Emotional and helpless.
I just got back from two days with Dave. Leaving him last night was incredibly hard. And a phonecall this morning to say he's on his way to A&E....
Its been very hard being so far away from BFUK, and I can't believe that three weeks have gone since we left them 10 miles south of John O'Groats. Brief phonecalls and checking the web for pics and video's just doesnt compare to being there.
So on Saturday morning, myself, Bev and Dan drove just North of Gloucester to meet up with Dave and Hol. We were so excited to be with them. We arrived at midday and met Pete and Melissa - Dimitri's partners in crime. Dave looked pale, exhausted thin and fragile. Hol didn't look much better. I just couldnt stop hugging them. I missed them so much and seeing them like that, knowing I could do nothing to help was heart breaking. Nat was there too - which was a pick up for Dave and Hol; Dave had a skate buddy, and Hol had the emotional support that no-one else can offer.
A few miles down the road and we stop for Lunch. Pauline and Pete, aka Mum and Dad Cornthwaite rocked up on their bikes. Dave smiled. It was good that they were there.
Then Dimitri showed up. With not only his family and his dog, but a whole troop of people including Eri from the Masai, and half the cast of superheroes. I dont think the little rural pub knew what hit it.
Dave was laughing. Hol got behind her camera lens. I got the impression it was the best thing that had happened in a long time. But even though it was a happy time it was still emotional - these people were amazing and gave Dave that extra push to keep skating.
After 33 miles Dave gave up for the day. But this was an achievement - his foot is a mess. Hol and Nat left us to go and have some rest - Hol needed some time out. A swift half pint with the crazy crew and £70 in donations later, we went to stay with John and Carol - a lovely couple who know Daves Dad. Great company, great food and an interesting triple layered matress to sleep on - a good rest was had by all.
Sunday morning. Its hard to motivate Dave knowing he is in so much pain. None the less - by 11am hes on the road. a few miles later we ended up stopping for 2 and a half hours - for food, for sleep, for re-assessing his shoes, for pain, for the rain. It just wont stop raining. We go down the road to the Mcdonalds to use the toilets, have some tea and get back on the road. We end up staying for an hour while Pete and Dim entertain us by colouring in a picture using anything but crayons - including bbq sauce.
A couple of hours later and Dave has done 24 miles. We call it a day and go to the nearest services. We are 20 miles away form Bristol. Dave is in Agony. I find I have lost my bank card and have to cancel it. I also kill a little bird in my car - I feel bad. We meet up again with Holly and Nat - she is tearful. We check into the hotel - Bev and I make the decision that we drive back to Swansea later that night. Daves blister is worse and infected. While he is in the bath, Bev and I give Hol some hopeful words and motivate her and talk about Oz. She needed some girl time I think. Dave speaks to Kate then I sit with him in the corridor for half an hour. It was emotional. We needed some one on one time. We talk about everything. I'm so so proud.
Bev and I leave at 11pm. Emotional, tired, and not wanting to leave them. Bev has been amazing all weekend - motivating us all, helping out wherever possible, even skating 100metres with Dave. She kept us all going. By half 12 we are back Swansea.
This mornng I spoke to my Mum. You know sometimes when the only thing thats gonna make you feel better is your Mum. I'm really emotional. We talk about lots of things, Mum says she'll ring Hol and Dave. It means a lot to know she'll do anything to help.
10 mins later Mum texts to say Dave is on his way to A&E. My heart sinks. I phone Hol. They have decided to get Daves foot some medical advice and give him a couple of rest days. Its the best decision they could make.
So, BFUK isnt going to finish on Sunday - but we are all going to Lands End anyway. I'm going to take time off and take over Hol's duties driving the van until the trip is over. Australia suddenly seems very close. BFUK has been a big learning curve and a real warm up for Dave. Its a case of wait and see. I love my job but right now I dont want to be here.
Its been very hard being so far away from BFUK, and I can't believe that three weeks have gone since we left them 10 miles south of John O'Groats. Brief phonecalls and checking the web for pics and video's just doesnt compare to being there.
So on Saturday morning, myself, Bev and Dan drove just North of Gloucester to meet up with Dave and Hol. We were so excited to be with them. We arrived at midday and met Pete and Melissa - Dimitri's partners in crime. Dave looked pale, exhausted thin and fragile. Hol didn't look much better. I just couldnt stop hugging them. I missed them so much and seeing them like that, knowing I could do nothing to help was heart breaking. Nat was there too - which was a pick up for Dave and Hol; Dave had a skate buddy, and Hol had the emotional support that no-one else can offer.
A few miles down the road and we stop for Lunch. Pauline and Pete, aka Mum and Dad Cornthwaite rocked up on their bikes. Dave smiled. It was good that they were there.
Then Dimitri showed up. With not only his family and his dog, but a whole troop of people including Eri from the Masai, and half the cast of superheroes. I dont think the little rural pub knew what hit it.
Dave was laughing. Hol got behind her camera lens. I got the impression it was the best thing that had happened in a long time. But even though it was a happy time it was still emotional - these people were amazing and gave Dave that extra push to keep skating.
After 33 miles Dave gave up for the day. But this was an achievement - his foot is a mess. Hol and Nat left us to go and have some rest - Hol needed some time out. A swift half pint with the crazy crew and £70 in donations later, we went to stay with John and Carol - a lovely couple who know Daves Dad. Great company, great food and an interesting triple layered matress to sleep on - a good rest was had by all.
Sunday morning. Its hard to motivate Dave knowing he is in so much pain. None the less - by 11am hes on the road. a few miles later we ended up stopping for 2 and a half hours - for food, for sleep, for re-assessing his shoes, for pain, for the rain. It just wont stop raining. We go down the road to the Mcdonalds to use the toilets, have some tea and get back on the road. We end up staying for an hour while Pete and Dim entertain us by colouring in a picture using anything but crayons - including bbq sauce.
A couple of hours later and Dave has done 24 miles. We call it a day and go to the nearest services. We are 20 miles away form Bristol. Dave is in Agony. I find I have lost my bank card and have to cancel it. I also kill a little bird in my car - I feel bad. We meet up again with Holly and Nat - she is tearful. We check into the hotel - Bev and I make the decision that we drive back to Swansea later that night. Daves blister is worse and infected. While he is in the bath, Bev and I give Hol some hopeful words and motivate her and talk about Oz. She needed some girl time I think. Dave speaks to Kate then I sit with him in the corridor for half an hour. It was emotional. We needed some one on one time. We talk about everything. I'm so so proud.
Bev and I leave at 11pm. Emotional, tired, and not wanting to leave them. Bev has been amazing all weekend - motivating us all, helping out wherever possible, even skating 100metres with Dave. She kept us all going. By half 12 we are back Swansea.
This mornng I spoke to my Mum. You know sometimes when the only thing thats gonna make you feel better is your Mum. I'm really emotional. We talk about lots of things, Mum says she'll ring Hol and Dave. It means a lot to know she'll do anything to help.
10 mins later Mum texts to say Dave is on his way to A&E. My heart sinks. I phone Hol. They have decided to get Daves foot some medical advice and give him a couple of rest days. Its the best decision they could make.
So, BFUK isnt going to finish on Sunday - but we are all going to Lands End anyway. I'm going to take time off and take over Hol's duties driving the van until the trip is over. Australia suddenly seems very close. BFUK has been a big learning curve and a real warm up for Dave. Its a case of wait and see. I love my job but right now I dont want to be here.
posted by boardfreebecki @ 2:57 AM
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