Run Disney 2018

I have never been a fan of exercise and apart from running the 100m in school I've never been much of a runner either.  For what reason I thought adding a Disney run to my list of 40 before 40 I will never know, but I am so glad I did. 

On the 20th September I left home early ready to catch the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris to spend a couple of days exploring the parks before my run on Saturday morning.  Growing up I was always a fan of Disney but I guess as I grew older I sort of lost my love for it.  I never imagined I would feel the way I did as I stepped into that magical world, it was literally as if I had been transported back to my childhood and it felt amazing.  

I hadn't realised how much of an extra buzz would be added to the weekend because of the run but it definitely made the adventure all the more exciting.  Heading into the Expo to collect our running bibs and photo pass and seeing the sheer volume of people taking place really was quite something.

Even better than that was seeing my very own name on the runners wall, that was amazing, and made the whole thing seem real at last.

On Friday evening we watched the 5k runners run through Disney Village, the atmosphere was electric, it certainly got me psyched up ready for the following morning when it would be my turn to hit the tarmac with my running trainers.  Before long that moment arrived and 6:30am that following morning we were stood by the starting line in our coral waiting to start.

I really didn't know what to expect from the whole thing and in a way it added to the whole suspense of it all.  The atmosphere really was quite special.  The staff were fantastic and stood on the side lines chanting and cheering (even though I had no idea what they were shouting half the time) It felt so strange being in the park before opening time and it allowed you to see it all from a different perspective.  

Running around the course through the different areas of the parks a lot of the rides were going round empty.  Whether this happens every morning as they test the rides before opening time or whether this was done especially for the run, I'm not particularly sure but it added to the whole atmosphere and was pretty cool to see.

The other thing I really loved was the opportunity to go behind the scenes.  Being able to see the bits that the general public don't usually get to see.  I felt like I was on set to the 'Moonwalker' movie, although my running partner was too young to know what I was going on about.

The highlight of the morning though aside from crossing the finishing line was running on Main Street and heading towards the castle.  It was a moment I don't think I will ever forget and I'm not going to lie a moment that made me feel pretty emotional.  Even now I can feel myself getting a little bit choked up as I type this.  It was worth doing the whole 10k just for that moment alone and is in actual fact the only reason we ended up doing the 10k as opposed to the 5k.  If you're going to do a Disney run, you have to run past the castle.

Crossing that finish line felt so good.  Catching first glimpse of it was a welcoming sight but actually crossing it, wow, I cannot tell you how great that felt.  A year ago I never imagined I would ever complete a 10k.  My intention when writing that list originally was always for a 5k run.  To now be able to say I completed the 2018 Disneyland Paris 10k leaves me feeling totally elated and so, so proud of myself.  And the best thing is, I had so much fun doing it.  Yes it was hard, it was a challenge but would I do it again? Without a shadow of a doubt.  Who knows, maybe next time I'll try tackling the half marathon.  

I will be publishing a more general post about the rest of my Disney adventure in a couple of days so if you want to find out more of what I got up to then be sure to pop back to check that out.  There will be plenty of photos and all things Disney I promise.

My sponsorship page is still open for anyone who would like to sponsor me for the run.  I'm raising money for Tommy's The Baby Charity, The Little Princess Trust and Farleigh Hospice.  You can donate here.

~ Gem 

I Have A New Challenge

For those of you who have read my 40 Before 40 List you may remember seeing that one of the things I wanted to achieve was to complete a Disney Run.  Well folks this will be happening later this month.  Yes this month.  I will be heading out to Disneyland Paris and will be taking part in their 10k Disney Run around both of the Disney parks in 2 weeks time. 

To say I'm a little nervous would be an understatement as I am in no way physically, or mentally prepared for this challenge, but I do know that I will get through it and I've no doubt that my friend who is doing it with me will keep me going on the day.  Plus we'll be in Disney, which is the most magical place on earth, right!

Last month we took part in a 5K Bubble Rush run in aid of a local hospice.  It was so much fun but it did make me realise that I am so unfit haha.  Why did I think a Disney run would be a good idea when writing my list? 

Before

After

Although the Disney run itself is a stand alone event that many people will partake in for fun, seeing as this will be quite a challenge for me I have decided to take the opportunity to attempt to raise some money for a few charities in the process.  This is where you lovely people come in.  I have created a Virgin Giving Money sponsorship page that I would be eternally grateful for any donations to raise some money for my chosen charities. Even if it is only a pound, a little goes a long way and both myself and the charities I have chosen would be so thankful.  

The charities I have chosen to support are Tommy's The Baby Charity, The Little Princess Trust (for whom I donated my hair too earlier this year) and Farleigh's Hospice (who I ran the 5k Bubble Rush for).  I'm sure you would agree they are all very deserving charities and I really hope I can do them all proud by raising as much as I can.

I'll be posting an update after the run at the end of the month so please check back to see how  get on.  I still can't quite believe I'll be doing it after wanting to take part for so long.

The link again for anyone who would like to donate to my sponsorship page is:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/fundraiserPage?pageId=926478

Thank you
~ Gem x   

A Cut for Charity

For the past three and a half years I have been growing my hair.  Okay, I understand that may seem like a strange thing to say as with each day that passes we are mostly all growing our hair.  But I had a goal in mind.  I was wanting to grow my hair long enough to allow me to eventually have it cut and then donate some to the Little Princess Trust Charity.  The charity provide wigs to children who have lost their hair through illness or cancer treatment.  Now if that is not a worthy cause then I don't really know what is. 

To try and even begin to imagine what these children and their families must be going through is just unimaginable, so to be able to give such a simple thing that to be honest is something that I just take for granted, really is quite heart warming and satisfying.  

Sorry about the blurry photo, this is the best photo I have of before the cut.

Yesterday the day arrived, it was time to put my words into action and go for the chop.  I've always had long hair so I knew I needed to grow it pretty long in order to keep some length to it.  I was able to keep the length to my shoulders and donate 11 inches which is more than I had initially intended and I am so pleased about that.  They ask for a minimum of 7 inches.  

Lets face it, my hair will grow back, and I am very lucky to have the hair that I have still remaining.  For many they are not so fortunate, so this really is nothing in the grand scheme of things.  The other thing to add is that I am doing this by choice.  I know that there are others out there who are loosing their hair though no choice of their own and it may seem like a very immaterial thing, but for them it isn't and I know for me it wouldn't be either.  So if by doing this I am able to help one person then that is enough for me.  However, if by sharing my experience of cutting and donating my hair encourages others to do the same, well then that is just a pretty amazing thing.  But please read the details on their website first as there are some details to be aware of before going and getting your hair cut.

If anyone does decide to donate their hair or have already done so in the past then I'd love to hear from you.  I find it so incredible to hear other peoples stories and if it can help to inspire others then it is all worth it.   

~ Gem x

Since writing this post I have signed up to take part in the Run Disney 10K race later this year in Disneyland Paris.  I have set up a fundraising page for which The Little Princess Trust is one of my chosen charities.  If you would like to make a donation to my sponsorship page I would be eternally grateful, every donation no matter how small helps.  The link to my page is here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=GemWilson&pageUrl=1

Pretty Muddy

We did it.  On Saturday myself and my sister-in-law took part in Pretty Muddy Essex.

I'll be honest, I had absolutely been dreading it.  I wasn't quite sure exactly what to expect.

Once I arrived though and we were preparing to set off, I felt fine and was rearing to go.

We had our little support team with us to cheer us along, James, my Mum and Dad, and James' Mum with her partner.  There was certainly no backing out now.

You could tell that a lot of thought and hard work had gone into arranging the event and the little details such as the names of each of the obstacles did not go un-noticed.

I felt really lost going round without my phone, there were so many photo opportunities but having not known how muddy or wet we were going to get en route we both left our phones back with our supporters at the start line so there isn't much that I can share with you I'm afraid.

The majority of the obstacles were fairly easy although there were a couple that were a little more testing but it all added to the fun of the event.

I'm so pleased that we did it and the most important thing is that we have been able to raise money for Cancer Research at the same time.

There is still time to donate if you wish to do so via my JustGiving page.

Love Gem x x x

Cancer Research UK's Pretty Muddy

I've never been much of an energetic girl.  Certainly not one for exercise that's for sure.  Give me a cup of tea and a slice of cake any day.  However Wednesday evening I somehow found myself signing up for Cancer Research UK's 5k Pretty Muddy event taking place NEXT MONTH!!!!!!!.  I'd looked at it before but had decided against it as it looked as though it would be too much of a challenge for little ole me.  But catching up with my sister in law and her talking about wanting to do it but not having anyone to do it with her, I stupidly volunteered.

image from Cancer Research UK's website

I'm certain we will have a really good laugh doing it, you only live once after all and if anything this kind of event, well the reason for the event is the biggest reminder of this we will ever need.  You literally never know what is around the corner.

image from Cancer Research UK's website

So many of us have been touched by cancer.  For those of you who have read my blog for many years, will know that I lost my Grandad to cancer.  I still think about him and miss him every day.  We talk about him all the time, what I would give to still have him with us today.  Five years have passed now.  People say it gets easier, I don't think it does, I just think we learn to cope with it better.  I was lucky to have known him, I know many people never get to meet their grandparents.  As he always used to say, he lived a good life, but that doesn't make it any easier, it is still hard to come to terms with.

image from Cancer Research UK's website

The work Cancer Research do is absolutely incredible, but I know you don't need me to tell you that.  By donating money and/or completing sponsored events like this we are all doing our bit to help people live longer and standing up to beating cancer.  So please, please, please sponsor me for this challenge, even if only £1 it all adds up and it will keep me going throughout this mammoth challenge in just 27 days time eeeekkkkkkk.  You can sponsor me here on my Just Giving page or you can text XOJR94 and the amount to 70070.

I really appreciate all your support.

Love Gem x x x

Basket Making at Freshwinds and and Evening Barn Dance

In my last post I told you all about our stay in the Tiny House at Freshwinds camp site.  The reason we had chosen that particular weekend to visit was for the reasons in my title.  James had booked me a place on their basket making workshop for my birthday.  It also just happened to be the same day as their annual barn dance to raise funds for Farm Africa, which we have both heard so much about but had not yet been to, so that would soon be put right.

I love baskets and if I'm honest had never really given it much thought about how they are made.  I was looking forward to learning all about it and can tell you now that I have completed the workshop I will never again look at a basket in the same way.

I was really pleased top discover that Jen from the blog Freshwinds Garden was on the workshop with her sister Paula.  I've followed Jen's blog since our first visit to the camp site so it was lovely to be able to spend some quality time with her and get to know her some more.  She has already blogged all about our workshop, you can read about it here.

I never imagined it being as difficult as it was.  It is very hard on your hands and in years gone by it was a trade for the men, it was thought that women were not strong enough to make baskets (I hate to say it but a part of me can understand why)  After making the base for the basket, I struggled to be able to push the pieces of willow in far enough to ensure a strong basket.  Thankfully John who was running the workshop was on hand to help out when needed.

There were so many different techniques needed to complete just a standard basket, the skill needed really is incredible.  The hardest part for me had to of been the rim of the basket.  I'm glad that came at the end of the day, I would have been really put off if it had of been the beginning.  I can't see it being a craft I will be taking on.  I'm glad I've tried it but I think I can safely say my basket making days are done.  

John was a great teacher, we all ended up with a completed basket.  the great thing with these craft workshops is even though everyone is making the same thing, they always turn out to be slightly different.  Funnily enough the four of us all ended up with the same colour pattern, not intentional, just how it turned out in the end :)

Once the workshop was complete me and James headed into Hastings to grab a bite to eat.  It was then time to head back and set up camp for the night before the barn dance started.  Accommodation was not as luxurious as the previous night, oh no.  We pitched up with a tent in the field with all the orphaned lambs, they seemed very taken with our tent, fortunately we still managed to get a good nights sleep.

I loved the barn dance, a lot more than I thought I would.  Once I got over the initial fear of dancing I actually really enjoyed it.  So much so that I didn't get any photos :(  Jen however managed to get loads so if you want to see more of this.........

Photo taken from Freshwinds Garden blog.

Then pop on over and read her version of things and take a glance at the rest of her photos here.

Back soon.

Gem x x x

Parkinson's Awareness Week

Parkinson's Disease is something I've not really ever talked about here on the blog, but it is something that has had a big effect on my life.  My Grandad who sadly passed away 2 years ago suffered with Parkinson's for 26 years.  I'd never known him without it, which I find really sad because I know the Parkinson's changed him, I would have loved to of known him before this awful disease took a hold of his body.

As a child growing up I would spend a lot of time with him, especially during the school holidays.  I always remember being aware of the illness, the shakes were the most obvious thing.  He would shuffle about the house in a way that only Grandad could :)  His mobility was getting worse and soon enough even a simple thing such as walking up and down the stairs became impossible for him.  They had a stair lift installed which was great fun for us kids but must have felt so demoralising after years of being able to walk the stairs, to now suddenly not being able to.

As the years went on his mobility became worse still and his speech was becoming difficult to understand.  He would stutter and stammer, his words were slurred, it became frustrating for us not being able to understand what he was trying to say to us, I can't imagine how bad it must have been for him, especially knowing that it was only going to get worse. 

In the end he was bed bound, he had lost all use of his muscles, he couldn't even feed himself.  It was a dreadful thing to have to witness, it seemed so unfair.  He hadn't done anything to deserve this.  It wasn't just a strain for him, it was a strain for the whole family, especially my Nan.  We were loosing him.

But do you know what in those 25 years I never once heard him complain, boy did he have reason to, but he never did, he just got on with things as best as he could.

I wanted to show you this photo just so you can see exactly what Parkinson's did to my Grandad, this is no life for anyone.

I'm lucky to have lots of memories of time spent with him, even right up to his last Christmas which was less than a month before he passed away.  These memories are more than what some people get with their grandparents, so for that I am thankful.

You never really hear much about Parkinson's so I wanted to say my little piece about it during Parkinson's Awareness week.  Parkinson's UK is a brilliant charity providing support for those affected.  I know they were a great help to my grandparents and I'm sure are the same to many others out there.  If you want to find out more about the charity, the disease or how you could help check out their website here.  Just understanding more about the disease is a great step. 



Love Gem x x x

This is not in any way a sponsored post I just wanted to share my experience and spread awareness.