PHOTOGRAPHS

14 June

I am unsure, at the moment, just how long to keep this blog up and running. The general concensus of opinion is to leave it open until almost all the sponsor monies are gathered in. That means, of course, that all of you have the opportunity of knowing the precise amount raised by Ben and Paul for Parkinson's Disease Research. You could have a long wait!

In the meantime, how about the above three photographs:

1. Just to prove that men do all the yapping whilst women work themselves into the ground!

2. One of the dormitories which our pedallers found so peaceful!

3. A favourite of mine - the elation of achievement and victory for our two Parkinson's Disease Research Pedalling Fundraisers! Would that I could have been there with them.

Jenny

A ROLLERCOASTER OF SPONSOR MONIES

9 June

Ben is overwhelmed with the generosity, support and everyone's belief in him achieving 'The Goal' and so I thought that I would bring his blog up to speed with the total of sponsor monies already received.

To date, sponsor monies already given to Parkinson's Disease Research are £5056.50 which does NOT include Gift Aid. This has yet to be added. An amazing total and there are still many pledges of sponsor money to come in.

I have also NOT included Paul's online (Just Giving) and offline sponsor monies that will also be donated to Parkinson's Disease Research. Just how good does it get!!

Everyone has been fantastic

What more can I say? Nothing - for once, I am lost for words.

Jenny

THE PILGRIM HAS RETURNED

7 June

Ben has come home - weary, elated and - I have to say - looking very svelte. Several pounds lighter, tanned and ...... Oh Yes! I have a dishy husband.
He travelled back on the same flight as Liz and I, meeting up with one of his walking pilgrim pals at Santiago airport - purely by chance - and there was a definite feeling of nostalgia in the air.
Both Paul and Ben will have wonderful memories of what can only be described as an epic journey achieved by two steadfast, very determined and motivated men.

Ben's pilgrimage has been an inspiration to all of us and, on his journey, he found the greatest gift of self-belief. Paul made Ben's pilgrimage possible and attainable which was the greatest gift that Ben could have received from anyone. Thankyou, Paul - Greater Love ..........

Jenny

SAN ESTEVO DE LAMOS! buenos dias!

4 June

Alleluia! We gave met up with our pilgrim - Benjaminium - and have actually had two days of his valuable time. What a wonderful journey Ben and Paul have achieved. Enthralled with all that they have done and just how proud does this wife feel of her husband.
We are just about to go out separate ways, until the end of next week. Paul will have arrived back in Moulton by now and Ben is hoping to come home at the end of next week.

Keeping the spiritual side of things rolling by staying in a monastery at the moment.

Great blog, Malcolm - thanks so much for taking over

Jenny

More Photographs

First an apology for the blog not being updated for a few days - pressure of work - Malcolm
The following photographs were received on 30th May...








Ben and Paul had a quiet day on the 30th (Saturday), going to the Pilgrim's service in the moring at the cathedral (in the pictures). They just needed to relax and rest until they come home. Paul has a flight booked for Wednesday (today 3rd June) and has found a 'bike wrapping service' - he is not leaving his bike in Spain!

Santiago is full of tourists and pilgrims, cyclists and walkers, of whom the latter make up the majority. It is unbearable hot and sitting in the shade is the order of the day.

There is a big fair on in the park near thier hotel and the noise carried on until 2:00am. They have a two hour break in the day and shops reopen until 7:00pm and everyone eats very late in the restaurants which don't open until 8:00pm or even 9:00pm, after they go out socialising hence the fair going on till late.

The people in Santiago have been very helpful and kind. The boys could not find a hotel at first but a lady who spoke good English rang around for them and pointed them in the right direction. She said at one point 'give me time to think' and told someone to wait as shee needed to help these english.



It sounds as though they are both having a great time after thier epic journey and hopefully once back, they will both contribute some more personal stories to the blog.

In the meantime we wish them a safe journy home, and look forward to seeing them again.

Malcolm