Thursday 4 March 2010 |
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 It's not WHAT you know it's who! After completing the ‘Breaking Free of Jail' quest, we were collected by our first mode of transport, a shiny black hearse!
We certainly had some very inquisitive looks from fellow travellers on the M5/M4, peering into a hearse that was transporting the Ridiculously Clad Woman, Mr Tango Man and a rubber duck. I waved heartily at several, and managed response from a child in one car who waved madly back at us, and a man whose slightly reserved wave was coupled with a gaze of disbelief.
Our second form of transport was to be in a Rally light aircraft, but was dependant on good weather. We telephoned ahead, and were disappointed to learn the planned flight from Swindon to Duxford in Cambridgeshire would be too risky due to the bad weather, but a shorter flight across to Oxford would still be possible. At this point I should say that Rubber Duck flew in from Day Hospice needing a ride to where ever we could get him to.
We arrived at the agreed place which happened to be a petrol station seconds away from where the pilot lived, where upon John (the pilot) walked across to collect us. Our undertaker, Mark expressed an interest in seeing us off, so decided he'd follow us up to the airfield. I then found myself being driven across a petrol station by an undertaker in a hearse, following a man in an orange suit and a pilot.
After coffee with our pilot, we drove to the aircraft, and were strategically placed to balance the tiny plane (apparently I was ballast!) The clouds were dark, and the rain started, but the checks were made and we soon took off.
Ten minutes into our flight, we were confronted by a most boisterous rain storm. At this point, even I stopped taking photos, and hung on for dear life! I have NEVER been so relieved to see an airport! Our pilot was absolutely fantastic and made us feel safe every minute, even if the weather was challenging for him and us!!
The ground crew at Oxford Airport were very helpful and were happy to donate hard cash to the ‘rattle buckets', as well as giving us proof of landing in the form of a rather silly Santa Hat from an airline, and regaling Mr Tango Man with some kind of luggage ticket.
A mad friend collected us from here and kindly took us to Liverpool in a very normal Audi, where another friend took over and took us all (including mad Audi friend) to Blackpool where we found the tower, unlit (now 8pm). After a short explanation, the staff were happy to turn the tower lights on (a little early) so we could take some shots to send to Ground Control. Amazing as the tower was, at this point we were about to become frozen, west country statues, so we took refuge in the only welcoming place around, which happened to be a fish and chip shop, were we were bought a hearty fish and chip supper! This we knew was to be our final destination, so we were taken back to ‘second friends' house where we stayed until the next morning, hoping to be victorious in our quest for miles!
At the outset, several months ago, the thought of organising such a trip was certainly not for the faint hearted, but we were amazed by the generosity and encouragement of both people we knew and complete strangers wanting to be a part of such a great fund raising cause. At this point, we are uncertain of the total sum raised, but the last count was in excess of £800. Thank you very much to everyone who helped raise this, and special thanks to those who gave up their time to transport two crazy people and a rubber duck around the country. |
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Article expires: Thursday 1 April 2010 |
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