Storing beauty into one's mind

I was only joking about the knighthood. I really don't think Her Majesty would consider me as a potential knight. A few hundred years ago there was a knight called Sir Walter Tyrrell and he allegedly killed King William Rufus in the New Forest. I believe it was with a bow and arrow, but I'm sure it was just an accident. This story (which is true!) could possibly put her Majesty off the idea of knighting me. If she did decide to forget past history and the fact that my surname is also Tyrrell, she might still grant me this great honour. But I bet she would have the bows and arrows safely hidden away! Then again Her Majesty coming at me with a rather large sword would be pretty frightening for me; it could be pay back time! The last words I’d ever hear, could be "off with his head!"

There is a very pretty pub in the New Forest called The Sir Walter Tyrrell and its fairly near the Rufus Stone. I have been there twice and I can certainly recommend it.

If the weather is nice next week, I plan to start walking again. I shall do my normal routes, but not as fast as I did when training for the Marathon. Walking is my favourite hobby, there is a special reason why I like to be outside and walking free. It stems from when I first started to lose my sight, I knew that if I became totally blind I would become a prisoner in my own home and in my own head. I decided to get out as often as time and weather would allow. There is so much beauty outside, that is missed and not even seen by fully sighted people, mostly because we're all to busy working. I want to get as many images of the changing seasons in my mind as possible: the spring beauty of plants and trees turning green and then flowering, the ducks, swans, coots and geese swimming aimlessly up and down the river. The auburn beauty of a bright Autumn day, with wonderful colours and crisp leaves under your feet. Those birds in the sky, flying from tree to tree and the ever-changing sky itself. I want to store these images and feelings in my mind, then my mind will become my photo album, if the time comes when I cannot see at all and age creeps upon me, I will still have beauty decorating the inside of my head.

Sleep tight my fellow dreamers!

P.S. If any of the readers of my blog would like to come with me on a guided tour and see where I walk, that would be fine. I wouldn't want paying, but if you would like to donate to Sense, that would be fabulous. Especially for the children and adults who can't see the trees and hear the birds.

If a walk appeals to you! email me at: clive.tyrell@o2.co.uk

The way to Knighthood

Well, the 2009 Marathon is over now and in the past. Fortunately Larraine and I are still here; and so is the great charity called Sense! So, we still need your financial support, if you've got any money to spare. Search the back of your sofa, check the bottoms of your deepest pockets, look under the bed, go through the laundry basket, delve under the seats in your car, open the glove box, you know there's always some cash in the car ash tray, put your pets on a diet and send us the change, steal the kids pocket money, send the kids out washing windows and cleaning chimneys.

Honestly, Mrs Brown of Basildon Essex, there's no need to sell the kids - that's going to far! A small donation will do!

It seems our 15 minutes of fame has been stretched a bit, Larraine and I have been interviewed by Radio Jackie, Insight Radio and a local hospital radio station called Radio Wey, which you can listen to on the web. We've also featured in numerous local news papers and on a local talking newspaper for the blind. Yesterday a young man from the Sense charity rang us and asked if we would like to go to Westminster and meet Philip Hammond our local MP. We said yes of course. Could the Knighthood be just round the corner, or are these the fantasies of an ageing dreamer? I suppose I would have to dress up. I haven't worn a suit in years and I've only got one tie, and that's holding my trousers up right now!

We recently had a five-day break in Sidmouth Devon. We did a small amount of walking, but not too much. The hotel was lovely and the hotel gardens were fantastic. The garden would be great for children playing hide and seek. We were also very lucky with the weather, it was sunny every day. While we were there some people were showing a great interest in us, as they saw Larraine and I using our white canes. In chatting to these nice people, Larraine explained that she also has two digital hearing aids and how fantastic they are. I said to them, "Larraine's digital hearing aids are so technologically advanced that she can pop a CD in her mouth and it will play!" Larraine and I burst out laughing, but I'm sure some of them thought it was true.

This week I had a denervation operation on my lower spine, I've been suffering from lower back problems for some years now. I've a prolapsed disc and arthritis in my lower spine and it gets very painful, but hopefully this operation will ease the muscle inflammation and stop some of the pain. I'll be a new man if it works and running round like a teenager.

The community centre in Staines is having a little celebration in our honour next week, we both think that's really fabulous and we're looking forward to it. Although you might not think so, I am quite shy and reserved, especially if there are lots of people around me. I will probably hide behind Larraine and let her do all the talking. As I'm mentioning Larraine, can I tell you all that she is a true Wonderwoman and a constant inspiration to others. She has the heart and spirit of a lion and more wisdom than that owl in old Windsor.

So don't forget! Look for those pennies it doesn't matter how little, you know it makes Sense!

Through the finish line!

Marathon day; what a great day, fantastic weather, fantastic runners, fantastic organisers, fantastic crowds offering fantastic support to all the runners, and of course all the fantastic charities, that will need our continuing help as the years pass on.

Well our day started at five in the morning, Larraine and I got up and out of bed. We were both already exhausted, Larraine had only slept for two hours and I'd only slept for one, it was excitement and fear at the same time. At 6.30 we were picked up by a friend called Paul Murphy and taken to Staines council offices, where we transferred to a mini bus, which took us to Greenwich. We arrived there safely and then had to find the park and bandstand, where we were to meet my guide Jon Medcraft and some other members of the Sense team. They spotted us from quite a distance away, I don't know if it’s because we are an extremely attractive couple or because our white canes gave us away, any how they found us. We were then taken off to do a brief interview with Jonathan Edwards on BBC Grandstand, which was quite nerve wracking when you’re not used to cameras and interviewers. They must have thought we were attractive too, they didn't have to apply any make up on us.

With moments to spare we were led off to the start line. There were so many people in front of us it looked like the queue outside the Staines Job Centre! Then we were off to a very slow start, but once we got to the start line itself people spread out and we could get a spurt on. It had always been our plan to try and power walk the Marathon in under seven hours, this meant that we had to maintain an average speed of four miles an hour. As I have longer legs than Larraine I walk a little faster, so I crept ahead of her a bit. The crowds started to call out my name to spur me on, I found this very strange and I became quite embarrassed, but then once I got my nerves in control, I started to wave back and thank them all for their support. Some children shook my hand as I passed them and one young lady shouted out, “I love you Clive”. I don't know who she was, but it stroked my ego a treat! I know I'm an old fart, but I can still be vain and fickle!

I started to feel the strain on my body at about nine miles, the heat was getting to me a bit and I hadn't got over a cold that started the week before the Marathon, I was still on my antibiotics. I pushed on with Jon to the half way mark, by which time I was hurting really bad. I thought I'd never make the next thirteen miles, but the constant cheering of the crowds and the strong spirit of my guide Jon kept me going. It was brave of him to put up with a whinging old bugger like me, I'm good at moaning I've had years of practice. Larraine said to me, if moaning was an Olympic sport, I'd come home with a gold medal.

Jon and I pushed on to the last mile and what a long, long, long mile that was; every step inflicted crucifying pain, even young Jon was suffering, he had blisters in his ears from listening to me moaning for 26 miles. I do promise to pay for any private counselling services he may need after spending eight hours with me! Maybe a few hours in the company of normal people will relieve the tension for him!

He got me over the finish line in 6 hours 37 minutes and then someone placed a medal over my neck and Jon’s as well. I really couldn't believe I’d made it. I very nearly cried, but I managed to hold it in. I've never had an honour or a distinction or a medal in all my life. This little medal means so much to me and for once I am so proud of me!

My thanks go to the Sense charity for allowing me and Larraine the opportunity to do the Marathon for them! To Sense staff, such as Ed Charles, Marianne Beggs, Lydia Turner and definitely not forgetting Jon Medcraft!

I would also like to thank Sylvia Carr who was Larraine’s guide for taking such good care of her and getting her over the finish line. They have been friends for years and without her, Larraine would not have got through the Marathon or some of the difficult times over the years.

I must not forget Larraine, who also passed the finish line in seven hours two minutes. What an amazing woman she is; she's deaf and blind, but has the courage and strength of a lion and her spirit is beyond belief. And that is really what Sense are all about, they are there to help deafblind adults and children reach their full potential and more, then there will be more people with the strength of Larraine Reed.

So please support Sense as much as you can for as long as you can, if we could all be as inspired as Larraine Reed it would be a wonderful world!

God Bless
And Thank you
For your Support
Clive x

I was awake early today, so the excitement has already started! Only two days to go and my anticipation is getting the better of me!

I am really looking forward to my first marathon, which will be challenge to me but I am ready for it. The most special part of the marathon will be when I walk down Lower Road in Rotherhithe. That's because I used to live there as a child. I lived at Lower Road briefly then moved to Culling Road nearby. I lived at Culling Road until I was 12 year old. Southwark Park was behind our back garden and a child I could climb over my garden wall and enter the park, so the park was my extended garden. The last time I visited Rotherhithe was when I was 50 years old on trip down memory lane, so I haven't been there for a long time! It was an enjoyable visit then, but I never would have thought that I would be walking through my home town again, doing the marathon - this will make it very special for me!

I am looking forward to seeing our supporters and cheerers along the way. Please make sure you all shout very loud so that I can hear! Clive is doing his best to get better so he is resting to reserve his energy for the day as he is looking forward to his first Marathon. Thank you all for your support and donations.

See you on Sunday the Big Day!

Abraham & The Stray Cats

Larraine and I have been busy training. On Monday Larraine went to the gym for an hour and a half. On Tuesday she went walking with Lesley Bennet from the Staines Community Centre, they walked seven miles and they plan to walk together again as much as they can. Today Larraine went to extended exercise and Pilates, which is excellent for toning and stretching muscles.

I went out training on Monday as well. My son James came to see me for a few days and decided to come for a walk with me. I found it very pleasing walking with my son, as I don't see him very often; he's normally at University in Southampton. We walked about six miles together. I think he enjoyed it as it was a trip down memory lane for both of us. Sentimental old git that I am, I probably made his ears sore from listening to me rabbiting on about the old days!

I had a day of rest on Tuesday, I just stayed in with my cat Abraham and we listened to our favourite music CDs. It’s strange, but Abraham has a very similar taste in music to me. He's very keen on an early 80's pop group called The Stray Cats!

Today, Wednesday, I set of for a ten-mile power walk, it took me a little while to get warmed up, but once I was warmed up I pushed myself very hard. I'm usually dressed in a heavy ex-army coat and a base ball cap. I often wonder what people think when they see me hurtling past them swinging my white cane. Perhaps they think I'm out water divining, or I'm out picking up litter with my cane for the local council - who knows! Anyway, I managed to do my ten miles in two hours eleven minutes, so I'm quite pleased with myself.

Best wishes
Clive x

When the going gets tough! The tough get going!

On Wednesday 25 March I went for one of my long walks and I did my usual eighteen miles. I've been very lucky with the weather conditions so far, so I hope it stays that way. According to my ancient bathroom scales I've lost about 10 pounds in weight, so all this walking must be good for me. I am starting to suffer a little bit from joint pain, but I find once I get going and warmed up and then get my mind focused the pain goes away. I also recite a little mantra as I'm going along, "when the going gets tough! The tough get going!" This helps to spur me on.

On Saturday 28 March, our friend Sylvia came all the way from Caterham to Egham to go training with Larraine and I. We set off at 10am and walked at a fairly steady pace to Staines, then once we got on the tow path the three of us shot off like scalded cats! We were going at such a speed, to confused on lookers it must have looked like a crazy woman chasing two Frankie Vaughan impersonators! Sylvia was very impressed with the scenic route down the river tow path as she's never walked that way before. My plan was to do the river walk to Shepperton once again, with a few variations on the return trip. As I got warmed up my speed increased and I started to leave the girls trailing behind me, so when I got to Chertsey bridge I had to turn round and go back for them; I didn't want them to get lost. We pressed on up the river, with the girls begging me to find a comfort stop, fortunately I knew where there was one. I told them to be quick as I don't like to stop walking once I get going. After that very quick break we carried on to Shepperton, then turned round and started to head back. We were trying to drink water and eat nutty fruit bars with added vitamins, whilst on the move. This is quite a difficult procedure when you have a white cane in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. We have to be careful not to spear other pedestrians, they don't like it!

We got back to Chertsey Bridge and went over it heading for Chertsey town. We veered of down a footpath and then past Abbey Farm and round the back of Laleham golf course. There is a public footpath that runs right through the golf course, but there's no way I'm risking walking across there with Larraine and getting a golf ball whacking us in the side of our heads at ninety miles an hour! They would see our white canes and assume we are playing golf. Mind you we could probably teach them a few different strokes.

We soldiered on along a narrow road called the Reach, this goes round the perimeter of the golf course and a mobile home site, then swung right and headed for Thorpe Park. We turned left just past Thorpe Park and went up Norlands Lane and on to Thorpe village. We were probably about three miles from home at this point and feeling a bit tired, as we had been pushing ourselves very hard. We kept on though and made it to our front door; by this time we had walked for five and a half hours, so we reckon we'd done at least twenty one miles.

I've decided that after the marathon I'm giving up walking and I'm investing in a two seated electric buggy, for me and Larraine. It will have to be fitted with some kind of radar system so we know where we're going, but I really don't want to see another pair of training shoes again.

Clive x

A naked encounter

Well, Larraine and I went out training together today. Larraine very nearly didn't make it, she had a little mishap in Marks and Spencer's in Staines. She went into the shop yesterday just for a little browse, leaving me in a local hostelry having a rest and a little libation; I don't drink much, I spill most of it! She returned to meet me and when she found me, she was in fits of laughter. Once she stopped giggling, Larraine told us what happened in the shop. Unbeknown to Larraine her white cane had become entangled in a dummy, Larraine fell over and the dummy fell over next to her. In the confusion Larraine thought it was a person next to her, she put her hand out to assist, what she thought was a person to find they had no knickers on! To her great relieve she then discovered it was a dummy. Luckily Larraine hadn't hurt herself and when she was telling me and my friends we couldn't stop laughing! We all thought it was a good job the dummy hadn't been a man, that would have been so embarrassing!

We set off this morning to Egham train station, and got a train to Virginia Water, its only about five minutes away on the train. From there we set off walking past some nice Tudor style shops and on through the Wentworth estate, which is famous for its golf course and very large houses that film stars, pop stars and TV stars live in. We carried on and headed for the A30. We had to cross this road to get to Virginia Water Lake, which is still part of the Queen’s back garden. We were a bit anxious about crossing this very busy road, but I said to Larraine if she steps out first and I don't hear the squeal of skidding cars, I'll follow her! So we both bravely risked it… We got over ok and then carried on to the lake. After a couple of hundred yards you come across a beautiful waterfall, it is absolutely fabulous. For some reason over the last couple of years, they've changed the name from the Waterfall, to the Cascade. I'm an old stick in the mud, so I'm still calling it the Waterfall! I hope my militancy won’t affect my getting a Knighthood!

Anyway, back to our walking. We passed along the left hand side of the lake, which is sheltered by a large range of trees and some very old Roman ruins. We carried on to Black Nest Gate and then turned right; this takes us past Smiths Lawn, which is where they play polo. Because its a large open area, it was very windy across there this morning. After passing Smiths Lawn, we turned left and headed for the little village, which is within the park. There is one little post office shop there, so we stopped and bought a couple of chocolate bars to sustain us on our journey. We only stopped for a minute or two as we didn't want our muscles to seize up. By this time we had done about eight miles and we had another four to go! We then headed off to the Copper Horse, which allegedly is haunted by the man who made it! The story is that when he made this very large copper horse, he forgot to put the stirrups on it! So being very upset about this mistake, he then hung himself! It’s probably not true, it’s one of those urban myths.

We saw several young ladies riding horses, they always seem to be very polite to Larraine and I; they say good morning or afternoon, depending on the time of day. When horses are passing us we always stand still, as we don't want our waving canes to panic the horses and cause a serious accident to the riders or any one else. I think the riders realise what we are doing and always thank us.

We then set off from the Copper Horse, knowing we only had another three miles or so to go. We walked down a long straight road, which is called the Long Walk, it is three miles long and leads directly to Windsor Castle. About two miles up the Long Walk we have to cross a very busy road, but luckily for us there's a set of traffic lights about a hundred yards to the left, we can use. We crossed there and continued our stroll up the Long Walk right to the Castle Gates. We knew that we had done twelve miles then. We were a bit exhausted, but we had to walk another half a mile to a bus stop! Fortune was on our side, we only had to wait five minutes for a bus home. We got home, jumped into the bath and had a nice soak and we bragged about who had the biggest blisters. I decided to be a true gentleman and let Larraine win. She wouldn't have stopped going on if I hadn't! Larraine cooked me a lovely dinner and we plan to sit down now and watch the TV afterwards. I think when we go to bed tonight, we'll be asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows!

Best wishes
Clive x