Comment from Rita Edmond
Time: October 23, 2007, 10:48 pm

Your contribution to help make a difference in the lives of children and young people in Sierra Leone is a very good example to follow. My thoughts and prayers are with you throughout your journey.

Comment from Mary Newby
Time: October 26, 2007, 3:37 pm

Good luck to all especially Kayleigh.Sorry we didn’t get to see you off.from Mary,Jo and Charlie

Comment from Norman Richards
Time: October 26, 2007, 4:16 pm

Great day for the send off yesterday,God Bless Son to you and all the Team.Have a great time something all of you will remember for always.Safe return to you all.

Comment from Freya Cross
Time: October 26, 2007, 7:48 pm

Hi team – glad to hear the first day has gone well. Have to admit there seems to be a big void now as it has been quite quiet without the phone ringing all the time.
Great to hear from you Steve. All sorted with David Murden so you will be met in Mali as planned.
Take care enjoy

Comment from kayla
Time: October 27, 2007, 10:13 pm

hi Freya thanks for all that you have done for us, this trip wouldnt have happened without your help.
love kayla n kayleigh xxx

Comment from kayleigh
Time: October 27, 2007, 10:19 pm

Hello to everyone, Were all doing well, thañks for the lovely send off. Its been a tiring few days. We stayed at clouldia’s house last nite after traveling 730 miles. We have traveled about the same distance again today. Just checked into hotel. Looking forward to the shower. Keep the comments coming. love kayleigh (Miss Cooper) xxxxxxxxxxx

Comment from steve
Time: October 28, 2007, 9:16 pm

hi kayla,
hope your well, was nice to hear from you yesterday,
keep me informed where you are
love dad and sheila xx

Comment from TBR Chris
Time: October 29, 2007, 8:32 am

Well done and Good luck with your adventure. Great Pictures!

Comment from Martin
Time: October 29, 2007, 11:45 am

Good luck with your adventure, and I wish you all a safe and happy time !!!

Comment from iain Hogg
Time: October 29, 2007, 3:52 pm

Steve, we are pleased that you got there in the end. best wishes from everyone at the Epworth and isle Rotary Club

Comment from Terry Coffey
Time: October 30, 2007, 2:21 pm

To Bas Blackbourn.
I shall be at that place tonight where we both often say “what are we doing here?” Hope you are not saying that just now! We shall raise a glass tonight to you and all your colleagues. Keep well, and safe home. Terry. ps Give my regards to Claudio. He was like a jumping bean on the back of the Harley!! Hope he got some good footage of the send off.

Comment from 2E
Time: October 30, 2007, 2:50 pm

Hello from Chiltern Primary School, we would like to say have a happy trip and and a safe journey.
love from
2E

Comment from Gillian
Time: October 30, 2007, 7:21 pm

Hi Kayleigh, You look as though you’re having a lovely time. Your class busy doing ‘witchy’ things when I pass. Hope Barnaby is behaving himself, love Gillian x

Comment from West End
Time: October 30, 2007, 9:20 pm

Hi Andy S
Hope all is well and spirits are high, we are all very proud to have a representative on such an important mission.
from the staff and kids

Comment from West End
Time: October 30, 2007, 11:06 pm

hope you’re getting your daily intake of rice crispies, I know I certainly am. Hope you’re enjoying yourself and keeping everyone sane!
Sally Anne

Comment from Stuart Leyland
Time: October 31, 2007, 11:25 am

Hi everyone – really look forward to checking on your progress everyday. Absolutley in awe of you all.

Hope Bas is behaving? If so we need to know the secret.

Good flight Isobel

Stuart

Comment from 2TC
Time: October 31, 2007, 3:14 pm

Hi Mis Cooper and everyone!

We miss you lots at school and are keeping up to date with your travels on the internet. Is Barnaby Bear enjoying his journey and holiday? And is he behaving?

Love from Miss Clarke, Mrs Hoe and all the children in year 2 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Comment from Barbara
Time: October 31, 2007, 3:16 pm

Hi Kayleigh,

You did not have to leave the country…we only wanted your tea money!! Safe journey to you and the team

Barbara X

Comment from steve (kayla`s dad)
Time: October 31, 2007, 10:46 pm

hi kayla, hope your well when you get this.
missing you loads
try to message me when you can either on here or by phone.
see you soon
luv dad and sheila xxx

Comment from Malcolm Webb
Time: November 1, 2007, 7:21 am

Great to be reading the daily log. Congratulations to you all on giving up your time for such a wonderful humanitarian project. Special greetings to Bas, Chrissy and Steve of the Rotary Team. You have many friends thinking about you. All the best for a safe and successful completion.

Comment from maureen Eley
Time: November 1, 2007, 8:59 am

Hi, have a great time all of you, A really good expedition and I hope more people will see what you are doing.
Have fun and keep awake!

Comment from Mrs Shirley and the children
Time: November 1, 2007, 9:04 am

HelloMiss Cooper, we are missing you lots. We are working very hard. We have written some magic spells and cast them on Mrs Byrne! We made broomsticks yesterday and tried to make them fly on the playground by saying ‘ABRACADABRA’-they went very fast. Love you, see you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Comment from Terry Coffey
Time: November 1, 2007, 11:59 am

This is for my old mate and motorcycling buddy Bas – but it also applies to every single member of that amazing expedition. Last Thursday we were milling about in the square in Hull – and a week later you are sending coms from Western Sahara. What a team – and what a story you will tell when you all get back safely. Everybody here in Lincoln, especially the Rotary Club and Inner Wheel sends you warm greetings. We’re all thinking about you, but don’t get too knackered! Its better to arrive a day or two later! KInd regards, Terry. p.s Jon Wilkins wondered if Bas would be interested in another coast to coast motor bike run a couple of days after he gets back from Sierra Leone (……answers on a post card please!)

Comment from Guy James
Time: November 1, 2007, 12:15 pm

Mike James (little brother): you look so sensible on the video clip. Can’t see that would last very long. The vehicles look a bit better than your usual transport too! Hope you’re going well and good luck to everyone.

Comment from philip dean
Time: November 1, 2007, 12:35 pm

Hi everyone
It’s Philip here from St George Foundation.

Just to wish you well and to let you know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you.
The teams in Sierra Leone are getting very excited now and I think you can expect a very happy welcome at the border.
I’ve told Justina to make sure that hotel 5/10 has plenty of beer in ready for your arrival by the way ! (its about 30p a bottle).

About your comments that it is getting tough and that you are all getting tired now…..sometimes me too…I get absolutely exhausted and just think to myself, Oh Philip this is just too much! Why am I doing this?
But remember, there is no huge rush of people doing what you are doing in this not very popular place and if you were not willing to put yourselves out, then probably no one else would have done this…ever! We would never have got those trucks.

When you help these children it changes their lives forever and what you do to help us help them will stay with those children and their children forever! The lives these children lead on the streets is horrible, degrading and they did not deserve what happened to them and those trucks will genuinely help us help them to turn their own lives around.
Sierra Leone is a tough place to live in and there is nothing we can do about that. Our kids have had to become tough but now have the chance to be able to survive, hopefully with proper jobs, with dignity and with realistic hope for their futures, and there are still loads more kids that we have not got to yet and whose lives we can turn around.
You and all the people who have backed you up are doing something really great and really worthwhile for them, and if that was easy and pleasant everyone would be doing it. So just keep your spirits up, and keep going!

We are inviting as many of our St George children as possible to come and meet you on the hand over day (so maybe 200+) and when you meet them, hopefully you will understand what it’s all about and see it’s all worthwhile.

And what your trip means to us guys that are running these projects? I tell you, sometimes we feel all alone out there, and most of us are way out of our comfort zones at times. When people acknowledge what we are doing, give us their support and when they turn up on site in Sierra Leone to help us………..Honestly, it’s like the cavalry reinforcement riding in!
Each and every one of you…John Wayne’s love child in a 4 x 4!

It’s a fantastic job that you are doing, really gutsy, really special and we are just willing you on, and hopefully cheering you in soon!

God Bless you all, see you there…Philip

Comment from West End Children’s Unit
Time: November 1, 2007, 1:11 pm

To Andy S
We have been looking at the Website,we talked with the staff about what you are doing,we think its a great thing that you are doing for the kids out there. It makes us think about how lucky we are.
Good luck.
P.S.Pete asks is there life without sausages?

Comment from Linda Koroma
Time: November 1, 2007, 2:10 pm

I have been keeping track of your journey ever since you left on the 25th of Oct. We in Sierra Leone appreciate the link between Freetown and the city of Hull. Thanks for this great gesture to the people of Sierra Leone. We await your arrival and pray for travelling mercies for you. Good luck!

Comment from Les Connell and Sue
Time: November 1, 2007, 4:16 pm

It is wonderful following the progress of such a dedicated team of adventurers. Sorry about the lack of sleep but there is plenty of time for that when you get home. We are actually losing sleep as well, as we watch your travels unfold.
We are all behind you and look forward to reading of your continued progress. You remain upermost in our thoughts.

Comment from Adriana-Pisicu
Time: November 1, 2007, 6:43 pm

This is for Andrew Paxton : Everything’s good here, apart from the fact that I WISH I WAS THERE!

Comment from Adriana-Pisicu
Time: November 1, 2007, 6:46 pm

This is for Andrew Paxton : I wish I was there, but I’ll wait patiently til December.. Everything is going well, I’m a regular at the theatre now, and I’m loving it! Megan is staying the night this weekend, and I’m going shopping the weekend after. Mumu and Figgy are well, fussy as ever when it comes to eating, I’ve got 4 types of food going on,and they like none of it! We miss you!!

Comment from christine brownlee
Time: November 1, 2007, 9:32 pm

hi kayleigh hope you are feeling well love the hat by the way hope your all are enjoying yourself,s look after each other wont you all the lads and your mum & thecats &henry are fine although there missing you and send there love brian&audrey say hi love christine&david

Comment from Ian Anderson
Time: November 1, 2007, 9:36 pm

Best wishes to you all on your long journey!

Jon Olner…….The things you do to escape working over the bonfire period

Best wishes from Green Watch B1 station.

Comment from christine brownlee
Time: November 1, 2007, 9:37 pm

sorry kayleigh scooby says hi and missing your tasty treats hurry up home love scooby

Comment from dale
Time: November 1, 2007, 10:30 pm

hey every 1 ope ur all aving a gd time carnt wait till u get bk so u can tell us all about it c ua soon

Comment from Stuart Leyland
Time: November 2, 2007, 12:36 pm

Pleased you have taken time out to re focus – was a little concerned yesterday that fatique was getting to you.
Guess you cannot ask Tom Tom for the nearest hotel.
Your comments really hit home – on the lines of it is an experience for the team, however what you are beginning to see is a way of life, so different to ours.
Best not get too serious – i will have a beer for you all tomorrow night at the Bollywood Ball
Take care

Stuart

Comment from Kayleigh and Team
Time: November 2, 2007, 2:25 pm

Good luck Kayleigh.. in my class now with Shaun, he sends his love. Take care sis.
Good luck from all at Sir Henry Cooper School.

Comment from shaun
Time: November 2, 2007, 2:34 pm

hi k-lee sorry about the last message good luck at finding your destination point from shaun cooper

Comment from Claire Barry
Time: November 2, 2007, 4:16 pm

I am a friend of Claudio’s and he told me all about your journey which I think is really fantastic and I know you will all learn so much. I have one very big worry and I hope that Phillip from the George Foundation can tell me it will all be worth it. I have 30 years experience of work in Morocco where, with others I own a business and employ local Berbers in the Atlas Mountains. We also run a charity that builds accommodation for girls so they can be educated beyond primary school. My years have taught me that people often bring wonderful equipment out to Africa without any thought to keeping them running. So often tractors end up sitting rusting in fields because once they wrong they are too complicated to repair. Tell me that the same fate does not await the very wonderful but complicated and computer run 4×4’s that you are all spending so much time and energy delivering? Claire

Comment from lesley
Time: November 2, 2007, 4:57 pm

Hi Trailblazers & fellow bloggers,
Good to hear of your progress and all the encouragement you’re getting from everyone – glad you appreciate it. But where is Ewan or Charley’s blog entries? Everyones friends & family – yes, Claudio’s friends – yes, contacts in Africa – yes, well-wishers from round the globe – yes! But we want to hear from some celebrities!!!

Take care everyone, Rainman especially of course!!
Love & God bless, Lesley

Comment from Julie and Amy
Time: November 2, 2007, 7:23 pm

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Enjoying the updates and great photo’s special message for Steve (Trucker) from Julie who sends big hug and kiss. Amy here Steve I hope you are taking lots of photos.

Comment from TBR Chris
Time: November 2, 2007, 11:13 pm

The L200.. built the same for over 10 years with no major changes. If it’s looked after (oil and water checked DAILY) it will last a loooong time!.. Dosn’t have any computers that can cause major failure.. I think a good choice, that wont end up rusting in a field. Especially with the modifications that Jonathon made to them. I am sure that the cars could be supported quite easily long after they are delivered.

Well done to Jonathon and your team… In over 5 years of hearing people tell me of their grand plans to change peoples lives with 4×4s.. you are the first to deliver your promise.. I watch your progress, and am impressed by your deterimiation. You should all be very proud of yourselves!!

We are very proud of you ALL!!

Chris and the TBR crew

Comment from Terry Coffey
Time: November 3, 2007, 11:30 am

Saturday November 3rd
Hi Bas (- and of course everyone else in the team). The weather here in England is amazing – warm (16 degrees) and sunny – similar to where you are I suppose. Going to Radcliffe Charter on Monday night. I will give them all your best regards, because I know that you would have been one of the visitors had you been in the UK. If you meet any unsavoury characters out there (apart from team members of course), just tell them you are District Editor, and will be writing an article about them when you get back. That’ll frighten the bu**ers off.
Keep smiling
Terry.
p.s. Thanks for the daily bulletins. I know you all like a bit of news from this end, but we all very much appreciate the time and trouble you are taking to keep us posted of your progress. It also puts into perspective the enormity of the task you have collectively taken on.

Comment from Malcolm Webb
Time: November 4, 2007, 7:04 am

Hi Bas, Chrissy, Steve and the rest of the fantastic team. It’s great to follow progress in the blog. It sounds as though Day 9 was a well-earned day of relaxation — but you still came across abject poverty during your “sightseeing”. It was a glorious day here in the UK yesterday (Saturday) and we had our family bonfire and we were thinking of you all and telling friends what a wonderful thing you were all doing. All the best.

Comment from janet sabin
Time: November 4, 2007, 1:10 pm

hi jonathan, its jan here back from new york, had fab hol,isnt it amazing, it doesnt matter which country your in or im in, our prayers are heard ,when the going gets tough, trust in the lord and lean not on your own understanding, it works. stay safe, keep going,them jeeps need to get thereyour in my thoghts n prayers god bless jan x

Comment from Stuart Leyland
Time: November 4, 2007, 3:54 pm

Hi the Rotary Team and everyone else
I did as promised and had a few beers for you last night at the Bollywood Ball. It was as I sure you know orgainsed by the Rotary Club of Epworth And Isle of Axeholme. Believe it or not the theme was East Indian – some of the costumes were fabulous – the room at the Lake Side stadium had been decorated well – I know who stole all the ballon weighs too!

The music/entertaiment was was also of an indian theme – the dancer – Nisha – had most of the audience on the floor – teaching them the Indian dances – they did fantastically well – that is not strictly true – the ladies were senstaionallly good – converse true of the guys.

I could not afford the time – as I had to drink for Chrissy, Bas, the rest of you and me. Sure it was Bas’s gin & tonic that gave me the head ache!

The food you guessed – very good too.

You missed a fabulous night – Epworth know how to organise a good event – next year – hopefully – i will buy the beers.

Most of the day I was at the Peace Scholars Seminar – It was also a great event – very inspiartional – next mission Chrissy – Bas you are like me – not worth the investment.

Good turn out from Distrcit 1270 – John Chapman & I send our love to you both

Take great care – enjoy the unique experience – green if envy or was it the beer

Somethings never change

How are the Life Straws?

Stuart

Comment from janet anderson
Time: November 4, 2007, 4:28 pm

Everyone is finding it so exciting following your progress – lots of prayers at Anlaby Park Methodist this morning for you – love the pictures and it gives so much more meaning to the prayers we are offering up. God bless and may his angels surround you.

Comment from James Hermann
Time: November 4, 2007, 7:04 pm

Hi Guys (especially Kayleigh). Hope you’re all doing well and glad to see you’re all having a good time. Good luck on your journey down to Africa. We’re all looking forward to your stories when you get back. 3/4JH wish you very well. Take care
Mr Hermann, Mrs Fenner and the children. x x

Comment from Helen Philpot
Time: November 5, 2007, 11:27 am

Now then you mad people how’s it going? I’m doing regular updates on my show on saturdays and making sure everyone know’s where you are and what you’re upto!! Thinking about you all in my warm office with internet access and Italian coffee! You’re doing a grand job and really can’t wait to see the footage on your return.

Love Helenx

Comment from Stuart Leyland
Time: November 5, 2007, 12:16 pm

Hi Everyone – special greetings to the Rotary members, Chrissy, Bas & Steve.

Thought I had sent something yesterday – technology

Saturday – Set off just after 8.00 am – Saturday too. Tom Tom got me all the way to Bradford University – not the easiest place to find – once outside the entrance Tom Tom said turn left – whereas the entrance was on the right. So i ignored my insticts, turned left and got lost!

However it was worth it. It was the Peace Seminar – remarkable day – it was inspirational before Allan Jagger stood up. Hope you Rotarians are looking out for potential Peace Scholars. Magnificant day.

Then onto Doncaster – Tom Tom – sacked.

It was The Bollywood Ball – Epworth Rotary – remember Steve.

It was an excellent night – The room at the Lakeside was very well decorated, the music/performers was East Indian, many guests had dressed to suit the occassion – some marvellous costumes – The lady dancer had most of the guests on stage/dance floor – the ladies danced really well – the men …….

Anyways the food was very good, there were vast quantities of alcohol flowing – I did well – not too much for Steve – he is driving – Hit the wine for Chrissy – held back on my share – but Bas had to be a pig – head not too bad tough – however it is now Monday!

How is the Life Straw?

Take good care you all

Stuart Leyland

Comment from Anne Cowan
Time: November 5, 2007, 1:26 pm

Hello Kayleigh

I keep hearing about you all on radio Humberside, your journey sounds very exciting, and you seem to be having a good time.

Good luck with the rest of your stay.

Anne.

Comment from Su (Jonathan’s cousin)
Time: November 5, 2007, 1:27 pm

Hi Jonathan!

Just thought I’d let you know that I’ve finally got around to looking at the fantastic work that you and the rest of your team are doing. I’m extremely proud of you as are my mum and dad. (They send their love by the way.)

Hope you are enjoying this experience. Look forward to catching up with you when you’re home to hear first hand of your time away.

Keep safe!

With love and prayers,

Su xx

Comment from philip dean
Time: November 5, 2007, 2:46 pm

Hi all..it’s Philip from St George Foundation again,

Great Blogg, great pictures and a great adventure by the looks of it.
Well done guys and keep it up!

Claire Barry raised a good point (above) that I would like to answer.
When Jonathan and the team offered the vehicles to us I did seriously consider the question of what happens when they break down? I’ve seen those rusting tractors too and I was concerned about getting spare parts myself and had I not been confident that we would be able to get them I was actually going to say ‘thanks but no thanks’….I wouldn’t want a vehicle that becomes a burden.
I have been assured that there are quite a few of these vehicles already in the country and spare parts can be obtained most easily via the Middle East if they are not already in the Sierra Leone and there is a Mitsubishi dealer that we can use for regular maintenance. I do suspect that we may end up waiting for some part to arrive at some point though and we won’t have the option of cannibalizing another one which is what you can do with the old Mercedes that are everywhere.
However, I think the main issue is that the organizations receiving these have to be ready to maintain them and have the funds to do so and I think that is the real reason you see rusting tractors is because there are no follow up funds or arrangements available when they go wrong.
If you want to ask me in a years time though I’ll know the real answer for you by then, but my judgment is that these trucks are very tough, should take the conditions and we will be able to maintain them OK…..hope that answers your question.
Philip

Comment from david brownlee
Time: November 5, 2007, 10:04 pm

dear Kayleigh we all miss you hoping you are having a
great time. We all shead a tear. for missing you love david christine & scooby do

Comment from shaun cooper
Time: November 5, 2007, 10:10 pm

hi kayleigh it is shaun cooper we all are missing you the cats are ok henry is really sad i saw you on the internet in school we all cant wait for you to come back well take care i will see you when you come home love you loads from shaun x x x x

Comment from kieran morrow
Time: November 5, 2007, 10:15 pm

Hi kayleigh its kieran miss you loads hope you are having a good time everyone is missing you i hope you will be back soon and im looking after tillie for you lots of love kieran x x x x x

Comment from Rose Garn and all in Year 4
Time: November 6, 2007, 1:45 pm

We have been looking at the pictures of your journey and we think it is exciting. We hope you are not going off the road when there are mine fields! We hope you are all safe and having a good time.
Love from
Rose and all the children in Y4 of The Parks Primary

Comment from Daphne Kitching
Time: November 6, 2007, 4:01 pm

Dear Mark, Richard, Jonathan and all the team,

We are praying for you all on your wonderful mission and that you will be protected and come home safely,

Daphne and David Kitching

Comment from Norman and Cath
Time: November 6, 2007, 4:09 pm

Hiya Kayleigh,
Hope things are going ok and your enjoying yourselves, hoping your wether is a bit warmer than our’s too!!! Ruby say’s hello.
take care love Norman, Cath and Chavette xxxx

Comment from Malcolm Webb
Time: November 7, 2007, 7:19 am

Hi all, especially our Rotary crew Bas, Chrissy and Steve.

Your progress was reported at our Club yesterday, Bas, and several members admitted to following the blog on the website. It is a fantastic thing you are all doing and we are extremely proud to be associated, even in such a small way from back home. All the best. Enjoy the heat — you’ll miss it when you get back here. Turning quite chilly now.

Comment from GRRR
Time: November 7, 2007, 1:44 pm

HEY GUYS GREAT PIX WHO GOT STUCK IN DA SAND WOZ ANDY PAXTON DRIVING TO CRAZY
IM TELLING EVERY1 BOUT WOT UR DOING AND GETTING THEM TO GO ON THE WEBSITE AND SEE THE PICTURES AND WRITE MESSAGES
EVERY1 IS LVIN WOT UR DOING
EVERY1 AT ST MIKES AND BEVERLY MINSTER SAYS HI N CNT WAIT TILL YOU GET BACK AND TELL US SUM WICKED STORIES
LVS YA ALL
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
KISS 4 EACH OF YOU

Comment from UR SO AMAZIN
Time: November 7, 2007, 1:48 pm

Its people like you that
make people like me need
!!MEDICATION!!
(ANDY PAXTON)
SEE YA ALL SOON YOUR DOING A GREAT AND UNSELFISH THING
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Comment from Lee Kirkby
Time: November 7, 2007, 3:15 pm

Hey Guys esp Andy, Kayleigh & Andy P! Hope your all keeping well looking after each other!?!?! Andy your probably in your element out there! ha. Keep enjoying, learning and trusting in God!

See you all soon

Lee & all at Beverley Minster x

Comment from Lee Kirkby
Time: November 7, 2007, 3:16 pm

I was meant to put “Ian” in the Andy bit. oops!! Hi Ian!

Comment from emma
Time: November 7, 2007, 4:49 pm

Hi Ian, kayleigh and andy, I dont no if you all no bt i hd a baby girl on 24th october weighing 7lb11oz. Hope your all keeping well. Enjoy yourself and everyone over sends their love. I wish i could have been tere with u all. May god bless you all on your journey.
see you all soon

Emma and all at st michaels

Comment from Tom Johnston
Time: November 7, 2007, 10:18 pm

One for Bas..We had a spare seat in Radcliffe on Monday
and a box of Black puddings for you to take home.It looks like the puds would cook on the car roof. You will tell us about it all on your next Harley trip to Radcliffe. Good luck all of you.
Tom J

Comment from Maximillion Von Slerzelwengerburger
Time: November 8, 2007, 9:24 am

Dear Trailblazers

Previously, I wrote imploring you all to embrace & indeed welcome the wonderful opportunity of doing your OWN washing (of underpants, socks etc.) Remember? Unfortunately, without confirmation, I am not sure if my plea fell on deaf ears. I come to deduce that either:

a) You have NOT engaged in this washing regime but have become immune to each others’ stench & therefore it is not a problem between you. (However, think about those who you visit – to them it WOULD obviously be an issue!)
b) SOME of you have engaged the washing regime – these being the favoured ones whose images we see regularly on your up-dates. The smelly ones amongst you are pushed to the back, maybe even left behind in a tent somewhere in the desert – conveniently forgotten about.
c) You have ALL embraced the wonders of basic hand-washing, & indeed the laundry image on Day 9 WAS your own washing and not that of the locals in Nouadhibou – Well Done!

I hope and pray that you fall into c above.

Keep up your hard work, you should all be proud of yourselves.

God speed to you all.
Sincerely
MVS

Comment from Wayne (Sami’s Bro)
Time: November 8, 2007, 10:52 am

Hey There Lil Sis,

Hope ur holding out well just been looking at the site and its really great wot ur doing, dint really realise what it was all about, till i looked into it, well u have fun out there, and safe journey to u and ur freinds…

Lav Ya XxX
Wayne XxX

Comment from Sheila (Ian’s mum)
Time: November 8, 2007, 10:58 pm

Hi, Ian, Klee, Becca, Andy, Anna, Jonathan, Steve and everyone, I’ve just read the message from Philip, who is gona be waiting for you when you all get to Siera Leonne, and his message was very inspiring, emotional and moving! you are all doing something very special that will stay with you for a long time! Hope your ok Becca, cos I haven’t seen your video yet! I know you need your space too, and that must be hard at times! I am thinking of you all and praying for you and telling everyone what a wonderful website this is! God Bless and God speed! from Sheila (St Mikes! And Ian (Golden Child’s mum! xxxxxxx

Comment from Graham Wright
Time: November 9, 2007, 9:48 am

Bas,
Hope you will not fill the next 2 or 3 Link Mags, but leave a little room for the other Club’s news. We are getting some sun here but last night the roads were salted, the Tide on the East Coast is 3 metres above normal with the high winds, some towns have been evacuated.
Enjoy your trip and don’t overdo it.
See you soon.

The Terrible Trio from Sheffield
Graham, Betty & Janet

Comment from Jamie-lea
Time: November 9, 2007, 10:05 am

hello Miss Cooper hope you are ok, we are missing you loads can’t wait to see you hope you are safe love Jamie Lea Offen xxxx

Comment from jade shann+thomas shann
Time: November 9, 2007, 7:19 pm

hi miss cooper we hope your having a great day and wish you all loads hope you have a safe jurney hi this is thomas miss cooper i carent wait till you cum back and tell us all about it missing you and hope you have a great jurney and weve looked at pictures and think they are great love from thomas and jade see you soon can’t wait untill you tell assembily all about it when you all get back xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx bye for now

Comment from jade shann+stacey e
Time: November 9, 2007, 7:24 pm

hi miss cooper i think your hat suits you and we think all the rest of your crew are awsome and funny see ya in a cuple of weeks bye for now stacey evenden and jade shann

Comment from Peter Grieve
Time: November 9, 2007, 10:19 pm

I’ve just been viewing the photos, commentaries and video clips. It’s awesome! Fantastic photos Claudio et al. Very moving account of your experience so far. God bless you all as you continue the journey. A special Hi to Kayla and Pudsey.
Peter – Longhill LinkUp

Comment from Tiff and Nik Strode
Time: November 10, 2007, 11:07 am

Hi Guys
Has been fantastic to read your updates ..have only just worked out how to leave you a message!! Never could do computers! We are moved to tears each time we read your accounts…must be so tough but keep on going! Huge respect and encouragement to you all.
Special love to Anna and Sammi.

Comment from Tanya
Time: November 10, 2007, 11:16 am

lovely to hear from you this week kayleigh, the kids were in awe of you on the phone and the adults all wanted to hear how you are! glad you’re having fun and making a difference to the lives of so many people.

take care, stay safe and see you soon, love tanya xxxx

Comment from Nicky R
Time: November 10, 2007, 12:01 pm

Hi everyone – hope all is well. Everyone is missing you Kayleigh! Its exciting to hear that you had spoken on the phone! Glad you are having fun.

You should be really proud that you are part of something that is making such a huge difference

Tracking your progress all the way.

Take care, safe journey – lots of love, Nic xXx

Comment from Tom Kirby
Time: November 10, 2007, 7:34 pm

Hey Guys sounds like its a interesting trip out there at the mo… Hope your managing to get everything sorted. Andy sand boarding sounds like fun. But sand getting every where doesn’t pleased your enjoying your self take care all of you and God Bless
Tom

Comment from David Edmond
Time: November 10, 2007, 11:37 pm

Sending you trail-blazers good wishes from the comfort of our own homes, but with you all in the middle of the Sahara is a sobering thought. Seeing the images and video clips of you all in ‘the team’ is great, and I’m sure we’d all love to see you in settings with people you meet along the way, with each video clip telling a story of sorts about what you are experiencing. Hope you’re not getting too many tape-snarl ups there Claudio … best wishes to all of you, keep the spirits up and good luck in your progress.

Comment from Teepol
Time: November 11, 2007, 5:42 pm

Glad all is going ok Tell Jon and Al that I have relayed clips and messages mum says that the toilet has stopped working can you return and fix it asap as they won’t be able to stay there on their return love FA and Tpol and Mop

Comment from steve blackbourn
Time: November 11, 2007, 9:28 pm

To Bas and the team; Dad, just finished a week at Dartmouth, leadership course, was good, nice and relaxed. Back to Collingwood tomorrow, 3 weeks left. Still following the progress, looks fantastic, proud of you. Love, Steve

Comment from Jonathan Swain
Time: November 12, 2007, 6:03 pm

Hi to rich and the rest of the team. We’re very proud of you and the whole thing sounds amazing. We particularly liked the bit where you were playing with the children in Mauritania. Hope the air con on William Wiberforce holds up, sounds like your having a brilliant time anyway and everyboy is very envious of you. The photos are great. Lots of love, Jont and all the family xx

Comment from Clive & Barbara Cross
Time: November 13, 2007, 5:15 pm

Reading your last update things look to be getting a little rough to say the least. Insects, heat, washing etc. Keep going all of you our prayers are with you. Not far now. What a tremendous achievement
Take care & God Bless you all.

Comment from Graham Wright
Time: November 13, 2007, 9:49 pm

Hi Bas

I have been asked to give a short talk on the Hul Freedom Trail at the RIBI SACCS meeting at Loughborough University, I have been in touch with Freya for some of the information, have you anything to add.

Best wishes

Graham

Comment from Pamela
Time: November 14, 2007, 9:06 am

Still praying for you all. Hope you are all ok. love pamela

Comment from Liam Faulkner
Time: November 14, 2007, 4:40 pm

hi davis. it’s liam. i just got on here so i hope you get this message! i hope you are enjoying what you are doing out there. see you soon i hope. Liam x

Comment from Melissa
Time: November 14, 2007, 5:28 pm

Hi Kayleigh, I was so pleased to be able to speak to you today. I am missing you very much. The journey sounds tough, but you’ve got what it takes girl!!!! We are right there with you in our ‘Africa Area’ in the classroom every day-talking about you, thinking about you and reminding ourselves of what you would say in different situations. Try to look beyond the flies and insect bites and focus on the most amazing job that you are doing, love always, Melissa.

Comment from pete farley
Time: November 14, 2007, 10:47 pm

hello mike and teams ,i am just catching up on your progress,great photos of trucks in the dessert surroundings.with no aircon working trap towels in top of door,with windows down of course works even better with towel wet.eeerm water ? mike i hope you remembered the digestive biscuits in case of any water leaks! great work being done boys and girls ,see you soon mike .good luck. cheers.

Comment from liz Dorton
Time: November 15, 2007, 9:05 am

You’ve made it to Sierra Leone. Fantastic! I’ve been following you all with my curiosity and prayers. Well done Sammi. Hi Anna. I guess makeup is out the window at the mo! Hope you have a little time more to soak up Africa at leisure before you return

Comment from jiberish
Time: November 15, 2007, 1:56 pm

hiya people

Comment from shannon
Time: November 15, 2007, 2:12 pm

Hope you are all alright and you can solve all the problems. We’re twined with St John’s School in Seirra Leone.

Comment from niall and aidan
Time: November 15, 2007, 2:19 pm

Hi everyone! Hope you’re having a nice time. That looks like a pretty bad bite on that woman’s chest. What did the dung beetle look like. Have you seen any?

NNNNNiall & AAAAAAAidan

Comment from Nanette & family
Time: November 16, 2007, 7:49 pm

Hi Kayleigh, glad everythings going well. Missing you, your doing amazing things, just think of all the lifes you’ve touched and made a difference to. Can’t wait till you’re back at work to catch up on all the goss! love and best wishes to all the teams. Nanette x

Comment from Janet Green Rotary Hull Paragon
Time: November 17, 2007, 11:59 am

Many congratulations to all the Team – well done

Comment from Anny and Joachim
Time: November 17, 2007, 9:17 pm

Hi Bas,
we are a bit late, sorry, but congratulations to have arrived in Sierra Leone. We admire what you and your team do.
All the best from your Friends from Neustadt/Germany
Anny and Joachim

Pingback from The Hull Freedom Trail » Video Vault Update
Time: November 18, 2007, 10:22 pm

[...] Video Vault [...]

Comment from Bas
Time: November 23, 2007, 11:52 am

With only a couple of hours to go before you leave Freetown perhaps it is time to reflect on this fantastic feat. 21 days and 5,100 miles overland Hull to Freetown is spectacular by any standards. It was difficult and dangerous in many ways but now the job is done, very well done.

Different agendas have been completed and individual goals achieved. Let us not forget what we have done and who we did if for. Remember those 5.5m people in Freetown, 80% who live in shacks and nothing, repeat nothing esle. Remember the children for they are the future, help the adults, too, for they can provide for the future even in Freetown, capital of the poorest country in the world.

Remember where you came from and especially remember where you have been, what you did and saw and use it as a base to help others.

Safe journey home to the ‘back door’ a special welcome awaits you all.

Bas THREE OVER.

Rotary: Passionate about a better world.

Comment from Bas
Time: November 23, 2007, 1:58 pm

Jonathan,
Having now had the chance to see the whole blog thought my Rotary friends, other sponsers and bloggers might like to know what you said on CB at my invitation 2300hrs 14.11.07:

‘I just want to acknowledge the immense contribution from Rotary. They were the first organisation to come up with the money and without them it would not have happened.’

Rotary also sourced and funded the first day group fuel fill-up on my credit card.

Submitted lest we forget.

Bas

Comment from Wayne Ellington
Time: November 25, 2007, 1:47 am

Jonathan Jonathan Jonathan…. God is well pleased with your service to HIM. He will continue to bless you for making such a difference in the lives of many. Those vehicles will go on and on throughout that nation, saving lives and winning souls for Jesus… mmm… I am truely and totally blessed by watching the video vault and reading about the adventure. Your vision inspires me and has made me research my own heart in ways I can spread the Gospel of Jesus. Remember it was God’s Grace that changed the heart of Wilberforce, so the root to all of this is Jesus… HALELLUJAH!!! Great to have you all back safe and sound. I see you soon.
God is not through with you yet!!! Just wait untill you see the next BIG VISION… I’m watching this S P A C E…..

Wayne E

Comment from Philip Dean (St George Foundation)
Time: November 27, 2007, 11:19 am

Hi All

It’s Philip from St George in Sierra Leone.

Now that you are all back I just wanted to say a huge congratulations and thank you to the entire team.

The people of Hull should be rightly very proud of your efforts and enthusiatic and generous determination to get the job done. The spirit of justice and fairness that William Wilberforce and his compatriots believed in certainly lives on.

As one of the recipients, and knowing how the others felt I would just like to let you know that your efforts touched us a lot, it was an act of real love and friendship, not to mention courage and determination to do what you have all just done. All of us view the vehicles as an amazing gift and I know that we are all determined to get the most out of them and to look after them as best we can.
We all saw you as true friends and I really hope that we made you feel welcome and that your trip was a very worthwhile excercise and certainly we hope that this is the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial friendship and not the end of an adventurous journey!

To all the people in the background, friends, families, colleagues, donors, officials who have helped make the trip a reality I just want to say a huge thank you to you too and well done. Your efforts and support are very much appreciated.

To all the people on the trip, I hope it stays as a treasured memory, a catalist in your own lives and proves to be something great to look back on in time.

God Bless you all and many thanks……………Philip

Comment from Lesley S (Andy’s wife)
Time: November 30, 2007, 4:35 pm

My heart swells with pride!!!! Not! Andy’s one contribution to the videos so far and it’s all about poo!
Thanks Claudio for still working so hard, I’ve heard so much about you – you’re a gem.
Love to you all & well done again,
Lesleyx

Comment from Callum Taylor
Time: November 13, 2009, 3:26 am

Hi Guys, well done for safely getting back, I would have given an arm and a leg to join you on the trip. I hope that the vehicles are fulfilling their pupose in Sierra Leon. I think its awsome what you have all done, the amount of time, effort, money and everything that goes into something like this is incredible well done.