Hi again!
Since I last wrote a blog, we've done a lot more miles on the cycle/run to Honduras and I've also had quite a lot of money given to me!
We've done lots of miles on the Turbo Trainer (indoor bike) over the past 2-3 weeks, and two weekends ago Jack, Dad and I went out for a 35 mile bike ride on a new route, which was nice to do. Last weekend, Mum, Jack, Dad and I went out for 30 miles in a similar direction, which was great fun and it was nice to have Mum out with us! We're now just about 1/3 of the way to Honduras, with 1739 miles being covered over the past 2 and 1/2 months. That works out at 22.5 miles per day (!) since 1st September, which is pretty good I think! I also hit 500 miles for myself this weekend, with everyone else not too far behind.
I've had a good past few weeks for money as well. Lots of family members have donated much more than I would have expected, so a big thank you to anyone who is reading this and has already donated! If you haven't and you would like to, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SamNeill1 make a donation!
I'm organising the quiz night which will happen next year, and I'm in contact with Castlepoint sorting out the details for our 500 miles final day next May.
Thanks for reading...
Sam
Monday, 18 November 2013
Thursday, 31 October 2013
Great South Run and more money...
Hi,
Over the last three weeks, quite a lot has happened concerning both money and miles on the journey to Honduras.
About two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive a £300 donation from a charitable trust, so thank you very much (if you're reading this)! There was also a family party in Coventry and a few family members have already donated money, which is great, and a big thank you if you are reading! I also had a donation from a family friend on Virgin Giving, so if you feel like it you could do the same here! http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SamNeill1
We've also done a lot of miles over the past three weeks. A lot has been done on the turbo trainer (indoor bike) because of the weather and not having much time to go out together. All five of us did go on a 15 mile ride a few weeks back which was great, and 75 miles to add on to the total.
Last Saturday, Jack and Luke did the Junior Great South Run (1.6 miles), and then on Sunday, Mum and I ran the ten mile Great South Run, and despite the wind (Ewan Thomas said it was the hardest one he's ever done!), we did in only six minutes slower than last year! It was a great day, but unfortunately I won't be able to do it next year as I'll be in Honduras...it's over to you Jack! :)
Today, we covered 100 miles! Dad, Jack and I rode 31.5 miles on our bikes, which was a great ride because it was a route we've never done before. Mum also went for a five mile run whilst we were at the cricket nets, which totalled to 99.5 miles. So, after tea, Mum did the last 0.5 miles on the turbo trainer (thanks!)
We now have a total of over 1400 miles, which is almost 27% of the total of 5265 miles.
This week, I got a letter from Castlepoint saying that I would be able to hold the event that I wanted to do there. At the end of May, we're going to cover the final 500 miles of the distance to Honduras on static bikes/turbo trainers at Castlepoint, so thanks very much to Castlepoint for letting me do this!
We spent Monday to Wednesday up in London, which was good fun. We stayed near Tower Bridge, and did loads of exciting things. We went on the London Eye, saw the Lion King Musical and watched the street performers in Covent Garden. It was a great few days and a shame to come home, but when we got home, I found out that I'd got my first university offer! Aston, which is going to be my back-up choice, have offered me a place (now just for the other four!)
If you're reading this and have got a bit of money lying around, please go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SamNeill1 and donate what ever you can, it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for reading,
Sam :)
Over the last three weeks, quite a lot has happened concerning both money and miles on the journey to Honduras.
About two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive a £300 donation from a charitable trust, so thank you very much (if you're reading this)! There was also a family party in Coventry and a few family members have already donated money, which is great, and a big thank you if you are reading! I also had a donation from a family friend on Virgin Giving, so if you feel like it you could do the same here! http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SamNeill1
We've also done a lot of miles over the past three weeks. A lot has been done on the turbo trainer (indoor bike) because of the weather and not having much time to go out together. All five of us did go on a 15 mile ride a few weeks back which was great, and 75 miles to add on to the total.
Last Saturday, Jack and Luke did the Junior Great South Run (1.6 miles), and then on Sunday, Mum and I ran the ten mile Great South Run, and despite the wind (Ewan Thomas said it was the hardest one he's ever done!), we did in only six minutes slower than last year! It was a great day, but unfortunately I won't be able to do it next year as I'll be in Honduras...it's over to you Jack! :)
Today, we covered 100 miles! Dad, Jack and I rode 31.5 miles on our bikes, which was a great ride because it was a route we've never done before. Mum also went for a five mile run whilst we were at the cricket nets, which totalled to 99.5 miles. So, after tea, Mum did the last 0.5 miles on the turbo trainer (thanks!)
We now have a total of over 1400 miles, which is almost 27% of the total of 5265 miles.
This week, I got a letter from Castlepoint saying that I would be able to hold the event that I wanted to do there. At the end of May, we're going to cover the final 500 miles of the distance to Honduras on static bikes/turbo trainers at Castlepoint, so thanks very much to Castlepoint for letting me do this!
We spent Monday to Wednesday up in London, which was good fun. We stayed near Tower Bridge, and did loads of exciting things. We went on the London Eye, saw the Lion King Musical and watched the street performers in Covent Garden. It was a great few days and a shame to come home, but when we got home, I found out that I'd got my first university offer! Aston, which is going to be my back-up choice, have offered me a place (now just for the other four!)
If you're reading this and have got a bit of money lying around, please go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SamNeill1 and donate what ever you can, it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for reading,
Sam :)
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
New Forest Sportive
Hi,
At the weekend, 270 miles were covered by Dad, Mum, Jack and myself! On Saturday, Dad and Mum did the 40 mile sportive, covering a total of 80 miles, so well done to both of you! Then, on Sunday, Dad did the 40 mile route again, and me and Jack did the 70 mile route, so 180 miles overall. The route was quite hard but it was a good day and we all really enjoyed ourselves! I also rode to school and back on Saturday for the admissions testing for new year 7's, which gave another 10 miles. After more miles covered on Monday, Tuesday and today on the turbo trainer and by running, we have done a total of 1082 miles, which is over 20% of our total of 5265 miles.
On Tuesday, I posted all the letters to the charitable trusts, after a lot of envelope writing on Monday night! Hopefully I'll get some positive responses soon to really kick off my fundraising! I've also booked a local hall for a quiz night in March of next year, which I know is a long way off but if you're reading this and want to come, then get in touch! My school also gave me some information about gap year scholarships, so I've started writing a letter to them and hopefully some money will be on its way!
Thanks for reading my blog!!
Sam
At the weekend, 270 miles were covered by Dad, Mum, Jack and myself! On Saturday, Dad and Mum did the 40 mile sportive, covering a total of 80 miles, so well done to both of you! Then, on Sunday, Dad did the 40 mile route again, and me and Jack did the 70 mile route, so 180 miles overall. The route was quite hard but it was a good day and we all really enjoyed ourselves! I also rode to school and back on Saturday for the admissions testing for new year 7's, which gave another 10 miles. After more miles covered on Monday, Tuesday and today on the turbo trainer and by running, we have done a total of 1082 miles, which is over 20% of our total of 5265 miles.
On Tuesday, I posted all the letters to the charitable trusts, after a lot of envelope writing on Monday night! Hopefully I'll get some positive responses soon to really kick off my fundraising! I've also booked a local hall for a quiz night in March of next year, which I know is a long way off but if you're reading this and want to come, then get in touch! My school also gave me some information about gap year scholarships, so I've started writing a letter to them and hopefully some money will be on its way!
Thanks for reading my blog!!
Sam
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
One month in...
Hi,
So I'm already one month into my fundraising year, and everything seems to be going pretty well. This month, overall, in the bike ride/run to Tegucigalpa, 735 miles have been completed, so thanks to Jack, Luke, Mum and Dad for all your miles over the last month...only 4530 to go now!! Me and Mum did a 9.8 mile run on Sunday, the furthest since the Great South Run last year, which was pretty hard but worth it for the miles, and training for the run itself!
This weekend, Mum and Dad are doing the 44 mile Wiggle New Forest cycle ride, and then on Sunday Jack, Dad and Me are doing the 70 mile version (I don't know how Dad will cope!!!). This will total to just under 300 miles, which will be amazing for just one weekend!
I have finished my letters to charitable trusts and they are being printed out today, as well as those that I have written to as many other people I can think of (family, friends etc.). I have also received a letter from my school's headmaster saying that I should be able to get some money from the school's travel bursary, which is great news!
I guess I'll be writing a lot of envelopes this week/weekend, which will mean (hopefully) that some charitable trusts respond positively and give me some of their money! I'm also going to book a local village hall, where I intend to hold a quiz night in the new year, and I'm going to write to local supermarkets to try to organise a bag packing event.
I've also just sent of my university UCAS application, so now that's out of the way, I can concentrate a bit more on fundraising and other events!
Thanks for reading,
Sam
So I'm already one month into my fundraising year, and everything seems to be going pretty well. This month, overall, in the bike ride/run to Tegucigalpa, 735 miles have been completed, so thanks to Jack, Luke, Mum and Dad for all your miles over the last month...only 4530 to go now!! Me and Mum did a 9.8 mile run on Sunday, the furthest since the Great South Run last year, which was pretty hard but worth it for the miles, and training for the run itself!
This weekend, Mum and Dad are doing the 44 mile Wiggle New Forest cycle ride, and then on Sunday Jack, Dad and Me are doing the 70 mile version (I don't know how Dad will cope!!!). This will total to just under 300 miles, which will be amazing for just one weekend!
I have finished my letters to charitable trusts and they are being printed out today, as well as those that I have written to as many other people I can think of (family, friends etc.). I have also received a letter from my school's headmaster saying that I should be able to get some money from the school's travel bursary, which is great news!
I guess I'll be writing a lot of envelopes this week/weekend, which will mean (hopefully) that some charitable trusts respond positively and give me some of their money! I'm also going to book a local village hall, where I intend to hold a quiz night in the new year, and I'm going to write to local supermarkets to try to organise a bag packing event.
I've also just sent of my university UCAS application, so now that's out of the way, I can concentrate a bit more on fundraising and other events!
Thanks for reading,
Sam
Sunday, 22 September 2013
More Miles and Leaflets Done!
Hi,
This week, over 200 miles have been done on the bikes and running. On Saturday, Jack, Dad and I rode just over 43 miles, which totalled to 131.4 miles, so a lot for one day! This ride was the same one that Dad broke his wrist on, exactly one year ago, so it was good not to be in A&E this year! This morning me and Mum ran 8.4 miles in training for the Great South Run, which was pretty tough but more miles under the belt! So far, we've done just under 620 miles, so more than the monthly average, but we need to because in winter the mileage will drop off.
My leaflets were also printed this week and look amazing! Thanks again to Denise for doing them for me! Here's a picture of the finished leaflet.
Now that the leaflets are all done, I can start sending out letters to charitable trusts and other organisations, so this will be done this week. My letter to Castlepoint, to organise the last 500 miles of our Colehill to Tegucigalpa bike ride, will be sent out tomorrow. I also found out the my school has a travel bursary, so I have written a letter and will hand it in to the headmaster tomorrow morning, and hopefully get a bit of money. I'm also hoping for a bit of money from a non-uniform day at school in the next few months.
Thanks for reading,
Sam
Sunday, 8 September 2013
Leaflets and Trusts
Hi,
This week I have done a fair bit towards fundraising and also loads of miles on the bike and running!
On Saturday morning, I went to Denise, our neighbours, house, and she, luckily, is a professional leaflet/brochure designer! She helped me to design my leaflets which I have now pretty much completed, with her help. The leaflets look so much better than when I originally did them, and they should be printed quite soon, ready to give out!
In the afternoon, I went to Poole Library to research charitable trusts, which although it took a while and was a bit tiresome, it was worth it (I hope!) because I got a fair number of trusts to write to, and hopefully get positive responses!
We have done quite a bit of our cycle/run to Honduras, including runs from me and mum, bike rides from all of us and time spent on the turbo trainer. Luke has just done 5.5 miles to take our 'distance to Tegucigalpa' down to 4999.9 miles, so less than 5000 to go! Thanks to the family who have helped me so far!
I had the idea to hold the final day of our distance to Honduras on static bikes at Castlepoint shopping centre, so have drafted a letter to the manager and will send it off when the leaflets are done. On this day, we will cover 500 miles between the five of us, and to be able to do this we need to average 530 miles each month up until the end of May, when I hope this event will be held.
I had my first donation from a guy at school called James, so thanks very much if you read this!
Today, Aunty Niks came round our house and very kindly gave me a donation of £526.50 (the distance of our bike ride is 5265 miles, so a good number!), which was greatly appreciated, thanks Niks!!!
I went back to school on Friday and start properly tomorrow, so the miles per week will probably not be as high as 265 miles, but it's a great start!
Thanks
Sam
This week I have done a fair bit towards fundraising and also loads of miles on the bike and running!
On Saturday morning, I went to Denise, our neighbours, house, and she, luckily, is a professional leaflet/brochure designer! She helped me to design my leaflets which I have now pretty much completed, with her help. The leaflets look so much better than when I originally did them, and they should be printed quite soon, ready to give out!
In the afternoon, I went to Poole Library to research charitable trusts, which although it took a while and was a bit tiresome, it was worth it (I hope!) because I got a fair number of trusts to write to, and hopefully get positive responses!
We have done quite a bit of our cycle/run to Honduras, including runs from me and mum, bike rides from all of us and time spent on the turbo trainer. Luke has just done 5.5 miles to take our 'distance to Tegucigalpa' down to 4999.9 miles, so less than 5000 to go! Thanks to the family who have helped me so far!
I had the idea to hold the final day of our distance to Honduras on static bikes at Castlepoint shopping centre, so have drafted a letter to the manager and will send it off when the leaflets are done. On this day, we will cover 500 miles between the five of us, and to be able to do this we need to average 530 miles each month up until the end of May, when I hope this event will be held.
I had my first donation from a guy at school called James, so thanks very much if you read this!
Today, Aunty Niks came round our house and very kindly gave me a donation of £526.50 (the distance of our bike ride is 5265 miles, so a good number!), which was greatly appreciated, thanks Niks!!!
I went back to school on Friday and start properly tomorrow, so the miles per week will probably not be as high as 265 miles, but it's a great start!
Thanks
Sam
Sunday, 1 September 2013
And so it begins...
In March 2013, a Project Trust returned volunteer came into my school and planted the idea of a gap year into my head, so I took home a leaflet and signed up online straight away!
Then, on August 19th until the 23rd, I attended a selection course on the tiny island of Coll in Scotland. During the week, I had to give presentations, hike up a hill and dig some potato beds, and much more! I had a great time on Coll and had so much fun with all the other hopeful volunteers, and was sad to have to return back to the mainland!
A week later, on Saturday 31st August, I got home from a further week spent in Scotland with my family, doing things like riding our bikes and climbing Ben Nevis! The letter was on the doormat, and I was excited yet nervous to open it!
When I opened it, it said that I had been selected to spend 12 months teaching in Honduras!!! I was so happy and excited to start fundraising the £5600 needed to fund my year.
So, my main sponsored event to help raise the money is going to be a cycle/run covering the distance from Colehill, where I live, to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, with my family, a total of 5265 miles. I will complete this before I leave next August, and even though it will be hard, it is definitely doable and I hope to raise money through this as well as other means such as cake sales and quiz nights!!
Today, we kicked off the ride with 25 miles from me and mum, so we're on the way, only 5240 miles to go!!!
Thanks for reading...
Sam
Then, on August 19th until the 23rd, I attended a selection course on the tiny island of Coll in Scotland. During the week, I had to give presentations, hike up a hill and dig some potato beds, and much more! I had a great time on Coll and had so much fun with all the other hopeful volunteers, and was sad to have to return back to the mainland!
A week later, on Saturday 31st August, I got home from a further week spent in Scotland with my family, doing things like riding our bikes and climbing Ben Nevis! The letter was on the doormat, and I was excited yet nervous to open it!
When I opened it, it said that I had been selected to spend 12 months teaching in Honduras!!! I was so happy and excited to start fundraising the £5600 needed to fund my year.
So, my main sponsored event to help raise the money is going to be a cycle/run covering the distance from Colehill, where I live, to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, with my family, a total of 5265 miles. I will complete this before I leave next August, and even though it will be hard, it is definitely doable and I hope to raise money through this as well as other means such as cake sales and quiz nights!!
Today, we kicked off the ride with 25 miles from me and mum, so we're on the way, only 5240 miles to go!!!
Thanks for reading...
Sam
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