Day 6 - Old Moor to Thorpe in Balne

From early morning everything was going smoothly today. After a day of rest at home, a long lie in and two hour muscles repairs performed by Mike at the Lepton Injury Clinic we felt ready for a new day on the road. We did not expect too many people today but at the meeting place at the RSPB Old Moor car park we saw plenty of familiar faces:

Mike and Kath Clowse with their dog Tia
Tanya Earnshaw with her dog Pebbles
Jenny and Dave Waddington with their dog Jack
Heather Bennett
Mathew Capper 
Craig a TPT Volunteer Ranger
and Jeff and Jack who represented the MND Association and came to wave us off for the journey.

Right from the start Craig informed us the there will be hardly any obstacles on the way and ones that are we should tackle with no problem. He was absolutely right and the walk was pleasant and no access issues held us back. About 12-noon we came across one access point where we could potentially encounter problems but the TPT had made sure that the gate was opened for us that morning. We felt very lucky to have the TPT making sure we had a good journey.

At that same access point we were met by Sally and Gareth from the BBC who wanted to make short film about our journey to date. We were filming for about an hour with Sally and Gareth making sure we felt comfortable in front of the cameras. At 1pm we were ready to set off for the rest of the journey.

 

Just when we thought the daywas going to be easy we came across a tree fallen over the track. This was clearly a new development on the track and surprised even Craig. We were very fortunate however as a kind cyclist who passed us on the way down thought we may struggle with this unexpected obstacle and waited for us in case we needed help. So far we have been met only with kindness on the track and this was yet another example. We managed to lift the FourX above the fallen tree and were free to go again.

We spent the rest of the day happily trotting along. We struggled with usual pains and aches (including a sore bum for Roy) and even some serious blisters but nothing was stopping us or even slowing us down. At Adwick we added Marsh Harrier to the trip list.

We passed through some good access gates, the scenery was beautiful and most of the way we were walking in the countryside. We finished  the  scheduled 21 miles in a record time of 9 hrs and 15 minutes.

 

We packed the van and drove to a pub for dinner. Most of us who were left by that time went for a moderate meal but Roy, whose appetite for adventure was obviously not fully satisfied, ordered Man v Burrito which in itself presented an impressive challenge.

Day 5 - Woodhead Reservoir to Old Moor

Today we don't need a weather forecast. It's been raining all morning and it's not looking likely to stop. After a good night sleep at home we drive over the moors to the Woodhead Reservoir. On the way up we are starting to get phone calls that the road to the Salter's Brook Bridge, today's meeting place has been closed and no vehicles can get through. Even though the road is closed we go through the cones guessing our way in the thick fog. We need to make our start point earlier as there is an overturned lorry further on the road.

At the top of the moor we meet:
Dr Andrew Gibson
Tim Melling
Jaye Rogers
Sarah Wedge
Kelly Sapsford
Tanya Earnshaw with her dog Pebbles, who were personally escorted by the police to ensure she reached the rendezvous on time

We also got a message that, due to the blocked road, the rest of the party will meet us at the Dunford Bridge car park 2 miles down the road. Awaiting for us here or elsewhere on the route were:

Elaine Ruddiman
Ross Frazen with his dog Lola
Ethan Moore
Alison and Ian Mathewman with their dogs Alfie and Sky
Mike Wood with his dog Nell
Geff Carr
Pete, Toby and Lauren Spriggs
Johny Mac and his two sons
Steve Sankey from Barnsley Local Authority who kindly escorted us through the closed section of the TPT which was being resurfaced as we passed
Craig a TPT Volunteer Ranger
Sarah Ford - PROW Officer at Barnsley LA who kindly guided us from Oxprings

This was a brilliant turn out considering the atrocious weather conditions.

We started the walk being violently abused by the wind and rain but at least getting warmer with every step. The first 5 minutes brought first obstacle, which was another wooden sleeper across the gate. The step was too high for the FourX to climb. Improvising on a big scale we "borrowed" some stones from the nearby wall and piled them together to make the sleeper's gradient a bit lower. Then partially with careful manoeuvring and partially with brute force we managed to lift the wheelchair over the obstacle. The wall was quickly reconstructed and we were on our way into the fog.

Although the paths were steep and muddy they did not present a problem for Roy and his FourX. All was going smoothly for the next 15 minutes until another gate with a double wooden sleeper. We investigated our surroundings and found no useful "tools" to help us through. We needed either a ramp or a full lift off. Since there was no phone signal to call our vehicle and our initial party consisted mostly of female members neither of the solutions seemed feasible. We were close to despair when we noticed that Tanya was missing. We spotted her about 200 yards up the road talking to some workers who she'd convinced to help us. The FourX was lifted over the obstacle and we could not be more grateful to the JMS workman. Thanks a lot guys.

Within 30 minutes and with no further obstacles we got to the Dunford Bridge car park to meet the rest of today's crew. Despite the rain all were full of energy and smiling and we briskly set off on a beautiful walk along the old railway where Steve escorted us through the resurfacing works. Within a short time, engrossed in conversation, we had stopped noticing the rain. Without the obstacles on the way we quickly reached Penistone (where Yala had to be put in the car with her blistered paws) and Silkstone - where few of our comrades had to part ways with us. Thanks to Sarah for showing us an alternate route to Silkstone Common.

 

Special mention goes to Elaine who despite her MS walked with us for 12.5 miles without a single complaint. Elaine you are an inspiration, thank you for your amazing effort.

The rest of the way to Old Moor went smooth and all access points we encountered were wheelchair (push chair) friendly. The route was still long and tiring but time saved on not having to take bits of wheelchair off was immense.

Towards the end of the walk Roy got a phone call from Chris Matthews (United Utilities) who had been prevented from joining us by the road closure. Incredibly Chris announced that UU were donating £2.5k to the challenge. I have never seen Roy so speechless. A huge thank you to all our friends at UU.

Our sore feet were helped by alternately using the "facilities bike" which is a legacy kindly left with us by Iain Burton after the 1st day of the challenge. Iain, you have NO IDEA how many lives have been rescued by your wonderful gesture. We are all eternally grateful:):):)

The day saw us finish earlier than any other day and by 7pm, we were driving home for a Rest Day.

Day 4 - Stockport to Woodhead Reservoir

After a very good night's sleep we woke up to a bad weather forecast threatening rain and even more rain. We had a traditional "full English" and a nice chat with the owner of the Cooper Beech B&B (where we were staying last night), who kindly donated £20 to our marching efforts.

At the start point we were met by:
Guy Shorrock
Mike Miles
Tanya Earnshaw and her dog Pebbles
Kelly Sapsford

We were joined later by: 
Peter Robertson
Kate Hanley
Peter Sharples

After listening to the morning news Tanya, Kelly and Anna decided to ward off the rain with a fashion suitable to a marshmallow. Albeit them looking... different, it must have worked, as not a single drop fell on them all day. 

 

We started with a pleasant walk with no new obstacles until somewhere in Reddish we came across some horse steps which although they had a nice steady ramp down, it was far too narrow for any wheelchair. Fortunately, we were going down so managed to drive the FourX step by step. This would not be possible had we been going in the other direction. 

The next obstacle was even more surprising. We came across a locked gate with some wooden sleepers across the narrow gap that was guarding the entrance to the rest of the TPT. We were very fortunate here and with the help of local knowledge we managed to locate the key in the nearby Visitors Center. With this information Guy quickly cycled back and managed to talk to Simon who assisted us with getting through. Thanks again, Simon, for all your help.

 

Just before walking out into the streets of Hyde another A-frame stood in our way. Because the arm rests had been taken off numerous times the screw sheared (fortunately with the arm rest off). Although we can still manage to put it on and take it off again, it now is now held together with a piece of tape. 

The last obstacle of the day was wooden sleepers blocking the way to the 500 meter path to Broadbottom. This time there was no other way but to call Roy's Dad for a rescue. The vehicle had to transport Roy and the wheelchair to Broadbottom station, where we were joined by Peter. This was also our first stop for changing batteries.

The best part of the day was arriving at the offices of United Utilities where tea and cakes were set out for us on the table, and comments of admiration and encouragement flew thick and fast. We enjoyed a homemade flapjack (thanks Charlotte and Kate), which gave us plenty of energy for the last 7 miles. 

Here Kate and Peter joined us and we all marched merrily to the finish point. Only two miles from the end the FourX said no to the amount of cakes Roy had had and started flashing with only two bars of the battery left. Another emergency call to our brilliant driver and the change was performed in record time of 3.5 minutes. 

On the last leg of our journey we were rewarded with the sighting of a Dipper to add to our list as well as orchids along the path. 

Day 3 - Thelwall to Stockport

Once again we woke up to  beautiful sunshine. A full English breakfast and a kind £10 donation from the Victoria Hotel set us off in the morning. We drove to a meeting point where a big crowd of volunteers waited for our arrival.

Today’s crowd included:
Jan and Wyn Cheetam
Malcolm Grant and Cynthia Ormson with Cynthia’s dogs Bella and Charlie
Sarah and Gareth Grant with the dog Murphy
Jonathan Grant
Ethel Brocklebank
David Bowman
Dave Steel
DaveMorris with his dog Oscar
Julian Hughes
Sue Compton
Linda Mcindoe
Tanya Earnshaw and her dog Pebbles
Kelly Sapsford

At Chorlton Eeyes  we were joined by Kathy England who is TPT Ranger and was voted Day's Tour Guide.

The start of the walk was in beautiful sunshine on the old railway. We encountered similar obstacles as  previous days which required some sort of unscrewing and screwing back together, but we were well accustomed to those. It was only 10 miles into the walk and Kelly’s statement that we need something new to entertain us, we came across a chicane which was so small that even remembering all lessons from Chris, the FourX could not tackle it. We tried the chicane, the ramp over the wooden planks, and a locked gate. No access could be reached for a wheelchair (or possibly a mum with a buggy). It took 4 big man to lift the wheelchair over the chicane. 149 kilo and really nowhere to grab it, Jonathan, Julian, David and Gareth had to do it twice (repeat was needed on the other side of the road).

In the Mersey Valley near Sale another adventure entertained our march. One of the wheels blew up and required changing the tyre. Gareth and Julian had to lift and hold the wheelchair while Anna got on with the mechanics.

It was not all doom and gloom however as we had many pleasant experiences with gates that use Radar keys and different design of the A-frames. These were much more friendly.

All day we walked in beautiful countryside, had really nice sunny weather, and although it was a really long and challenging day (finishing time 7.30pm) we called the whole experience a success. We also met other TPT challengers on route. Some recognise our little party as they saw Roy on TV the previous day and were loolking out for us on the Trail.
If you want to see the article the link to YouTube is:  
http://beadnell-birding.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/an-update-on-roy.html?m=1

At the end of the day we were pleasantly surprised by a bag full of luxury sugar to boost our energy from Jonathan’s and Rachel’s delightful girls. Thank you Amelia and Katie.

We ended the day in the pub having a celebratory drink and planning a new challenge for the next year.

Day 2 - Broad Green to Stockton Heath

We woke up to beautiful sunshine, had an amazing full English breakfast in the B&B and full of new energy set off to the Broad Green Railway Station.

As we pulled into the car park we straight away noticed a few familiar faces:
Dave Cheetam (Roy's cousin) and Rich Robinson (his best mate)
Chris Tynan (voted the Day's Tour Guide)
Paul Brady (keeping day's bird list)
Ken Abbott and Gill Davies with their dog Charlie
Phil and Ann Abbott (Ken's brother and his wife)
Laura Bimson
Kelly Sapsford ("bike pusher" for Anna)

On route we were joined by:
Rhodie Blythe
Trevor and Liz Greenhalgh (on brompton bikes)
Jenny Jones
Robert Cheetam (Roy's cousin who was late and had to run the first mile to catch up with us)
Professor David Norman (who first taught Roy how to ring birds)
Peter and Jo Firth with their adorable children Jessica and Lachlan (on scooters) and Lucas (in his Mountain Buggy) and their dog Dandy

We started the walk where we finished last night and almost immediately came cross a similar obstacle as yesterday. With a lot of experience we dealt with this one quickly and marched on towards Warrington. The weather was pleasant with just a little drizzle and even some sunshine.
Just after Hale Village we came across our first A-frame. To battle this obstacle the wheelchair's armrest had to be removed.

 

70 Black-tailed Godwits were appreciated on Carr Lane Pools, as were the mass of Marsh Orchids on Pickering's Pasture.We had a lovely lunch in the cafe at Pickering's Pasture after which Roy had to be transported in the vehicle to meet us under Runcorn Bridge, as 52 steps in 5 zigzags were impossible to tackle even by the FourX.

 

 

 

Arrival in Warington was celebrated by the natives.

 

 

As we progressed along the Trail we encountered more A-frames which for some reason got progressively narrower.  To go through some of them we had to not only remove the armrest but the headrest as well.

 

When we arrived at The Ferry Inn the rain settled in. Some of us had a quick pint in the pub while the rest got on with changing the batteries. With batteries full of charge Roy went into a race with Jessica and Lachlan on their scooters. We did not see the results of this race as they fast disappeared from our view. The rain stayed with us until the end and it was getting late and 10 hours in we decided to shorten the route this evening by about 2 miles and settle for a fish and chips in the pub instead. It was a long tough day but great cormadery and we all really enjoyed it.

The 2 miles will have to be tied onto tomorrow's already long day - so it looks like an early morning start.

Day 1 - Sounthport to Broad Green

First day of the challenge. We gathered in Southport right at the beginning of the Trans Pennine Trail. We were pleasantly surprised by the weather, the company was great and BBC Look North West showed up to film the start of the walk.

Today's numbers were:
Dave and Paddy Taylor (who met Roy 10 years ago in Madagascar and still remembered his amazing enthusiasm)
Daniel and Chris Tynan
Andrew Cross (from Disabled Ramblers and came on a Tramper scooter)
Eileen Tomlinson (from Disabled Ramblers and came on a Tramper scooter)
Rob and Alex Pigott (riding 2 recumbent trikes)
Iain Burton and Katie Chapman with their indefatigable dog Abi
Simon Howard from Neston
Chris Christou (riding another FourX - he knows absolutely everything about those machines and actually supplied Roy's one)
Jack Taylor (on foot - voted the Day's Tour Guide)
Ian Grindy (an old friend from Bowland)
Roy and Anna Taylor (and their not so indefatigable dog Yala)

For the first 4 hours (around 10 miles) the weather was really nice - no rain and bearable temperature. There were no obstacles on the way so all was going nice and smooth. About 2pm the weather started threatening and eventually rain came down on us fast and furious. Still good access and good moods kept us going chatty and perky. We met with the vehicles often enough to get food supplies, chocolate and change the batteries (some of us even changed their soaking clothes). Thanks drivers (Roy Senior and Tim) for navigating the maps and your patience.

Then the obstacles started. Although FourX managed them with difficulty (sometimes requiring dismantling and taking hand rests off the wheelchair) there is no way that other outdoor wheelchairs or mobility scooters could get through. FourX is not only 4 wheel drive but also 4 wheel steer which gave us advantage in getting through the obstacles. Until the end of the day we went through around 10 of these constructions with additional difficulty that they were all different sizes. To be honest if not Chris's knowledge of the FourX and helping us to understand how to manoeuvre through barriers we would most probably have to turn around. Fortunately Disabled Ramblers had had to part with us earlier in the day and were spared the disappointment of the obstacles.

About 6pm it finally stopped raining and the sun came out just after 7pm. By that time the walkers (Katie and Anna were the only ones still "standing") were absolutely exhausted but Chris and Roy decided to show off with how fast their wheelchairs can go.

Overall the day was a success. Plus a  pleasant surprise was waiting for us in the B&B. Church End Farm House in Hale Village (where we stayed our first night) charged us at cost only and the rest of the bill donated to Roy's Coast to Coast Challenge. Thank you a lot Church End Farm House.

1 day to go - a short story of this challenge

So it is one day to go!!! The weather looks miserable the forecast is even worse. We are slightly apprehensive of what lays in front of us but there is also the sense of excitement and happiness that it is here already!

Most of you who see this blog know the story of this challenge. My story. For those who don't, below is a short one.

When you are able bodied you don't give much thought about disabilities, access issues, inconvenience, cost of disability. You go where you want to, do what you want to, care little for what's not there. I know - I am guilty of that. Life had no limits, I did what I wanted.

And then suddenly my life changed, and changed a lot. My mind is still the same but parts of my body just do not work anymore. What was simple yesterday becomes impossible today. Walking the dog, getting petrol, putting my shoes on in the morning, helping my wife with daily chores. Life became very, very limited. As much as I can adjust to many things - one thing matters more that the others. I am determined to keep my independence!

With so many things to deal with, others have made life so much easier. My neighbors, the access officer in the local council (thank you Andrew for your support), financial help from Access to Work to enable me to keep doing the job I love. Most of all the support from my wife, my parents and my friends. This has been truly humbling.

And then there were battles; the local land owner with no care for access issues, being unable to stay in my house, cost of disabled goods, the red tape, etc. But most difficult of all is the ACCESS! Access to the outdoors, access to a normal life, a life that any person should be allowed to live. Gates, steps, stiles.... a wheelchair nightmare.

And that is exactly why I decided to do this challenge. Roy's Coast to Coast Wheelchair Challenge. While I can't change what happens in the wider countryside, working for RSPB, I can ensure that the 20 superb RSPB Nature Reserves in northern England are exemplars of accessibility for people with disabilities, mobility problems and for parents with prams. 

During 2014, I will personally audit all RSPB Nature Reserves in northern England and draw up a prioritised list of actions for change. 100% of the money raised will be spent directly on the changes I identify.

So with one day to go I will just say - let's do it!

2 days to go!!!

A set of very smart looking Roy's Coast to Coast T-shirts turned up today. The brilliant logo, which was designed by Bret at Naturetrek (thanks Bret, thanks all at Naturetrek), is looking great!!!
We will be wearing them proudly during the challenge and hopefully the wheelchair design will help to raise awareness of the accessibility issues disabled people face when they simply want to enjoy a day in the countryside.

We are also getting some interest from regional media. BBC radio Merseyside will be interviewing us on Saturday morning and BBC Look North have confirmed that they will be coming out to film the obstacles we face on day 6. Well Bret, your logo will be on TV:):):)

Recce turns up rare bird

Traveling home from Spurn on the Bank Holiday weekend (to watch Liverpool's valiant attempt to win the Premiership) we stopped on the Humber at Hessle to check out some access issues on the Trans Pennine Trail. A distant "Marsh Harrier" coming up the Humber turned into a cracking Honey Buzzard which came right over us then headed off up river. Still a Spurn tick for me but now on "TPT recce list".

Challenge Programme

We welcome anybody to join Roy's Coast to Coast Challenge. The more the merrier, so dust off your walking boots and come along for a day or even an hour.

Below is the full programme of the challenge, meeting and finishing points and daily mileage.
We aim to start every day at 9.30am.

Day 1 24/5/14 Saturday	21.25 miles	Start Southport Meet at the sea front on the roundabout on Marine Drive, to the south west of Marine Lake	Finish Broad Green, Liverpool Broad Green Railway station
Day 2 25/5/14 Sunday	21 miles	Start Broad Green, Liverpool Meet outside Broad Green Railway station	Finish Thelwall, Warrington Junction of Stockport Road (A56) and Halfacre Lane
Day 3 26/5/14 Monday	21.25 miles	Start Thelwall, Warrington Meet at the junction of Stockport Road (A56) and Halfacre Lane	Finish Stockport Didsbury Road, by Junction 1 of the M60
Day 4 27/5/14 Tuesday	22.25 miles	Start Stockport Meet on Penny Lane, where it exits Lancashire Hill (B6167)	Finish Woodhead Reservoir, Peak District East of Woodhead Reservoir on the small lane coming of the A628 by the river Etherow
Day 5   28/5/14 Wednesday	21.25 miles	Start East of Woodhead Reservoir, Peak District Meet at Salter’s Brook Bridge, on the A628, parking is on north side of the road, west of Salter’s Brook (alternatively park on Windle Edge Rd and walk back to Salter’s Brook)	Finish Broomhill (Wombwell), Dearne Valley Roundabout where the A6195 meets Manvers Way (A633)
29/5/14 Thursday	Rest Day
Day 6 30/5/14 Friday	21   miles	Start Broomhill (Wombwell), Dearne Valley Meet in RSBP Old Moor car park, off Manvers Way (A633), Wath upon Dearne	Finish Thorpe in Balne, north of Doncaster and Bentley Junction of Thorpe Lane and Thorpe Bank
Day 7 31/5/14 Saturday	20.5 miles	Start Braithwaite, north of Doncaster Meet in the carpark off Top Lane, west of the New Junction Canal	Finish Selby Railway Station
Day 8 1/6/14 Sunday	20  miles	Start Selby Meet at Selby Railway Station (we will take either the route along the Humber floodbank or an inland route, dependent on accessibility, to be determined)	Finish Faxfleet on the Humber Faxfleet Lane, at the end it meets the Humber estuary
Day 9 2/6/14 Monday	19   miles	Start Faxfleet on the Humber Meet on Faxfleet Lane, at the end it meets the Humber estuary	Finish Hull St Andrew’s Quay shopping complex
Day 10 3/6/14 Tuesday	13.5 miles	Start Hull Meet at the roundabout at the junction of James Reckitt Avenue and Summergangs Road at the western end of East Park	Finish Hornsey Car park at the north end of the South Promenade

6 days to go!!!

Welcome to the first blog from Roy's Coast to Coast Wheelchair Challenge!!!
It took ages but it's finally here:)

The preparation for the challenge is in full swing - wheelchair's been to service, some of the Trans Pennine Trail has been checked out (yes, there are obstacles and yes, there will be trouble:):):), the fundraising page (www.virginmoneygiving.com/roy215miles) is doing brilliantly - THANK YOU to ALL that donated so generously, I am genuinely humbled. Maps and routes sorted, accomodation booked, remaining muscles to be massaged in the coming week. Toolkit prepared.... now really looking forward to 9.30am, Southport on Saturday.