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| | Hugh Deeming's journals:
12/05/03
Getting closer...
They always say that as a deadline moves closer one’s mind actually starts to realise the true implications of an intended action. Well, as we move inside the ‘one-month to go’ barrier such pressures have affected the team.
A few days ago I received an eloquent email from Matthew in Iceland. He has been working extremely hard on an academic paper that he is preparing, and it is taking all his time. As the clock has ticked down he has finally made the choice to resign from the crossing team.
One man down...
Fitness, both physical and psychological, will be an important part of the trek for the team members. Matt explained that due to his work he has been unable to devote enough time to physical training and feels that this may well jeopardise our chances of success.
He pointed out that, being in Iceland, he has been divorced from the important ‘bonding’ that Jonathan and I have been going through during, not only our tyre pulling, but also the Scotland trip and the simple the proximity in which we live. I feel his decision is honest, brave and ultimately commendable.
Since this news I have spoken to family, friends and sponsors, but most importantly I have spoken to Jonathan. We have all decided that Jon and I are totally capable, as a two-man team, of completing the task. Therefore, the two of us will fly out as planned on 8th June ready to step onto the ice around the 10-11th.
Matt’s important decision has also generated another interesting response. His nervousness had clearly been affecting him for some time, as I was not receiving any communication from him.
Now that the reorganisation has occurred he is attacking his list of designated tasks with fervour. As has happened to me on numerous occasions in my life, once that seemingly insurmountable decision has been made everything else becomes easier.
A chance to unwind
On a different note, last Thursday night saw the fruition of work toward the Charity Gig at the Students Union. ‘The Others’ played their socks off, the highlights for me being Adam’s drum solo and of course the encore rendition of ‘High Voltage’. Steve Puttick’s DJ’ing also gave rise to some ‘interesting’ floorshows. A fun-time.
Most importantly however we were able to sell several hundred-raffle tickets. The generosity of our sponsors and friends in supplying the 32 prizes, from chocolates to an ‘Icelandair’ fleece jacket, really gave a buzz. In addition autographed books, posters and T-shirts provided me the opportunity to do my finest ‘Bargain Hunt’ auctioneer bit.
The last two lots were two prints of ‘Everest’ signed by the mountaineer Doug Scott. The first, unframed, went to a first year for £40. The second, kindly framed by a local framer finally went under the hammer for £151. The atmosphere was fantastic.
Surprise
I found out a few seconds later that the successful anonymous telephone bidder had been another member of a coalition of my fellow students. They had clubbed together and bought the print, they then presented it to me "in recognition of the work I have been doing". I am so proud to have it hanging on my wall!!
In all, the evening raised £780, the bulk of which will go to the Marsden. I was though yesterday very pleased to write a cheque for £102 that I sent to ‘Community Action Nepal’. Their generosity in supplying the Everest prints in my opinion could not go unrewarded. Once again I thank everyone involved in the success of the night for his or her kindness.
Well, the clock still ticks, the team in its new format is fit, and only a few accessories still need to be sourced. I have three end of year exams and then we’ll be stepping onto that plane.
It’s strange but I have an almost ‘karmic’ feeling that all will be well on our trek. The knowledge that your thoughts are with us will only add to this positivity.
Fondest regards,
Hugh x
Read Journal Instalment 1 here - 16/02/03
Read Journal Instalment 2 here - 03/03/03
Read Journal Instalment 3 here - 10/04/03
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