Kyles blog-what it's like to live with heart failure part 7

Hey guys did you miss me lol.I know I have not done a blog in a while and I'm sorry about that but I just haven't had time  so today I'm going to tell you about what I've been doing you guys remember I said I was getting FIFA 16 well I did and it's so good leave a comment if you've got it and anyway by guys

The final blog

It is Tuesday night or rather early hours of Wednesday morning & I returned to work today.

I see a board in reception that detailed my journey to my End2End along with sponsorship which has over £245 pledged so looks like store will have raised over £350 for me.

Many say well done as I pass them throughout the day & I feel slightly embarrassed at what I should reply, I genuinely still can't believe we did it me, Lorna & Dan.

I tell them both I can't find any motivation to do a final blog but I know I must.

Shall I explain that living with a chronic Illness exaggerates your whole life but you need to be careful how you handle this. My drive to enjoy life & leave a legacy these last 8 years led to this End2End but now it is over my lows & negative thoughts are now being magnified. I need to find balance.

Where is the motivation to go to gym, where is the motivation to do anything?

You just need to look at how long it has took me to write this blog to see the lethargy setting in but I see the signs straight away now and I will fight them every minute of everyday as I know the dangers if I do not.

So I owe it to those many who supported me to write a final blog thanking them. 

How many will be surprised at my boss emailing my horoscopes which were scarily accurate & motivational.

How in one 15 minute meeting while training for this a fellow cyclist gave me the best advice ever & was eventually my biggest donator.

No punctures.yet met a fellow cyclist who had 3 in one day.

2 major car crashes on route yet I can say not once did I feel unsafe on even the busiest road. 

The desent down Shep my biggest climb where I couldn't brake, petrified as I was travelling so fast.

I left majority of my tablets at home but didn't tell Lorna so I did this by actually not taking my daily tablets.

I think I have a couple of blogs left especially final total raised. I just have to make sure I stay positive.

John 

Lorna's blog - end2end from start to finish!

When John first mentioned cycling John O'Groats to Lands End 2 years ago my initial thought was 'oh here we go again'. Those of you who know John will understand why! He has these madcap ideas every now and then but (thankfully) most of them don't come to fruition! 

However when he got me to write to his work asking for a couple of weeks off unpaid I thought 'hmmm maybe he is serious!' But as 6 months and then 9 months passed with it only being mentioned a couple of times I wasn't to concerned. 

And then 3 or 4 months ago it all became pretty serious when he began training and talking about it a lot (by a lot I mean constantly!) but as usual he had not thought through any of the logistics of the trip! Where we would stay, what the route would be and more importantly how we would fund it! 

Anyone who has ever planned anything like this will understand how difficult it is to get people to commit to 'help' so we were both extremely relieved when Dan agreed to be our support driver and let us use his car! You have to bear in mind we had only met Dan a couple of times before! He said to me, on the trip, that we were very trusting to rely on him and I feel that he too was very trusting to offer his support! I guess it was a giant leap of faith on all parts! 

So now things were coming together I decided to have a look at the route and see what I could find accommodation wise. My heart sank as I started to see the prices of hotels and b&b's. How the hell were we going to fund this? I spoke to John about setting up a go fund me page instead of a just giving as that way we could take our costs from the sponsorship instead of financially crippling us! I then spoke to Dan and explained that it was looking pretty costly so would he mind if I looked at cheaper alternatives for accommodation and would he mind sharing? It wasn't ideal but needs must. He was very understanding and agreed to 'slum it' and share where possible!

So I booked wigwams, glamping, youth hostels, travelodges and the odd b&b. Even then the cost was almost £1000. And that was before we added on petrol and bike clothing and bike spares and feeding 4 of us for more than 2 weeks! 

John had a Dr's appointment a few weeks before we left and the GP asked if he was still exercising and he told her yes and explained about his upcoming end to end. She said they were having a practise meeting the next day and she would tell Dr Spence who has been John's GP since he was diagnosed and has been brilliant. The next day John gets a call from the practise manager Kim saying that they are eager to sponsor him and we've to go in and see her in a couple of days. When we go in we are astounded when she offers to pay for t shirts and hoodies with branding on them, an expensive rain jacket for John and then, completely unexpectedly, she asked how much the accommodation was costing and when I told her she said 'OK I'll pay for that as well'. We were both blown away! John was almost in tears and I was speechless! We walked out the room with more than £1200 worth of sponsorship and a massive load of my shoulders! I could finally start to get excited about the trip! 

Once John is focussed on something it becomes his only focus! In the weeks leading up to the cycle he was distant, moody and shut off from everyone and everything else. All he did was cycle and go to work. It was hard not to get frustrated and scream at him lol 

The week before we went saw me frantically rushing around writing lists, packing bags, buying supplies, chasing up deliveries and even helping John change the tyres on his bike! But finally we were ready! John finished work on Thursday 3rd of September at 5pm and Dan arrived at ours at 6pm. I made us a hearty dinner before we all headed off for an early night. 

The actual days of the trip are a bit of a mash up for me with the days all blending into one. Every morning I packed up the various bags and loaded up the car. We went looking for breakfast for Dan and myself. Then we would use John's dodgy directions to try and find him so that he could change his clothes and we could give him food and water. Then he would set off again and we would drive to the next meeting place and wait for him for another change of clothes and more food and water. Then we would head to the nights accommodation. And I would unpack the car, take in all the bags, get John clean clothes for after his shower and then Dan and I would head out on the hunt for an evening meal. Then bed and repeat the next day! 

We did see some lovely scenery but mostly I was completely focussed on where is John?, how is he getting on? Is he on the right road? Has he eaten enough? Drank enough? Is this road hilly? Is this road too busy? How does he feel? Etc etc etc 

We arrived home on Tuesday 8th for an overnight stay and left again on Wednesday with a new addition to the team in the shape of Kyle, my 9yr old son. And having had all the washing done lol 

Again the days blur with the same routine except now when we drove to the next meeting place we were searching for a playpark or grassy area for Kyle to run around in! 

And now I had the added worry of how am I going to get the washing done! One very nice travelodge manager offered to do some for us one night and the youth hostel we stayed at one night had a huge kitchen and a laundry room! So we had a lovely home cooked lasagne and I got all our clothes cleaned! The simple pleasures lol 

As we worked our way through the north and Midlands of England we felt like we just lived travelodge to travelodge. John was leaving early in the morning and by the time we all got up, showered and packed up then picked up water and a Tesco meal deal we were rushing to meet john. On one occasion he even made it to the next nights accommodation before us!

Finally we arrived in Devon and gained another member of the team in the form of John's youngest daughter Grace. At this point the end was almost in sight! And I was starting to feel a sense of relief! 

But when we went to meet John at the predetermined place he text to say he was running late. So instead of 1pm he'd be there at 1.30pm then he text again and said it would be after 2pm. We settled in a pub beer garden with a soft drink to wait for him. I was expecting him to turn the corner with his usual big smile when he spotted us. Especially as we had Grace with us! Instead he came round the corner shaking his head, staggered from his bike, sat on the bench and put his head in his hands! He looked defeated and for the first time I was worried! And I had doubts. Maybe we were crazy, maybe he'd pushed himself too far. What on earth were we thinking? 

Not knowing what else to do we headed for the supermarket as we were staying at a cottage that night so hoped that a warm bath, some homemade food and a good rest would have him raring to go the next day for the penultimate stage. 

The cottages were beautiful in a lovely farm location with pretty flower boxes and surrounded by fields of cattle. The interior was warm and cosy with DVD's and board games for the kids. John had a bath whilst I made a huge cottage pie and then took himself off for an early night. When I went up to bed later he was soaked through with sweat and although asleep seemed awful restless! And through the night I awoke loads of times with the rain lashing on the windows and I was dreading the next day! 

The weather forecast said the rain was due to stop at 9am so he waited and set off then. The weather forecast lied! It rained again a good couple of heavy showers and when we met up with him at lunchtime he was soaked through and even had to change his socks and shoes BUT the smile had returned! He headed off for Wadebridge whilst we dashed off to Port Isaac for a cream tea and a spot of sightseeing! He actually got to wadebridge before us and headed off to visit some folks he had worked with when he lived down there. 

That night we had been very lucky in that one of Grace's friends Amelia's mum and dad own a hotel and had very generously offered us accommodation for the night free of charge! The hotel is beautiful and the rooms were great! 

Next morning when I awoke John was already up and dressed and pottering about. He told me he was a bag of nerves! He couldn't sit still and was constantly messing about with his bike. We all went for breakfast but he couldn't eat and just had tea and some toast but even then had to get up and go play with the bike some more! 

We set off to drop him off and I think by this point his nerves had rubbed off on us all! After we had dropped him off we drove to our first meeting place of Hayle where we had a cuppa and a cake at a little cafe before following the road sign to the beach which blew us away! It was stunning! 

We waited for john at a playpark with a little cafe and while the kids played I asked Dan how he felt now it was almost over! I said that we may not have cycled it but we still drove it and that is an achievement too!

After meeting John and giving him water we headed to Asda where we bought a magnum of cheap 'champers', some bunting and balloons! We passed John on the single track road to lands end and tried to hide the balloons in the car. Then Dan whizzed us down to lands end to meet up with Grace's mum and her friend to set up while he whizzed back 2 miles to meet John and drop off Kyle so that he could cycle the last 2 miles. 

At lands end there is a finish line and posts which was where we positioned ourselves. Ready to hold up the bunting and balloons to cheer him in. Unfortunately a very rude bus driver drove up to pick people up and blocked half of the road! And then we spotted them coming in over the hill so we set ourselves up and cheered, whooped and hollered as he crossed the finish line! Then we shook up the 'champers and sprayed it around before filling up our plastic glasses and toasting his achievement! We had been told that there is a book at the hotel reception that you can sign as an end to ender so john set off to do that and we headed round to the sign post. 

We were a bit miffed to discover that you have to pay £10 for a picture under the sign! And when we enquires the guy said we could 'buy one get one free' but we settled on taking pics from the other side of the fence as we wanted loads! 

Our last nights accommodation was at the YHA 'snooze boxes' at the Eden project. Which are basically converted shipping containers but pretty cool! We ordered in pizza and john had a bottle of red wine to celebrate! 

Sunday morning found us packing up the car for the final time before we embarked on the epic 500+ mile drive home. John slept most of the way which I guess is understandable! 

Today is Monday and Kyle has gone back to school, Dan has just left for home and I am lying on the couch with a cup of tea nursing my sore back which has most def gotten a lot worse as the 16 days went on. John is pottering around unpacking and tidying up and trying to keep himself busy. 

He said earlier he can't believe he did it! And knowing John as I do I can foresee the low mood that is going to consume him for the next few days. He will disappear into himself. He will analyse every minute of the trip. He will question its wisdom. He will get emotional. He will sleep a lot and he will be snappy and detached. And he will be embarrassed by the attention and the plaudits that he will receive. Eventually I will get my John back for a couple of weeks ................

And then he will start to think 'what can I do next?' And so the whole cycle will begin again! God help me! 

Kyles blog-what it's like to live with heart failure part 6

Today I'm leaving to go back to Scotland from the Eden Project and by the way these cabins are minted I'm sorry this is a short blog but I'm just leaving and by the way FIFA 16 IS COMING OUT ON THURSDAY IM SO GETTING IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Made it

So I arrived at lands end on Saturday the 19th of September at 16:30 trying to keep up with Kyle on the last 2 miles after 1st starting out at John O'Groats on Late Friday night of the 4th with a short 16 miles to wig wams for our 1st night away.

My feeling is one of disbelief if honest. I cannot actual think at moment of how the last 15 days have gone, I remember bits then I remember others but I cannot place them in any timescale.

I lie here on bed at YHA at Eden project & cant believe I don't need to cycle in morning I don't have to worry about what to wear and what is the weather? I am enjoying a nice wee red wine and the company of Lorna tonight because she made it happen.

This is a short blog and tomorrow we drive back to Glasgow so I will look back more, I so want to thank so many but I am scared I will miss so many out.

I have just called my dad to tell him and say "I love you" and he replies "well done big man Thistle got beat" my brother Robert still wants to buy bike but honestly it is a wreck, my other brother Stephen has been to watch Rangers and tells  me he is drunk but well done bro, I leave a message on my daughters phone to say how proud I am of her while trying not to cry. I cry because I cannot call my mum who I miss everyday. so you could say I am an emotional wreck.

Time to relax 

John

Kyles blog-what it's like to live with cardiomyopathy patients part 5

Hi guys I'm sorry about yesterday how I never posted a blog but tonight is the best part John has finished his cycle at Landsend and now were at the Eden Project  for our stay at the youth hostel and I want to give a big shoutout to the owners of the Lanarth after a beautiful stay last night if your passing Wadebrige be sure to visit The Lanarth for a B&B for £25 and tonight the pod is beautiful.   Extra.   

Kyles blog-what it's like to live heart failure patients part 4

It's morning time for a blog today going to wadebridge sadly were leaving these really good,cottages with crap wifi read me tonight and send me some ideas on Instagram at COOPS20059

Only 88 miles left

I am here on the bed at the cottage knowing only 88 miles to go but after today I honestly think I only have 2 more 40 mile cycle left in my body.

This has been some adventure & I look forward to looking back on it fondly after I complete it Saturday, the memories of those that supported me will live long in the memory.

I hope today was just a blip I had to use every ounce of energy to reach Tedbury St Mary to end today's stage.

I set off cautiously today after yesterday and felt good at 15 miles but once I reached 30 and Tiverton I had no energy left as hill after steep hill drained me.

I knew I would & could get to Tedbury St Mary but my arrival time kept being pushed back.

I finally arrive at 2pm nearly 2 hours slowly than any leg so far and know I need to recover for the next 2 days.

Grace is with us now so I know the end is in sight I just have to plan tonight how I will achieve it 

Time to recover 

John 

Kyles blog-what it's like to live with heart failure patients part 3

Hey I'm back today we travelled as normal and we picked up Grace at Cullompton and no we're at a nice cottage

Kyles blog-What it's like to live with heart failure patients all about me part 1

Hey guys it's me Kyle and today I'm opening a new part of my blog called all about me where I tell you guys  something about myself and sometimes I will tell something about a reader of my blog you can get me on Instagram at COOPS20059 DM.me and I'll put you on my blog later guys remember to read tonight's blog at Johnscycle950 and be sure to add me on xbox  at MrCreeper2912 oh and by the way today's fact is I am captain of St Peters 05 team

Kyles blog-What it's like to live with heart failure patients part 2

Hi again it's morning yey now today in this small blog I'm going to give you a summary of what I am doing this week you see my stepdad John is a heart failure patient who is cycling John'o Groats to Landsend and I've came along in the support car oh and I want to give a big shoutout to Dan.Dan is also a heart failure patient and he still drives about 70 miles a day go check out his blog on the websites and may I add I just woke up so don't criticise me for my full stops and everything

Kyles blog - What it's like to live with heart failure patients part 1

Hi im Kyle and my mum Lorna Cooper is a dilated cardiomyopathy patient and so is her boyfriend John. But that doesn't stop them with their dreams my mum is an internet sensation and John is an athlete I started this blog to teach you what it's like to live with cardiomyopathy I do not have heart failure I am a healthy nine year old who loves sports remember to join me tomorrow

The hardest day

May I 1st say this blog ends positively after I describe my start today so please don't worry this is all part of what living with heart failure is all about even for those of us who are capable of doing so much more than previous generations.

I leave Portishead much earlier than normal just after 7am so I can hopefully avoid the forecasted torrential rain later in the afternoon. I am helped by this being one of my shortest legs at under 50 miles.

I feel good as reach 1st big hill outside Portishead but it is then I notice the lack of power in my legs which has not been part of this adventure so far.

The next 6 miles take me 90 minutes when have averaged at least 15 previously. admittingly over hills but I am genuinely drained of physical power but this is not a new feeling to me.

Dan in his blog last night described this feeling that all heart failure patients feel, physically I am totally drained & after 2 hours I seriously think of calling Lorna & Dan to come & get me.

It is as I reach Somerset & the Bristol airport road that I make a decision. I know this road is reasonably flat from flying from Bristol airport many times so will drop gears and see if I can work my way through this.

I base this decision on 8 years of training with heart failure, I get it most days even if only in short spells, I get it sometimes while exercising so basically just stop but I can't understand today's especially as so late in this adventure so I based my decision that my conversation with Dan yesterday & this being my shortest day has somehow effected me sub consciously.

I reach the 25 mile point with bridge over M5 I worked out last night in just over 3 hours so know I have picked up time, I feel stronger & more confident after basically being on a flat road.

The next 20 Miles are surprising to me as I cover a more up & down road through Bridgewater in basically under 2 hours and I reach Taunton by 12:30 just before support team. This mean overall I have averaged 11 miles an hour including breaks in total so I have reached Taunton at planned time.

So today I am reminded on why I wanted to do this challenge now because basically I felt I could, My NHS team in Glasgow love fact I can be so physically active but I nor they have no idea how long it will last. I thought of Dan today my support driver I admire for volunteering who can't work because of heart failure but can support me this whole way. I am just lucky I get less physical symptoms presently.

I think of other patients throughout my cycle today who have supported me & who I admire for the fight they show again I only do what I think I am capable of thanks to the NHS.

So only 3 days left & I have no idea if the physical problems will return but such is the day to day living with heart failure all my fellow patients understand. 

Time for sleep 

John 

Dan - day 12

Day 12.

A very uneventful day today, so I thought id say a few words about John.

Today will see us reach Bristol, easily over half way and only 4 days left.

Cycling from John o groats to lands end is a well trodden path nowadays hundreds achieve it every year, wether it be for personal satisfaction or a charity. It would be easy to think for some that it's no biggie anymore. I would disagree this is still a huge undertaking for anybody, lots of organising beforehand is required and there is the unpredictable British weather. I know I've only driven the roads and I can say that is deffo my preferred way to travel the distance. Lol.

john, here is a person with a condition termed HEART FAILURE, he has an inefficient Heart, his heart does not pump the required amount of oxygenated blood around his body, feeding all the muscles giving energy in order walk, run, move, lift, cycle.

Take a minuite to consider this. Think of a simple task you take for granted, a brisk walk to the shop to buy newspaper or walking the dog around the park, hoovering the living room, joining in with your kids playing sport. All simple things you can easily do. Now imagine tomorrow waking up and and trying one off those activities, but within 3 of your normal steps outside the front door your heart starts racing like you were running fast and you start breathing heavy and become very breathless and you feel all the energy drain from your body. You continue on your way to the shop heart StIll racing and breathing heavy.....you need a little sit down on the way, so you lean against a wall, sweating, heart banging away, you try to catch your breath. Onward to the shop. You struggle to be polite the shop keeper because your struggling to breath and talk at the same time. Newspaper purchased you have a sit down on the bench outside the shop and catch your breath and then make your way home. a five minute walk just took you 25-30 minutes 

A scary scenario if you weren't expecting it....now imagine you were expecting it, and every day whatever you do this is how it is. And that is possibly a good day.

Imagine the desire to just stop, give up and sit down, stay in bed and avoid physical activity completely, because you feel fine sat down...you feel normal. You just have to try to block out the fact that as a HEART FAILURE patient you live with a higher risk of sudden death syndrome.

Back to John....John sufferes all those symptoms to some degree we are all different in the intensity of the effects of the illness, but they are the effects. and the constant mental struggle to just stop, he has a metal device inserted in his chest to make his heart beat in the correct rhythm. So Let's again consider the mammoth effort this journey is for him. 

You have got to admire his mental strength to keep going and the sheer determination not to be Beaten my this illness he is raising money for a brave little boy who was born with this condition, but he is also spreading hope to us all, not just Hf patients but to anyone who has something to fight and overcome. It doesn't matter what your Everest is you can reach the top.

Dan - day 11

Day 11.

What a miserable day for weather, grey and wet all day.

I did manage to get my pic taken on the iron bridge (posted yesterday)

I really enjoyed the morning drive down to stourport the road was deserted and covered by forest overhead, not sure Lorna enjoyed all the bends tho, as she is struggling with a bad back.

We were very lucky to spot John at stourport, he was just disappearing

over the brow of a bridge as 

we were heading in a different direction.

A quick stop and a drink and he was on his way again.

Next stop Tewksbury, we stopped at a morrisons for some supplies just as the heavens opened and unleashed a monsoon on us. We stayed in the car until it passed, lorna understandably worried about John. I was teaching Kyle all the Nottingham forest songs...and he has decided he is now a forest fan as well as Partick thistle. (I hope he doesn't sing the songs at school!! 👹)

No pics today, sorry.

Dan - day 10

Day 10.

An early start today as we had arranged to meet up with a cardiomyopathy support group for some bacon cobs (rolls) a cup of tea and some pictures. A lovely lady called Julie Rees had arrange this, she is a big supporter of johns end to end cycle and runs a support group in her home town.

Then it was back to the road.....we only saw John briefly today as he was on canal side paths for most of the day so we headed to the nights accommodation and waited for him there.

We are staying in a youth hostel in what we thought was Telford, however the hostel turned out to be at Ironbridge, a stones throw from the actual bridge. 

The hostel in an old converted factory building and on the grounds of 2 museums, a lovely location, Lorna made a lush lasagna accompanied with 3000 pieces of garlic bread lol...yummy. I managed to watch 'this is England '90' and now I'm in bed listening to an Owl make that noise they make....

I may try for a pic of me on that Ironbridge before I leave tomorrow.

Dan - day 9

Day 9

......erm.....erm.....erm....not sure what to say today folks, today's leg was Preston to Chester and mostly motorways with only one stop at the side of a duel carriageway.

That really is it for today..no pics, no werewolf, no dodgy scousers..lol

Oh....we're about half way so that's good news.

Awesome surprises

Day 12 

60 miles covered today mostly on the A38 and although what I have made in speed with this decision I have lost some of the beautiful scenery as I concentrate more on a very busy road.

I set out around 8am the clouds are dark butnot threatening rain, like everyday the 1st 10 miles are hard as I battle the negative thoughts but I reach Gloucester quite quickly and feel strong like I do everyday after the 1st hour

The team are set to meet me around 12 on the A38 but then I get the 1st big obstacle. The A38 is totally closed due to massive accident, cars simply turn round & go onto M5 that isn't an option to me.

I don't take any pictures but I simply throw bike over a fence and walk down the field and throw the bike back over. 

I am not tracking my mileage as am simply cycling down the A38 so when team meet me I am pleasantly surprised to see have done 44 miles. So Avonmouth is only 14 miles away so positivity comes over me just as I admit I was wavering.

So I reach Avonmouth and it has to be the ugliest town I have ever come across. I can't even ride on road due to lorries both ways so the last mile is on pavement 

So 58 miles is covered in good time ready to be picked up by support team and this is when the most amazing boost happens.

My best friend has travelled up from Brighton with his wife Sandra to basically wish me luck. I can't explain how much this boosts my thinking for the next 4 final days.

Throughout this whole adventure I have found the true positives in my life. The family & friends who have made the last 8 years so special have again rallied round. I have no problem admitting how much I love Phil & now his wife Sandra, our memories together that he has reminded me of with various messages this trip are emotional in their happiness.

Tomorrow's forecast is horrendous but ONLY 49 miles then Grace will join us, the support I have received is needed and welcome so thank you all

Such kindness

So only 5 days left, my cycle today was cut short by 5 miles due to the weather become quite torrential & roads flooding.

I managed to find shelter in a small bus shelter out of the thunder/lightening and torrential rain, so Dan & Lorna picked me up as I continued in the rain but clearly the worse of the weather was still circling.

The last 2 days have been relatively straight forward till tonight but I stick more to main roads the further south we go. This has led to 2 noticeably things, one was amount of roadkill of all types of creatures I need to avoid & how many closed down pubs I pass.

Seeing more towns now and Worcester looked nice as I cycled through Center but am surprised at how little I remember the country side as I cycle. Maybe if weather was nicer I would look about more but as weather deteriates I just get head down & cycle.

What has been noticeable above all is how kind people can be. Some travelodge staff have cleaned our washing, put bikes in spare rooms for security, & booked us in early or today the staff at tourist information in Bewdley who charged my phone as spare charger was not working so was getting close to battery death 5 miles from reaching team.

So 5 days left and weather forecast for tomorrow better although Wednesday looking poor at minute as we travel out of Taunton into Devon.

In a way am glad struggling to fill my blog as means no health or other issue going on and my chances of reaching Lands End increase everyday that remains the same.

John  

A day of 1st's

When I started writing my blog weeks before setting off I thought at night I would be writing loads but in reality it is very routine now we are into Day 9 but strangely some 1st's occurred today.

Today the forecast was for heavy rain before 9am so I delayed my set off till then but I still set off for 1st time in rain today.

I was surprised at how comfortable i felt in the rain for the 1st 10 miles which I surprising did in an hour along mainlya dirt  track  but in the next hour this track become real mountain bike territory and this is where my 1st real fall off bike occurred as wheel stuck in mud and I just about managed to stand up as bike fell between my legs. Am sure walkers behind me had wee chuckle at me

This really held me up as the next hour I only covered 5 miles, the rain was heavier but I reached road & Tarmac paths by 3rd hour and I began to catch up, the sun briefly came out through Wigan.

It is here I saw the strangest barriers ever and I have to admit I struggled to fit through.

Then I came across my 1st level crossing with mind fully focussed on the advert of cyclist not paying attention so was like a 5 year old crossing looking left/right dramatically.

So onto Runcorn to meet guys at 40 mile point, got changed and refuelled before setting off feeling good for last 17 miles to Chester, Now this was not the 1st time I have got lost but it was the 1st time the road no longer existed & Google maps basically wouldn't offer any alternatives while draining my battery as I drive up & down various roads. Eventually an old man told me to cycle that road and stay on it & thankfully it worked adding 4 miles to my journey & totally draining my phone battery.

The guys were already in Chester so it was basically back to old fashioned reading road signs for last 10 miles and surprised myself by actually not getting lost and made Chester actually quite easily.

So how do I feel? actually surprising good I don't look forward to getting into saddle in morning but I know once on I feel strong. I do tire during cycle but my heart failure means I get it even if not on bike so I basically just ride through it. I am not symptomatic in any way currently which again surprises me but of course I need to be careful. I feel my heart device has adapted to this routine in way I thought it would.

I take nothing for granted and hopefully I can see this week out without any symptoms but as all of us patients know we can't really be sure day to day but today was another good day.

Time for sleep

John 

Road v path

A relatively quiet day today as left hotel by 8am to use what I thought would  be the back roads Lancashire but 2 miles in Google maps send me on to the canal  path. Oh well I thought doesn't look too bad then the Tarmac ran out.

Where I got lucky was it has been dry for so long the ground was hard but then the grass route turned into path again before after Lancaster basically turning to off road so decision was made quickly to join the A6.

I was surprised at how pleasurable the A6 was after the path. I have been on bike for 8 days now so the busiest road holds no fears for me. But will I miss stunning canal viaducts like below if I choose road only, tough choice but the 4 mile cycle from Preston to hotel was most unsafe I have felt but Dan has come up with good road route for tomorrow 

I reach the hotel at rather early 2pm after 50+ miles & receptionist not only lets us book in early but offers to clean clothes, she explains they get lot of cyclists and they understand how welcome clean clothes will be. 

I am early because I basically took no breaks which was a silly mistake, I also no longer track my mileage on cycle app as I use google maps to guide me now so careful with draining battery. God know how much extra I cycled today after a few wrong turns but now understand how it works.

Today I meet up with 2 special people in my heart failure journey. Nick CEO of Pumping Marvellous & Angela ....... Nurse of charity.

They are of course concerned about how I am feeling and hopefully I have put their concerns to rest. I have no symptoms at all & my support team are awesome basically I am just in a daily groove now.

I wouldn't say I enjoy cycling everyday but I don't hate it.

Rest of team are away to Blackpool as I write this resting on bed. Another positive day but weather looks unsettled for next week. But with my daughters waiting for me in Cornwall that's enough to drive me on.

Time for sleep

John

Dan - day 7

Day 7

After a great nights sleep on the world most comfortable mattress, a short drive to Gretna saw us cross the boarder back into England so I thought id treat my Scottish passengers to a verse of God save the Queen. Heheh. I didn't wanna hang about in Gretna for too long incase someone tried to marry me! You have to be careful when your this handsome! 😜.

Next stop was Carlisle for a few pictures at Carlisle castle..

The next meet with John was going to be a few hours so we decided to visit lake Windermere. What a fab place Windermere is, I think I belong there..ahahahhahaa. Im deffo posh enough 😁. I really enjoyed our short visit, I bought the kids a stick of rock each, I considered hot chilli flavour and not telling them...haahha, 

I had a blackberries in cream ice cream which was amazing. 

Last stop was Kendal to meet John and then on to the hotel for the evening.

Day 7 possibility of any werewolf attack has subsided for now...

A new danger now lerks in the dark....for the next few days the possibly of encountering a scouser is high, level 10, precautions have been made and all valuables are now hidden and we keep the car doors locked at traffic lights! 😆

http://www.gofundme.com/dkgxkc6s

Dan - day 6

Day 6 sees us gain a 4th member to the team. A young Jedi trainee knight by the name of Kyle cooper (lorna's son)

We all now have the following titles.

John...super heart failure end to end cycle champion

Lorna...Undercarriage technician and chief coordinator.

Me.....support drive and entertainment manager.

Kyle....johns wing man. Co pilot and trainee Jedi.

Started the day with a steady drive through Glasgow, taking in the sights of Hampden park and the outskirts of the city. On to some motorway driving 😟 to the first stop at Moffat and then on to Lockerbie for for some Lunch. A short drive east takes us to the nights accommodation at Langholm and a curry in the hotel restaurant. 

A fairly uneventful day scenery wise compared the the last few day.

Sorry folks no pictures today..😟

Welcome aboard Kyle Cooper. ( please stop singing that bloody song tho)

Day 5....possibility of werewolf attack...medium...level 6

http://www.gofundme.com/dkgxkc6s

Dan - day 4 and 5

Day 4 and day 5

After a dreadful nights sleep I woke up feeling horrid. I dropped John off at his starting point and abandoned the plan to explore Loch Ness, wasn't to disappointed as I'd driven around it twice the day before. One last look for the messy monster and still no show. So we headed off to fort William to meet John for lunch.

I thought I'd seen the best of the scenery but this leg to fort William had the best. 

Just stunning and some amazing views of Ben Nevis. 

After lunch we headed on to the nights accommodation, this took us past the infamous highland retreat of Jimmy Seville, didn't stop to the get a picture incase he was at home!! Accommodation was brilliant very comfortable. (Sorry no pics)

Day 5

John left early for this leg back into his hometown of Glasgow, the route would take us along the side of Loch Lomond, no stopping again as we had plans for the evening. 

John visited his local surgery who had sponsored him and then cycled onto his place of work for a pic with all his work mates who had been raising money in store.

We then went on to firhill stadium the home of Partick Thistls for some picture with the club mascot.

A good nights sleep is needed by all before we start off again tomorrow.

http://www.gofundme.com/dkgxkc6s

Dan - day 3

Day 3 

A momentous effort by John today, he took the east side route along Loch Ness South to Fort Augustus, the west side route would have offered an easier road but a more dangerous one due to the traffic. johns route took him from sea level up to 430 yards above...it was a mile after mile of hill climbs.

Me and lorna found a nice little tea shop about half way to wait for John. Then it was more hills for John before his very steep and short decline into Fort Augustus.

I was really looking forward to this leg of the trip and I wasn't disappointed, photos never do scenery justice but it was beautiful, so peaceful you could only hear the waves of the loch lapping against the shore. I was on look out for the nessy monster but there was no show from it yet. We a planning to explore a little more tomorrow once John has set off. 

On to the accommodation then and another very remote location but what a place to spend the night, I'm in what they call a hobbit house, only a few yards away from a stream, idyllic. 

Day 3...possibility of werewolf attack very high....level +10

Dan - day 2

Day 2. 

A morning of sight seeing was the plan, we agreed a time and a place to meet John for lunch, saw him off, then headed to Dunnet Head to take in the views. Due to not being able to walk very far, our sight seeing was done from the car. 

Headed south to the first meeting place we were passed by large numbers of vintage sports cars heading north to John o groats.

After lunch we drove on to the next meeting place and found a stunning location to wait for John. 

Arrived at hotel checked in and met John and lorna in the pub lounge to watch the England game.....felt a little scared watching England in a highland pub! But everyone was nice...and very drunk. 

Day 2....possibility of werewolf attack...low, level 2.

Dan - day 1

Day 1

I was kept entertained on the long drive north from Glasgow to John o groats by my tour guides John and lorna, we were spotting Scottish football grounds and famous whisky distillers and enjoying the stunning views of the countryside in between. 

We arrived at a deserted John o groats about 19.00, I was surprised how remote it was and boy was it windy and cold. After The obligatory pictures taken under the sign, John set off on his short first leg to bower. (Day 1, windy, cold, wet, dark.....he had barely gone 10 yards and I already thought he has lost his marbles!)

After a few mouthfuls of the worst chips in the world we set off to find the nights accommodation. If I thought John o groats was remote the accommodation could Have been on the moon. ( see pics)

However the wigwam was clean warn and very comfortable. A good nights sleep was had by all..ready and refreshed for day 2.

Day 1...possibility of werewolf attack, high...level 10

What day is it?

I am finding it difficult to remember what day it is but what I do know is this is by far the best day so far..

The sun was out all day and my trip to Carlisle included Kyle for 5 miles. A wonderful addition but so funny after 4 miles he was saying "that must be 12 miles" lol.

We bump into a group of Canadians on a coast to coast cycle as get my picture taken with Gareth outside Carlisle castle, they say well done on my challenge and one lady is particularly knowledgable of heart failure & especially psychological aspects & I kiss her as a thank you. They donate £35 in quick whip round.

Gareth is very important in this challenge as one of the people who made me think it was possible, he wanted to join me but I enjoy just trudging along on my wee slow self with Kyle at stages joining in.

I haven't really thanked my brother for riding with me into Glasgow & building my confidence but he made me realise that at times it is nice to ride with people who just wish to support me & don't be a  selfish twat as Lorna lovingly is always telling me.

Today was 1st time I took in the scenery and the wonderfully sunny weather helped as I cycled to Shap summit. Was funny crossing the M6 a few times. a road I have driven so much. I won't say I cycled non stop to top but I felt strong despite the climb & the decline was fast helping me reach Kendal ahead of schedule.

The next few days are short in cycling terms so my confidence of achieving this has risen I wouldn't say I am confident but with 8 days to go the end seems reachable.

The rest of gang are away to Burger King for dinner & I am in room alone after a warm bath eating my pasta. In heart failure terms today has been one of those days I realise how lucky I am to be alive despite the problems  but it sadly needs to end now by me sleeping.

Thank you

John