Its never been 20 months!?!

Gosh time flies! I can't believe I've not posted in my blog for the last 20 months! Time for change me thinks...

A quick update - the London Moonwalk last year was awesome and it wasn't my only challenge, I also completed the Humber Bridge Half Marathon, Hull 10k, RFL and GNR.

As the Yorkshire Follies, we all did amazingly and as a group we raised over £10,000 for various charities including BHF, HER breast friends, Sproatley playing fields, Sproatley school, Golden Leaves, Teenage Cancer Trust, Movember, Shine and house of light to name but a few! Weve done incredibly well and I'm sad to say that for various reasons the last event for the Yorkshire Follies group will be the Edinburgh Moonwalk in 2 weeks time raising money for Walk the Walk. Ironically it is on the 8th June which is exactly 2yrs to the day that I put my original post on FB asking if anyone would like to join me in training for the London moonwalk 2012. We've had an incredible journey 'training together, changing lives'  and I wish the girls good health and good luck for their future challenges and fundraising.

For those of you that have followed my blog from the beginning will be more than aware that setting myself challenges has kept me going since losing my dad in 2008 but this year was proving a tad difficult!

I've walked 4 marathons already but I've always said I would like to run one so booked myself onto the Edinburgh marathon last year -it is due to take place next week.

In November of last year it became very apparent that my right shoulder was showing signs of the same rotator cuff problems that I experienced in my left back in 2011. After consultation with my specialist it was confirmed and I was booked in for surgery early February. My confidence and spirit were crushed and once again my training and specifically my marathon dreams were shattered (I knew I was more than capable of walking it but its my dream to run one)

Surgery came and went with the same problems but luckily not the 2nd op. After losing the weight I had gained from having my first 2 ops, I'd put some of it on again and felt very low, very lonely and extremely fed up.

Recovery was finally happening and then a very good friend of mine Shereen mentioned a running group she was training to be a leader for and invited me to one of their running group meetings.  Fitmums and Friends is an incredible club that I have joined and I would highly recommend it to anyone, the camaraderie, encouragement and team work between the run leaders and runners is amazing and has to be see to be believed (www.fitmums.org.uk). I'm often out walking/running the streets on my own but to have the company and friendship at Fitmums is more that inspiring and I'm clocking up the miles again and I'm adoring it.  Shereen is an amazing run leader and is becoming a bit of a running machine so I passed on my marathon place to her with my love.  She has knuckled down amazingly with her training and I wish her all the luck in the world for next week, I just know she is going to smash it.

So training for the Moonwalk is in full swing and I have vowed to continue with my blog agains so please stay tuned for further news and updates.

Much love

Ellie
Xxx

Where have I been?!

When Dad died I set my self my very first challenge of losing weight and getting healthy.   Like my Dad I was obese and desperatley needed to do something about it.

It seemed to give me something to focus on and help me through the pain of losing him and I was even enjoying it!!  My decision to undertake that very first challenges seemed to turn my life around.

I felt by giving myself challenges it kept me focused on my goal and somehow brought me closer to my Dad even though he was no longer around.  My Dads ethos through his life was to work hard and achieve the best you could so by setting these challenged  I could somehow 'give' him something back in return for being such a good father, friend and mentor.

From that first challenge (weightloss) came the next (5k) and the next (Moonwalk) the next (10k) and the next (half marathon) before the next (3 peaks) and then numerous runs and charity events after that. 

So when in August of last year I got a pain in my shoulder and first went to see the specialist my life seemed to come to a complete halt. 

Having numerous physio session then having to have not just one but 2 operations seemed to set me further back on reaching my final goal. 

Andy's challenge66 started in March and Ray's participation in it seemed to help keep me a little focused and give me something else to concentrate on.  I seemed to live and breath the Challenge helping and promoting it in any way I possibly could, not only to help Andy with gaining his world record but also to feel close to my husband who was away from me and our 5 year old son. 

Some may say I put too much time and effort into it? Yes I did!!  It was all I had to keep me going.  Some of my friends came to visit and help me through what was a silly lonely time for me and from the bottom of my heart I thank them for, without them it really would have been unbearable. The ones that thought I was putting too much time and effort into Challenge66 obviously didn't visit very often becasue they didn't have a clue what I was going through.  Most of the time only having a 5 yr old to converse with and when he went to bed sitting in every night on my own in a big house.  It was soul distroying and did nothing for my self esteem. 

I was making it an adventure for Benjamin so why not make it an adventure for myself too?!

Ray being away was like half of me being ripped out!  He has been my rock and my life since my Dads death and sometimes I've never given him the credit he truly deserves.  On the day I lost my Dad he also lost a good friend, possibly one of his best friends and I have no doubt he hurts as much as I do some days but he never complains, never moans just helps me smile again and supports me in anyway he can.  Of that alone I will be eternally grateful.

Andy did a fantastic job and I was so proud to see him finish Challenge 66 ot of 66.  66 ultra marathons in all 66 cities of the UK on 66 consecutive days!! You are a machine Andy Mcmenemey and a lovely guy to boot.  I really hope you get all you desire in life and hope we be there to see you achieve it but more importantly share in it. xxx

So with Challenge66 completed and another op for my shoulder in the pipeline I needed to get back into some sort of training to re-focus my mind. . . . . . . .

I put out an event on Facebook to see if anyone would be interest in doing 'a bit' of walking working towards the London Moonwalk next year.  Before long people were saying yes and  eventually there were about 8 of us that were extrememly interested.

Before we knew it we were out 2-3 times a week in training for our challenge.  We all have a great sense of humour and have had laughs and giggles along the way.  I for one live and breath for the next time we get together and I'm sure I speak for al the girls when I say I get so jealous if I can't make one of the walks that have been organised.

Friendships have been made and bonds are getting stronger.

I'll keep you posted but why not also keep an eye on www.yorkshirefollies.blogspot.com to find out more about us all :o)

Ellie
xxx

Ready for another??!!

Hiya guys, it's been a long time and a tough road but I'm back on track and have lots of news.

It's been a tough year and I've decided to pick up 'the pen' again.

Full blog coming up - 'Twists and Turns' will be here in the next couple of days.

Look forward to seeing you.

Ellie

xxx

Does this mean I'm an athelete Andy?

Has it really been 8 months since my last confession? - sorry I mean blog :)


A very good friend once said to me "You only know your an athlete once you get an injury" - That friend is Andy McMenemey and a week today he will have completed his first marathon of 66. - This is not a typing error!


Andy will be running 66 (ULTRA) marathons!

In the 66 major cities of the UK!

In 66 consecutive days!


Have a look at the website http://www.challenge66.org/ . The world record attempt he is about to undertake is truly incredible and truly inspiring, not only pushing himself to the limit but raising both money and awareness for ABF 'the soldiers charity'.


When Andy first talked to us about this 'idea' he had we called him barmy, a looney, insane (amongst other things!) and then decided if anyone could do it he could. Challenge 66 was born and he ran with it and we ran with him, over the last 12-18 months it has been incredibly exciting watching his dream come to life and listening and following to his journey.


He has helped me along my incredible journey as I have mentioned before in my blogs and it only seemed natural that my first ever marathon would be ran with him on the Hull leg of his journey (who'd have thought that Hull was one of the 66 major cities of the UK?). I was honoured that he'd mentioned it and I would be honoured to run with him so training was set and I was out on the street running, pounding the treadmill and clocking up the miles.


By the beginning of October of last year it became very apparant that I was having a serious problem with my left shoulder. I went to the Dr who sent me for physio. After 2 1/2 months the physio wasn't helping so back to the Dr to be referred to a specialist. After various prodding, poking, scans and cortisone injections it was determined I had a rotator cuff injury that needed an operation to remove some excess bone that had been growing, give it a good scrape out and a clean up.

My training was abandoned! My life had fallen apart because my dream of running my first marathon with my mentor was shattered.

All I could do now was watch Challenge66 unfold from the sideline, encouraging where I could and following the blogs that were being released. That was until 2 weeks ago!


On 24th Febraury (which happends to be my Mum and Dads wedding Anniversary!! - call it fate if you will) Ray and I saw a post on Facebook that pricked up our ears and started us thinking.


The Challenge66 team were looking for a driver for their journey who would be responsible for a 36ft American left hand drive RV. We had a talking point. . . Was it too short notice? . . . Would it need a special licence and if so could we get one in time? . . . was it 'do-able' with holidays and dates that we were already commited on?? We talked a lot over that weekend and it was heartwarming and heartbreaking all in a session. I was still out of the loop as my shoulder operation had taken place on the 21st February and I'm unable to do an awful lot for a while but by the Monday Ray had made the all important phone call and offered his services as a driver for Challenge66.


Ray is now part of the Challenge66 team comprising of Andy(The Legs!) McMenemey, Barry Groves (Project Director), Sophie Vowden (Physio), Ray Birch (Driver), Kevin Jones (Driver) and Nicky Groves (Admin)


Has Challenge66 come at a bad time??


In a lot of ways it couldn't have come at a worse time!!


My shoulder in a lot of ways is worse than it was. I am at the moment living on pain killers and struggling to even dress myself.


We have decorators, workmen and contractors crawling all over the place sorting jobs out that are well overdue!!


At the moment I'm neither allowed or able to drive and we live 3 miles from the nearest supermarket. Ray and the team depart on Tuesday and until I get to physio next Thursday I won't even know when I can drive!


AND we have a 5 year old son!!

BUT and it is a HUGE .......................... BUT!!

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, that will NEVER be replicated and should never be missed!!


Andy is a true gentleman, a great friend and has helped give me my life back. My initial objective of Challenge66 was for me to run my first ever marathon with my mentor Andy. Because of my shoulder that will never happen (but there is a marathon with my name on it in the future!) In the meantime, for me to give him my husband for just 2 months is only a fraction of what I owe him and not nearly what he deserves! I really do wish him all the luck in the world and I'll be with him 100% of the way and seeing him whenever I can.


To my wonderful husband Ray - Am I jelous???


DARN RIGHT!!! You can bet your life I am love!!! I would give anything to be in the position you are in right now, but you really do have my 100% blessing. I love you unconditionally and will be here with Benjamin waiting for you when you get home.







Benjamin and I CAN and WILL cope and I promise not to struggle and ask for help if I need it!!


We have mapped out the 66 cities and there is a flag waiting for every completed marathon.


Good luck and safe journey to you all.


All my love


Ellie
xxx

The long awaited posting...............

So much seems to have happened since I blogged last November. People keep asking me to ‘pick up the pen’ as it were and after our latest challenge, today seems a good day to do just that.

The last year has seen us do many challenges running 5k’s, 10k’s, half marathons and yesterday we walked the Three Peaks of Yorkshire for BHF. Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough!

For me it was the most challenging thing I have done so far, physically, mentally and emotionally! It’s amazing the things you think of when you walking for a long time – hence the blog!

I must’ve had an idea it was going to test me as I’d been nervous and emotional all week. At any point I would break out in tears and although I miss my Dad every day, this week was different, I’ve missed him more than ever. I could smell him and I could feel him I just couldn’t see him and it really was breaking my heart.

We stayed in Skipton the night before, about 40 minutes away from our start point as we had to set off between 7:00 and 7:30 in the morning. The challenge was to complete the three peaks within 12 hours! An ‘average’ person completes them in 12hrs 35 minutes and that is without stops, we were to do all three with stops in 12 hours............

Let the challenge begin..........

Every peak had its own difficulties. Pen-y-ghents rise was a very quick one from the start at Horton-in-Ribblesdale and very quickly got steep. It took us about 1hr 40mins to climb to the first summit and thankfully the weather was kind at this point, the sun was shining and we were sporting our British Heart Foundation T-Shirts. We had made it, the first of three peaks, the tears fell, feeling very emotional with enough time for a quick sandwich before heading down the other side of the mountain.

It was then a cross country ‘trek’ over to Whernside stopping at Batty Green near the viaduct en route for lunch. We walked through bogs, over fields and hills, jumped over streams and crossed over stepping stones. It was a very long slow harrowing walk up and along Whernside’s ridge to the trig point. The highest of the three peaks at 3000ft, we were literally in the clouds! It had started getting drizzly with rain and quickly got cold, at which point we had to put our fleeces on to keep warm.

The weather stayed colder and drizzled for most of the day but it was a relief to keep us cool.
For me Ingleborough was the b1tch of all of the peaks with what felt like (to me anyway!) a rock face to climb up. I had a panic attack halfway up (I have to say at this point, I’m girl who has an inane fear or both cliff edges and falling!! - so now you can maybe understand my fear!!). I just kept pushing through it for the sake of finishing what I’d started and for my Dads memory. If he was here he would call me insane but he would also be bursting with pride.

Then we had the walk down the other side of Ingleborough and back into Horton-in Ribblesdale which seemed to take an age and I can’t even count the amount of times Ray said ‘it’s over the next ridge’, ‘it’s just around the corner’ or ‘it’s just over there!’ But it kept us laughing all the way to cross the finish line, collect our medals and set our time. We’d beaten our challenge, it had taken us 11hours and 17minutes, which includes about an hour’s break throughout the day for drinks, toilet and ice-cream!

Am I glad I did it??? Hell yeh!!! It wouldn't have been a challenge without its good points and bad points. Without its hopes and fears and without testing me – to the limit!

Would I do it again?? Hell NO!! LOL That last peak REALLY took it out of me and to ever know I may have to do that again scares the pants off me.

I have conquered my biggest challenge and faced my biggest fears.

Yesterday, along with Ray, who is my biggest support team, my confident and the love of my life, we walked nearly a marathon, burnt 4408 calories and reached the highest three peaks of Yorkshire (If anyone tries telling us we have walked up three ‘hills’ they will be told to go and walk them and come back and tell us then if they are hills).
We popped in to see our friends on the way home as we literally passed the end of the street. Caz had, possibly the best cup of tea ever waiting for us. We were muddy, smelly, sweaty but happy and lived the three peaks all over again in telling her and Andy just how we got on throughout the day.

Now I KNOW my Dad would be proud because I am, for the first time in a long time proud of myself. I placed rocks on the peaks in his memory and cried many, many tears for him not being around and lets face it at 3000ft I was closer to him than I have been for nearly two years!!!
Today I can't feel my legs because my thighs feel like two lumps of steel and I have sock burns on my ankles BUT............ I've done it, I'm smiling and I have no blisters!

Mum cooked us Sunday lunch which was absolutely beautiful and once again we relived our journey.

So what lies ahead for me now?????...........................

Well, although I have now lost 6 stone in weight I still have about another 1 ½ stone to go so I’m concentrating on that at present.

Ray and I are also booked in to do the Great North Run in September hopefully finishing in 2:30 and next year on 18th March I’m running my first ever marathon with my Mentor Andy Mcmenemy Me?? Marathon?? YES!!!

Andy has set himself a massive challenge. Challenge 66. He is running 66 marathons in 66 days in the 66 major cities of the U.K. Check out his website http://www.challenge66.co.uk . I wish him all the luck in the world and look forward to supporting him every step on the way mentally and sometimes physically!

My life certainly has been a rollercoaster over the last 20 months and I’m riding the ups down and looping the loop a lot of the time.

I’ve met some wonderful friends along my journey, who support, love and respect me for who I am and admire me for what I have done and achieved. I really don’t know what I would do without them.

It does sadden me however that I’ve also lost friends along the way. Yes my life has changed I don’t deny that for one minute it had too!! I had to become healthy because I was on a road to destruction the way I was living. Yes I was enjoying life, too much. Yes I was eating well, too well. I love being the life and soul of the party, being the girl that everyone could laugh at and laugh with but I was dying! My Dad died of heart disease, caused primarily by obesity and I was on the same path as him, I needed to change.

What really saddens me is the people that don’t speak to me anymore don’t seem to see that MY DAD IS DEAD!! I’ve done this because I no longer have my Dad by my side helping me and making me laugh, helping me through bad and good times!!! If they could live just one day of my life and see and feel the pain I get in my heart every single day of my life because he’s not here then they can. My family and my friends tell me ‘it’s their loss not yours Ellie’ I’m starting to come round to that now but it doesn’t hurt any less, it doesn’t make the years of friendship I have strived for any easier.

I’m lucky to have the family and friends around me to give me every ounce of support, love and help I need because I really don’t know where I would be now without them. You know who you are and from the bottom of my heart , thank you xxxxxxx

I love you Dad

Ellie
xxx

Nearly a year on

When I started my weight loss journey in January at nearly 20 stone, I knew that for many reasons it was not going to be an easy road! I had almost (or at least) half my starting body weight to lose!

My Dad was my mentor and I knew if he was around he would encourage me in every way he possibly could but, he was gone, forever, never to return to this plain.

My husband has been my main aid through all of this. He has helped me to laugh and he has helped me to cry. He's been there for every second of my journey and having lost 3 stone himself, looks fantastic. We lost our first stone: we walked our first marathon; we ran our first 3k and we entered and ran our first 10k run, finishing faster than we ever thought we would. Our recipe file is now twice the size it originally was and we probably enjoy food more now than we ever did. I apologise for the quiet times but I thank you for understanding them! I'm sure there will be many more tears shed but as always we will cry them together. I love you with all my heart Ray and I never will be able to thank you enough for helping me through the last year. xxx
My Mum has had more to contend with than just her loss in her 'first year'. She lost her husband and ended up in hospital herself having major surgery that has left her with an incisional hernia. We are still waiting for it to be rectified and she is suffering with rheumatoid arthritis and the medication is playing havoc with her diabetes! Apart from all that she is doing very well! She is coping better than we thought she would but then we never sat down and discussed losing a husband/parent so how would we know?! I'm under no illusion that her heart breaks every day as ours does but she also knows that we love her and would walk the earth for her. We like to think that together with her grandchildren, Jacob, Niamh and Benjamin, we help her smile and make life a little easier. xxx

In January when I first set foot on the treadmill I could hardly walk at 2 miles an hour and walking for just one mile left me exhausted, tired, aching and crying! Today I set foot on the treadmill and jogged non stop for 4 miles finishing in 39:02 - I was not exhausted, I was not tired - but I was crying!

A very good friend of mine Andy McMenemey came to my aid back in January and helped me in more ways than he would ever know. This guy has run across desserts, run marathon after marathon (on the same day!) as well as helping many other people reach their goals and he took time out to help me get started. Between us we worked out heart rate zones and he gave me more advice and more help than I ever expected. I remember him laughing and saying I would be jogging before the end of the year and I laughed - he was right!! He also told me to run at my own pace and my body would know what it needed - he was right!! I look forward to one day running a marathon with Andy to show him just how much he has helped me on my road to fitness. xxx

Before Dad died, my brother and I saw each other about once a week, usually at Mum and Dad's but we very seldom saw each other socially - 3-4 times a year at the most. Since Dads death we talk at least every other day (if not every day) and I'm sure he knows how much I love him because I tell him every time I speak to him. We like to get together as a family at least once a month and I've learned that he has the same sense of humour as my Dad, he's got the same values as my Dad and he is as talented as my Dad. I see now why they were in business together and I can also see why they sometimes clashed! They were like peas in a pod!

In business he is as thorough as my Dad ever was and by gosh when he gets the bit between his teeth he will not give in until he is happy with it and it's 100% correct. He has helped us with our new business and I really hope he gets more work bouncing off it. He is a very talented guy and deserves to do well. Thank you John xxx

I also have two very close friends who have both lost their Dads this year - Tammy and Jeanette. I'm slightly ahead of you girls as my 'first' is nearly up but you know I'm with you both every step of the way. It's going to be a tough tough year for you but again we have and will laugh and cry through it. I really do believe that is what life is about being able to laugh and cry - you know I'm there for you both xxx

I have to mention another very close friend of mine that is making her own memories. Mags, I love you and you know just where I am xxx

This year has also seen my own son having a fantastic first school report from his parents evening and my stepson graduate. They have to go down as two of the proudest moments of my life.

I also need to thank my WLR friends. Many of them I have never met but we are all in the same boat, striving for the same goal. We help each other through the bad times and praise each other through the good. It really does help and I wish you all the very very best and look forward to meeting many of you next year.

On the down side I've had people who've challenged my motives for losing weight; for being obsessed with calories; for changing! All I can say is, I HAD to change. I was deteriorating physically because of my obesity but perhaps more importantly mentally. I hated myself and I hated what I was becoming and it was rubbing off on my family. I hope those people can now understand that I am a better person for it; that I have more life in me; I have my confidence and yes I do know about calories now - I've learnt about them (the hard way!) and I feel comfortable talking about my new lifestyle because I know it works.

Over the last couple of months our business activities have expanded and we are now in the business of hiring evening wear. We'd like to expand the outsize wear of the business. I know what it's like to not to be able to get a dress for a function; to walk into a shop and have people sneer at you because you're 'fat'! WE'RE NORMAL HUMAN BEINGS WHO HAVE FEELINGS AND NEED TO LOOK GOOD! I really hope our business takes off. We have a buzz about the house that feels good. If my Dad was still here he would be chomping at the bit to help us but instead his son has jumped in and is doing a fantastic job. Ray's got his business head back on and by God he's good! I see our future getting brighter!

It will be a year next week that my wonderful Dad died, on the operating table at Hull Royal Infirmary. Friday 20th November will be the first anniversary of my Dads death and the 4th birthday of his youngest grandson Benjamin Harold Birch. I am under no illusion that it will be a difficult day but hopefully seeing Benjamins face opening his presents will make our world a little easier to bear.

My regret?????

DAD

That he's not here to see what I have achieved in the last year.

That he's not here to not give his wife a hug when she cries herself to sleep on a night.

That he's not here to shake his sons hand and tell him he's doing a fantastic job!

That he wasn't here to see us cross the finish line of our first ever marathon.

That he wasn't here to see his daughter on stage with his grandchildren and daughter-in-law singing one of his favorite songs of all time.

That he's not here to see his grandsons first school photograph which is adorable.

That he's not here to have a drink with his son-in-law and wish him luck in his new venture.

That he's not here for his grandson 4th birthday party and that the 20th November this year and for always will be both a happy and sad day . . . . . . . . . .

BECAUSE HE'S NOT HERE!!

We have nearly had all our "firsts" without him but I'm sure there will be many many more occasions to come that we will have to bear on our own. Our only consolation is that he is up there somewhere watching over us and seeing everything from afar.

I love you Dad
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The end or the beginning?

On the 20th November 2008 my Mentor and my Father, Paul Henry Redhead, died at the age of 69 of chronic heart disease and it rocked my world!

If you were lucky enough to have known my Dad you'd probably remember his wicked sense of humour, his eyebrows, his conversation (or lack of it!) or maybe even the fact that he just loved his whisky! I also still remember his smell, his smile and the way he would look at me when I walked in the room; the chatting we used to do until silly o'clock in the morning and the advice and support he gave me unconditionally.

People deal with loss in very different ways. As a family we grew ever closer trying to close a huge void in our lives that, lets face it, will never be closed. Dad was too much of a big part in all of our lives to be able to do that. They say families are a unit. Ours certainly was - he adored us as much as we adored him and we had so much respect for him I cannot begin to tell you. He bestowed values in us that we are bestowing in our own children and he is still with us in so many ways.

The love that both he and Mum showed to us and to our children is even stronger now Mum is dealing it out for both of them! We know it's ten times harder for her, she was married to Dad for 40 years. Hopefully the love we give her in return helps just a little to ease her pain.

My brother has inherited Dad's work ethic - he is so hard working and will not falter until the job is done. John and I have grown even closer and he really has got Dads sense of humour - and his taste for whisky!

And me? I'm just a stubborn mule like my Dad. When I put my mind to something I always do it to the best of my ability and get a little rattled if things don't work out quite right.

So, how did I get here? . . . . . . . On the 4th January I saw an advert in the local paper for a 13 week calorie controlled eating plan. Feeling lower than I had ever felt in my life before, I decided that the time had come for me to do something about my own weight and general level of health and not end up just like my Dad. Like him, my health was suffering and therefore so was my life. . . . . and indirectly so were my wonderful husband and beautiful son. I couldn't bring my Dad back but with him as my inspiration, I could lose weight and earn money for The British Heart Foundation whilst doing it by making my weight loss a sponsored slim.

So I set myself the task of losing 4 stone before my 40th birthday.

What a journey I've had. I've done my first marathon, ran my first "race for life", entered my first 10k run and even applied for the "London Marathon" next year. I've laughed, cried, gained friends and even lost a few but in the long run it has made me a better person and most definitely a healthier one!

I'm not sorry for talking calories and healthy eating! If you're not interested or do not want to know then tell me to stop or don't ask me any questions!! I do not know the calorie content of a grape - what I do know is that grapes are healthy and I can have more of them the jelly tots!!

People are calling me an inspiration! I really don't think I am. I am simply a 40 year old woman who took a tragedy and turned it around. I channelled my sadness into a desire for healthy eating and found it was relatively easy. I adore food, I adore socialising and I adore my family and friends so it has rubbed off on them too. If I can help any one of them to feel as healthy as me then I'm happy.

As a Birthday treat, Ray sent me off with three of my best friends to a luxury pamper day on Thursday. What I didn't know was that he was arranging a surprise party for me at home whilst we were gone. We had a wonderful day and laughed and giggled like the little girls we are at heart. When we returned home there were over 80 people in full party swing and we had a fantastic night. Thank you to everyone for turning up and apologies if you never got an invite. It was all arranged behind my back and Ray had to stop somewhere - he did a fantastic job. Thank you I love you xx

He had a Gilet 'doctored' so that it would hold lead weights to the amount I had lost in the 8 months since January. IT WAS HEAVY!! After I'd put it on, it took two of them to help lift me off the chair and I really struggled to walk! How on earth did I carry that extra amount of weight daily? Until I donned that jacket I never truly realised just how far I had come and how well I had done

I can now officially tell you it contained . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66lb!!

That is 4stone 10lb!

I've lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24% of myself!

I've lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 inches from my chest!

I've lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 inches from my waist!

I've lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 inches from my hips!!

(this is a pircture of me (left) on my 40th birthday holding a full size photo of me (right) taken exactly a year ago, on my 39th birthday!

I look like a different me and I feel like a different me and I am so proud of myself. I can't begin to tell you how different I truly feel although it doesn't make losing Dad any easier to bear! In some ways it makes it a little harder.

I want him to tell me how well I've done!!!

I want to see the look of pride in his eyes like the time I sang my first song dedicated to him!!!

I want him to tell me everything will be OK!!

I want to see the smile on his face like the one he gave me on the day I got married!!

I WANT HIM BACK!!!!!!!

But. . . . . . . . . . . . . I can't have him back. I have to live my life without him but with the knowledge that he has taught me well and has indirectly helped me on my journey of the last 8 months. What I wouldn't do to see his face now - but all I have is photographs. Wonderful memories of a wonderful man that will never leave me. Memories that have been captured on a piece of photographic paper because we will never be able to see him in person again. I love you Dad and I thank you from the bottom of my heart . You really did give me more than you will ever know.

By you losing your life it helped me gain mine. It made me open my eyes wide to what was ahead of me. I hope you're as proud of me as I am of you. God Bless, Sleep tight and have a drink on me. Your little girl is 40!!

Ellie

xxx

Blog End.

PS.

I would just like to say at this point that whilst my official blog ends, this isn't the end of my weight loss programme!! I still have over 2 stone to lose and lets face it, this is just the beginning. They say life begins at 40, well I'm starting my 40's healthier than I have been for well over 10 years. Let's hope this weekend's partying hasn't done too much damage - it's going to be a busy training week in the Birch Camp!!

Take care

Ellie

xxx

Week 32 Time is ticking

I still can't believe where the time is going! July seemed to fly by and August is upon us already and running away fast! I have been busy with work this last month and in the present economic climate I've been glad of it. We currently have a few business ideas flying about in the air and hopefully the next time I post, I may have some further news.

In between clients, meetings and birthday parties we have been training hard for the run 10k at the end of September. Our initial intention was to run it in less than 1hr 30mins. However, our first training session saw us completing the 6 miles in 1hr 18mins!! Whoops, I think we need to set a different goal!


This last month has also seen me look at myself and my fitness levels very differently.

- I can now sustain running at a constant pace for a mile and a half without having to stop and walk for a recovery period.

- I actually now like my arms!!


- My thighs are shrinking (ok, along with the rest of me but I noticed the difference this month!)


- I actually miss "not training".

The sudden realisation that I have lost nearly 25% of my starting body weight seems colossal to me and I can smile about it.

Ray and I have also had to seriously sort out our wardrobes this month and as a consequence, not only have our body's shrunk but so have our wardrobes!


I am enjoying my healthier lifestyle and at the same time I'm enjoying life - does that sound silly?

If anyone would like any advice I would gladly give it - I know how it has turned my life around and how it has influenced people around me. My husband has lost over 2 stones; my best friend Tammy has lost nearly 1 and half stone; my brother has lost nearly a stone; my mum and my sister-in-law have lost half a stone each. When you make a decision to do something it really doesn't take a lot of effort but as the old saying goes, 'the first step is always the hardest'. After that if you stick to the rules and are open and honest with yourself about what you are eating then it really does work.

I also got a letter from the British Heart Foundation a couple of weeks ago about a sponsored walk they are organising. After talking to Ray I rang John about it to see if they fancied joining us on the walk as a family, in memory of Dad. Our children are doing it as well and I've just spoken to Mum about walking some of it too (we are taking a wheelchair for her for when she gets too tired). The walk is in 2 miles circuits and you can do as many as you want to. We have decided that 2 laps would be enough for the kids (and Mum) and an achievement in itself for them and her. If you would like to sponsor that event please take a look at our page www.justgiving.com/grandparedhead

Since last blogging I have lost a further 9lb in weight!!

That now brings my total to 4st 9lbs or an impressive 65lb

My final weigh in will be on my 40th birthday, a week on Saturday . In the time I have left I'm hoping to lose a further 5lb to reach a total of 5 stone. I won't be too hard on myself as we are away this week and I have a couple of dinners planned for my birthday week but I will try. I do intend to carry on losing weight after my birthday, 'cos I still have at least another 2 stone to go but my birthday will determine the closing weight loss for my sponsorship.


Until the big day

God bless


Ellie


xxx

It's been a while

Gosh it seems have been an age since I was last here posting a blog. It certainly must have been because the amount of people that have phoned, text me and e-mailed me to see where it is is unbelievable. All I can say is I'm well and truly chastised, I'm sorry, my knuckles are wrapped and I'm back. . . But July has been a busy busy month!

I must just say that the amount of support I'm getting is unbelievable - thank you every single one of you xxxx

I don't know where this is going to lead yet but, here goes!!

I have written about my wonderful husband before now and I just need to give a little more insight.

My family have known Ray and his family from me being the tender age of 14 (back in the early 80's) when my Dad started working for him when he part owned a very successful printing business. Our families have always been the best of friends, Dad and Ray on many occasions staying up until the wee small hours solving problems and writing computer programmes, not to mention the BBQ's on New Years Day, the fireplaces knocked through on Christmas Eve and the copious bottles of Whisky that have been consumed between the two of them! Over the last 10 years or so Ray and I have grown closer as friends - we've sat and 'put the world to rights!' him telling me his problems and me telling him mine and between us trying to solve them.

Neither of us know how or the reason things changed between us. Really it's just something that happened in the February of 2003 when he left me a dozen roses in the boot of my car on Valentines Day.

When we first 'got together' we had an awful lot to contend with. Both family and friends all seemed to have an opinion on everything that was happening at the time, good and bad! We decided to grin and bare it and soon realised that it was actually making us stronger rather than pulling us apart. All we knew was, finally after a long long time we were both happy, we were smiling and we were glad to be alive.

Ray has three children from his previous marriage who, just like us found things difficult. We've all had our ups and downs but seem to have found a 'level ground' that suits us all. The beginning of July found me on a different level that made me feel more proud than ever before!

Jonathan graduated from Newcastle University and we had the immense pleasure of going to see him graduate. I do not and never did intend to be the kids 'step' Mum, that would just be completely wrong!! I only ever wanted to be a friend and I have to say Jonny and I have found that friendship and Newcastle made me very, very proud!! He's had a tough time dealing with his Mum and Dad's break-up and coming to terms with his Dad and myself getting together. Not to mention the little brother that he's acquired who, lets face it NONE of us ever expected. Jonathan has worked so hard to achieve his goals. He's applying for a Masters next year and I wish him all the love and luck in the world. Jonathan, you believed in yourself and you did it. Many, many congratulations love. xxx

Then it was a quick flight over to Ireland for my cousins wedding. We had a wonderful time although I have to admit I was extremely worried about the after effect of Irish hospitality!

Darren and Melissa's' wedding was fantastic. Melissa looked absolutely stunning and luckily we had fabulous weather for the day.

As usual we stayed at Uncle Ed and Auntie Mary's where we are always made to feel at home. 'At home' is fabulous home cooked food and biscuits, sandwiches, cakes and buns with your cup of tea! A 'dry' cup of tea is not the done thing over in Ireland so our calorie counting went out of the window. It was also Ray's birthday whilst we were away and Ka had arranged a birthday cake for him, a HUGE cream cake!! At that point, we hit panic mode (but asked for a slice anyway).

We did manage to get out for a couple of walks in between the showers! Whilst we were out walking we could certainly understand why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. For all that it is wet, the countryside is so lush and it really does take your breath away, it is beautiful.

After getting home from Ireland I seem to have spent most of my time either in the salon with clients or in the gym/training to counteract some of the damage that has been done whilst I've been away.

I think we need to call this 'weigh in month' this time as the last time I blogged was the end of June.

So in 4 weeks I've lost a total of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5lb!!

So my total since the 4th January is - 4 STONE!!!!!

My intention at the beginning of January was to lose weight and get healthy and in doing so, raise money for The British Heart Foundation. I remember thinking back then how much 4 stone was and wondered whether I could possibly lose that colossal amount of weight in the 8 months leading to my 40th birthday on 29th August.

I have smashed that target by a full month with what seems to be little effort. I feel fitter, healthier and happier. I enjoy cooking and I relish going into the gym or for a run. Who would have ever thought hey?? My new challenge now is to see how much EXTRA I can lose in the 4 weeks I have left.

My only wish is that my Dad could be here to see my achievement - for him to see how far I have come and to be as proud of me as I am of myself.

GOD I MISS HIM SO MUCH I COULD SCREAM!!!

Both my Mum and my brother are on the site and John has lost an incredible 6lb in his first week, I'm so pleased and proud of him, I know the initial decision is a hard one to make but he's done it. I look forward to hearing all about his journey and he knows only too well that I will be beside him all the way. Mums first weigh in is Thursday and I'm looking forward to writing about that next week.



Ray also has lost a massive 15lb since starting and he looks fantastic. So much so that when we were up in Newcastle the suit he wore for the graduation was far too big for him. Whilst Jonathan was having lunch with his Mum and Auntie Carole (post graduation) we nipped into Fenwicks to see what they had for him. The suit he wore in the morning was a 42" waist! He asked the storekeeper to de-tag his new suit and walked out in a 36" waisted suit!!!! All he wanted to do was go back and have his photo re-taken!!









Until next week

God bless


Ellie
xxx

Busy, busy, busy

It has amazed me how much NOT exercising has bothered me this week!

I got a very nasty blister from the marathon and also did something to my little toe. I'm not sure whether it was a fracture, a rub or another blister but whatever it was I haven't been able to wear full shoes or trainers all week due to the swelling and bruising - hence no exercise.

I can now understand the term gym junky! I have so missed not being able to pop out for a walk or nip into the gym for an hour but this week will be different. My toe is recovering nicely (although still quite black) but I've got three nights out planned so I need to get something done.

We've also had friends and family over from Ireland this week so it's been a week of laughing and enjoying ourselves.

The first people to arrive were Rebecca and Paul. I had the pleasure of meeting them when we all worked out in Cyprus in 2002 and we've remained very good friends ever since. Benjamin was page boy for them at their wedding two years ago and I think Paul got a bit of a shock when he saw how he's grown since then as that was the last time he saw him.

I think Becca too was a little shocked at the change but that was in me! She last saw me at Dads funeral and when I met her at the airport, she screamed at me and couldn't stop complementing me on how well I'm doing. It's so nice when people give you encouragement when they see a difference and it certainly gives me a real buzz as I feel everything is slowing down a bit now. She has signed up for WLR so it will be me screaming at her the next time we meet!

We had a girls night out planned for Tuesday and all four of us hit the town although we hardly made an entrance as I think we were the only ones out! It was good that it was so quiet though as it meant we could catch up and have a good natter with each other. It's been far too long since we did that and hopefully it won't be so long before we do it again!

We had another trip to the airport on Thursday to pick up my Uncle Ed, my cousin Catherine and her friend Paula. We dropped Uncle Ed off at mums for them to have their catch up. Poor Mum was so ill last time he was over and he ended up having to drop her off at the hospital almost as he was going home. So I would like to think they have well and truly caught up with the gossip and goings on by now.!!

With our last guests arriving on Friday we had a bit of a celebration/get together BBQ to celebrate the Moonwalk and welcome everyone and we had a blast! I lasted until about 3am then had to retire. I think everyone else stayed up to hear the birds morning chorus before eventually going to bed.


Then Saturday was the 80's party in the park. . . . . .























WHAT A NIGHT!!

With T'Pau, Belinda Carlisle, Banarama, Human League and Go West playing and us all dressing in our 80's get up we had such a good night and danced till the small wee hours once again!!

With the advantage of the 4000 calories I burnt from the walk which I hoped would see me through my lack of exercise and excess partying, it was possibly the most nervous I have ever been before stepping onto the scales on Sunday morning. I wasn't hoping for anything but wishing for the world. . . .

ANOTHER 1LB GONE!!

It really does pay to account for everything you eat and keep tabs on it. I have been just under maintenance calories all week barring a couple of days but I've had my exercise calories in the bank. I can't tell you how pleased I am so hopefully with exercise back on the agenda this week the fabulous week we've had won't come back to bite me at next weeks weigh in!

I have had such a fabulous week and we've laughed until we've cried. Maybe I've burnt calories doing that too and that's where the pound has gone??

We've another busy week this week with birthday's and I would just like to take this opportunity of letting Al know he got there before me (1st July)!!! Oh and Tracy (4th July)!! Happy 40th guys, hope you have very special days.

Hope you have a great week

Ellie

xxx