• Cancer

    Action in Remission

    Chemotherapy killed my Cancer cells, thanks NHS I was up for my next challenge; whilst showing off my Chemo Curls. I supplemented time on the water with a gym training schedule that included hard hours on the rowing machine (Ergo), pumping a little iron and a strengthening exercise routines using all major muscle groups. Tuesday 3rd August 2021 I Kayaked from Dungeness to Boulogne celebrating Six months since my last chemotherapy treatment; returned to Boulogne and kayaked back to Dungeness on 13th October 2021 A long-distance sea paddle is formidable, and not necessarily just physically, it also demands mental strength and big balls. Or, as in my case, a stubborn septuagenarian and…

  • Cancer

    Cancer & Chemo

    Let’s talk about Cancer & Chemo On Monday 21st September 2020 I underwent a CT scan on my thorax; and on the 29th, Dr T Nakos told me that I did indeed have cancer. A few days later Dr J R Jones, a consultant haematologist confirmed the diagnosis; I had B-cell lymphoma cancer. My first thought was ‘game over’ My second was ‘you bloody drama queen!’  After the initial shock of being told I had cancer, I felt numb; then slowly emotions of anger, anxiety and sadness jumbled around inside my head. I felt I had to ask the big question: ‘OK, doc, give it to me straight. How long…

  • Recovery

    My Arctic Reading

    It’s more than merely a book; it’s a source of inspiration. An old friend, ‘Belfast Archie’, suggested I take the Big Book with me to the top of the world. It is the story of how tens of thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. The basic text was written in 1939 by Bill W, with support from Dr Bob. It’s more than merely a book. It’s more a way of life. It has served as a lifeline to millions of drunks worldwide, helping them to recover from alcoholism. It is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, so…

  • How To's

    Prepping for Adventures

    My, not so secret, practical tips…                     …During your time in the Wilderness                    An average person can survive up to >                     3 Weeks without Food                     3 Days without Water    3 Hours outside of the body’s core temperature My, not so secret critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive in the Wilderness #livealifetodiefor

  • How To's

    Holistic Gym Tips

    Simple mental / holistic Gym Tips • Set realistic goals: build strength, increasing flexibility and boosting endurance• Create a ‘fitness habit’; don’t skip workouts.• Always warm up and cool down • Pre & Post Workout Stretches• Basic weight-training; push yourself hard, “lift like you mean it”. • Cardio machines and circuit training gets your heart rate up and increase your blood circulation. • Always keep hydrated – drink a lot of fluids; before, during and after your workouts. • Eat a healthily and balanced diet; remember to refuel after your sessions with high-protein snacks and washed down with a drink.• Each day, try to drink at least 6 to 8…

  • How To's

    Wildlife Encounters

    My, not so secret tips on Wildlife Encounters • Investigate and research what to expect• Follow the instructions of your guide.• Behave responsibly and calm around all wildlife• Don’t surprise a ‘mother’ with her little ones• Respect all animals and don’t sneak up or shock them• You’re a privileged observer; don’t interact directly with the wildlife• If you want to keep ‘all’ your fingers – don’t touch or feed a wild animal• Turn off the flashlight on your camera or mobile• Always have your camera handy, you may only get one chance!• Never turn your back on a wild animal, to take a ‘selfie’…… #livealifetodiefor

  • How To's

    Travel Health Preparations

    Before each and every Adventure / Event • Before each and every Adventure / Event have a comprehensive medical and a dental examination well before departure date. • Toothache or piles, even at home they are a nuisance but in the wilds it can be serious – and at the very least can spoil your experience.• Carry a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses – you want to ‘see’ where you have been. • Depending on your terrain / climate take sunglasses / goggles to protect your eyes• Make sure your all vaccinations and immunizations are up to date, 6 weeks prior to travelling• Practice sleeping whenever, where ever.•…

  • How To's

    Research your Adventure!

    The important part of planning an Adventure is ‘Research’ • Match Adventures / Events to your skills, ability, pocket and time• Find out all you can about where you’re going• Learn about the culture of your destination. Are travellers safe and welcome• Travel Insurance, recommended vaccinations and medical kit• Best time to go; climate, seasonal pricing, crowding?• Pack light; suitability and essentials are key• Documents, currency and tech equipment• Don’t be shy in asking questions and trust your gut instinct.• Make an effort to learn a few words of the local language, keep it simple. (The Welsh word for congratulations is Llongyfarchiadau)! #livealifetodiefor

  • How To's

    Long Distance Running

    My not so secret tips for Long Distance Running.• Preparation for a long run/ endurance event begins in your head. … Build mental endurance• Targeting small goals keeps you moving and boosts your confidence. • Always start with a ‘warm up routine’; it gets the blood flowing and stretching keeps you more flexible.• Step up strength, endurance and cardio; by gradually increasing training mileage/workout by 10 percent per week. • Include light cross-training sessions – swimming, spinning and yoga during your rest days from running.• Cross training and weight training helps make you a stronger runner• Biking and swimming will help build the supporting muscles used in running.• Staying hydrated…

  • Adventures,  Cancer,  My Blog

    Kayak The English Channel

    BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! This is me in the red kayak, sporting my “Chemo Curls’ ‘, paddling from Dungeness to Boulogne! Celebrating six months, to the day, (3rd Feb -3rd August) my last chemotherapy treatment. Having rung the end of treatment bell, I remain cancer free. Approaching Boulonge Harbour. Caught by Gendarmerie. After paddling 22.6 miles from Dungeness, a high-speed motorboat with its blue light flashing; crewed by armed  Maritime Gendarmrie intercepted us; we were a mere 200 metres from Boulonge’s Harbour entrance. Gendarmrie – You don’t look like migrants going the wrong way; so what are you doing? Our response – It…