Rugby March 2009

Rugby March video - from Newcastle to Twickenham

2009-05-23T22:15:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all for your support of the Rugby March. You can still donate by clicking on the link below:

Celebrations, thoughts and songs from the Cardinal Vaughan car park

2009-05-23T00:31:00.006+01:00

The Rugby March team convened at the Cardinal Vaughan car park in the shadow of Twickenham Stadium on the afternoon of 16th May 2009 to celebrate the success of the Rugby March, to share some thoughts on the epic journey from Newcastle to Twickenham and to fill the car park with song. (May contain strong language!....)

Twist and Shout:

OAs sing:

Team 1 talks:

Team 2 talks:

Team 3 talks:

Team 4 talks:

Team 5 talks:

Team 6 talks:

Message from Jenny Thomas

2009-05-21T13:43:00.000+01:00

When it was said that a rugby march would take place which entailed going to every premiership ground passing a rugby ball I was so sceptical. I realised the enormity of the project. The organisation of the teams, the route planning, the press involvement, the transport, accommodation....the list of admin tasks enormous. The ambitious total of £100,000 a surely impossible sum. But no, you all made it happen. Every one played their part and despite the physical challenge all survived to tell the tale.

It was an emotional journey for us all and the sight of so many “Marchers” at Twickenham was something I will always remember. I kept thinking how much Rich would have enjoyed the challenge, the banter, the friendship and the fun. How proud he would be of what was achieved in his name, knowing it will help in the fight to ensure that in the future no one else will suffer from this disease.

I am in awe of what was achieved and thank you all for your efforts.

The Guinness celebrations...

2009-05-16T20:53:00.000+01:00

Everyone relaxing...
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The Donation...

2009-05-16T17:34:00.000+01:00

Currently £115k...
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The Spirit...

2009-05-16T17:31:00.000+01:00

Right here!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

The Final Cut v1

2009-05-16T17:30:00.004+01:00

So the final day is here!!!

Bats in full flow...

2009-05-16T16:34:00.001+01:00

Enjoying the final hours...
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

:)

2009-05-16T12:57:00.004+01:00

--------------------------

At HQ

2009-05-16T12:56:00.004+01:00

Finally the team relaxes - job well done!

Relief

2009-05-16T11:57:00.002+01:00

The team in the final shots at stoop
Phew?

Quins stoop

2009-05-16T11:52:00.002+01:00

We made the penultimate stop :)))

Team 6 finish at syon lane

2009-05-16T10:47:00.001+01:00

Tired but still smiling

Stage 6, 10 strong and heading for syon lane pick up. 3.1 miles to go!!

2009-05-16T10:38:00.001+01:00

Stage 6 hovering outside syon lane

2009-05-16T10:35:00.001+01:00

3 miles an hour nailed all night, amazing turn out at 8am at northwick park. 10 of us. Denyer, dave, jim, wardy and dave from the overnight team plus rachel, mikey, donut, dave, and graham. Strong squad, waiting for the next wave. Hoping for a 20 strong swell to the stoop.

We are 3.1 miles from the end of this 550 mile mission. Twickenham, we need a visual!!!

Thoughts from stage 6

2009-05-16T05:51:00.001+01:00

Ok so team 5 break themselves on the march's shortest stage. Then turn up to see us off without support vehicle, head torches etc. Nice. So a hobbled together team 6 kick in at midnight friday and with an initial 8 man team blast into the night. A few of the oa boys drop off at 2am and away we went into the night. Its cold, a bit boring so we just go at it, steady 3mph. Arrive at northwick park at 5.30am, got to wait until 8am for the others to arrive. But only 9 miles and a stack of booze to worry about from here. Need a cafe!! Please open!!

Stage 6 take 2.5 hours off stage 5's timings and reward themselves with a 2.5 hour wait in northwick park a & e.

2009-05-16T05:42:00.001+01:00

St albans cathedral

2009-05-15T19:45:00.002+01:00

.....Has a big hill !

Richard's old school

2009-05-15T19:29:00.001+01:00

We passed this school with paul who was there with richard

Nearly there?

2009-05-15T19:17:00.002+01:00

Hmmm

2009-05-15T18:53:00.001+01:00

So the bus stop was tempting - until we realised it is heading the wrong way... South

Yes I know we are heading south overall but in order to go down you have to go up first.... Or something like that :)

St albans here we come!

2009-05-15T17:53:00.002+01:00

Rotten scenery here (sorry n watford)
We're passing through ...
These boots were made for walking....

Saracens pitstop

2009-05-15T17:23:00.003+01:00

Don barrell and alex goode met us at the ground and had a good laugh.
Could have been at us but we prefer to think they were most welcoming ;)
Seriously - big thanks to sarries for saying hi and throwing a ball around (well less so don but fair enough with his arm in a cast!)
Alex reckons he will be a photographer after rugby
Hmmm - watford observer may disagree :))
Off we go again :)

Sam genuinely having a tough time

2009-05-15T15:44:00.004+01:00

No really he is!!

Sam says 'this is tough'

2009-05-15T15:43:00.003+01:00

Sam is having a tough time

Team 5 approaching Vicarage Road

2009-05-15T15:27:00.002+01:00

The aches, pains and blisters of day 2 walking have been eased by some intellectual conversations, some hearty banter and the dulcit tones of the Meditterenean.

Great work by the boys overnight and am pleased that they do not really mean anything in their full frontal assault of their team leader. I almost dropped a tear into my London Pride but Theresa convinced me not too.

Great to know we have now done 500 miles since the boys kicked us off in Newcastle. 37 miles to go and counting!

Nearly at saracens

2009-05-15T15:22:00.002+01:00

1 mile to go ... Hmmm street walking isn't as fun as in the country....
Could have worded that better?
Slightly less talking now as we are head-down n going for the finish of this leg
Keep the donations coming in guys - every pound is valuable and valued!!

Team 5

2009-05-15T14:18:00.003+01:00

On the way to saracens at watford... Gentle pace for now and the rain is holding off (hmmm do I sound obsessed by the rain?) Heh heh

message from theresa - we're still smiling and spirits are high :)

Northwick Park Hospital

2009-05-15T14:04:00.007+01:00

The Rugby March reached Northwick Park Hospital early this afternoon, with the Stage 5 walkers (having walked 30 miles through the night and in the rain) being greeted by England captain and Saracens star Steve Borthwick, who unveiled a bench at the hospital in memory of Richard.

Steve took time to chat to hospital staff and patients and to stop for some photos with some of the research team from Imperial College, the walkers and Rich's family before welcoming the overnight shift of Stage 5 walkers and sending the next shift on its way:

Team 5 start

2009-05-15T13:35:00.001+01:00

So we set off in fine spirits and while the rain is threatening we remain dry so far :)
The last team who handed over to us were top, walking 30 miles through the rain!
A great inspiration for us
More later

Budda's foot issue

2009-05-15T09:05:00.000+01:00

Nasty.

IMG00007-20090515-0845.jpg

2009-05-15T08:51:00.001+01:00

2/3 through! We are off the A40 at last. Daio's banter has perked up.

IMG00006-20090515-0527.jpg

2009-05-15T05:39:00.000+01:00

Leg 5 team 2 pit stop. 5.30am - Daio's banter wearing increasingly thin -
as predicted. Good to know that Shilz has been tracking the progress of the
team. General consensus that Taylor's admin has left a little bit to be
desired. Trust you are sleeping well Taylor - the heavy rain has been a
pleasure! Greasy spoon in 15km.

IMG00005-20090515-0328.jpg

2009-05-15T03:32:00.001+01:00

leg 5 team 2 at London Wasps 3.30am

IMG00003-20090515-0323.jpg

2009-05-15T03:29:00.001+01:00

Team 5 leg 2 make it to London Wasps - 3.30am. Quality banter from big Daio
(no tackle)

Team 5 now leaving The Flower Pot Hurley

2009-05-14T20:37:00.002+01:00

The residents of Hurley have just been treated to a quite remarkable display of free flowing rugby inspired by another pint of Brakspears.

Flashbacks to Blanco, Campese and Guscott have been made all the more exciting by firing passes to whoever is brave enough to stand next to the river.

Imbruglia finally turned up but due to her tardiness has been pushed out for a long stint on the wing.

Its getting dark, it is now starting to rain but the Barbara Cartland banter is becoming more and more amusing.

80 miles to HQ!!!!

one last Stage 3 vid - good skills at the Saints

2009-05-14T19:25:00.003+01:00

Team 5 hit Henley

2009-05-14T17:52:00.003+01:00

The team are currently enjoying a well earned beer at the Angel right next to the river. Never in the history of Brakspears brewery have their beers been as well received.

Expecting Imbruglia to arrive at any moment with the Sudacreme.

Amusing that the Thames Path makes a huge detour to go round the biggest house in the world, including huge gardens, tennis courts and its own minature railway with 2 stations both larger than my house.

Half way to the hand over point to Clarkey, Canto, Buda and Daio. Apparently Daio has been working on his banter for 18 months and so should keep everyone entertained overnight.

More soon

Team 5 on the move

2009-05-14T15:54:00.003+01:00

Team 5 now have ball in hand and have just passed sonning on the thames. Great send off from Steve Coppell at Reading.

Dave, Graham and John have burst out the gates and taking the role of Kenyan pacemakers. The more expewrienced trio of Coe, Ovett and Cram (Sam, Jason and Chris) sitting on their shoulders ready to kick off the bend.

Rumours abound that Natalie Imbruglia will be joining the lads as we pass by her Henley home. Consensus is she will probably get it.

Great to finally be involed.

Memories from Stage 3: Group A.

2009-05-14T14:50:00.007+01:00

congratulations to Stage 4 for effortless completion of their inclement stage. Stevie Coppell is an absolute legend! Stage three are still 'bantering' and posting hope no one minds us posting even more footage.

To set the scene of this one, Glasvegas' throbbing on our very own PA system with thanks to Sherpa Tominey and his house band... the Blister Quintet. Just watch the fluid movement and comfort displayed by these athletes in passing the ball. And to think, not a single professional player contract between them.

Stage 4 to Stage 5 handover at London Irish

2009-05-14T14:25:00.004+01:00

7am saw the handover at Woolhampton from team 4A to team 4B, who then marched on to London Irish at the Madejski Stadium for the Stage 4 and Stage 5 handover.

Steve Coppell, former Reading manager and ex-Man United and England star, took time out from press conferences to have a snap with the Stage 4 and 5 walkers and to wish them the best of luck on their route to Twickenham.

Stages 4 and 5 then took the opportunity for a photo on the pitch before Stage 5 headed off on its route to London Wasps, Northwick Park Hospital, OAs and Harlequins before bringing the Rugby March to its big close at Twickenham this Saturday.

Great work to all Stage 4 walkers and support crew and good luck to Sam Taylor and the Stage 5 walkers.

STAGE 3: McCall & JT to the rescue in hour of need...

2009-05-14T11:56:00.002+01:00

No sheep jokes please...

3am in Newbury

2009-05-14T03:05:00.002+01:00

It's 3:00am. This is team 4A at Newbury. Its about 4 hours until we hand over to team 4B to make the final approach into London Irish for the start of the stage 5 early tomorrow afternoon. Cheers

Speaking Freely

2009-05-14T01:13:00.002+01:00

"1:10am Keith pulls out a pack of 6 Wagon Wheels - morale increases."

spoken through SpinVox

Speaking Freely

2009-05-14T00:22:00.002+01:00

"This is Team 4A pushing on through the night. Morale is good at the moment - hope it still will be in about 4 hrs."

spoken through SpinVox

2009-05-13T23:30:00.001+01:00

Team 4 on the Nightshift

2009-05-13T23:19:00.002+01:00

Team 4 set off tonight to go to a dark place - and I dont just mean the towpath of the Kennet and Avon canal at 3am - I mean the despair that can grip a rugby marcher when he realises there are 4 hours and 12 miles to go until they can handover and when your fellow walkers have gone to the well to try to dredge up a modicum of banter.

The finish line for Team 4 is in sight though and these stoic walkers showed no sign of anything but total commitment with a large side order of good humour as they once again hit the road.

The Team 4 Support Crew

2009-05-13T23:12:00.002+01:00

Michael Knight had Devon, Batman had Alfred the butler, Orville had Keith Harris and Team 4 has 2 of the finest support-men you could ever wish to find: Gerry Cahill and Jim Lewis. To say these boys leave no stone unturned in light of administrative excellence is an understatement. Many a team 4 member has been uncovered in a state of distress in a dark corner only to be met with a kind word, Mars bar and tub of vaseline by these 2 modern day Florence Nightingales.
Kind thanks to both of these titans and also to their familes and of course St Columba's College for freeing them up to essentially babysit a selection of tired and emotional men.....

Stage 3 Welcome Stage 2

2009-05-13T22:15:00.003+01:00

Strollers ripple Pacers

Belated vid: Handover Stage 2 - 3 @ Northampton Saints, Sunday 10th May

2009-05-13T21:55:00.005+01:00

For once, the Pacers are giving as the Stroller take...

Bristol Stage 3 End

2009-05-13T19:22:00.002+01:00

Stage 3 Team B Epilogue

2009-05-13T18:17:00.012+01:00

Marchers: Ward, Hogan, Pickering, Talbot, Still, Henry

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth… and God said, “Let there be banter”; and there was banter. And thank God for that banter, for otherwise Stage 3 (Team B) would have struggled immensely. By the time we hit the home straight to Bristol RFC as the sun came up on Tuesday, two Tin Men, one Albert Steptoe and a pair of John Waynes could be found staggering their way to the handover point having plumbed the depths of despair on the A38. The 6 shifts of 8 hours each were punchy but we succeeded thanks to the miracle of modern medication and positivity. I have already sent the Director of Compeed a thank you card.

It was the little things that kept us going. To recall a few highlights:

H - asking a cabbie how much a taxi ahead to Worcester would be half way through shift 1. “£85,” replied the primed cabbie; upon hearing this bombshell, the resulting second-wind that saw H pace another 6 miles beyond Stratford Upon Avon was simply Lazarus-like - ok, he only managed a third of the overall stage but better than a poke in the eye... The sheer beauty of the start of the Severn Way at Worcester meaning we immediately forgot the pain of 8 hours earlier, swiftly to be replaced with wading through knee-length grass and swashbuckling stinging nettles. The £1.08 of loose change procured from the husband of the cleaner in a café on the river Severn (Wardy: "just what I need to carry back to Twickenham"). The Leslie Phillips impersonator who asked us, with head torches on, if we were heading to a gynaecology convention at 1am near Stratford. Joe Talbot insanely bursting into impromptu sprints / Stildo, grinding it out. The vision of Pup Tominey heading off into the night on shift 3 with the sounds of Chas ‘n Dave blaring from his stereo. Reminding the walker behind you to “please be sure to close the gate thanks” on the Severn Way in homage to the great man Cahill. Wardy, giving locals a half minute rundown of what we were doing before they had chance to open their mouths. The drudgery of A-Roads negated by banter and debate, from Joanna Lumley to Desert Island discs.

One profile is missing from my comrade Jes’ previous profiles - that of his own:
Jes “John Bentley” Pickering: Although this all rounder - star of both stage and sporting arena - was something of an underdog prior to the big event, just like the Lions man himself he produced a string of sterling performances on each shift which never left the selectors with any doubt about his natural ability and dedication to the cause. Although when he told me earlier he was “ready for another big challenge” I was nearly sick.

After a solid couple of hours sleep on Monday night prior to the graveyard shift, I bedded down yesterday evening with the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, happy in the knowledge that we’d been part of something truly monumental for a cause that’s second to none.

I’d like to thank everyone on Stage 3 for their titanic efforts punching out 130 big ones, with special thanks to JT and Wardy for work behind the scenes and to the Plunketts for providing shelter on Saturday. I know Rich would have been proud. May the rain keep at bay for the final two stages…

Hoges

Quick thanks

2009-05-13T17:21:00.002+01:00

A quick thanks to the Travelodge in Devizes for letting Team 4B have an extra lie in following the Caen Hill misjudgement. Team 4B looked all the fresher for it.

Stage 4 update

2009-05-13T16:20:00.008+01:00

Some updates for you.

The last photo you saw from Stage 4 was team 4B heading into the night along the Kennet and Avon Canal on their overnight 11pm to 7am shift. In valiant mode, James volunteered to extend their night walk by a further 3 to 4 miles, not knowing that this would mean taking on Devizes Locks at about 5.30am, one of the seven "Wonders of the Waterways" taking the canal up the very steep Caen Hill over 29 locks in quick succession:

Good work to the guys who made it in time for handover at Devizes RFC.

Team 4B was waved of by Rich's dad, Rog Thomas, as they trekked off from Devizes RFC just after 7.30am.

A slightly rainy trek along the canal took team 4A to the next shift handover point to team 4B, still reeling from the "Caen Hill" incident. The handover took place at The French Horn, Pewsey, the nicest pub we have come across on Stage 4, with fantastic food to set the team 4B walkers on their way (and to refuel the team 4A walkers) with the staff and owners donating a very generous £48 to the fund when we told them what we were doing. They said they will give us a wave at Twickenham on Saturday when they head down to the Guinness Premiership final (don't forget to come and find us in the Cardinal Vaughan car park before the game). With this, team 4B set off on their way to the Dundas Arms, Kintbury for tonight's 11pm handover:

Speaking Freely

2009-05-13T12:35:00.001+01:00

"Good afternoon this is Ray in team 4A we're about 11 miles in light rain and as forecasted but all going well. Thanks very much to Roger for tracking us down and provided the much needed coffee and bacon rolls on the way. Cheers."

spoken through SpinVox

Speaking Freely

2009-05-13T08:07:00.001+01:00

"Hi, this is Team 4A we've just taken over from Team 4B. We have made a ___ effort walking through the night. Will catch up later. Cheers."

spoken through SpinVox

Word of advice to future walkers

2009-05-13T07:00:00.002+01:00

Ignore the importance of petroleum and zinc-based lubricants at your peril.

I thought I could handle it without them - I was wrong.

Vaseline, Sudocreme and Bodyglide are all our friends. If Stage 2 hadn't drunk it all, I would also be giving the pork dripping (with jelly) a try.

Bath RFC - Recreation Ground

2009-05-13T00:01:00.003+01:00

The stop at the Recreation Ground (Bath RFC) was a special one. Rog, Rich's Dad, told us how Rich had once played there in a trial match where they were scouting for players for England. The family photographer was called down especially for the occasion. Unfortunately, the team Rich was on lost 73-6 and all the photos of him were of his backside as most of the match was spent defending.

Rog will be joining the Team 4A handover to Team 4B at Devizes rugby club at 7.30am on Wednesday morning.

Into the night....

2009-05-12T23:56:00.003+01:00

Here's team 4B as they head off on their 11pm to 7am stretch from Bathampton to Devizes RFC...

Team 4A - Bristol RFC to Bath RFC to Bathampton

2009-05-12T21:17:00.006+01:00

Team 4A (Ray, Keith, Millsy and Les) have successfully arrived in Bathampton for handover to team 4B (James, Matt, Nick B and Mossy) who will take the ball through to Devizes RFC, where Rich's dad used to play.

20 odd miles from Bristol RFC and along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path took us to Bath RFC where we stopped for some photos on the pitch:

Bath and rising England star Matt Banahan stopped off for a photo of the Team 4A walkers on the Bath pitch:

Best of luck to Team 4B as they head off into the night along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

A wandering epilogue. Notes from Stage Three, Team A

2009-05-12T19:54:00.009+01:00

From Top.

Stage 3 Team A outside Worcester RFC, same team (w/o McCall for work commitments) o/s Gloucester RFC, Stage three elite team together at last to hug... some more enthusiastically more than others (joe 'the randy dog' talbot)

[This is post is slightly out of sequence, but it's taken seven hours to remove the compede from my feet for which we thank J&J - a far superior product to the scholl brand alternative due to it's skin bonding properties.]

After completing our contribution to the rugby premiership full-house it’s now time to follow the RM tradition and consign some final cherished memories to ‘paper’. The five of us, led by our very own slimmed down version of Ray Mears, JT, had a wonderful time – blisters and ligament-strain aside. Even now, whilst writing , dark memories of late stage pain and despair have started to repair, quickly overwritten by a great sense of achievement. Stage three, team A are very proud and very privileged to have been part of the RM movement. The work which this journey has helped fund has been an inspiration and this what kept us going. A cap is lifted in praise of the organisers. We look forward to being at Twickers on Sat for the great crescendo.

When you’re in hell…. you gotta going. We did and we made it to the support vehicle to a very warm reception from our stage three link-men. Weariness aside, after the climax of our 40 hour, 70 mile assault, we still made time for a brief moment of indulgent reflection. All we could come up with however was a one word commentary so profound and insightful I won’t repeat it. Short and powerful – it’s the four letter envy of all other languages. An interjection “used to express exasperation, fear or surprise or to add emphasis”. We hugged and swore. Swore and hugged. Then cracked open the grolsch.

Anyway a few notes from our final stage… Gloucester kindly admitted us into their ground late at night for a couple photos. This goodwill was the last we experienced in Gloucester. One old boy smoking outside a heavenly looking boozer pitched in with some sage advice – he was given the twickenham chat to which he sneered, “you won’t get there by f&c$!ng walking lads”. The reality is quite different my man. The ball is coming home… little does he know quite how mobilized the RTLF RM outfit truly is.

We forgave Gloucester. All Cities are the same, they have good parts and bad parts – although I am told there are a few exceptions to this rule – Sheffield has to dig deep to find something which resembles a good part, as does Birmingham (additions welcome). But Bristol however…. Bristol is a great place, despite having been home to both J Hogan and J Townsend. At three AM however it was little more than a place we had to go through to get to a bed. Watching us hobble in, the Spanish receptionist of our last Travelodge offered to ‘upgrade’ JT and I to a disabled room, bless! (which was bizarrely located on the third floor). The hoists and pulleys really made bathing much easier and strangely exhilarating. A must upgrade recommendation for all walkers in Stage 4.

As you know, the lads in team b finished in style at Bristol and the hand over to Stage four was pleasantly smug. Team four… they knew nothing about the journey they were about to embark on. Their enthusiasm and innocence was a carbon copy of how we behaved as we collected the coveted RM ball from a broken, but well humored team 2 in Northampton.

This is Stage Three, Team A consisting of Jonathon Hogan, Mark McCall, Nick Plunkett, Matt Tominey and Justin Townsend signing out. Until next time….. there wont be a next time… or will there?

A few photos below.

Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol (with the full stage three missing a couple for several reasons - some excuses more credible than others)

Speaking Freely

2009-05-12T18:02:00.001+01:00

"This is Team 4A checking in. We've gone about 14 miles couple more til we get to bath for a few photos at the ground and then a few more miles to pass on to stage 4B. Cheers."

spoken through SpinVox

Stage 3, Team B Debrief

2009-05-12T17:31:00.003+01:00

People, I am aware that Team 3(b) has been a bit slow in getting updates on site. I cannot do justice to all the incidents we "enjoyed" in just a couple of paragraphs so I will confine myself to some brief player profiles of my fellow walkers.

James "Lewis Moody" Henry: This perennial crowd favourite boasts the loosest of cannons but you can't take your eye off him when he's in form. Unfortunately his impetuous nature has led to injuries and limited chances to prove himself at the top level but when fit he has never been found wanting.

Craig "Richie McCaw" Still: This Kiwi colossus has met every question asked of him head on. Typically unobtrusive, yet fearsomely effective, his teammates will attest to his crucial impact when the hard yards are being marched.

Joe "Richard Hill" Talbot: Engendering phenomenal respect from his peers Joe is usually content to let his game do the talking. Ever ready with a word of advice for his teammates there is not a backward step to be seen when he's in town. Except when he quite literally took backward steps, the freak.

James "Jeremy Guscott" Ward. A flair player, never short of opinion on, well, anything, his strident presence belies an astonishing understanding of the team ethic. All his felllow marchers will agree that they'd rather have him on their side than giving the oppo the very real benefits of his experience.

AND FINALLY:

Dominic "Martin Johnson" Hogan: A man whose consummate preparation epitomises the "100 things 1% better" approach, Dom has led the team with distinction throughout. Like the best leaders he asks only that his team give as much of themselves to the cause as he does. To see him battle horrendous blisters and a "lumley" like sandpaper and come through smiling shows the colossal measure of the man.

Gents - It was a true privilege to wear the shirt with you. Good luck to all remaining walkers and well done to all who've finished.

Jes

Team 4 Bristol Send Off

2009-05-12T15:31:00.003+01:00

Tremendous send off from former England player David Rees (he of the cheeky chip over Lomu's head, dodge of Zinzan Brooke and try in the corner against the All Blacks at HQ fame). Tremendous bloke, thought all of Team 4 have a future as international rugby stars.

Speaking Freely

2009-05-12T14:52:00.001+01:00

"This is Ray on team 4A checking in. We're walking along the Bristol in Bath Roway(?) path towards Bath. In addition to Paul products we have been fueled by Lolo(?) Donuts and Jelly Babies(?) Speak later. Cheers."

spoken through SpinVox

Stage 3 handover to Stage 4 at the Memorial Ground, Bristol

2009-05-12T12:17:00.004+01:00

Message For Ali from Team 4

2009-05-12T12:02:00.002+01:00

As Team 4 start our trek from Bristol to Reading, a quick message for James' fantastic nephew Ali. Ali's bone marrow transplant took place on Friday and he is reponding magnificently well to what is a harsh and unforgiving treatment.

Ali has been undergoing chemo from the start of January and in the 5 months since he started has never uttered a word of complaint. Once.

There could not be a braver, more inspirational little chap to spur us on our way and he makes all of Team 4 very proud to be taking part in the Rugby March.

Ali, you are a litle champion and everyone involved in the Rugby March sends you their love and support. Your love of 'B for Brave' and 'F for Fight' shows wonderful spirit. Love also to the Burnett and Battey families whose resilience and dogged determination to grind through Ali's treatment has been and continues to be nothing short of superb.

We're all off to start walking now. Lots of love, Team 4 and Uncle James xx

PS - say hello to the nurses for me.

2009-05-11T08:57:00.001+01:00

"Hello Sarah, it's Matt. Thanks for all your supported messages and we'll see you when we get home. Bye."

spoken through SpinVox

Speaking Freely

2009-05-11T05:19:00.002+01:00

"5:12 stage 3 first team checking in. Young pup Tominey would prefer to be running nails into his head then walking at the moment there's a lot of pain going on. The feet are sore we, we are thinking about firing in a cheese and ham role sandwich shortly.

Midnight Caller...

2009-05-11T02:42:00.000+01:00

Calling in on the way to Dunnington...

Team 3 - making tracks in the middle of the night. Strong effort...!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Speaking Freely

2009-05-11T01:48:00.001+01:00

"We're on the Weekswhered(?) with Robbie on the way to Weekswhered(?). It's now 1:45 this is a tune and this is Chas and Dave. This is stage three. First team signing out."

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Speaking Freely

2009-05-10T22:21:00.001+01:00

"Just passed through Tiddington(?) we've rippled the 50 miles. It's nice to have a bit of pass."

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Speaking Freely

2009-05-10T20:35:00.001+01:00

"Just checking in. Heading towards William Shakespeare Country. Bore making very good progress. Very close to dawning high visibility jackets and abiding by the, the health and safety regulations as laid out by Ray Tar Hill Inc. We will of course be, be coming back to you. The fact that we are in fact ahead of time has allowed us to just pop in for a little bit of cheeky dogging. Over and out."

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Southam

2009-05-10T19:59:00.006+01:00

Southam marked the end of the first stage for the first squad fielded by Team 3. After a great send off from the Saints by Jim Mallinder we covered 21 miles. Or as we like to think of it £3,818.18 of the 100k target. Now back in the Travelodge in Stratford-upon-Avon in the Jacuzzi on the balcony listening to Clannad and listening to the cicadas and watching the sunsetting over the great African... balls, boy these boys running this ship know how to cut costs - you have to make your own beds! Who's complaining when it costs less for 2 people to sleep in clean comfort than it does to share a bottle of grotty pino grigio in a Gastro Pub (albeit we're only in the room for five hours). There's a lot of joint pain going on and we're not looking forward to leaving the hotel at 1am to start the graveyard shift. Our hand-over to the elite, highly experienced second squad went seamlessly. Good to see them wrists deep in their pants applying a bit of the magic Sudacream (see below). The team were delighted to take control of the own safety and start walking - after having travelled across from Northampton in a car driven by D Hogan - he's all fingers and thumbs. Young pup tominey made the most heroic contribution of the day (his rucksack has an integrated sounds system - which we did some justice with Chas & Dave), followed closely by McCall who rescued a baby lamb that had got its head stuck in a gate. This tender gesture surprised us all. We were quickly reassured with his first choice on tonight's menu being the Welsh lamb (he had beef in the end). Team 2 wisely told us that 8 hours on the second shift was good on paper but not feasible. We love a challenge. Will let you know how we get on at 9am tomorrow after another 20+ miles.

Pictured - the trusty, elite and well mannered second front of Stage 3.

Lower Shuckburgh...

2009-05-10T15:38:00.000+01:00

DONE!
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Passing the...

2009-05-10T14:21:00.000+01:00

Rugby Football Museum near Badby Lodge... All going well hitting about 3 miles an hour...
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Old Black Lion, Northampton

2009-05-10T13:06:00.003+01:00

Team 3 now well underway from Northampton.

Massive thanks to Kevin, the bar manager at the Old Black Lion who has just dug into his own pocket to hand over £20 after being told about the March by the walkers waiting to join leg 2 of this epic stint.

No end to the generosity of our amazing sponsors or the kindness of the people we are meeting along the way.....

Jes.

Almost forgot - for all you pork lovers out there team 2 give you the king of energy drinks

2009-05-10T12:38:00.001+01:00

Oh when the Saints.....

2009-05-10T12:26:00.004+01:00

Stage 3 had a top send-off from Northampton this morning from Saints' Director of Rugby, Jim Mallinder. Pictures are below:

Great work from the Stage 2 team and best of luck to Stage 3 on their trek to Bristol, via Worcester and Gloucester.

Thanks to Jim Mallinder and the Northampton Saints for their support.

Team 2 sign off

2009-05-10T10:00:00.001+01:00

Well, what a stupid idea that was. Team 2 finished - literally. We have to admit it was harder than we thought. Run/gym/rugby/football fit is not long distance fit. But everyone kept going and really enjoyed it. The dawns were something really special: loughborough was emotional and much needed; the leicester match/impromptu knees up rekindled some of the core pacer relationships that may have drifted. On the downside was 3 nasty parts of some ropey cities, the dreaded 1am-4am slot and the 30min team kips in the motor - let's never speak of them again!!

Would we do it again? Yes, next week. One of the best things we have done.

So a quick roll call:

Rachel - star of the show. Flied out the blocks, never once floundered, partnered me every step of the way and was fresher at least 95% of the time. Regular cart wheels and handstands likely to generate a slap round the chops next time though.

Jill and fran - equal best overall performers with rachel. Never wavered, always ready and ended the freshest of us all thanks to all the mountain training.

Mike and Shills - the pure pace boys. Blinding first 12 hours set up the whole stage. Unbelievable desire to keep going mike. Can't believe shills went straight to a stag do.

Cheesy and youngy - sterling contributions throughout, especially on the night stages where some of the most ridiculous banter ever to see the light of day was wasted on the midland sheep.

Simo and barf - great contributions, hindered a little by injury but still kept in the mix

Suzie - so great to see you again. Great stages, especially the one we sprung on you. Great enthusiasm with booze and banter at the game. Stay in touch you.

Dave - thanks for the long haul turnaround for the injection of fresh blood on saturday.

Me - I had to battle that one through and have to admit that maybe saturday afternoon was a bit too lively but we needed to do it and we got away with it. An absolute pleasure to be with you all for so much quality time.

And finally a special word for the farmer 3 miles outside hognaston in the peaks. We do not know your name, we will never see you again and I am pretty sure you don't have the Worldwide intertwet. But you opening your heart to 6 strangers about your wife's cancer battle inspired us. Your emotion, pain and despair will never be forgotten by any of us. In private moments I think most of us have shed as many tears as you did standing by your gate on friday. Good luck.

Cheers to you rich - same again next year?

Denyer

Team 2 to 3 handover at franklin gardens - away you go

2009-05-10T08:33:00.001+01:00

Carlsberg uk welcome team 2 to north northampton, 1 mile and 6,385 kegs to go

2009-05-10T07:39:00.001+01:00

Team 2: 1st 15 pork based products with england capped equivalents

2009-05-10T07:17:00.001+01:00

1. Pork pie (jason leonard)
2. Pepperoni (brian moore)
3. Scotch egg (tom smith)
4. Gammon (paul ackford)
5. Chop (wayde dooley)
6. Knuckle (micky skinner)
7. Ribs (peter winterbottom)
8. Black pudding (dean richards)
9. Frazzle (austin healey)
10. Crackling (stuart barnes)
11. Streaky bacon (rory underwood)
12. Sausage (mike tindal)
13. Chorizo (jeremey guscot)
14. Trotters (ben cohen)
15. Frankfurter (jonathan webb)

Stage 2 in closing stages

2009-05-10T06:00:00.001+01:00

Almost 6am saturday and team 2 have a northampton visual. We are closing in, planning to take the town of cobblers by pork and are busy collecting sticks and stones to give the strollers a swift dead leg to get them on their way.

The 3 hour booze up at leicester v bath put the overall team 2 schedule at some risk with the core early night shift of denyer, youngy, simo and rachel 6 pints to the worse. A brisk nasty 9 mile stint out of the city soon sobered the crew up but put simo out of action. Cheesy, jill and fran gave it a big late night burst before youngy, denyer and rachel took the stage through to dawn.

The whole team now coming together for a final 3 mile flurry except injured simo and youngy whose whelps were heard back in manchester when the blisters blew.

Anyway, stirling effort, allmost there. No sleep, knackered but keeping the pace up.

Team photo for stage 3...

2009-05-09T22:06:00.007+01:00

Half of stage 3 preparing to get firmly in the mixer on Sunday am. Hospitality generously provided by Mr & Mrs Plunkett, 45 mins south of Northampton. Caught up with Stage 2 on the blower earlier who are powering through the final stretch on a cocktail of 2 hour shifts and free corporate lager. Stage 3 looking forward to old fashion grafting in the form of 8-hour-on, 8-hour-off shift rotation. Could be a huge mistake.

Foot prep...

2009-05-09T20:31:00.000+01:00

All supplies present and accounted for...
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Foot Preparation...

2009-05-09T20:26:00.000+01:00

For the big event...
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Welford road being rebuilt (already done the walkers)

2009-05-09T18:46:00.001+01:00

3rd Stage Nervousness...

2009-05-09T18:08:00.001+01:00

Stage 3's weakest link feeling the pressure with only HOURS to go to the big handover. A village in Hertfordshire has just lost its idiot.

come on!
Hoges

Barf and rach have a jig. Who won again?

2009-05-09T16:52:00.001+01:00