The Furry Monkey

03 april 06
rlhh, london

This used to be really good and I was pleased they ran to time and it was all very impressive. That was when they were in the old 'portacabins' until the hospital was refurbished at a cost of millions of pounds.

Now it's done it's a total nightmare, nothing runs on time but the transport is still good which is something. Everyone moans about the clinic always being late and when it's your turn apparently you were late even though we'd all been sitting there for over an hour!!!

Anyway, we had a chat about how things were going and what problems were around at the moment and he's given me another prescription to get. It's all paying out money at the moment.

06 april 06
physiotherapy, london

Getting pretty regular now and more bandaging as normal. It helps, I just wish there was something you could buy that wouldn't take your skin off at the same time. It wouldn't train your body to do things then though would it as you would rely on it instead.

08/09 APRIL 06
WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT, TOWCESTER

This is fun! Mind you it was so hot when we started out but at the racecourse it was SOOOOO cold. We registered and got our 'Goody Bag' which was a bit smaller this time and didn't even have a pen in it. The sticker this year had changed design too so now it doesn't match the others. It stands out though which is the main thing. I know when we're parked up people always stop and read our bonnet now about the last event.

We were going to do the Off Road Event but John's hands were playing up and he didn't think he'd be able to do it so he had a quick walk around the trade stands whilst Mum and i found a Ladies. He had a couple of things but wouldn't tell us what they were so we'll have to wait.

I picked up a 4x4 magazine that was being handed out by the Ladies (not the Gents strangely enough!) and gave it to John for night time reading later. We then took some photos and then went to find our Travelodge. We can't camp like some of the others as we just can't get on the floor, or back up again!!! We got a special deal so it was better than camping!

Eventually we found it as they'd sent an email saying where it was but no map. It was near to an American Diner and Petrol Station which was handy. John had one room and Mum amd I shared the other. It had a double bed and a double sofa bed that was huge so we were OK. They are basic, but fine for one night.

The next day we got ourselves ready and then packed up our bags ready for the BIG DAY. It was colder today so I was glad I'd kept my coat on....still got cold but at least we could warm up. We went to have a hot coffee and breakfast in the cafe. Parked a couple of cars away was another Land Rover with a Clyde on it (I have a monkey - one of many I know - called Clyde and it's the same as him so they are all Clyde's if you see what I mean!). It was good to see so many monkeys around the place.

Tom (the orgnaiser) had sent out a Sponsor Form with every information pack, which I didn't know about so we were hoping to get some more money in for the charities that way, I was having my legs bandaged daily so hadn't had the time - or energy - as last time to get sponsors so much.

We parked the car up and started to decorate it, balloons, banners, flags, monkeys, bunting, signs you name it and it was on there. We then had to go and get in the Parade Queues - it had taken longer than we thought - probably we were slower than last time to be more honest.

John decided this time not to go to the Drivers Meeting as it was pretty straight forward, just follow the car in front, if anything goes wrong pull over, don't let anyone in between you and the car in front, wave to the cameras!!!!

It took ages to finally get going, but off we went, it sure is a sight to behold all these Land Rovers (and other marques this time too) in a queue going round Racecourse roads to the country lanes, passing the cottages and waving to people outside looking at us all until we finally got to the A43.

We didn't think it was organised as well as it could've been with the actual road trip - the speeds varied a lot from extremely fast to a standstill. Not good with huge 5' x 3' flags in the wind. We lost one, well almost, it broke, John had to get out and break it off and then we decided to take the other one down too. It was not good with the stop/start slow/fast thing going on. There should be - in our eyes anyway - a marshall at the front keeping the speed continuous along the way, with others at the rear and also some driving along the line making sure there are no problems. I know it's a main road but it could be done. Also why was there no police controlling anything? Around our way even if there is a small cycle ride they have police therel

Still we did it, and made our way back to the Racecourse. We went to the Registration Office to find our photos only to find there were no photos there this time. It's going to be on a website after the event. Last time we didn't even get our photo even though we took park, a real shame.

However we got our certificate and was really pleased to have done it all again. It's a good fun event and we enjoy it and raise money at the same time. It all helps the charities, many of whom get no help at all apart from donations.

UPDATE:
I had a letter from Tom McGuigan (Organiser of the event) and he had enclosed some sponsor forms....and loads of money!!! It was a lovely surpise and the Furry Monkey now has his own bank account. It was so strange opening that accout I can tell you. He has his own cheque book and paying in book so can get the bus to town and put them in himself now!!! LOL!!!!

13 april 06
Ashford Hospital....mmmm!

As you all know I am not keen on this hospital but it easier to park here than the other one in the Trust so we went here instead. The reason for the appointment is that I've had severe problems with m left hand and saw the Doc and she said I needed an x-ray and blood test. It's amazing how little the blood test bothers me now after all the ones I've had. I dread to think how many needles have gone in my arms/hands/wrists/etc.

It's supposed to take 2 weeks for the results. In London hospitals when I go I take the x-rays with me to see the consultant that day! How different hospitals are, you'd think the would all be the same.

18th april 06

You'll never guess what I've been on.....go on...try.....no?? A submarine!!! Amazing. It can take disabled people but they were concerned at the stick going down some of the holes in the floor but I did OK and could sit down in several parts of the submarine whilst the tour guide did his talk. He sailed in the submarine during his stint in the Royal Navy....very interesting man to talk to.

We had a drink and sandwich in the cafe and a nice long rest and also along the way as there are lots of seats which is good.

21 april 06
macmillan bus comes to us....

The Macmillan Bus is on it's tour of the South East and came to us. It was very interesting and had loads of information. We (CREST and TACT) had our leaflets on the bus in the local area which was good. It is very friendly and approachable, cancer is still a scary word out there although it is more in the open now than before as it is becoming more and more common.

26 april 06
mayors dinner event

Auntie Rita and I went to this event as it is the last event for the Mayor and she is raising money for CREST. It was very enjoyable and the dinner was delicious. I was a bit concerned at spices on some of them but I coped as it wasn't too spicy. I have to watch out for these things and sometimes forget when ordering.