A really productive few days

We had a really productive few days. On Thursday we filmed the end scene for the music video. I asked a number of people to come to the college for the shoot and amazingly most people turned up…. cheers for that. We had around thirty people who very nimbly walked backwards waving goodbye to me as I cycled on a static roller….bizarre but very funny. It will look really good on the music video. I got quite emotional as they all waved goodbye….a hint of things to come.
I was really nervous about Saturday in the town centre. I had never done anything like this before and wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I must say it was a fantastic success and a brilliant day out. It was a bad start as I lost my keys so had to cycle home to find them. They were outside my back door. I’d dropped them as I tried, with gloved hands to put them in my pocket. It started to rain as I cycled back to town and I thought that it would be a bit of a washout but in the end it was really sunny….I got a really red face. Sun block is definitely on my list. Martin from the Borough Council was really helpful and made our task easier…cheers Martin whatever the council are paying you it’s not enough.
It was only when I’d been cycling on my static roller for quite a while that I realised that three guys from the Army Air Corps had turned up and were collecting for me. I got into contact with them through Help For Heroes. Sorry lads I can’t remember your names, I was chasing my**e as usual but I will tell everyone who you are once I get to know. They looked fantastic in their uniforms and people were throwing money at them. It is at these times when you truly appreciate how much the members of our armed forces are appreciated by most of the British public and it made the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end. ….brilliant. I genuinely did not think that we would collect any money. I thought that the day would promote the ride and I was happy with that. Throughout the day we were inundated with people wanting to contribute. The appearance of ‘Wolfie’, the Warrington Wolves iconic mascot made all the difference. I could not believe how many people he attracted, amazing. Apart for the obvious children who wanted to meet him he had his bottom felt by at least four women…he’s coming out with me on our next night out. I have photos of punk rockers….yes they still exist, begging for a photo with Wolfie….he appeals to the masses.
I cycled over twenty five miles on my rollers, which probably does not sound a lot, but considering I was chatting to loads of people and doing other stuff it wasn’t bad. I came off the rails a couple of times but I didn’t have any injuries, which is a result. The buckets were filling nicely and I met loads of really interesting characters. I met a couple of Americans from Arizona. They asked if I was selling T-Shirts, which I wasn’t but with hindsight I should have given them one of the ones I had printed for the students who helped me.
I was amazed how many people approached me who had ridden across America. They gave me some sound advice, which was much appreciated. It is always nice to know that people have achieved what you want to do….it makes it seem more achievable.
What really impressed me on Saturday was the reaction from ‘teenagers’. We constantly hear negative stories about the youth of today. ( I sound like an old git…..I am) There were occasions when I was approached by large groups of fifteen to eighteen year olds when I thought ok we have a problem. I am ashamed to say I thought the worst….how wrong could I be. Every teenager, without exception gave me support and offered their sincerest wishes for my challenge, a group even danced with Jo for the cameras….brilliant.
Saturday was a fantastic day and there are so many people I want to thank: Jo, for shouting all day….in a nice way, Jenny for bringing Wolfie, Greg and everything else to the occasion, Nicola for shaking her bucket, oh hey……Dawn and Brian, past students who are still willing to contribute, Donna, a good friend who drove me everywhere, Liz, who danced all day and her little boy who sat there with infinite patience, James for technical support…..he should come with me to America to make sure everything is working ok, Leanne, my Broadcast Journalism student who did most of the filming on the day….good stuff too and Antony, who wore the T-Shirt even though it was two sizes too small….you are a legend mate and long may it continue.
The thing I like most about this project is the people I have got to know. Friends, colleagues and even people I have never previously met. I know it sounds naff but charity work brings out the best in people. It’s not about money or power it’s about being who you are….and you were all brilliant, cheers.