Hello there!!!!
It has been a long time since my last post for which I must apologise, my uni work has been taking over!!!!!!!
But what it does mean is that I have lots to tell you about now!!
On the fatful day when England went out the of the world cup I managed to avoid the misery by walking around Portland!!!
Meg and I hiked around the island with a pack (not full) and stayed to our pace of 3mph. It was very hot and we both struggled a little especially towards the end. We are both glad that we are going in september.
I have been raising the awanress of the walk while I have been away as well. I now have a radio interview tommorow on BBC Somerset with the loverly Emma Britton. I will try and post a link to the show after it is done so anyone who missed it can hear it. I should be on just after 10 on 95.5FM!
I also have intrest from ITV West news!!! Dont know what interest but its still good news. The Somerset Standard are also writing an article about the Walk!!!! The more interest I get the more people can learn about the amazing things that can be achieved by donating blood!!!!
I have also a rough daily route planned for the walk and will get a more detailed one posted on here soon.
Got to dash but keep posted
Do something amazing.....Give Blood!!!!
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Monday, 26 July 2010
My Apologies!!!!!
I would like to make an apology to anyone who has made a monatory donation to the Walk For Blood with the impression that the money was going to the National Blood Service. All donations raised were towards the kit needed for Meg and I to complete the walk and raise the awarness of Blood Donation, a fact I tried to make clear to anyone who did donate. If this was not made clear to you I apologise.
Thank you for your continuing support for the Walk for Blood and the importance of blood donation.
Thank you for your continuing support for the Walk for Blood and the importance of blood donation.
Monday, 5 July 2010
Thank You!!
A big thank you to the Holisticvet in Bath who has supplied Meg with her very own first aid kit!!!!!!
Thursday, 24 June 2010
24/06/2010
An early start to get ready for an 8/10 mile walk.
The day was slightly cooler than tuesday so I wore jeans. The stinging nettles were not going to get me this time!!!
The route now in my mind was much easier than last time, I failed to get lost and found all those paths that I failed to find the first time around, whoops.
Shin splints were an issue to start with, again the issue came from starting the walk on tarmac. The pain is unreal but I carry on. My legs are still a bit tight now, need to keep stretching them out. This could become a real issue but I am hoping to get it sorted b4 the big walk.
I managed to complete the walk hitting an average speed of 3.3mph which I was pleased with. Another few walks like this and I will increase the weight in my pack.
Keep tuned for more on my training
The day was slightly cooler than tuesday so I wore jeans. The stinging nettles were not going to get me this time!!!
The route now in my mind was much easier than last time, I failed to get lost and found all those paths that I failed to find the first time around, whoops.
Shin splints were an issue to start with, again the issue came from starting the walk on tarmac. The pain is unreal but I carry on. My legs are still a bit tight now, need to keep stretching them out. This could become a real issue but I am hoping to get it sorted b4 the big walk.
I managed to complete the walk hitting an average speed of 3.3mph which I was pleased with. Another few walks like this and I will increase the weight in my pack.
Keep tuned for more on my training
23/6/2010
Not a big walk today just a quick march back from Leigh-on-Mendip after dropping my car off for an MOT!! No dog just my pack, shin splints quite bad because of all the road walking but soon went away.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
22/06/2010
Today saw Meg and I undertake a longer training walk than usual. Up until now we had been walking around 5 miles, today we were going to do 8 (thats what it said on the route plan any way!!!).
Starting off early in the morning to avoid the heat that was forcast to come and to allow me to work after the walk we set off. My pack was only filled with blankets and my platapuss (donated by Amie Watts). Meg was attached to my leg using the new leg leader lead that I was trying out.
We managed to set a good pace with very little problem with navigation. I was walking some very familiar roots.The sun was out in all its glory and it was clear it was going to be a nice day. Meg was her usual energetic self and wanted to be in front. The new legleader lead does remove the feelin of ones arm being pulled out of its socket but it does not stop her pulling. THough this habit will soon be broken if the box the lead came in is to be believed (yea right).
A large part of the walk was along a cycle path along a disused railway. Here I could let Meg off and she could spend some time exploring where she wanted to and it gave my leg a bit of a rest too. THe cycle path was easy going and gave us a chance to up our average speed. It is important that we make the most of the easy going sections of the walk so that we are able to stop and sort out boots, water and other business along the route without worrying about time.
It becam aparent while walking along the cycle path that the boot I was wearing (ex army issue) where in a word rubbish, I have the blisters to prove it. But I had to carry on.
The second half of the walk involved us getting lost on two occasions, one a simple fix, the other meant having to cover some of the hardest going terrain yet to have been walked by me and Meg, followed by the crossing of a river at the best location I could find.
Amazed to find my feet still dry aftert the river crossing we pushed on and walked into Mells. Once again I managed to have issues with non-existant foot path signs or paths but soon had us heading home. The nly issue being walking through lots of summer stinging nettles with 3/4 length shorts on, mmmmmmmmmmmm owch.
We soon found our selves back home, Meg ready to sit under the shade of her conifers and my self looking for the vinegar to put on my bright red legs (how many stinging nettle stings before they are fatal?!!!).
So the hard work has began. From now on I plan to build up the weight of my pack I carry doing the sam esort of distances so that I can get used to the weight gradually. So keep tuned for more adventures as Meg and I trian for our Walk For Blood!!!!
Starting off early in the morning to avoid the heat that was forcast to come and to allow me to work after the walk we set off. My pack was only filled with blankets and my platapuss (donated by Amie Watts). Meg was attached to my leg using the new leg leader lead that I was trying out.
We managed to set a good pace with very little problem with navigation. I was walking some very familiar roots.The sun was out in all its glory and it was clear it was going to be a nice day. Meg was her usual energetic self and wanted to be in front. The new legleader lead does remove the feelin of ones arm being pulled out of its socket but it does not stop her pulling. THough this habit will soon be broken if the box the lead came in is to be believed (yea right).
A large part of the walk was along a cycle path along a disused railway. Here I could let Meg off and she could spend some time exploring where she wanted to and it gave my leg a bit of a rest too. THe cycle path was easy going and gave us a chance to up our average speed. It is important that we make the most of the easy going sections of the walk so that we are able to stop and sort out boots, water and other business along the route without worrying about time.
It becam aparent while walking along the cycle path that the boot I was wearing (ex army issue) where in a word rubbish, I have the blisters to prove it. But I had to carry on.
The second half of the walk involved us getting lost on two occasions, one a simple fix, the other meant having to cover some of the hardest going terrain yet to have been walked by me and Meg, followed by the crossing of a river at the best location I could find.
Amazed to find my feet still dry aftert the river crossing we pushed on and walked into Mells. Once again I managed to have issues with non-existant foot path signs or paths but soon had us heading home. The nly issue being walking through lots of summer stinging nettles with 3/4 length shorts on, mmmmmmmmmmmm owch.
We soon found our selves back home, Meg ready to sit under the shade of her conifers and my self looking for the vinegar to put on my bright red legs (how many stinging nettle stings before they are fatal?!!!).
So the hard work has began. From now on I plan to build up the weight of my pack I carry doing the sam esort of distances so that I can get used to the weight gradually. So keep tuned for more adventures as Meg and I trian for our Walk For Blood!!!!
Monday, 21 June 2010
First Training Walk With Meg
This morning I got up early and had the intention of walking a 4mile walk or so with Meg in her new leg leader lead. The walk started fine but then we both ran in to problems. The footpaths were not that well marked or looked after. My legs have been stung to pieces and unfortunatley Meg was shocked by an electric fence as the path was too close. As a result of the electric fence making the walk difficult and risking Meg I decided to turn around. i didnt manage to finisht the walk, even so I learnt some important things.
Meg definatley slowed me down a little today, there are more stops and the new lead needs some work to make it comfortable. But I enjoyed being out with Meg in the nice weather.
Keep tuned for a map of my route and probably more complaints about land owners not marking or clearing the public rights of way on their land.
Meg definatley slowed me down a little today, there are more stops and the new lead needs some work to make it comfortable. But I enjoyed being out with Meg in the nice weather.
Keep tuned for a map of my route and probably more complaints about land owners not marking or clearing the public rights of way on their land.
Monday, 7 June 2010
First Day Walking!!!
I have made the desicion that my first day walking will not be a full 20mile day just so that we can iron out any kinks we may encounter before we undertake full 20mile days.
The day will start around 1200 at South Haven Point, Pool. We will then walk until we pass through Swanage where I will meet up with team members to check that all our equipment is working an that any problems we encounter can be dealt with. We will then walk a litle further until we reach Durlston Head where we shall stop for the day. This should be around mid-afternoon-early evening.
The idea is that Meg and I will get the chance to have an easy entry into the walk before starting the long distances the next day!!!!
Keep watching for maps and daily routines for the day coming soon!!!!!
The day will start around 1200 at South Haven Point, Pool. We will then walk until we pass through Swanage where I will meet up with team members to check that all our equipment is working an that any problems we encounter can be dealt with. We will then walk a litle further until we reach Durlston Head where we shall stop for the day. This should be around mid-afternoon-early evening.
The idea is that Meg and I will get the chance to have an easy entry into the walk before starting the long distances the next day!!!!
Keep watching for maps and daily routines for the day coming soon!!!!!
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Guitar or no Guitar, that is the question!!!!
I have been wandering if I should take my guitar along with me on my walk. I am playing for my sisters wedding towards the end of October and think that the time on the walk could be used for practising. So am wandering what to do.....anyone have any thoughts?!
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Watch Out Dog on the Net!!!
Meg is now online!!!!!!!!
It is now possible to follow Meg online as she prepares for the Walk for Blood.
Follow her on twitter (www.twitter.com/megwalkforblood)
Befriend her on Facebook (just search for Meg Watts or find her through the Walk for Blood Group Page)
Or just send her an email at megwatts2010@hotmail.co.uk!!!!!!!
She looks forward to hearing from you soon!!!
It is now possible to follow Meg online as she prepares for the Walk for Blood.
Follow her on twitter (www.twitter.com/megwalkforblood)
Befriend her on Facebook (just search for Meg Watts or find her through the Walk for Blood Group Page)
Or just send her an email at megwatts2010@hotmail.co.uk!!!!!!!
She looks forward to hearing from you soon!!!
Change of Start Date
After looking at our calander a little closer Meg and I have decided to change the start date of our walk from the 1st of September 2010 to the 30th of August 2010. This is a bank holiday Monday allowing people to come and wish us luck!!!! There will be more people around to be made aware of our walk and our cause!!!
So Walk for Blood will now start from South Haven Point in Poole on the 30/08/2010, it would be great to see you there!!!!
So Walk for Blood will now start from South Haven Point in Poole on the 30/08/2010, it would be great to see you there!!!!
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Amazing Stories - Nisa Karia
Just a way of life for Nisa
Nisa Karia, 30, was diagnosed with thalassaemia major when she was just five months old. This rare blood disorder means that she cannot produce normal haemoglobin for her red blood cells and so she relies on donated blood to survive.
"Growing up needing transfusions was hard for me, but really it was just part of life. I always tell myself that there are plenty of people out there who are worse off," she says.
Although Nisa has received 1,300 units of blood so far, and needs blood transfusions every three weeks, she has not let her condition stop her from realising her dream of working in London’s fashion industry, after graduating from Leeds University.
"Thanks to wonderful people who give blood I lead a full and active life and am looking forward to getting married next year."
For more amazing stories visit www.blood.co.uk
Nisa Karia, 30, was diagnosed with thalassaemia major when she was just five months old. This rare blood disorder means that she cannot produce normal haemoglobin for her red blood cells and so she relies on donated blood to survive.
"Growing up needing transfusions was hard for me, but really it was just part of life. I always tell myself that there are plenty of people out there who are worse off," she says.
Although Nisa has received 1,300 units of blood so far, and needs blood transfusions every three weeks, she has not let her condition stop her from realising her dream of working in London’s fashion industry, after graduating from Leeds University.
"Thanks to wonderful people who give blood I lead a full and active life and am looking forward to getting married next year."
For more amazing stories visit www.blood.co.uk
Monday, 10 May 2010
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Thank You!!!
A very big thank you to Amie Watts who has supplied me with a platapuss water bottle for our walk. Many Thanks Amie!!
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Support and Equipment In Kind
In order to start, let alone finish, our 630 mile long walk, Meg and I need a whole host of equipment. For example we need, tent (sharing a tent with a dog?!), sleeping bag (not sharing that with a dog!), food etc.
In order to auquire this equipment, Meg and I are looking for "In Kind" support from companies, friends, family and anyone who is willing to help us on our way, whether through loan of equipment or as a gift.
If you are willing and able to provide any of the equipment that we need for our endeavour we would be most greatful.A kit list can be seen here.
Support of any kind will be welcome, so please email me at razamataz2@hotmail.co.uk (we are working on getting Meg on the web and she will have her own email address soon!!!!). even enciuragement would be welcome!
Your support will help me and Meg to complete our walk and raise the awareness of blood donation and it's importance. We need you to help us make others aware of their potential to save lives!
See Kit List
In order to auquire this equipment, Meg and I are looking for "In Kind" support from companies, friends, family and anyone who is willing to help us on our way, whether through loan of equipment or as a gift.
If you are willing and able to provide any of the equipment that we need for our endeavour we would be most greatful.A kit list can be seen here.
Support of any kind will be welcome, so please email me at razamataz2@hotmail.co.uk (we are working on getting Meg on the web and she will have her own email address soon!!!!). even enciuragement would be welcome!
Your support will help me and Meg to complete our walk and raise the awareness of blood donation and it's importance. We need you to help us make others aware of their potential to save lives!
See Kit List
'I'll Sponsor You For Your Walk!!'
'I'll sponsor you for your walk!'
This is a common statement I hear when I tell people about mine and Meg's plans to walk the South West Coast Path. My responce is one that suprises most people.
My responce is one that suprises most people. Meg and I are not aiming to raise money from our walk. The walk is aimed at increasing blood donar numbers. Money is not what is needed, what is needed, is blood.
So those who offer to sponsor me and Meg money for our walk we thank them kindly but ask them if they would be willing to donate blood as their way of showing support to our cause.
We are walking the 630 miles of coast path to make potential life savers out of more and more people. We all have the potential to save lives, Meg and I just want to let people know the gift that they have.
This is a common statement I hear when I tell people about mine and Meg's plans to walk the South West Coast Path. My responce is one that suprises most people.
My responce is one that suprises most people. Meg and I are not aiming to raise money from our walk. The walk is aimed at increasing blood donar numbers. Money is not what is needed, what is needed, is blood.
So those who offer to sponsor me and Meg money for our walk we thank them kindly but ask them if they would be willing to donate blood as their way of showing support to our cause.
We are walking the 630 miles of coast path to make potential life savers out of more and more people. We all have the potential to save lives, Meg and I just want to let people know the gift that they have.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
630 miles........why?
Hi!!
My name is Ryan Watts. I am 22 years-old and am currently studying for my masters level degree. This autumn I plan on walking the South West Coast Path of Great Britain with my dog, Meg, to raise awarness of the importance of blood donation.
Last year my Grandmother passed away after suffering from leukaemia for two years. During these two years she suffered from anerurisms which almost cost her life. Thanks to many blood transfusions my Grandmother survived these anerurisms and got the opportunity to spend a little more treasured time with her family. Without the generosity of blood these transfusions would not have been possible.
I will be forever greatful to blood donars for allowing me to have as much time with my grandmother as possible. Despite the generosity of registered blood donars there is still need or more to come forwards.
This september, Meg and I are planning to walk the South West Coast Path of Great Britain to raise awarness of the importance of blood donation. Our hike will begin on the 1st of September at South Haven Point in Poole, meandering 630miles until we reach Minehead harbour on the 30th of September.
The aim of this walk is to raise people's awareness on the importance of blood donation. Everyone can be a potential life saver, giving someone in need the opportunity to enjoy more preciouse moments with their friends and families.
This blog will follow me and Meg as we train for the walk, documenting the ups and downs, the prperation and panic. The most important part of this blog is too show people the importnace of giving blood and how easily it can be done.
You could be a life saver, do something about it today!!
My name is Ryan Watts. I am 22 years-old and am currently studying for my masters level degree. This autumn I plan on walking the South West Coast Path of Great Britain with my dog, Meg, to raise awarness of the importance of blood donation.
Last year my Grandmother passed away after suffering from leukaemia for two years. During these two years she suffered from anerurisms which almost cost her life. Thanks to many blood transfusions my Grandmother survived these anerurisms and got the opportunity to spend a little more treasured time with her family. Without the generosity of blood these transfusions would not have been possible.
I will be forever greatful to blood donars for allowing me to have as much time with my grandmother as possible. Despite the generosity of registered blood donars there is still need or more to come forwards.
This september, Meg and I are planning to walk the South West Coast Path of Great Britain to raise awarness of the importance of blood donation. Our hike will begin on the 1st of September at South Haven Point in Poole, meandering 630miles until we reach Minehead harbour on the 30th of September.
The aim of this walk is to raise people's awareness on the importance of blood donation. Everyone can be a potential life saver, giving someone in need the opportunity to enjoy more preciouse moments with their friends and families.
This blog will follow me and Meg as we train for the walk, documenting the ups and downs, the prperation and panic. The most important part of this blog is too show people the importnace of giving blood and how easily it can be done.
You could be a life saver, do something about it today!!
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