Should I be worried?

Below is an excerpt from the form my doctor must sign for me to be able to go on the expedition:

"THE ABOVE NAMED PERSON WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN A RALEIGH EXPEDITION DURING WHICH HE/SHE WILL BE SUBJECT TO BASIC LIVING CONDITIONS, HARSH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRESS AS WELL AS EXTREMES OF CLIMATE. THESE DEMANDS WILL INVOLVE BACK PACKING, BEING ABLE TO CARRY WEIGHTS OF UP TO 20KG AND BEING FIT ENOUGH TO TREK IN CONDITIONS WHICH WILL INVOLVE POSSIBLE EXTREME TEMPERATURES, CLIMATES, ALTITUDE CHANGES AND ROUGH TERRAIN. PROJECTS WILL VARY FROM ON THE MOVE TO STATIC PROJECT SITES. THESE WILL PROVIDE VERY BASIC FACILITIES, SUCH AS LONG DROP TOILETS AND PRIMITIVE WASHING FACILITIES, AND THEY WILL BE LIVING UNDER CANVAS OR THE STARS.

THE DIET PROVIDED WILL BE DEHYDRATED FOOD AND FRESH VEGETABLES OR FRUIT WHEN AVAILABLE, THIS BEING COOKED ON OPEN WOOD FIRES. RALEIGH AIMS TO PROVIDE A MEDIC (DOCTOR/NURSE) ON EACH PROJECT SITE TO GIVE IMMEDIATE FIRST AID AND ENSURE HIGH HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE TAUGHT AND MAINTAINED. THE PROJECT SITE CAN BE CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE FROM ANY HOSPITAL BACK UP.

WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION, IF THERE ARE ANY MATTER OF WHICH YOU FEEL THE MEDIC SHOULD BE AWARE, PLEASE SUPPLY ON A SEPARATE SHEET. IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE MEDICAL CO-COORDINATOR ON ********"

So, basically - I guess that sums up a bit more about what I'll be doing in Borneo!

Not such a pretty penny

So, as the handy list on the right hand side of here says, I am going to need quite a lot of vaccinations before I go away in July. I'm absolutely fine with needles, so I haven't been worried about that, it's just organising them all!

 

As someone who is not a particularly seasoned traveller, I don't really know anything about Malaria tablets, hepatitis jabs and such so I wanted to make sure I considered all factors in my arrangements. Timings, costs, availability, clashes, etc. etc. - to become the human pin cushion is surprisingly not straight forward!

 

This morning I had my annual flu jab, and upon arrival the nurse told me I was due for a booster of my tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. I thought this was great as they were all on my preparation tick list, and turned out to be free, which was a pleasant surprise. After having the jabs and feeling the usual, dull arm ache set in, the nurse talked me through everything I needed to prepare. Undeniably helpful, and very enthusiastic, she helped me prepare a timeline and figure out costs, and I nearly threw up when we figured out my injections will cost me £500!  I suppose one's health is priceless but still, it's enough to put you in mild shock when you're scraping every penny together for your airfare amongst other things.

 

So I'm now bringing in a new fundraising notion 'Sponsor a jab'. If you want something more tangible for you donation, don't give your money straight to Raleigh - sponsor one of my injections. That way, you don't just get the satisfaction of supporting a charitable cause, you're also keeping me happy and healthy :) I'm quite serious about this so, if you DO want to give in a more novel way, let me know.

 

After getting my breath back and figuring out what organs I could donate to fund this, the nurse asked me when I was going and for how long, and then simply said 'planning on losing weight before you go?'. Talk about adding insult to injury! :)

New Year and raring to go..

So the Christmas season has come to pass... trousers are a little tighter, wallets are a little lighter and we have arrived into a brand spanking new year.

I'm feeling pretty please as instead of squandering the seasons holiday in front of the TV (OK, squandering ALL of it I should say) for once, I have been busy making preparations for the trip (which is 26 weeks and 2 days away).

1) Physical preparation - As one of my big worries is being unfit while I'm away, I've started preparing for the trekking aspect with some walks. Guildford and the surrounding area is a gold mine for hills and I've been trying to conquer them all. There have been muddy hills, sandy hills, really really steep hills! I've acquired some willing and able walking buddies, kitted up, and forced myself out into the cold. I'll be a lean mean hiking machine before you know it!

2) Health preparation - As well as the physical exercise, I've been dosing up on everything to keep me in tip top shape. Vitamins, more fruit, more veg, NO WINE... anything to protect myself. I've also booked the appointment with my doctor to start getting my vaccinations done. I'm unfortunately prone to getting poorly and I don't want that affecting my trip, or those around me. 2009 will be the year of health!

3) Equipment preparation - I am now the proud owner of some very swanky walking boots (at a 70% discount), a very expensive and waterproof jacket - good for the rainy season in Malaysia, an essential sleeping bag liner to combat bacteria, a water bottle, as well as a couple of head torches. I've been able to acquire this haul through a combination of monetary donation, Christmas gifts and good old fashioned giving so thanks those who helped me.

4) Financial preparation - The fundraising is going swimmingly - about 40% there with 4 months to go before the deadline. I've been really lucky int he support I've received but I'm also looking to get more, and not only relying on the kindness of friends but a wider appeal. I've also been making sure I'm financially prepared for the trip (there will be small costs I incur when I'm out there, and the not so small cost of a flight!), I also have to make sure I have a buffer for when I'm back. The job climate is slightly unpredictable at the moment as well know, the uncertainty of what I'll do when I get back adding equally to the excitement and fear, so there's a lot of planning to do there on my part.

Just thought I'd keep people up to date with my actions. Please, keep spreading the word of Raleigh and hopefully we'll tap into people's generous sides and get more support for Raleigh.