Team Bader before the race (but after the doughnuts). From left to right, Sophie Delderfield, Emma Rance, Ellen Doyle (soon to be Delderfield) with Tessa Barfield standing just behind Thunderbolt and Lightning

Among the 15,000 women who lined up at the start of the Adidas Womens 5k Challenge at 11.00am on Sunday 11 September in Hyde Park, London, were six brave beauties who have so far raised over £600.00 for the Douglas Bader Foundation.

Bader vets, Jess Delderfield and her sister Jill Jeffery, along with two of Jess’s daughters, Tessa and Sophie were joined this year by daughter-in-law elect Ellen (Ellen has now been part of the Delderfield clan for some 25 years one way or another, but paperwork and formalities are not due to be finalised until July 2012!!). This was Ellen’s first ever race since finishing a credible second in the year three egg and spoon race at Tring School some years back.

This year Team Bader has been privileged to have another virgin Bader runner in the shape of family friend Emma Rance who mistakenly thought that when she signed up for a ladies only event it was a hen night!! Ellen and Emma finished their race in a very credible 33 minutes and so enjoyed the experience that they have already signed up to join Team Bader in the 2012 British 10k Road Race next July.

Seasoned athletes and sisters, Tessa Barfield and Sophie Delderfield both put up very good race times although neither achieved their best probably due to the conditions and the curry the night before. Mother of two, Tessa completed the race in 26 minutes whilst despite not being quite as fast this year, her 20min 50sec time put Sophie in a magnificent 37^th place.

Bringing up the rear of Team Bader were our two Bader Seniors, Jill Jeffery and her elder sister Jess Delderfield. Both have been fantastic supporters and fund raisers in these events for many years now and are always looking forward to the next event. After the race Jill said that she was rather disappointed with her time and “I know that if I had started earlier I could have finished sooner!!!”

The picture at the top shows Team Bader before the start having just had coffees and doughnuts at the Lido Café in Hyde Park. They are, from left to right, Sophie Delderfield, Emma Rance, Ellen Doyle (soon to be Delderfield) with Tessa Delderfield standing just behind Thunderbolt and Lightning. (Sadly, after having been vetted by the website moderator, we were not allowed to publish the photograph taken at the end of the race in case it frightened some of our younger viewers or those of a nervous disposition!!).

You will gather that whether a serious runner or just wanting to take part and help the charity raise some funds, everyone has a great morning with lots of laughs. Everyone at the Foundation is indebted to the girls of “TEAM BADER” and grateful to each of them for their loyal support and fund raising effort on behalf of the charity.

Keith Delderfield

* If you would like to be part of “THE TEAM” at future events, then contact Keith on 07831 596015*

Emma Rance and Ellen Doyle (soon to be Delderfield) see off the competition

Sophie sprints for the line

Tessa sees the finish in sight

Bader Seniors Jess and Jill surge past the field

Here is a report by Keith Delderfield, himself the veteran of several runs, who was there supporting his wife, Jess (who has the distinction of having competed in all ten of the London races) and the rest of the team.

HEAT NOT A PROBLEM FOR TEAM BADER

Despite being one of the hottest Sundays of the year in London, Sunday 11^th July didn’t present a problem to the members of TEAM BADER in the 2010 Asics British 10k London Run.

Just a few of the 27000

They joined a field of 27000 athletes ranging from elite International athletes to Fun Runners just doing their bit to raise money for their own favourite charity. Everyone had their own personal goals whether it was posting their best ever time, raising enormous sums for charity or just getting to the end in one piece. One thing was for sure, the atmosphere was undeniably fantastic as always and each of our TEAM BADER runners appeared to have enjoyed a super Sunday morning through the streets of London cheered all the way from the start at Hyde Park Corner to the finish on Whitehall by thousands of well wishers, supporters, family and friends.

We are indebted to everyone who supported our cause this year and hope that they will all be there on the start line on Sunday 10^th July 2011 – I am sure they will as most have run in the race many times now; our one newcomer to the event this year was Alan Dodington-Boyes although he is a veteran of Bader fund raising treks.

Our small but finely tuned team of elite athletes were:-

Katrina Christy, Graham Toms, Paul Layer, Keith Lebihan, Tessa Barfield, Vicky Edwards, Alan Dodington-Boyes, Jess Delderfield

If you would like to join us in 2011 and help raise a few pounds in much needed sponsorship then reserve you place now; we can’t guarantee the weather but we can guarantee that you will have a great morning, make some great new friends, be of great help to the charity with your sponsorship and get a cuppa & sticky bun at the end of your challenge!!

Register your interest at douglasbaderfdn@btinternet.com straight away!!

Graham Toms sprints gently under Hungerford Bridge

Jess Delderfield and Graham Toms

Jess enjoys her Sunday run!! She has competed in all ten of the London races

L-R Graham Toms (He hets in all the pictures) Katrina Christy, Jess Delderfield & Keith Lebihan

L-R Vicky Edwards, Graham Toms & Tessa Barfield

MANY CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR VALIANT EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF THE DOUGLAS BADER FOUNDATION!

Adam Layer accompanies Phil Packer on Mile 4. Photo: Robert Pascall

Phil had come up with the amazing concept of “26″; 26 Miles for 26 Charities in 26 Hours, and the Douglas Bader Foundation was honoured and delighted to have been nominated as one of his 26 charities. The DBF representative, 18 year old Adam Layer, walked Mile 4 with Major Packer and then joined the other 25 charity representatives to accompany him over the Finish Line. Congratulations to Adam and thanks to him for his ongoing support of the Douglas Bader Foundation. We couldn’t have wished for a better nominee and were proud have him as the charity’s representative.

Major Packer used his time with each charity nominee to learn more about them and their individual situations so that he could gather information to help with his hugely ambitious next project; the creation of a multi-million pound British Centre of Excellence. Phil’s aspiration is to provide a residential retreat for disadvantaged young people where he hopes they will be able to gain inspiration and hope for the future. You can learn more about this from Phil’s Website by clicking on this link.

We will be publishing more on Phil’s amazing achievement over the next couple of days and hope to have photographs coming in soon but, for now, we just wanted to congratulate him and to thank him for supporting the Douglas Bader Foundation in true Bader spirit.

Adam Layer and Phil Packer having completed Mile 4. Photo: Robert Pascall

Adam Layer, the Douglas Bader Representative who walked MILE 4 with Major Packer sent this comment:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend in London for the Virgin Money London Marathon and, in particular, representing The Douglas Bader Foundation and walking mile 4 with Phil Packer it was a fantastic experience that I will never forget and I’d like to thank everyone who made it possible and supported us for that mile. Walking for that mile, Phil’s focus was to find out as much as possible about me and also about the Foundation which was brilliant and along with the comments and cheers of encouragement received from the spectators, photographers and reporters the whole adventure was just so memorable

For the last 365 yards of the Marathon, all 26 support walkers (one from each of the charities that Phil had chosen to support) joined Phil, which was a wonderful chance to meet up with other young people who had met their own personal challenges. Following the 0.2 miles and a flurry of press, I was presented a certificate and t-shirt by Richard Branson’s daughter who had completed the marathon as part of a caterpillar the day before.

I hope that by parading the Douglas Bader Foundation logo through Woolwich and also down the Mall, I and my small army of supporters, have raised the profile of a small but purposeful and very focussed charity.

Where to go from here? Well I’d like to think I can continue to support the DBF and hope to get involved in some of the activities, particularly the flying days and the latest Bader Braves activity weekend.”

The Douglas Bader Foundation was enormously proud to have you represent us, Adam, and look forward to working with you in the future. We are very grateful for your ongoing support.

WELL DONE, PHIL AND ADAM, AND THANK YOU. AN AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT!

You can click HERE to see a Sky News interview with Phil Packer during his DBF Mile 4 with Adam Layer.

We will bring more News Items and photographs as they come in so keep watching this space.

The Amputee Games 2009 was another resounding success and you can now read about it by clicking the link below.

Report on the Amputee Games 2009 for Boost Charitable Trust

We will be publishing the results as they arrive so do please keep checking the Website or, for more information, contact John Southwick, the tournament organiser:  http://www.golfworldwideholidays.com/Contact.html or visit his Website: http://www.golfworldwideholidays.com/

A very big thank you to all those who took part and supported both events. We hope those of you who didn’t win this time enjoyed competing (despite the rain in many cases) and will have another go next year! Many congratulations to the winners. We hope you will all enjoy the finals in November.

The Bader Cup

The Finals of The Bader Cup will be played at The Alamos Golf Course, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal between November 8th – 12th and we are again deeply grateful for the generosity of our fantastic sponsors, Monarch Airlines, the Tivoli Lagos Hotel,  and Morgado do Reguengo.

Please go to the Bader Cup Regional Finals Results – 2009 page for links to the results.

The Desert Springs ‘Golf 4 Women’ Salver

The Finals of the Desert Springs ‘Golf 4 Women’ Salver will be played at the Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club north of Almeria, Spain between November 15th – 19th and we are again deeply grateful for the generosity of our fantastic sponsors, Monarch Airlines and The Desert Springs Resort and Golf Club.

Please go to the Desert Springs ‘Golf 4 Women’ Salver – 2009 Regional Final Results Page for links to the results.

Without the generosity of all our sponsors, neither of these events would be possible and we are very grateful for their loyal support.

We are also, as always, very grateful to John Southwick, the Tournament Organiser, for his hard work and dedication. Without him the Tournaments wouldn’t happen at all.

We will keep you updated as plans develop so please watch this space for further information.

Please follow the link to see Louis’s letter.

Louis’s brother, Matthew Stephen, also sent in a very good drawing of a Nimrod.

Thank you very much, boys. We’re very glad that you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again. Who knows – maybe you’ll be taking the pilot up next time, Louis!

By all accounts it was a wonderful day and was very much enjoyed and appreciated by all concerned.

We are very grateful to Squadron Leader Carl Melen and all at RAF Kinloss, the participating pilots from the Moray Flying Club and Fulmar Gliding Club, the British Red Cross and everyone else involved for all their hard work and enthusiasm and for the trouble they all went to to make the day such a resounding success.

There will be more reports and photographs to follow (there is now a link to the RAF Website report at the bottom of this article). In the meantime, our thanks to RAF Kinloss for the use of this initial Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE

10 Aug 09

RAF Kinloss hosts first Scottish Bader Young Aviators Day.

Disabled children, their siblings and parents got a taste of life in the air at RAF Kinloss last Saturday (8 Aug) with the Douglas Bader Foundation. They were flown in light aircraft owned by the Moray Flying Club and Fulmar Gliding Club based in Moray with support from 201 Squadron – Guernsey’s Own at Kinloss.

This project is part of an ongoing programme of similar events aimed at providing physically disabled youngsters from 6-18 years of age with the opportunity of experiencing flight in a light aircraft.

Whilst waiting on their flight, children were entertained by the British Red Cross who’d brought along their rescue hovercraft.

Squadron Leader Carl Melen of 201 Sqn who organised the RAF side of the event said: “It was a great day out for all involved including the Squadron personnel and Moray Flying Club but most of all course for the children and their families. We are grateful to all who helped make the day such a success. Next year marks the centenary of Douglas Bader’s birth and we hope to make even more disabled children ‘aviators for the day’.

• Please click on the following link to read a report of the day and see some photographs on the RAF Website:

http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive.cfm?storyid=0A4514A6-5056-A318-A8CDF9848F3BA9EA

Andy`s British 10 km run on Sunday 12^th July

The start of the London 10k Run

First of all, I hope this article does not put anyone off the idea of doing a 10km run (!), but rather acts as some sort of small incentive to sign up for one next year and raise some funds for the Douglas Bader Foundation.

I was involved in a road traffic accident approx eight years ago. As a result of the accident, I lost my left leg below the knee. Over the years I`ve adapted pretty well and being an amputee has never prevented me from being able to do anything I`ve wanted to do. However great my previous legs had been, there was always a thought in the back of my mind, “if only I had a slightly better leg, I’d be able to run much more confidently….” With this in mind, I bucked up the courage in May to make an appointment with the consultant and physio at Roehampton. Much to my delight, they endorsed my request and work began in earnest to make the new leg that in the words of the consultant had a bit more “umph” and would make running easier.

I collected the new leg in early June and instantly felt like a liberated man with the ability to run all around Roehampton! In the midst of my joy, I noticed a poster in the corner of my eye advertising the British 10km run on Sunday 12^th July. Now being someone who quite likes a stretch target, I decided there and then that this is the challenge I needed, and so what if it only meant six weeks to get use to running again and with a new leg? I duly sent off the registration pack to Keith at the DBF and had “selective hearing” to any friends/family who suggested it may be sensible to get use to the leg and then contemplate a run in 2010. What a load of nonsense!

So my preparation began that weekend with runs around the nearby King George Park and the streets of Earlsfield. The truly pivotal moment was setting up the Just Giving web page for people to donate to the DBF. I had raised £1,000 in the first week and there really was no going back!

My training for the next four weeks consisted of a “two days on, one day off” routine with runs around different local parks and roads. Things were going well – I occasionally woke up the following morning with a few aches and pains and had a recurring issue with the stump sweating and consequently a gap appearing between the bottom of the stump and the silicone sock, leading to it twisting and irritating the skin – but it felt great to be up and running again. I was starting to feel comfortable with how the preparation was going and confident that I might even be able to complete it in one piece without the need for oxygen! By this stage, I was up to 7-8 km runs.

As luck would have it, I had also signed up to attend a day at Loughborough University on Saturday 27^th June organised by the University of Strathclyde and targeted at amputees with an interest in getting involved in sport. This was a great day with representatives from different amputee sports, the British Paralympics Association (BPA) together with a range of prosthetists and physios. I used this opportunity to question the specialists on the issue of my silicone sock (the solution being to cut up a cotton sock and put this immediately between the skin and silicone sleeve). This suggestion was hugely beneficial. I also asked the BPA physios to observe my running technique and suggest a few improvements. Once again, a few simple and easy to implement suggestions, such as keeping my feet slightly wider apart and bringing my legs up higher, made an instant improvement.

I returned to London in good spirits, bought a new pair of “proper running shoes” and got back to practicing on my by now familiar routes. But then disaster struck! Just seven days to go to the race and I took my leg of after a busy day at work to discover an enormous blister at the end of the stump. Talk about bad timing! By the next morning it was sore even to put the leg on and very difficult to walk on. It had become pretty obvious that there was no other alternative than a trip to see the nurse at work for a diagnosis. I got patched up with some plasters and told to not wear the leg for three days and to forget about any idea of running on Sunday.

The only option was to enter into negotiation with nurse and agree some sort of deal! We agreed on a compromise whereby I would take it “easy” until Friday with a view to running on Saturday only if everything was better and then run the race on the Sunday only if the above happened.

I (almost!) kept to my side of the bargain. I was up and running on the Saturday (if the nurse ever reads the article!) and once again feeling confident and looking forward to the run the following day.

I woke up on race day feeling relieved to see no blister, amazed that the weather looked set to be sunny for the whole day, and feeling optimistic about completing the run in one piece.

After about an hour or so waiting, it was finally time to start and the adrenalin kicked in! I completed the first couple of km`s in what felt like no time and then realised that there is probably a good reason why the other runners were pacing themselves! As I was contemplating a wee power walk, I heard an almighty “Go on Andy” from Keith at the DBF and did just as instructed! I was able to pace it a bit more in the Embankment loop and kept to a reasonable 6 minutes per km. I was genuinely motivated and inspired by the “good luck” and “come on” message from members of the public and other runners. It seemed like whenever I was about to walk for a while someone would shout, “come on” and I had no option but to keep on running!

I remember running past the 7km mark and thinking “easy”, all I have got to do now is get back to the end of Embankment, do the loop on Westminster Bridge and its virtually mission accomplished. I was still feeling pretty good as I got on to Westminster Bridge and then the blasted blister returned!

I was able to put up with the pain and discomfort for 1 km or so but as I passed the Houses of Parliament it was becoming worse and worse. Time for Plan B! I ended up skipping the last 1 km or so on one leg. It must have looked comical to other runners by this stage but their well wishes were particularly well received during this last phase of the run.

I limped (quite literally) over the finish line, took a well-deserved sit-down and clocked my race time at 55 minutes, 16 seconds, a pleasing time, especially given the drama of the last 2km!

I made my way to meet Keith and the other DBF runners at a café on the Strand. It was great to see how well the other runners did and see the dedication they had made in supporting the DBF.

As mentioned earlier, my Just Giving webpage proved to be very popular and the amount raised (£2,305 at the time of writing) continues to leave me speechless. I guess the story of the recovery from my accident must have inspired my family, friends and work colleagues to dig deep and support the DBF. A big thank-you to anyone who reads this article and sponsored me. Your generosity will make a real difference.

As I write this article some three weeks after the run, the 10 km run is a must for all of you. It’s a great opportunity to set yourself a target, achieve some fitness goals and raise some money for the DBF.

“a disabled person who fights back is not disabled … but inspired” This is the quote from Douglas Bader that inspired and kept me going during the six weeks training. I`ve set myself a new target of entering The Blenheim Palace triathlon on 5<sup>th</sup> June 2010. This “sprint” triathlon (750m swim, 28km bike ride and 5km run) sounds like a logical challenge to do next. My shopping mission for this weekend is to buy a new bicycle so that the training can start straight away! Once again, I`m entering the triathlon so that I can raise some funds for the DBF. Please get in touch and let me know if you have any good tips either for preparing for a triathlon, or for raising funds.

Andy

31^st July 2009

Hello All

We are now in the 3rd week of the 'Play Sport London' Summer Programme
providing free all inclusive sporting opportunities to Londoners.

This week Richmond Volleyball will be hosting SITTING volleyball from
7.00-8.30pm. Location Kingston College Arena.  The sitting volleyball
session will consist of fun structured introductory coaching sessions
and a mini tournament.

For more information and directions go to:

 <http://www.richmondvolleyball.co.uk/events/playsportlondon.shtml>
http://www.richmondvolleyball.co.uk/events/playsportlondon.shtml

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday 23rd July.

Kind regards

David

David Rijvers

Tele:        +44(0) 7779134007

Email:     dr@goldeneye7.freeserve.co.uk 

Web:     <http://www.richmondvolleyball.co.uk/>
www.richmondvolleyball.co.uk

Richmond Volleyball

UK Sports Club of the Year 2009

Accredited Clubmark Club under Volleyball England's Volley 1-2-3
programme

Affiliated to Volleyball England

Events Now and Coming Soon

Every Sat - Junior Development Centre (u14 to u17)

June/July - Richmond Summer League (9 weeks)

19th-24th July- Junior Summer Camp 8-12 years old (5 days)

26th-31st July - Junior Summer Camp 13-17 years old (5 days)

Sun 5th July - 4v4 Grand Slam Grass Series (1)

Sun 19th July - 4v4 Grand Slam Grass Series (2)

Sun 2nd Aug - 4v4 Grand Slam Grass Series (3)

Sun 16th Aug - 4v4 Grand Slam Grass Series (4)

29th Aug - Richmond Volleyball International Festival (3 days)

6th Sept - Richmond Cup

Sept/April - South London Volleyball League (6 Divisions - 38 teams)

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These are truly excellent events and those of you who missed it this year may like to note that plans are already underway for Disability Awareness Day 2010 which will be held on Sunday 11^th July at Walton Hall Gardens Warrington Cheshire (Off A56).

POST EVENT PRESS RELEASE

Disability Awareness Day 2009

The Northwest Disability Awareness Day (DAD) held on Sunday 12^th July has been hailed a “the biggest and best” in the 18 year history of this annual event. Organised by Warrington Disability Partnership, DAD 2009 attracted over 27,000 visitors from across the region and over 280 exhibitors from across the UK and Europe – two travelled in from Spain and Cyprus.

The event was the finale of a week consisting of 12 complementary events that attracted thousands of visitors including the Minister for Disabled People Jonathan Shaw, who praised the work of the team of volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the event. Mr Shaw added that “DAD typifies the strength, tenacity and flexibility of the voluntary sector”.  He also paid further praise to the joint work between the voluntary, statutory and private sectors in supporting the event as sponsors and exhibitors.

DAD is a unique event that has been developed around a pan disability exhibition and is supported by a performing arts marquee, sports area, main entertainments arena, a cinema, therapy marquee and children’s fun fair. The on-site cinema housed the “Slice of Life” film festival highlighting short films made by or staring disabled people or written on a disability theme.

Over 120 of the exhibitors were charities covering all age groups from children and young people to adults and older people, and physical, sensory and learning impairment, mental health and carers.

DAD 2009 was a huge community event that successfully involved over 230 volunteers stewards and young assistants including dozens of family and friends of Warrington Disability Partnership, Lions and Rotary Clubs, Sea Cadets, Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, St John Ambulance, Friends of Walton Gardens, Dial A Ride, in addition to over 400 volunteers who helped to staff the charity exhibition stands.

During the day, judging takes place for the Best Exhibitors at DAD and this year Certificates were awarded to:

• Bradley Autos’ – Best Business Exhibitor
• Diabetes UK – Best Voluntary Sector Exhibitor
• Environment Agency – Best Statutory Exhibitor

The event is recognised as Europe’s largest voluntary led disability exhibition and it’s not surprising that the event organisers received royal recognition when they were presented with a Queens Award for Voluntary Services in 2006.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency is the principal sponsor of DAD 2009. Chief Executive Steven Broomhead said:

“The NWDA continues to work hard to ensure people across all communities have access to the facilities and infrastructure that contribute to a successful regional economy and enjoy a good quality of life.

“Disability Awareness Day has gone from strength to strength, raising awareness of disability issues and promoting the skills of the talented people within the region.”

Chair of Warrington Disability Partnership and event co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL, said:

“Awareness and understanding of the availability of independent living support is of major importance to tens of thousands of the Northwest’s two million disabled people and carers. We know that DAD provides a vital role in highlighting what is available, not just by attending the event but also by accessing the website during the 12 months between events”.

“Members of our team have said that one of the biggest highlights from DAD 2009 was watching a five year old wheelchair user reach the top of the 30 foot climbing wall and watching and listening to a joint performance which saw Andrew Coleman, a blind singer from Liverpool, and Dee Sign Choir from Chester interpreting Andrew’s songs into British Sign Language”.

Dave said “it is thanks to the hard work and commitment of our management team, our stewards and assistants, our exhibitors, our visitors and the support of our sponsors that ensures that the event develops and improves each year”.

Plans are already underway for Disability Awareness Day 2010 which will be held on Sunday 11^th July at Walton Hall Gardens Warrington Cheshire (Off A56).

For more details email dave.thompson@5bp.nhs.uk or visit http://www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

The BT Paralympic World Cup, held over the Bank Holiday Weekend, was clearly a fantastic Event. Records strived for and some amazing sporting feats and exciting events and personal achievements on the way whether ultimately broken or not.

I’d be delighted to hear from anyone who has stories or reports from the Event. Please contact me on: wendy@limblossinformationcentre.com

Leggz, who attended as many of the events as she could, has written about it on the Discussion Forum (click for link). (This is currently being accessed through the old, now defunct LLIC Website until we can attach it, or a satisfactory – preferably even improved(!) version of it, to the new site. Do please keep on using it – it is a very valuable part of the Website and we have every intention of incorporating all the current content when we transfer it.)

You can still see information on the official Website: http://www.btparalympicworldcup.com/

This link will still take you to general news relating to the Event: http://news.google.com/news?q=BT+Paralympic+World+Cup&sourceid=navclient-ff&rlz=1B3RNFA_enGB264GB264&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&ei=xbkVSubVN-OZjAfN9PzjDA&sa=X&oi=news_group&resnum=4&ct=title

Cycle 18-21September 2009

London to Amsterdam
In support of The Douglas Bader Foundation.
This long weekend challenge from London Stansted to Amsterdam covers 300km in three days.
We set off through the rolling Essex countryside, then take the ferry from Harwich overnight to Holland where we have two days on cycle paths through sand dunes, nature reserves and past many windmills.

Please click here for a downloadable flyer:

For more information and a registration pack email Keith Delderfield at
douglasbaderfdn@btinternet.com
or phone 01442 826662 / 07831 596015

We are also very grateful to her for taking the time, when she’d probably far rather have been nursing her sore feet, to write up her experience of the event. It gives a wonderful and very personal insight into the atmosphere of the run and the considerable self-discipline, courage,and determination required not just to complete the race but to undertake all the training required in the first place.

Here is her story, hopefully it’ll inspire some of us armchair runners to join, or at least support, her in 2010!

Thank you Sophie. And congratulations on stirling, (and clearly very loud!) support to the whole Delderfield family.

A day in the life of a Marathon Runner – No 31979 – Sophie D.

The abrupt alarm on Sunday 26th April came as a complete shock to the system: I floundered to stop its deafening ring, rolled over, wondered where I was and what was going on. The dial on the clock told me it was 5.00am; slowly, as I came to, it dawned on me ….ah yes!! London Marathon.

This was to be my second run in the London Marathon, last year being the first; my training, for one reason or another, had not been as intense this year and I was generally a bit apprehensive in the knowledge that I was perhaps not as well prepared as I should be. I was trying to kid myself that it didn’t matter – I had no targets beyond getting to the finish line – the time was quite secondary – I had no expectations. The reality was that I would be really disappointed if it didn’t get somewhere around my 2008 time of 3hrs 27mins; I had abandoned my original aim of finishing in under 3hrs 15mins a few weeks back when I conceded that I was not as focused as I should be at that time.

I had cadged a lift with my running partner from Aylesbury Athletic Club, Charlie Steptoe and her dad and I soon found myself on Blackheath, lined up at the red start in pen 2. There were some pretty serious looking characters in pen 2, hardly a strawberry or rhinoceros could be seen!! I was concerned that I had forgotten my black bin liner to keep warm but, fortunately, the early morning sunshine was very pleasant and the bin bag wasn’t needed anyhow. More disturbing was the fact that I had forgotten to charge the battery of my Garmin race watch. Whilst to some this may seem a pretty insignificant issue, to me it was a fundamental mistake that was really irking me. I relied, rather too heavily according to my brother Luke – a sub 3 hour marathon man, on the Garmin to pace myself but too late this time, I would just have to manage without it.

9.45 was rapidly approaching and tension was building in pen2. Just one minute to go, everyone wishing everyone else good luck, shouts of “see you at the finish” rang in my ears – I hope so I thought. No time now for a last stretch…then the siren sounded…we were off. Just a shuffle at first then a gap opened in front of me and I could begin to jog. I crossed the start line just 40 seconds after the siren and was able to pick up pace straightaway. “Better than last year” I thought to myself. 2008 was a much more difficult start but the experience had taught me a thing or two about positioning.

I settled into the run and in no time it seemed we were passing the 1 mile marker and although some of the seasoned and better athletes were passing me and disappearing down the road no weird animals, carrots, Oxo cubes or any other variety of fruit or vegetable had challenged me for position….promising!! I had now found my rhythm and felt comfortable; although I hadn’t the comfort of the Garmin, I had got an old timing watch and knew that I was running pretty much at the pace I wanted. I remember the hundreds of spectators lining the pavements. I made sure that my Douglas Bader vest had a very big SOPH in bold white letters across the chest – sorry Douglas but you were relegated to rear view only – and it was great to her the “Go Soph go” shouts from the crowd.

I felt comfortable as we approached Cutty Sark. I love the loop round the Cutty Sark although I guess that it would have been a whole lot more impressive before the disastrous fire a few years back. I knew that my family would be around here somewhere and although I was trying to concentrate on my running I was very keen to spot them in the crowd – a difficult task to pick them out amongst the thousands of faces as you whizz past. Then the unmistakable bellow “Go on Sophie – you’re doing great” – no mistake it was surely Dad. I looked quickly to my right and there he was with Mum , sisters Maddie and Tessa, brother in law Buff, a marathon man himself but not this year, and Uncle Rich, all hopping up and down and yelling my name; it was a great feeling. I waved my recognition back as Dads enormous bellow had got that whole section of crowd cheering for me…great feeling – thanks Dad.

On through the streets of the south Thames towards my next favourite section – Tower Bridge. As we crossed the river I had time to take in the sight of the awesome numbers of spectators all cheering for someone or trying to spot them amongst the never ending train of runners; it was an amazing site and staggering that so many cheered you on by name if they spotted it on your vest (made a mental note to get a bigger SOPH next time). I was feeling good, felt that I was running within myself and that, somewhat surprisingly, I could be on for a better than expected time. I was taking on water at the planned rate as well as my gel energy drinks; I am never quite sure what’s in them but they certainly give you a lift!!

Once you leave Tower Bridge the route meanders back down the river towards Docklands and cheering spectators apart, is not a very inspiring part of the run. I always have it in the back of my mind that at this point I am heading in the wrong direction (ie away from the finish line), which is exactly where the run takes you. At last however, somewhere around the 16-17 mile point, there is a sharp left hander into East Ferry Road and you know that you are beginning to head back towards the finish, albeit still some 9 miles or so away. This psychological uplift was amplified by the fact that I knew my family support group would be around here somewhere. Right on queue I heard a familiar voice not too far down the road shouting “here she comes!” It was mum and I could clearly pick them all out chanting my name and cheering me on. All that is except dad who, as always, was struggling with the camera…he has some cracking pictures of a host of the unknown runners who were near me but has yet to get a good one of me!!

I was still feeling strong. My time was good and I felt as though I was running well. I still had 3 hrs 15 mins in my mind. But as I passed the 18 mile marker I suddenly spotted it there in front of me; the proverbial WALL!! The remaining 8 miles were hell. I could easily have given up; I just didn’t want to go on. But I have never been a quitter and I knew that if I stopped not only would I be letting my sponsors down but my family would never let me forget it; moreover I would never forgive myself. I dug deep and although I was aware that my pace was slowing and my strength was rapidly vanishing I plodded, literally plodded, on.

I was suddenly aware that I had covered a greater distance than I thought and almost subconsciously emerged from the shade of the Embankment tunnel to the tumultuous sound and sight of the thousands of cheering spectators lining the road along The Embankment. I couldn’t be seen as a “woosie”. I suddenly got second wind, took on water at a nearby water station and kicked on. The remaining couple of miles was almost a blur; right turn at the end of The Embankment through Parliament Square into Birdcage Walk. The half mile marker was just down the road when I heard Dads familiar yell “Go on Soph- we’re proud of you”. Just what I needed. I passed Buckingham Palace with the cheers of the crowds ringing in my ears; right onto the Mall and there, just a few hundred yards away, was the sight every marathon runner must long for ….the finish.

As I crossed the line I stopped my inferior watch; not the 3:15 for which I had hoped but somewhere under last years time. I drew in as much air as I could; joined in the ritual of patting every back around and gasping “well done”. I joined the slow moving snake of people to the kit collection point, picked up my bag and finishers medal and meandered into Horseguards Parade where after just a minute I spotted my family arms open and still cheering. It was, as always, a moving moment but one that was soon surpassed by the relief of completing just over 26 miles and the onset of aches and pains.

The family fired a barrage of questions expecting instant answers when all I could think of was “just leave me alone for a mo”.

And so the 2009 London Marathon was over; I did achieve one of my targets 3:20:14 beat my 2008 time by 7 minutes but I have yet to hit my £500 fund raising target but THERE IS STILL TIME FOLKS!! With your help I will get there – just go to www.justgiving.com/sophiedelderfield1 It Couldn’t be easier.

I am indebted to all of you who have supported me so well and helped The Foundation with your sponsorship. Now its a few days off then back into training for the Low Alpine Mountain Marathon which takes place in the Scottish Highlands over two days at the beginning of June and in which I will be competing with my brother Luke as it is a two man team event. I am sure that the scenery will be spectacular, the weather wet and the challenge enormous so wish us luck.

But you know, for me the atmosphere and experience of the London Marathon will take some beating and I plan to be back in 2010, Sir Douglas’s Centenary year!!

Meeting up at Heathrow with some old friends from a previous hike in 2005 to Peru and what would become firm new friend over the next week – again some of whom had hiked and biked in aid of DBF over the years – we arrived later than scheduled – 4.00am – at the Dead Sea Spa Hotel. Had we known what the next week had in store we would have probably stayed there in luxury with amazing food, several swimming pools and beds!

Still that was not the point was it – a timely break would have been perfect but we were there to do a job- get to Petra and fulfil our fundraising obligations to all our generous supporters.

I roomed with Vet Simon – ace photographer and great company – we had hardly gone to bed when we were up for a huge buffet breakfast and then down past the beautiful clear swimming pool water to 95% saline sea, a bucket of black slosh and into the Dead Sea for a float.

Simon entering into the spirit Me floating in about one foot of depth !

Our Dutch Israeli guide Phil Kool – yes his real name – had instructed us to meet with our kit in the lobby to leave by one o’clock after a quick lunch for a preliminary taster of what was to come. A four hour hike in extreme heat through a ravine and ending at a small waterfall with the words ‘Drink lots of Water’ ringing in our ears.

Into our mini coach and off to the first night in camp and to meet the ‘Crew’.

The temptation to sleep under the stars was too great to miss and an incredible experience to see the Milky Way and Shooting stars. I obviously fell asleep and woke from what I thought was a dream where I had been thumped in the chest only for that to have been a reality when Marcus said ‘You’re snoring mate!’.

Little did he realise at that moment that he was thumping the Chairman of The DBF!

This was the beginning of banter and friendships and so much laughter in the whole group that would get us through the next few days very much as a close supportive team.

The Hike in all was a real mixture of expectations and realities. To me a desert is sand and for the initial 2 days of the Hike we were walking along a water bed strewn with rocks and through a rift valley, heads down to avoid stumbling and twisting , drinking 5-6 litres of water a day , initially below sea level , in baking temperatures, following a man with donkeys !

Our camp facilities included the ‘Thunder Box’ and Washing Area – our pets (mascots) – other than the mules -were a team of soft bears dressed appropriately for the trip.

I loved day 5 when we eventually started to climb and the higher we got the more incredible the views and the changing terrains. Looking back over the distance we had covered made it far more real and a feeling of exhilaration started to flow through everyone.

The descent down and through a tiny narrow crack in the mountains saw us emerge into little Petra which has to be one of the most beautiful experiences I have had. The most bizarre thing was going from this enormous open space as a tight group and half way through the narrow crack was a café and suddenly we were amongst ‘other’ people and the commercial world. Descending rock steps and into the narrow valley of cliffs with its carved halls and homes and ‘pink’ stone colour, Little Petra was a taste of what was ahead of us.

The final entry into Petra the following day and the opportunity to see one of the World Heritage sites, marvel at the endeavour of a previous inhabitants and to only imagine how their life was, culminating in the Treasury and the Monastery where the team gathered for the Group shot !

It was a fantastic experience and I really thank all those involved – Phil the Leader, Sarah the Doc, who had very few medical issues to deal with , Keith our trusty DBF Ops Director and my fellow Team members who had come to support DBf in a unique way and with great humour and courage.

Here is to the next one!!