back either Sue or Dee had more people around them than I ever did !!

A highlight of Wednesday was just how many people wanted a photo taken with #peterthepolarbear  (below are just a few of the people), and it only cost them £1.

Even a photographer likes to be photographed sometimes

I'm not smiling, I'm wincing. Mandy has a strong grip with her (hidden) right hand

WHAT a shame Wednesday was marred by 2 guys who REFUSED to pay the £1 but still took a photograph! Wish I had taken their photograph to shame them, but hey they weren't worth the effort (the morons).

Another activity that day (apart from handing out over 200 of the business cards) was the start of a new activity called 'logo-spotting'; lots of people came to see their company logo on the flag and it was SO nice to say hello to some familiar faces as well as put new faces to Twitter accounts; those I'd only swapped tweets with but never actually met. Visitors over the two days (in 'left-to-right' order on the flag) included: -

- ranson associates, iSourceGroup, kokino-marvo, campus pr, giving you momentum,
- boutique media communications, Bartfields, Millenia computer services, SF Fire Protection Services
- The Mill Batley, The Big Gorilla, leaplikeasalmon.com, biskit marketing & design (weak punch Ed)
- stepteam.org, Rushfirth Creative, ALEA, Journey Customer Alignment Consulting, smilesSMS
- PIC Group, dmbgroup Customer Communications, Yorkshire Business Conferences, Ohh la la,
- company networking ltd, Charity Angels, Moments Coffee House (Tarique, fantastic to see you!!)

I even had a visit from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team who were exhibiting at the Conference as well as two of the lovely Jane Tomlinson Appeal team.

Gemma from JTA ... and me

Oh and I must send Douglas Jackson a photo of me pointing out their logo on the flag, as they'd asked me to.

As well as those companies, a number of others (including Bold Penguin) came to see the flag, and a couple of individuals came to see the tributes they had donated to get on the flag in the way of photos of loved ones. None so moving as visitors on Thursday.

I was talking to the ever-young Barrie Hopson, who I'd not seen since the mid-1990's, when I noticed two women with three children stop at my stand. Not the usual sight at a business conference and exhibition, but I knew immediately who it was and excused myself from the conversation with Barrie. Oliver Shaw's mother had come with her family to see not only Oliver's photograph on the flag but also the blog extract that was part of the stand.

Later that day Oliver's mum, Frances, wrote this on Facebook: -

"I took the kids through to Leeds at the Yorkshire Mafia Exhibition today to see Geoff Major and offer our support. It was lovely to see him and he was just as lovely and kind as his blogs suggest.

We got to see Olivers beautiful picture and the wonderful flag that will be going on the North Pole trek - very worthwhile and emotional as I know Oliver would be soooo impressed.

Good luck from the Shaw's and again, thank you x"

So now if anyone ever asks you why on earth I've put myself through the discipline of training, the financial discomfort of paying all this money to go on the trek, as well as the challenge of balancing the time necessary for work, family, girlfriend, training and fundraising (basically all by myself) then the above is your answer, because it is certainly mine!

Even now, sat here typing these words, the raw emotion is welling-up in my eyes and the lump in my throat is evident as I hope and pray my efforts (this year and for the next 8 years) go some way to ensuring other families do not have to go through what Frances and her family have been through. My thanks to Liz Green of BBC Radio Leeds and Seth Bennett of BBC Radio Sheffield for giving me the opportunity to go on air, because without those opportunities Frances would never have been able to show her children that Oliver's memory lives on forever in someone else's heart and mind and deeds.

('Dora' and Alison, you can put the Handy Andy's away now).

Fundraising over the two days was fairly minimal (£185.53) until the lovely, charming, elegant, sexy ..... (what was that? Oh okay I'll stop grovelling now) .... Kathryn Rushfirth said she had someone who wanted to come and donate. Within minutes she and someone (who shall remain nameless) appeared and moments later they had promised me a donation of £1000 !!

Dee got £5 out of Gary King (no mean feat) and made him look uncomfortable in this photo: Result!!

I even found out I could slice a golf ball in the Leeds Golf Centre computer simulation. Well, I sort of knew that already to be truthful which is why you should never stand to my right as I swing a golf club.

And so with that revelation, the donations, the amazing help and support from Sue Beckingham (and the self-named Mowgli - you know who you are), with the ceaseless support and expertise of Howard and Kathryn Rushfirth, and the generosity of Geoff 'Mr Yorkshire Mafia' Shepherd, I had a thoroughly worthwhile two days.

After that my weekend was about resting, and today (Monday) I waved off my eldest as she flew out to Canada, potentially for up to 6 months, but then again that's what my brother said to my parents when he and his wife flew out to California 34 years ago ..... and they've never returned to live in the UK since. Hmm, presumably that's NOT going to be something people say about me and the North Pole !!

And so, with only 8 more sleeps before I depart for Svalbard I have to get my sore boot-rubbed ankles better, my twisted knee stable and my mind focused on things other than whether I will have any income from working when I get back from the Pole. Getting to the Pole and getting back are my immediate priorities .... along with the remaining ability to count to 21.

Figure that last comment out for yourself!! Good night.

Bambi 'does' Norway with several firsts for me

I'm going to start this blog entry with an apology.

For those of you who have arrived here courtesy of a Google search for "1970's soft porn" or something similar, this blog title isn't about soft porn. So, if you're like the person who (a couple of months ago) Google'd "big black Yorkshire special" and found this blog popping up in the top ten search list, I'm afraid you're either going to be VERY disappointed or somewhat relieved if you have to explain to your girlfriend (or Mum I guess) that you are in fact looking at something truly educational.

What this blog entry DOES do is summarise my challenging training week in Norway. I was Bambi in oh so many ways and none of them involved semi-nakedness or baby oil. Well, actually maybe semi-nakedness does constitute a VERY small part of my experience, but you'll have to read the whole darn thing before you find out what that refers to.

I'd also like to say a big thank you to my fellow trekkers (who I'll introduce in a moment), with a huge great massive gynormous thank you to David and Douglas in particular. Their experience, patience and support was invaluable. We'll discuss the 'dolphin' kicks separately guys.

(l - r) Seni, Sara, me, Douglas, Rowley, Rob and David

Anyway back to the tale of Norway. Saturday 10th March saw me fly out to Oslo from Manchester International Airport and, after some of the worst turbulence I've encountered, I landed at Oslo Gardemoen airport. David and Douglas were travelling together and we arrived almost simultaneously at the hotel in the city centre.

After checking in, we agreed to sample the local beer and try some traditional Norwegian food. Cue a bottle of Corona each, a large plate of Tex Mex nachos to share, followed by a 3-person portion (evidently) of chicken fajitas, all for the princely sum of £120 !!! Hey come on, who really wants to try roll-mop herrings?!?!

The next day we had breakfast and guess what was one of the optional side dishes; yep, portions of herring. David sneered at my reluctance to try them and he decided to have bacon, eggs and ..... caviar fish paste. You know what, the expense of the whole trip was worth it just to see David's facial expression as heaven met hell in his mouth. He cringed, probably swallowed some of his own vomit, shook his head and calmly said "I can't see that catching on".

We subsequently checked out of the hotel and, on a mild Olso morning, caught a coach to the next station (again the lines were temporarily closed for maintenance) on our journey to the training base at Haugastol. As we travelled some of the scenery was simply breathtaking, including this partially frozen fjord.

Two miles further down people were on the ice fishing through holes, couples were taking their children onto a frozen lake in their buggies, and a small plane was parked on the ice.

As we disembarked the coach, we heard that our connecting train was going to be 40 minutes late, so we piled our baggage on the platform and waited in the sunshine. To pass the time Douglas told us how to have a 'model' smile and so, for 14 minutes, we took photos and almost wet ourselves laughing as we found each other secretly trying to perfect this darn 'smiling' technique.

Some might say Douglas (right) has perfected the camera smile; others might suggest he simply had trapped wind.

When it finally started, the train journey began predictably with David and Douglas stating it would be rude not to have a beer; thus continued the theme of the previous night, that alcohol should be a feature of EVERY day.

Clearly it has different effects on different people .....

I was posing, honest. I didn't actually drink any.

After several hours we finally arrived and were taken by mini-bus to the hostel where it was two bunk-beds per room. Rob and Rowley arrived shortly afterwards, but two of the ladies wouldn't be arriving until Monday afternoon (and one, Deb, wasn't coming at all), so Geoff Somers (the trek lead) took us through some equipment; the 3-person tents we'd be using and the cooking equipment .....



You may notice a subtle re-arrangement of the furniture in the room

That's why it's a 3-person tent

Yes Andrew, this one WORKED

After that practical session we went for a walk to get some fresh air and re-acquaint ourselves with each other, as Dartmoor was the first time and the last time most of us had seen each other.

(l - r) Rowley and Rob decided they wanted to be snow-surfing ninjas.

Monday arrived and it was time for a first; cross-country skis. This is where the reference to Bambi comes to the fore; WHAT a shock it was after 3 short ski lessons to put these on and try to co-ordinate leg movement without ending up on my bum (which I did twice that morning). The more observant of you may notice a slightly awkward smile as I'd realised ANY sudden movements (facial or otherwise) were dangerous. I was also ALWAYS several yards behind everyone else.

Perhaps the strangest part of this first 3 miles was that we were skiing across a frozen lake and, at one point, the way ahead looked very wet. One might almost say thawed. "Oh you'll be fine" said Geoff Somers, the hugely experienced trek lead; "Your ski's will probably just sink 2-3 inches into the ice" .... and so they did. Most disconcerting!

After returning to the hostel for lunch the guys grew impatient whilst waiting for Geoff S to return from the train station with Seni and Sara so we decided we could go for a ski trek alone. Hah, we didn't need anyone to guide us or ensure we were prepped for the trip, so we set off with pulks attached and the intention of setting up a tent, making 'fire', and brewing a cuppa ..... but once we stopped and unloaded we realised we'd actually forgotten to bring the tent. Oh crap.

Thanks primarily to David though, we did get to have a cuppa.

On the journey back I found out I had a new nickname ('General', but no Emma/Ben, nothing to do with 'Dora the Explorer') and I was also given the chance to lead the team back thanks to Rob. He added spice to the need for the more experienced skiers to be patient by saying anyone who went in front of me would have a forfeit (although how much of a forfeit drinking extra alcohol was, I was unsure). Fair play to them though, the guys played along and I led most of the way back.

When we arrived back all 8 people sat down for drinks, toasted Peter Huntley, ate dinner, had a game of 'Pigs' and then a game called 'Mafia' which turned out to be good fun ... that is when the right people actually opened their eyes on cue (Rowley and David). And so it was time to rest before the 2-night trek began.

Tuesday morning was mild (again) but the mini-bus was loaded and we set off to the drop-off point. A bleak windy hilltop location. After a brief early stop to re-tie knots, secure bags and check things we completed over 5 miles and it was great to be out, ski-trekking.

At this point it's only right to say hats-off to Seni and Sara who, whilst both experienced adventurers, had NEVER worn skis before Monday afternoon. Like .. EVER!!

Surprisingly soon it was time to stop and set up camp for the first night and another first for me; sleeping in a tent for the first time in my life. David was chef (aka made 'fire', boiled water and filled foil food pouches with hot water) which was far more than I could do. It was a true eye-opener how experienced and disciplined both he and Douglas were; something I have to replicate when we get out to the polar ice cap for sure. I was still trying to find my bloody spoon to eat with as they prepped everything and had their bedding laid out.

I looked everywhere for the in-built shower and heating system; what a disappointment

First-night camp; an eye-opening experience for me but not as much of an eye-opener as the next morning

Wednesday morning arrived quicker than a few of us hoped for, as sleep hadn't come easy. It wasn't the noise of the wind rattling the tent or any worries, but it had taken a few hours to get comfortable in the down sleeping bags that were thick, hot and difficult to regulate. The view was breathtaking though.

Things were not great for me that morning as I was dehydrated, having not drunk enough water the previous day; the result of my lack of organisation when it came to our regular 5-minute drink breaks. Breakfast was hot muesli followed by Cup-a-Soup mixed with Smash potato, and it simply didn't cut it for my stomach, so, it was time for another first for me; going to the loo outside (and I don't mean for a wee). David had warned me that the only danger was NOT missing your clothing and so, armed with a shovel and loo roll, I headed away from the tents.

(Oh yes, for those of you looking for the 'semi-nakedness' bit of the blog, that's it. Sorry to disappoint but give yourself a pat on the back for sticking it out this long).

Suffice to say the 'experience' was easier than I expected, I realise it was only -2 not -35 so the weather impact was minimal on my bodily functions and exposed skin, but the complication of not having enough loo roll meant I needed to ... err freshen up the Sean Chapple/Jay Neale way .... by washing myself with fist fulls of snow. Ooh, ouch, that's cold. And so the next day of trekking began.

I finally skied down a long steep slope without my pulk catching up and knocking my legs from under me, and we set up camp (I actually felt I helped this time). What didn't help was that whilst everyone in our tent (including Sara, our guest diner that evening) were tucking into their freeze-dried rations, I seemed to be struggling with mine. It was 'claggy', tasted nothing like beef stew, and was lining the roof of my mouth as well as sticking to my teeth.

David noticed I was struggling and took the pouch from me with a sceptical "It can't be that bad?" glint in his eye; oh boy did he agree when he tried the first mouthful. I think he'd have preferred his caviar fish paste as an attractive alternative. It was at that point Douglas or Sara noticed the 'best before' date was one month short of 3 years out of date.

After a replacement chilli con carne was made, it was lights out at the ridiculously early time of 8pm. I snored loudly around 3am and woke everyone up in ALL the tents (thus the 'dolphin' kicks from David and Douglas to shut me up).

The next days were pretty similar in terms of activities, so I'll just post some atmospheric photos to keep you up to speed with the journey all the way from Wednesday morning through to our return to the hostel on Thursday morning ......

"We may be some time"

The 'General' briefly leads the way again

Seni manages to deal with several key business emails, drink her tea, look stylish and athletic, remains articulate and charming whilst I cuss as I try to remember which side of my pulk I put my flask. Dammit.

Dawn creeps over the horizon on Thursday (another EXCELLENT photograph by Douglas)

Two dog sleds raced across our path

And so we arrived back at the hostel mid-morning. De-brief with Geoff Somers, unpack and re-pack, make a note of a considerable amount of lessons I need to learn (such as tying 2 particular knots) and we were taken back to the station. Again the train was delayed and again some of the group took to drink to keep spirits high in the cold.



The train arrived, I had a great chat with Douglas and then returned to my seat to think about the upcoming return home to see Lucia and then my girls (they meet for the first time this Tuesday; fingers crossed folks).

We arrived in Oslo, saw Seni and Sara to their train for the airport and headed back to the hotel in the city centre. One more chance to have something authentic to eat before we returned to the hotel to sleep on our final night; my Chicken Korma and Peshwari naan were excellent thank you. Oh well, we thought about going traditional but the aroma of the restaurant called us as we passed by. What can I say.

I got back to Manchester Friday morning to be greeted at the airport by Lucia, and then returned home to my girls. Now it's Sunday evening and I'm starting the process of getting myself ready for work as well as seeing the excellent design from Rushfirth Creative for my stand at the Yorkshire Mafia Conference I'm exhibiting at on Wednesday and Thursday of the coming week. 



Howard, you are nothing short of bloody brilliant (as well as philanthropic)



 Amongst all of this though, strong in my mind are the memories and lessons of Norway last week and (I'll say it one more time) the excellent support from David and Douglas. I promise to try to sort out some of the snoring guys but, Douglas, I'm still not sure how practising pelvic thrusts will help?

And tonight I must return the email to Jenny, Peter Huntley's partner, which I found in one of my in-boxes on Saturday morning. It remains a poignant reminder that Peter will be with us as we set back off to Norway in just over 2 weeks time, albeit not as we would have wished.

Images of the Northern Polar region

If (like me) you didn't really know what to expect on the trek to the North Pole, perhaps these images will provide you with varied and truly graphic imagery of what lies ahead.

My thanks to Sean Chapple FRGS and especially to Alan W Chambers MBE FRGS for the photos from their various expeditions.

Just look and imagine.

.... but hopefully not this one ......

Peter Huntley memorial service

Friday 2nd March @ 3:45pm, I arrived at the crematorium in Preston to pay respects to a man who was due to be part of the Trek team; Peter Huntley. A man who had died in a fall from a 200ft crag whilst training.

On Friday my day had been varied; up early for a gym session with Paul the PT, followed by a visit to Rushfirth Creative to learn more about http://www.stepteam.org/ and their 'enterprise pack' for year 5's.

After spending a little too long chatting away with them about that (and my entry in the Yorkshire Mafia Conference supplement) I had to get to Starbucks in Batley to meet Peter Hornby, a friend I'd not had much chance to catch up with over the last 12 months for a variety of reasons, but someone I respect.

He didn't have long (given I was 20 minutes late) as his son had fractured his wrist skiing, so Peter was heading over to Manchester in time for the surgery. Then it was home to eat, pack for a night away and, of course, to drive to Preston.

Up to that point then it had been a hectic, fun, no-time-to-dwell day and it was only when I got to Preston that my mind started to drift to my thoughts and feelings about what was about to happen.

I arrived to find a full car-park due, in no small way, to two buses (one an old fashioned double-decker) parked with people currently disembarking.

I checked with one of the passengers that they were there for the service for Peter Huntley; indeed they were and, as I followed the 40-50 people from the buses, we joined a crowd probably as large already stood in the sunshine. I knew no-one and really didn't feel it was appropriate to try to join in any discussions as I didn't know Peter particularly well ... but it felt right to be there and I had said to one of his daughters (via email) I would try to attend.

Lots of smart business people dressed in black, the odd dark suit contrasted with a outrageously bright multi-coloured tie in the crowd, and me; black jeans, black polo shirt and black Helly Hansen jacket and yet, I didn't feel the odd man out. I was stood, taking my own counsel and allowing my thoughts to ebb and flow about the tragic accident.

Just some of the people already at the crematorium

There were a few glances from people, clearly unable to 'place me' in the circle of friends and ex-colleagues; a man who didn't quite fit-in, taking the occasional photo with his mobile, but I didn't try to 'fit in' nor did I try to become part of the crowd.

I decided to walk down to the entrance of the crematorium and found Becky Huntley, the daughter I had swapped emails with, and introduced myself. She was unexpectedly in a wheelchair, had no voice and was wearing a hospital ID tag around her wrist. I didn't pry but a couple of people joked it was a pleasant relief she couldn't talk. I explained I would be there for a short time but didn't intend to stay for their service as that was for family and friends.

After returning to my 'spot' nearer the car park, I was surprised and happy that Peter's partner Jenny then came to find me, thanking me for taking the time to attend. In her hand she held 2 pieces of A4 paper with a printed speech on them. She smiled warmly but was obviously and understandably fighting to keep a brave face.

Jenny told me she remembered the last time she and Peter were together at the weekend; they'd gone to Martin Mere Wildfowl Reserve for the afternoon and walked home; Peter dragging a tyre behind him.

I said the thing that's so obvious, which was how sorry I was, but quickly switched the conversation from that to I knew the organisers, Charity Challenge, had been in touch with Peter's children and we would be taking something of Peter's with us to the Pole.

It was at that moment I felt my emotions beginning to overwhelm me and found myself fighting back tears, trying hard to hide the 'wobble' in my voice. I'm not sure whether it was talking about Peter and thinking about how this woman must be feeling with an unexpected void in life; whether it was memories of my father's memorial service suddenly flooding back into my mind, or simply the fragility of life suddenly hit me.

This woman had been out walking with her partner, no doubt enjoying day to day life and had probably wished him "Have a good time training" before he set off on that fateful day and now, here she stood, no doubt struggling to comprehend how life had so suddenly & tragically changed.

I can't begin to imagine the emotional tidal wave that must have struck her when she found out, and yet here I am, sat typing this blog entry and finding raw emotions re-surfacing for me. I gave Jenny a hug before she walked back to join the Huntley family.

People around me were chattering away, the sun was still shining and I took my mind elsewhere for a few minutes to provide me with some respite from the silence in my head.

Within a few minutes I saw the funeral car pull into the driveway, at speed, and an employee of the funeral providers strolled purposefully up the driveway to meet it beyond the waiting crowd. Few others had seen the car as the noise level continued amongst the crowd of (I estimated) 120 people, but within seconds everyone noticed as the man in black hat and suit walked slowly and respectfully in front of the car, parting the crowds as if with huge unseen hands.

Silence fell. Complete silence. Even the sound of the breeze in the trees and the birds that had been chirping seemingly fell quiet in unison, not wishing disturb the moment of reflection and sobering respectful humility.

The car glided slowly by, a beautiful wicker coffin in the back. Silence apart from the gentle rumble of the tyres on the driveway. Everyone looking on sombrely.

A small airliner suddenly broke the silence; some heads turned skywards (including my own) as if to identify the culprit and scowl at the intrusion, this trespass on such a personal and deeply moving event. The echo of the engines crescendo'd as the jet banked and flew into the distance just as the car arrived at the entrance.

Then, without prompting, people slowly (almost militarily) formed a silent queue. Hands clasped together, no words spoken in silent tribute and expectation, waiting to take their seats in the building.

A man walked by quickly with a projector screen in hand, no doubt wanting to prepare it for the speeches and celebration of Peter's life, and a few people began talk quietly. A man with a briefcase arrived in a taxi and, as quickly as possible without drawing attention to himself, strode down to the join the very back of the queue as it all but disappeared into the crematorium.

That was my cue to turn and leave. It didn't feel right to intrude on their reflections, their tears, their memories that would celebrate Peter's life. I strolled back to the car and saw a third old-fashioned bus, carefully adorned with a wreath and black ribbon.

As I arrived at the car I looked up at the original bus I had noticed and took a photograph of its digital destination display.

And so I climbed into the car and sat in silence for a few minutes before the demands of my day surged back into my head, and I drove away, a little more careful about and a lot more conscious of the real dangers that lurk in every day life. Dangers which seemed even more evident and consequences that seemed very real.

Peter, you'll be with us as we fight our way to the Pole ... and beyond.

Photograph courtesy of Alan W Chambers MBE FRGS

The launch of #MyTrekAuction

As promised (or threatened; your choice as it's your perspective) this week sees the launch of an auction for the first in a series of excellent 'lots'. This blog entry is to let you know what is happening, some of the lots currently on offer, how you go about making a bid and how you can monitor its progress.

Ok so first of all take a peek at the 'lots' and, if you really want to make a bid on one (or more) you can do it one of 3 ways: via Twitter (@northpoletrek), via a message on Facebook (search for me, Geoff Major) or email a bid to northpoletrek@ymail.com.

Every weekend between now and then I'll be updating the list with the highest bids so far (but not the bidders name) so you can see whether you want to increase the offer that's being made. Bidding closes at midnight on March 23rd  and please note, your bid is binding. All prizes must be collected unless otherwise stated.

So let's start with some of the lots currently on offer shall we?


FOR SPORTY PEOPLE
1. Donated by and in aide of MacMillan Cancer Support we have: -

a) A cricket shirt, specially manufactured for the 2011 Yorkshire vs Lancashire cricket match in aide of MacMillan Cancer Support, and signed by all the Yorkshire County Cricket team. Bidding starts at £50

b) Two Gray Nicholls cricket bats, both signed by the Yorkshire County Cricket team. Bidding starts at £25 per bat (and there's already been one bid of £50 for one of the bats)

　

2. Donated by and in aide of The Jane Tomlinson Appeal we have a VIP entry to the Leeds Run For All 10k event. Stretch with the celebrities in a special VIP tent; swap stories of training techniques as you get ready to take part and then, collapse in a heap in the same tent once the run is complete and compare placings. Bidding now starts at £30

3. Donated by and in aide of Candlelighters, we have a 4-ball at the truly impressive (and jolly posh) Oakdale Golf Club near Harrogate. Bidding starts at almost half price; £150

FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE

4. Donated by SMileS, in aide of Yorkshire Cancer Research; want to run a marketing campaign by text with a response keyword? Well SMileS are offering a short code for 6 months, 1000 text replies and 2 hours managed service support for free. Bidding starts at £50

5. Donated by the Yorkshire Mafia, in aide of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. Have you been to a Yorkshire Mafia Conference and exhibition? Well this year they have sold over 151 stands for 2-days, have arranged yet another £1bn panel to present and answer questions about business success, and already have over 3000 business men and women registered to attend the 2-day event in March.

Well I've been given a 'lot' for my auction and it is an exhibition stand at the 2013 Yorkshire Mafia Conference which is worth in excess of £1400 at current market rates. Bidding starts at £500

FOR ANYONE ELSE (as long as it's legal)

6. Donated by and in aide of Candlelighters. Your son or daughter has a birthday coming up, but you're stuck what to get. How about bidding on this electric model of the stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione? The 'Alfa accessories' site has this priced at £243 (+delivery) but bidding starts at just £125

7. Donated by Charity Angels, in aide of MacMillan Cancer Support. A 1.75 litre bottle of Belvedere Polish vodka; the Rolls Royce of vodka and in a beautiful presentation bottle. This retails on the internet for £102 but bidding starts at just £50

Well that's the list so far but, hopefully, there'll be additional 'lots' to announce once I'm back from my training week in Norway, just one week before the next big event; my stand at the 2012 Yorkshire Mafia Conference on 21st and 22nd March.

If you're in the area, come to the Royal Armouries in Leeds and say hello to me on stand #24 (but watch out for the 7ft polar bear !!).

So what are you waiting for? Get bidding !! Donate money and get something back for it for yourself too.