Alan Gandy

Archive for the ‘Personal Stuff’ Category

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 »

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 »

Not an excuse - it bloody hurts!

Having enrolled the help of personal trainer Mitch – I have to admit to not getting off to the best of starts! Partially my fault, partially plain old bad luck.

Having met Mitch initially about a month ago he set me a couple of relatively simple tasks, and asked me to keep a food diary. I met him again last week to be greeted by a smile as he handed me the food diary I’d sent him. He explained that he had marked the food diary with a note – containing words to the effect of “Normally I highlight the bad things my clients eat – in this case – to save time – I’ve marked yours with the good stuff”!

I have been a good with the walking though in the meantime, and have come to the conclusion that I am at least doing more mileage on foot than I have been by car since our firsts meeting. The dogs are loving it of course.

The upside of the food diary comment being that it shouldn’t be hard to impress  with at least some improvement by our next meeting. Despite the difficulties of my current lifestyle and movements, I can at least squeeze in a couple of salads for next time! Read the rest of this entry »

February 2011

People who read this site regularly will likely be aware of the walk I did from the north to the south of the island. From which I managed to raise a total of £1305.67 (including gift aid) via the Just Giving website, which has since been distributed to Niños del Tercer Mundo and the Rose Road Centre and is now being put to good use in support of both of their great works!

The first question I was asked after completing that walk was what next. At that time I hadn’t even thought about what next, I wasn’t even sure there would be a next time as the walk was just something I had wanted to do for my own reasons. Also at the time I got an email from our friend Geoff Holt who – to paraphrase – said to me “I bet you’ve got the bug now haven’t you”? It seems he was right. Raising the money for these extremely fantastic causes was perhaps one of the most satisfying things I have ever done.

Now I have a new plan. I’m not saying what exactly just yet for a several reasons – clearly I have to top what I did last time… Read the rest of this entry »

The Just Giving page set up for the recent walk I did to raise money for, I happy to say, has topped at out just over £1300 for the two very deserving charities – Niños del Tercer Mundo and The Rose Road Centre.

I’m very proud to be associated with both of these charities and also planning on helping them both more in the future whenever I am able. Read the rest of this entry »

So it’s the Monday after the weekend before and I’m feeling so much better than I expected I would after walking the 70 plus kilometres from Orzola to the lighthouse at Playa Blanca. The blisters  healing quickly and hardly a twinge from my legs and back.

Just before setting off

As I’ve written before, the walk is something I’ve had in mind for some time. And I have to say, despite the blistered feet and inevitable aching legs I really, really enjoyed the experience. I wanted to take some time out, clear my head.

It was hard work to do – but incredibly rewarding. It’s given some perspective to life here, and highlighted to me some of the good (and bad) things. I’m not turning into a hippy or anything – so don’t worry I’ve not come out of it a changed man – it just adds some clarity.

Starting early and getting ready about 4am, I was carrying my stuff downstairs and nearly took a tumble missing a step on the corner where our staircase turns. I didn’t know if I should read it as a sign – was it a sign? Was it telling me I shouldn’t do this? Or was it that the very fact I had failed to tumble down the stairs a sign that I was meant to do it? Actually, as I’m not one for signs, I ignored it as such – the only thought that went through my head was “Sh*t, that was lucky, how would it look to everyone if I’d cried off with a twisted ankle or broken leg before I even start”! Read the rest of this entry »

I asked Neil at Rose Road to give a little more information ‘from the horses mouth’, so to speak, about how the money raised through their fundraising are put to good use. I got this extremely nice message of support this morning… Thanks Neil – it’s an honour to be able to help you out in my own small way!

Hi everyone, I’m Neil Wilson the Fundraising Director at Rose Road and can I thank everyone who has supported Alan’s charity walk so far, it really does mean a lot to the children and families who we work with. We have been supporting children with the most complex disabilities for almost 60 years but 2011 is proving particularly difficult as it is for many people. The cuts to budgets are now being felt in the UK and we are doing all we can to protect frontline services even as our fundraising income comes under strain.

The money you donate will help fund respite and care in the community, services which are of vital importance if you have a son or daughter who may be blind and deaf, who may be autistic or epileptic, or have neurological problems linked to digestion and movement. Our children are very special and we aim to ensure they are able to fulfil their potential in life, and offer help for parents and families when challenges arise. Please support Alan’s walk and thank you once again for your generosity.

Neil Wilson

Thanks for the support Neil!

You can find out more about Rose Road and the fantastic work they do via their website at www.roseroad.org.uk. And, of course if you want to sponsor my walk on Friday – do click on the banner below!

In addition to being able to make a donation through JustGiving, you can now sponsor me for my north to south walk in the ‘traditional sense’ at the following places on the island… Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve just got back from the land of snow, darkness and airport chaos… And on the last day at my dad’s place a package arrived for me.

Inside were two t-shirts designed and mad up by the lovely Lou and Jo at Balan Sports. Seems Lou had taken it upon herself to provide me with them for when I do the walk on the 4th of February next year (which put that way sounds so much further away than it is!).

Here’s an unashamed plug for them! Balan Sports provide custom made branded and promotional leisure wear, work wear and sports clothing as well as trophies and all the other sporting paraphernalia you might expect. They supply throughout the UK and can ship internationally (subject to shipping charges of course).

Thank you girls!