Challenge 300

[Basil is a Gooner]

Apologies for the delay in this update but a personal family matter arose which I had to attend. This is your 2nd update of February, the recumbent is back, the weather is colder, windy and wet. Fundraiser was a great success and fun was had by all who attended, please read article below.

If anyone would like some posters to put up around your area or in your office please get in touch and we'll either send them out to you or drop them in. We note that we have a record number of sponsors this time, it's very humbling to have so much support. Thank you.


Training:

The recumbent is back thanks to Mike and Solent Cycles (again) the brakes are now fixed and working well, Paul will now concentrate most of his time training on the recumbent now as there are lots of hills to combat during the challenge and getting used to the technique of knowing when to change gear and when to use hill climb mode is important in order to maintain momentum, the police would also like us to move through certain areas as quickly as possible. Last week saw Paul take on the usual big hills in the 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' and train in the recumbent Thursday and Friday, a couple of attempted side swipes by drivers whilst Paul was in the 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' but we now think it's the same driver in different cars as it appears to be in the same area and the same man keeps shouting abuse. Paul has not been thrown by this but we do feel an onboard camera to catch the driver(s) is essential so if anyone has a waterproof helmet cam they don't want we could put it to good use! It's been a week of wind, rain and sleet, most days Paul arrived home looking as though he'd been off road scrambling. I should really get a photo so you can judge for yourselves, however he says he's enjoying every minute of it! It's all change again, the intensity at which Paul will train at will be even higher than ever the miles need to be increased not matter what the weather so it means I won't see him most of the day.


Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.


Fundraising Event a Success! The challenge 300 fundraiser in aid of Save the Children was a great success, over 80 people attended a fun evening which saw over 22 items raffled off, an amazing buffet demolished and games played throughout the evening. We have had positive feedback from all quarters about the evening and the funds raised from this is a fantastic £1400! Although I was unable to attend I would like to join with Paul and extend our deepest and sincere thanks to everyone who came to the evening and raised such a great amount of money, you should all be proud of yourselves just as we are proud of you. Our thanks go to a good friend of ours, Ray Acland for running Paul all over the place to get things arranged in time. Also our thanks go to our good friends from Essex, Keith and Elaine Scrivens and Martin and friend from Bedfordshire and all our sponsors who have whole heartedly supported Paul from the start. I know I may have missed some names out but we do sincerely thank you all!!



The Piranha Bar is a well run place and we'd like to thank Jennie, Clare and all the staff who looked after us, including the chefs!



Please don't forget that you can read more information on Challenge 300 by visiting our facebook and twitter pages below. Thank you for your kind support, see you next week!

Jane, Paul and Crew.

[Basil is a Gooner]

A week of hard work in the cold and in the warmer climates, puncture sees one session terminated early with Paul bearing down on cutting times, weather improves and training gets harder.

If anyone would like some posters to put up around your area or in your office please get in touch and we'll either send them out to you or drop them in. We note that we have a record number of sponsors this time, it's very humbling to have so much support. Thank you.


Training:

With the recumbent back on the road all week, Paul's aim is to cut down the times at least by half before April. The sessions have been cranked up a notch and Paul is working so hard it's almost difficult to see where he can cut down on the times he has already achieved. Paul spends 2 days on the recumbent and 1 day in the 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' 2 days on the recumbent at the moment and is keeping his spirits up. Today saw him achieving his best time when halfway up Southwick Hill he got a puncture, not to be beaten and for his own safety he continued up the hill to a safe lay-by and I then picked him up. The inner tube repaired and wheel checked over by Matt at Solent Cycles he is now ready and raring to go on Sunday as Saturday is a planned day off. It will soon be time to ride out with the camels back attached to him so he can take drinks from it without stopping, this will be another step up in training and even more so as the weather warms up like today (Friday). RGK Wheelchairs are frantically looking for new hand rims for the 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' as these ideal ones are no longer used at RGK, they are the best that Paul has used ever used and are ergonomically ideal.

News: The Police and authorities in all areas have been informed and have responded, some more enthusiastically than others. The organisation on this challenge has been more intense than previous challenges but with your kind support we know we can make that magical £50,000 for children in this country who need our help so desperately.

Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.

New Sponsor: Our new fuel sponsor is WI Builders. We'd like to thank them for the kind support and we welcome aboard the 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' Thank you.


Events: Next event on the calendar is collection day on Saturday 2nd April, the last before the challenge!


Please don't forget that you can read more information on Challenge 300 by visiting our facebook and twitter pages below. Thank you for your kind support, see you next week!

Jane, Paul and Crew.

[Basil is a Gooner]

The hard work continues, the miles increase and the pain barrier is exceeded again.

If anyone would like some posters to put up around your area or in your office please get in touch and we'll either send them out to you or drop them in. We note that we have a record number of sponsors this time, it's very humbling to have so much support. Thank you.


Training: This has been the hardest week of training since Paul started on the road, the mileage has gone up considerably and he has passed through yet another pain barrier. Spending more time in the recumbent than the chair Paul is determined to ensure he is as fit as he can ever be in order to conquer this gruelling challenge. I have to say that I have never seen him so determined and at the end of each day he is very tired, he is battling to beat his head injury and the other pains that try to hamper his progress, I am confident he'll complete the challenge, lets hope the funds raised will match his determination! He fell out of the recumbent while it was parked in the garage, he tried to get himself out of it instead of waiting for me and fell on his left elbow where he now has a nice bruise and a painful humorous but he was out this morning as usual but this time he was out on the WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE'. He returned after 4 hours training saying he didn't know how much he missed the chair until today, the recumbent is a fine machine and we are grateful to Barry North for the loan of it! The weather has turned quite cold down here but Paul said he was very warm training today, wish I had his resistance to the cold weather. We are now 5 weeks and counting to the end of training and 6 weeks to the beginning of the challenge, we hope people will come onboard and make donations to help Paul reach that £50,000 target, 325 miles has got to be worth that much for children who desperately need our help!

The abuse continues, the other day some driver told him to 'grow up you t***' when he was out in the recumbent and it's not twit either, this is what happens when we are not equipped with the facts of someone's circumstances, it can be off putting but Paul is over that remark now and training continues on Sunday! Have a great weekend and a great week, see you Friday the 1st of March.


Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.


Events: Next event on the calendar is collection day on Saturday 2nd April, the last before the challenge!


Please don't forget that you can read more information on Challenge 300 by visiting our facebook and twitter pages below. Thank you for your kind support, see you next week!

Jane, Paul and Crew.

[Basil is a Gooner]

Apology - I wish to apologise to each and everyone of you for describing the explicit language that was used towards Paul during his training last week, I was very annoyed that some one could use such language against another human being who is only trying to make a difference to children's lives with the help of people like you, I do not use that language myself and neither does Paul so we hope that none of you were personally offended!!!


If anyone would like some posters to put up around your area or in your office please get in touch and we'll either send them out to you or drop them in. We note that we have a record number of sponsors this time, it's very humbling to have so much support. Thank you.

Another weeks training over, it's been a mixed one but the weather has been kinder to us down here only rain today and that was drizzle. We have picked up a faster recumbent to appease the police as they want us to move through some areas as fast as possible.


Training: Paul has put every effort in to this weeks training, it's been cold and hard but he amazes everyone with his determination to succeed again. A flat tyre halfway through Monday's training meant a trip to Solent Cycles to get it repaired then instead of us going home Paul insisted he finish his training session and he did just that. With the recumbent working at it's maximum speed of around 15mph we decided it was time to turn to Barry North (again), and ask for the loan of his faster recumbent, Barry was only too happy to help and we took the trip to Newport in Wales to pick it up on Thursday. The 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' is running well, Paul was out on it on Tuesday and he completed 20 miles in it with a top speed of 27 mph down hill, shame he can't keep it going at 27 mph all the time ha ha. There's been no abuse this week, Paul's spirits have been high and he wakes up craving for more hard training each day, with only 4.5 weeks left before the start of Challenge 300 there's a lot of training to cram in but all is going well!


Notice: Due to her work load, Vanessa our promotions manager has stepped aside from dealing with the press and our photographer David has taken up this role as well as his official photography duties. Vanessa has done a sterling job with our facebook page and other press issues throughout the past year and we would like to thank her for hard work and inform you that she is still part of the Challenge 300 crew. Enquiries reference interviews or other issues should be direct to David Aylieff-Sansom on 07989283240. Thank you.


Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.


Events: Next event on the calendar is collection day tomorrow Saturday 2nd April, the last before the challenge, we hope for a good turn out and good weather.


Please don't forget that you can read more information on Challenge 300 by visiting our facebook and twitter pages below. Thank you for your kind support, see you next week!

Jane, Paul and Crew.

[Basil is a Gooner]

Sorry for the late update this week, Paul has been extremely busy with the extra miles and I have to wait until he is back so he can give me any details of what has happened on his training sessions. A very kind a generous lady has made a substantial donation on Friday and we would like to thank you as you know who you are and we know you as well. We have to have the donation changed to Challenge 300 as for some reason it went to challenge 200 but to Save the Children anyway.

Training: The mileage has jumped from 46 to 60 miles a day but no matter how hard this increase Paul remains upbeat and positive throughout. He is very tired at the end of everyday but says it will be worth it when we do the challenge for real and raise as much as possible for Save the Children. The recumbent went in for a new gear cable and two new tyres again courtesy of Solent Cycles who have been fantastic, Paul turns to 'THE WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' when the recumbent is not available and continues his training on the hardest of hills in this area i.e the 'BIG W', Hospital Hill and Suicide Hill as well as the 1.5 mile hill in between. The abuse has tailed off a little only the odd idiot making gestures from the warmth of his car going in the opposite direction, the rain has made training harder but is essential if it rains throughout the challenge. The weather for this area over Easter is snow something we have escaped these past few weeks and something Paul doesn't really want as it's the one thing that will prevent him going training. With just 9 days of training left we are fast approaching the challenge date, 7th April 2013.

News: We will have a tracking webpage for you to follow Paul's progress visually over the course of the challenge and will send you all that web address as soon as we know it. The support vehicles will have the screen printing done after we see the proofs of the work, sometime within the next week. For daily updates please visit our facebook page www.facebook.com/challenge300 it really will be worth reading so become a member for a week and enjoy the news. Please let us know if we have missed you out on anything as we would hate to upset anyone who has been so kind and supportive.

Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.


Events: Next event on the calendar is the start of the challenge on Sunday 7th April at 09:30 and will be started by the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth.

[Basil is a Gooner]

Good afternoon everyone


Another late update and by the time you read this one Paul will have finished his last day of training on Tuesday 1st April 2013, no its not an April fool joke ha ha. You have all been on a long journey with us from the gym to the outdoor training and heard what abuse Paul has had to endure in all kinds of weather on the road, nevertheless it hasn't deterred him from carrying on and to this end he is more than ready for this next challenge!


Training: Paul has now reduced the mileage to 42 miles per day and on the last day of training he will complete the last 20 miles in the 'WHEELCHAIR OF HOPE' before the challenge. All has gone to schedule this week and both the recumbent and chair are now to be prepared for the challenge that lies ahead of Paul and the crew. The weather has been kind in the Portsmouth area over the past week we have had little or no rain/sleet/snow and are hoping that the challenge week will be much of the same but a little warmer. This coming week will be split between getting the last things prepared and Paul chilling out, with the challenge always at the back of his mind, Paul has a telephone radio interview with a local Plymouth station on Tuesday and a press release will be sent out on Wednesday/Thursday.

Please Note: If you wish to send messages of good luck to Paul and the crew you can do by sending them to this email address, or those of you who have his mobile phone number can send them via text. Thank you.

News: We should have the tracking website for you on Tuesday and will send the link as soon as we get it, TracTrac provide a more comprehensive tracker than before so you will see every move as it happens, the trackers will be active from 09:15 on Sunday 7th April, 08:50 on Monday 8th then 09:25 on Tuesday 9th Wednesday 10th Thursday 11th and Friday 12th. On Friday 12th the Track will be closed down at 1pm approximately. and on other days the tracker will be on until each destination has been reached which hopefully will be by 4:30pm.


Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.


Events: Next event on the calendar is the start of the challenge on Sunday 7th April at 09:30 and will be started by the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Plymouth.


www.facebook.com/Challenge300 www.justgiving.com/challenge300



@challenge300

[Basil is a Gooner]

The tracking Website link is now up and running, however it will not be in use until the 7th April from 09:20. It can be accessed either through link below:



http://www.tractrac.com/index.php?page=eventpage&id=281



Or by going to www.tractrac.com and then selecting the event on the right hand side.

[Basil is a Gooner]

Pauls challenge starts next week. He has trained so hard for this and with the help of his longsuffering wife (!) Jane and the support crew will be undertaking an amazing challenge.

So please,take the time to read his story, and sponsor him to try and achieve his goal. Even a £1 sponsorship from anyone who can makes all the difference as they all add up.

Good luck Paul!

COYG

[Basil is a Gooner]

Good afternoon everyone

Well, here is your final update of challenge 300, the statistics email will follow within the next 2 weeks. It doesn't feel like a week ago since we started the challenge, yet here we are a week later writing about it, Paul is feeling lost and low he feels as though he has failed badly on the fundraising side of things even though he realises that money is tight alround and thpose of you who have donated have been wonderful. I think he feels that not being able to persuade 50,000 people to donate just £1 has made him a failure, which you and I know he isn't! Please note that we are sending some photos with this email.

The Challenge:

Sunday 7th April: Plymouth to Honiton: We all had breakfast at 7:30am then Paul went to his room to be taped up by Alan (medic) and prepare for the day ahead.The Lord Mayor arrived around 8:30am and met Paul and the crew he had tea with us and then a photo with Paul then crew and staff of the jury's Inn, Plymouth. We made our way to the guildhall where the challenge was to start from. At 9:30am the Lord Mayor started Paul on his 325 mile push by dropping the Save the Children flag. Paul set off out of Plymouth to Marsh Mills roundabout where he changed to the recumbent so he could make steady progress towards Exeter, we joined the A38 and immediately climbed an incline for about 2 miles, the wind was in our faces so it made progress slower than originally hoped. We continued along the A38 up and down hills none of which seemed to worry Paul, we got to the bottom of Exeter Racecourse hill which is a winding, steep climb of about 2 miles but Paul seemed to take it in his stride but unknown to us he picked up an injury to his elbow and said nothing to anyone. We reached the top of the hill and pulled in to the garage for a convenience stop, the A38 now cracked, we headed in to Exeter. We Passed through Exeter without any incidents and joined the A30 towards Honiton, our overnight stop and the end of day one. The A30 was all long inclines which seemed to go on forever, the last and very long incline was when Paul revealed his injury so we pulled in and Alan (medic) set to work on it. We finally reached Honiton at 5:30pm some 8 hours after the start of a very long and hard day in which Paul covered 62 miles with the wind in his face, what an achievement! I must mention that the two outriders also had to face the windy conditions with Paul and they did a tremendous job. Immediately Paul got in his room Alan was there with the ice packs to treat his right elbow, it was important to get this injury to settle down before tomorrow's 73 miles of very steep hills in which one would be 2.7 miles long.

Monday 8th: Honiton Devon to Christchurch Dorset. Up at 6am, Paul got taped up, Alan worked on Paul's elbow then it was off to breakfast before a 9am start.We started at the top of the hill above Honiton and made our way towards Axminster, Paul was off to a flying start down hill and then up the other side to a long winding climb. We continued on and on with Paul taking on all the hills that the south Devon/Dorset coast could throw at him, we eventually arrived at Dorchester mid afternoon and with still a fair distance to go we (the crew) did have doubts as to whether Paul would make Christchurch before dark. Paul was battling the painful right elbow and some how seemed to find a second wind, he was pushing hard against the wind all day and along with the outriders they continued onwards to Bere Regis, Poole, Bournemouth and finally arrived at the Somerford Premier Inn, Christchurch at 7:15 a total of 10 hours pushing. I have to say that I have never seen hills as steep as I did today and I have never experienced Paul pushing so hard especially with an injury to his elbow, the elbows at so important they took a lot or pressure throughout the challenge and he wasn't going to be beat not matter how painful. As soon as we finished it was to our rooms and Alan set to work on Paul's injury again, on went the ice then a massage and again the ice. Off to a well earned evening meal after what was the longest and hardest day of them all.

Tuesday 9th: Christchurch to Cosham (Portsmouth). Up at 6:30am Paul was ready for Alan to pop in and work on the elbow and tape him up ready for our push to home and a night in our own bed. It was raining outside so we expected the rain to last all day for this part of the journey, the Mayor and Lady mayoress of Christchurch were at today's start along with the Christchurch Save the Children and members of the local Lions club who have now supported us for Challenge 200 as well as challenge 300. At 9:30am the Mayor started Paul off on his way for this part of the journey, it was raining and cold but not long after the rain stopped and it was dry until Fareham where it rained for a short while then it remained dry to Cosham. When we reached Portchester we had a warning signal and a puff of black smoke on the van, having pulled over to investigate we called the garage who informed us that the warning light was the regeneration light and the van needed a quick burst up and down the dual carriageway which solved the problem, Phew that was worrying. Paul and the outriders went through Portchester High Street precinct to the Save the Children shop where the ladies were waiting with doughnuts and tea but as we still had 2.5 miles to go so they had to decline the tea and take the doughnuts with them, thank you ladies. Paul also called by Solent Cycles to say hello and have a quick photo.
We arrived in Cosham at 4:30 after 7 hours of pushing, Alan, David (photographer) and Mike (outrider) stayed the night at ours while Shaun (Road Rage Manager), Mick (outrider/driver) and Trevor also (outrider/driver) went home for the night. Paul and Alan would go through the routine of ice packs and this time tiger balm on the elbow.

Wednesday 10th: Cosham to Haslemere. Today saw Paul take on the Southdowns on our way to Haslemere, Up early again Alan attended to Paul's elbow which by now was really sore, Alan put ice on it followed by tiger balm then taped Paul up ready for another day's hard pushing up and down more hills. All the crew came together and prepared everything for the day, the daily checks of the tyres and equipment were carried out by Mick and Trevor Arrow, these checks have been carried out from day one and the brothers were up earlier than the rest of us to do these checks. We all gathered outside the house ready for the off at 9:30am, we had our photos taken with the local PSCOs Kris Howard and her colleague and were ready to start off for the day when an elderly lady in her electric buggy pulled up across the street and called to us, she wanted to make a donation to the charity, Trevor took a collecting tin across to her, she then opened her purse and began to count out a very large donation in £20 notes. She explained that she had lost her dog 6 weeks ago and that she wanted to donate the money she would have spent on dog food to a good cause and picked us. This kind donation made through what must be a big loss to her has remained forever in our hearts and minds, she is a lovely lady and we will be forever grateful, we will be on the look out for her to thank her properly! We would also like to thank our PSCOs for stopping traffic to allow us to get on our way this morning, this is the 2nd year they have helped us. We were sent on our way by Mary White, Chair of Portsmouth Save the Children, turned down Cosham High Street and headed to the Eastern Road then up to the infamous Farlington Avenue, which has been made to look like a mole hill after transcending those hills two days earlier. At the bottom of Farlington Avenue, pull took the freewheel off the chair took off the camelback and began his ascent up the hill, despite his injured elbow he reached the top of Farlington Avenue in a record 15 minutes, taking 7 minutes of his previous best time. After a 5 minute rest it was on to Waterlooville and Petersfield where we met up with the Petersfield ladies of the Save the Children who were busy preparing for their annual Bring and Buy sale at the town hall, Petersfield on the 20th April. We had a cup of tea and lunch there and then continued on to Haslemere, arriving there at 4:30pm 7 hours pushing against wind and hills. Alan and Paul straight in to the room, packed ice on the elbow followed by tiger balm. The rain came down just after we arrived inside the hotel so up til now we were very lucky with the weather and very appreciative of that as the wet weather makes things really difficult for Paul trying to grip wet push rims on the chair.

Thursday 11th: Haslemere to West Moseley. Up early to treat Paul's elbow and then off to breakfast ready for another 9:30am start, today the vehicles were refuelled before the off. We started again at 09:30am in the rain but that soon dried up so all we had was the wind to battle against again, the vehicles behind were forming and orderly queue soon after we left the hotel so we pulled over to let them past at the first opportunity, on our way we had trouble with one handle on the recumbent but that was soon sorted and we went on to pass through Godalming, Guildford, Old Woking and West Byfleet and arrived at West Moseley at 2:35pm finishing off what was relatively a trouble free day but wet in places. At the hotel Alan again worked on Paul's elbow and it was a nice early relaxing afternoon. I wanted to say at no time did Paul say he couldn't carry on because of his injury, his determination to reach the end was inspiring!

Friday 12th - Final Half Day: 6:30 start to the day as we had to make our way to the start in West Moseley which is about 30 minutes drive away from the hotel, so it was an early start to get Paul and his elbow prepared for the final 20 mile push. As well as being an exciting day it was also an emotional day as Paul prepared for the end of a gruelling and amazing challenge, I cannot think of many in Paul's condition who would take on such a challenge to raise money for children. Our breakfast finished, a final photo with the hotel manager and we set off to the start arriving at West Moseley at 09:10am we made the final preparations and at 09:30 we set off towards London and the Melia White House where unknown to us there would be a fantastic crowd ready to give us a very warm welcome. We passed through Hampton Court, Richmond, Kew Bridge Shepherd's Bush. Holland Park High Street unfortunately there was emergency water main repair in place so we had to take a diversion which seemed to take forever however we were soon back on track and passing through Lancaster Gate, Marylebone Road, and in to Regents Park where the heavens opened. We passed through Regents Park down Albany Street to the finish on the forecourt of the Melia White House where a huge crowd were waiting to greet Paul and us, it was a tremendous way to finish such a fantastic challenge! England manager, Roy Hodgson shook Paul's hand in Richmond High Street, unfortunately we didn't get a photo of it as we were holding up traffic enough. The welcome at the Melia was overwhelming for all of us and something we'll never forget for a long time, if at all.


Overview:

Overall this challenge was to raise £50,000 for Save the Children, unfortunately we didn't reach the target and our current total is £7,000.

When Paul told me of his challenge I could not believe we wanted to push himself 325 miles, let alone 325 miles over hills that look like mountains, the wind hitting Paul and the outriders head on was a major factor throughout the challenge but we were fortunate to have dry weather for most of it. There were only 4 people who gave us a hard time, 1 female driver, 1 bus driver, 1 taxi driver and a motorcyclist, considering thousands of cars passed us throughout the challenge we thought that was as good as we could have possibly have it. Challenge 300 brought 8 people (crew) together to help raise funds for Save the Children and although the challenge didn't raise the £50,000 I think Paul did a fantastic job, he pushed himself through high winds and rain and the pain barrier 325 miles to the finish line at the Melia White House, Regents Park, London to a fantastic and well deserved welcome. We had a fantastic crew of dedicated men who carried out their tasks brilliantly and with pride, each of them giving up a weeks paid work to support Paul in his endeavour to help children that really do need help, in our opinion it was a great success. I think the only low was that Paul sustained an injury to his elbow and suffered greatly from day one 'til the end of the challenge and will do for a few weeks to come. Paul doesn't consider himself any kind of hero, just an ordinary guy doing what a lot of people would do under the circumstances. Raising awareness was his main aim and I think he has done that along the route from Plymouth to London. One of the main highlights of the journey has to be the elderly lady that donated so much money on Wednesday morning, her loss was a big one and children that need help will benefit from it, which has to be a good thing in the end. Trevor Arrow's boss handed us a cheque of £325 a pound for every mile travelled, we are extremely grateful for this very kind donation which Trevor knew nothing about. The sponsorship this year was especially good, the sponsors outlined below have been fantastic and we will always remember them, having 5 Portsmouth based sponsors was a great start but each and everyone have done their bit to ensure Paul and the crew had a successful challenge. I am sure that you are all amazed at what Paul has done and most, if not all are proud of him, I know I am. I believe he deserves an award for all that he has done for charity despite his own personal issues, he has put others ahead of himself and has always believed that there are many worse off than he and I hope that what he has done has changed or will change lives in the future. Helping raise over £1.8 million pounds is not easily done especially for someone who has so much to contend with personally but a smile is never too far away which does help cheer up others. We have made some good friends and have had lots of support throughout all the challenges Paul has done, I just hope people will stay in touch with Paul it will mean a lot to him. Emma Johnson from Save the Children has been fantastic her support for Paul and Challenge 300 has been amazing, so has the support from Mary White and her Portsmouth gang and also the support from Volunteer support as been special.

As of yet I haven't heard anything of another challenge from Paul, I think he needs time to relax and get over this one as he is very emotional at the moment and feels quite lost. Money is tight everywhere and for companies and individuals to sponsor his challenges has become very difficult, it is also reflected in this years fundraising total of around £7,000. Each and everyone of you have been superb and should be proud of yourselves for helping Paul raise an amazing amount of money. Thank you.

Our sincere thanks go to you ALL, you have been fantastic throughout the whole nine months!!!!

Jane and Paul



Donations: Please text £1 donations by sending OVQV87 £1 TO 70070, it's anonymous and every £1 counts.




www.facebook.com/Challenge300 www.justgiving.com/challenge300



@challenge300

[QuartzGooner]

Incredible man.
Even though he did not reach the target, he still raised a lot of money for charity and physically did what many could never do.

[LeftfootlegendGooner]

He is no failure, TOP TOP effort and respect to the man.

[DB10GOONER]

Agreed. Well done, Paul. You are an exceptional person and an inspiration, mate.

[Top Londoner]

Agreed. Well done, Paul. You are an exceptional person and an inspiration, mate.

+ 1,000,000.

Perspective.
The bloke is an inspiration.
Thanks.

[g88ner]

Thanks for the updates Basil.

Raising £7000+ for charity is fantastic regardless of the target. Hats off.

[Basil is a Gooner]

Thanks guys on Pauls behalf. It is amazing what he achieved and how hard he has worked to do this.

People can still donate as the justgiving page still open. Total just over £8000 at present.

COYG!