Alan Gandy

Most people who know me will be aware that in February of 2011 I walked from the North to the South of the island (71.3 km) and in doing so managed to raise some money for charity. I didn’t particularly set out to do this in aid of charity but thought whilst I was doing it I might as well see if I could get some sponsorship.

In total it raised  £1305.67 for two charities, Niños del Tercer Mundo – a charity based on the island which funds projects in the third world, and the Rose Road Association – based in the UK, who provide services to severely disabled children and their families. I’m really proud to have been able to help both of these fantastic organizations.

When I got back, quite a few people asked me, “What next” ? Most suggesting Iron Man – not a chance, not for me, I would have considered it but, but there are two big reasons that I couldn’t do it even if I wanted to;

1. I don’t particularly like running, plus after playing squash for a number of years my knees wouldn’t take it.

2. Perhaps more challenging for me; I can barely swim! Read the rest of this entry »

I know it’s early days yet, but I thought I’d get the ball rolling – and ask you for some ideas for fund raising…

Of course I’d love you to donate to the charities either before, during or after the walk via the Just Giving site. However I’m very aware how bloody annoying it can be getting hit up for every charity and every sponsored event going – so I make the promise that I will not ask anyone directly. Donating to charity is a personal choice, and I very much respect that. Read the rest of this entry »

A massive thank you to the following people and businesses who are helping or have helped so far with my Siete Islas charity walk…

David White, the Managing Director of AxiaFX – one of the currency exchange companies we use from time-to-time who has very kindly covered my equipment and travel expenses. You may find it interesting to know that David is a Trustee of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and he has a strong belief in education through sport.

Mitch Mitchell, the well known personal trainer in Lanzarote who is helping me with training for the walk and has designed a training program for me. His support and enthusiasm is a fantastic motivator!

Jo and Lou from Balan Sports for once again giving me some fantastic t-shirts for the event. If you’re looking for branded corporate gear or sportswear Jo and Lou are the girls!

Elle, for letting me have the time off from our business, Gandy-Draper, to indulge myself!

Rachael from ez-translation.com for assistance with English to Spanish translation on this site.

Everyone who donated and helped with my Lanzarote walk in Feb 2011, that support and generosity has helped me reach the decision to have another go at something! Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve been waiting anxiously for my new boots to arrive. I know to many this wouldn’t be that exciting, but it is to me…

These are the boots that I’m planning to carry me across the Siete Islas in spring!

Having looked around the island to buy a pair, I really couldn’t find anything I felt was right for the task, so nervously ordered them from Berghaus.com after checking their international delivery arrangements. I had really wanted to feel the boots on given their purpose, but also couldn’t afford to take any chances with those I could find on the island – I really needed something well made by a reputable brand.

Beghaus have a good replacement policy, which gave me some peace of mind had the size not been quite right. Having tried them on now, thankfully (I could do without the hassle of getting replacements) the sizing is perfect. They are well made, very light, ideal for the climate here, and look more than up to the task, and at around the hundred pound mark I think good value.

However, here’s the rub – Berghaus, you really need to get your customer service department sorted out! Living in a not VAT zone I checked by email before ordering that a VAT refund would not be a problem. I was assured not. After placing the order I have sent several emails without response to request the refund – no replies. I’ve phoned, and a very nice girl assured me it would be resolved. A couple of emails later and after hassling them on Twitter – still no refund.

Great boots, good value, but sub-standard service! Read the rest of this entry »

It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of Twitter, but of late I’ve conceded and started using it – largely because I can feed it elsewhere and it doesn’t require much attention – and it’s another means of getting the message out when I do my next charity walk in the spring.

However I am, and always have been, a massive fan of Dragon’s Den (followed it since the first series and would list it amongst my favourite shows) and despite my own policy of not following ‘celebs’ decided to have a look at what they are up to. Let’s be honest about Twitter – for most of us ‘mere mortals’, I stand by my previous statements, it’s pretty pointless for anything other than observing. For celebrities and news organisations who naturally draw followers it’s a great way to get their message out – and only the real weirdos and Twitter Geeks expect any kind of interaction.

To be fair the Dragons have entertained me, have some interesting things to say – and all have very noticeable styles. Here’s my take on that: Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve gone and done it again! Another doggy sob story, and after being plied (strategically) with wine by Elle I uttered those fatal words – “Tell me about this puppy”…?

Of course, by yesterday afternoon we were on our way to collect him. Here’s the latest addition to our COMPLETED family – Billy the Boxer. No more – three is more than enough! If I ever think of using the phrase again will someone please shoot me!

One of the appalling things about living on this island is that there are so many dogs mistreated and abandoned. Often by expats who arrive with their rose tinted glasses still on, who just rush into getting a puppy or kitten long before they have created any personal stability. Some, on failing to settle themselves, just abandon or dump their animals on the already over-stretched shelters.

We were horrified when we heard about this little chap – only twelve weeks or so old the people who had him can only have had him a few weeks. He was found by a friend of ours totally abandoned in the garden of a property he was renting to them. No water, little food, no shelter and they had pissed off to the UK just leaving him outside! Read the rest of this entry »

For the first time since the anniversary of Armistice Day has been used to commemorate those lost to war the 11th of November in 2011 will fall on a palindromic date – and won’t do so again for another 100 years.

They shall grow not old,
As we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them.

Visit The Royal British Legion

Read the rest of this entry »

As part of the training for my walk of all seven of the main islands that make up the archipelagos next spring I’ve been working with Mitch Mitchell on getting my fitness levels sorted out having let myself go the last few years! After my last session with Mitch I felt like I’d taken a beating when the next day came along!

But, by way of accidental encouragement recently, I bumped into a friend in our local supermarket who said, “You’re looking fit”. (I’m sure he meant ‘fitter’, and was politely over stating!). Coming from someone who does actually know what they are talking about, I was rather pleased to hear that the efforts I am making (with much help and gentle encouragement from Mitch) may have made a visible difference, even so early on in the process. Read the rest of this entry »

For quite a long time now I’ve been resisting the temptation to go down the smart phone route, based on the principle that as I spend much of my day – most days – sat in front of a screen, the last thing I need is email beeping away in my pocket! I’ve always been quite happy with a phone being just that, a phone!

Yes, I’m well aware I don’t have to set-up email on a phone, but simply having a browser to hand constantly presents a major temptation. Given the walk I’m planning – it seemed to make sense to finally give in. This decision being based on the principle that having a smart phone will allow me not to have to carry, a sat-nav, a phone, and a camera. The Galaxy I’ve now got is a fraction of the weight! Read the rest of this entry »

As a result of my latest and forthcoming ‘expedition’ – walking across, up or around the seven main islands that make up the Canary Islands I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Christopher David. Christopher along with his wife Gill and a number of other prominent Lanzarote residents founded Niños del Tercer Mundo, and is the current Chairman of the charity.

Meeting Christopher was an absolute pleasure. He’s such a lovely man and he and his wife Gill (who sadly passed away last year) have selflessly given their time to help others since retiring to Lanzarote  in 1995, having owned a place been regular visitors since the mid-80s. Niños del Tercer Mundo came about after their involvement with a project providing one room schools in Ecuador – and Christopher has not helping people since stopped since…  He is not – I am sure he will not mind me saying – a young man, yet still continues to dedicate his time to making the lives of others better. The world would be a much better place if it had more people like Christopher in it! Read the rest of this entry »