The Blog today comes partly from Harry El Tawil, Jacks’ son, as they met the Ambulance in Chippenham and saw them through to Cirencester yesterday. He records how amazing the support in Malmesbury was – it sounds as though most of Wiltshire had crowded in – well done Melksham - I can’t tell you how much it boosts the team. When they met Bear Grylls in Cirencester, “Adam shook his hand EIGHT times before he even knew who he was!” – How to look like a celebrity eh? Anyway, they all carried on together towards Cheltenham with Mark Todd on one horse and Beat Grylls on another. It was a proper star-studded few miles! There were two other stars as far as Harry is concerned as two very kind ladies put real ‘notes’ into the bucket.
Today they have been through beautiful Shropshire and onwards. They were met by the Mayor in Shrewsbury where Matt spoke to him at length about their adventure so far. And the children were out in force which is credit to the schools as well as the children in bolstering the crew. The numbers throughout have been fabulous and today I dare say everyone had a part in the better weather. All your support before they get to these places is getting through. Thank you!
The horses are playing a very important part in this venture and we must remember that they too are the heroes. I won’t talk about them all today, but a few at a time will allow you to get to know them:
‘Caz’ is a beautiful, big horse whom Mick usually rides. Horse and rider are Western Riding Competitors. ‘Caz’ created a role fo himself at a visit to Tescos early on in the trip. He stood right at the entrance alongside the plastic slot-money rides that you usually see and became the ultimate ride himself as children were lifted on and off, and off and on while he stood there unphased.
Then ‘Patches’ who belongs to Selina and Craig Dalby. She is seen regularly trotting around Bromham, swishing her tail. And when she’s on tour… she’s visibly strutting herself, directly behind the Ambulance so as not to miss anything!
Something we might not realise is that although all the horses are fit, when the horses pulling the carriage trot they set the pace. It’s quite something for the horses following to keep up.
I joined you from Church Stretton to All Stretton today. Although we were all disapointed you didn’t stop, we understand why. Have a safe onward journey.
it would be good to know how much you have collected so far.
We only caught a fleeting glimpse of you as you made your way through All Stretton, Shropshire this Friday lunchtime but felt such pride and wish you all a safe continuation of your long journey. We read all the incoming reports and know that this will be an historical endeavour with an amazing outcome. Tonight you are pictured on the front of the shropshire Star. Bravo.All the best from Cyril and Rachel and Daphne.
Hope to see you just past the roundabout at crooklands on the A65 heading to kendal, will be dashing down there from Sedbergh after doing a flag day for the R.S.P.C.A. would like to donate a little of my own cash for you! Good Luck Christine
i was so glad i made the effort to see yourselves.
i was at the layby at stokesay before craven arms and was lucky enough to get a picture of the ambulance and horse’s with a field of poppies behind.
As i departed before your selves it was amaving to see the support for you in craven Arms. I hope the weather brightens for you.
Followed you from Whitchurch to Tarporley fantastic. The Friesians where wonderful but watch out for the Gelderlanders if you blink you’ll miss them !!!
Good luck to you all, hope the weather improves and you get your times.
Fantastic to see you at Shrewsbury. What a brilliant sight to see you come in to the park by the lorry? You are all doing an amazing job! As a carriage driving group all the Perry volunteers came along to support you and wish you well. Keep up the good work
Came along to support you with my friend June and my mum Lucy to Shrewsbury livestock market where you changed over the horses before setting off to Whitchurch. We felt very priveleged to have met and chatted with you all. We wish you a safe and successful onward journey and Good Luck in all that you do in the future. You are inspirational!
I was in Craven Arms on Friday to wish the endeavour well and it was heartwarming to see how many people of all ages had turned out – and who waited cheerfully until you trotted through to loud applause well behind schedule at about 11.00am. It was one of those occasions that reaffirms ones faith in humanity. Touching and exhilerating. It is an extraordinary endeavour and I am with you all the way. Fiona
I’m a HGV driver and was driving up the A49 heading for home in Chester, when I hit a traffic jam. Straight away the thought was “Some idiot’s caused an accident”. (Or words to that effect). When I got nearer I saw that you were parked up in a layby on the left & the slow moving traffic was everyone slowing down to look at you all. Your very welcome to caause a traffic jam at any time, Great work, It brought things into perspective “So slow traffic, at least I will be able to get home”
God speed, well done and good luck
great to see you at 6am in euxton changing horses wishing you well for the rest of the challenge rang rock fm radio station and got you a mention plus website for donations louise
Met the team at Prees Heath, had several photos taken with the team.
Having served 14 years in green kit, and managed to leave with the same number of limbs that I joined with. The can do attitude of the injured service man is an inspiration.
Good luck and godspeed to you all.
Mike