Tuesday, 20 July 2010

Foundation launch at the House of Commons

What a superb evening. The history of Britain oozes from the walls of the House of Commons. Slavery was abolished here, the country taken to war on too many occasions and great men and ladies of state have graced its gilded halls. Last night, the Best of British Foundation saw light for the first time in the paneled walls of the Jubilee Room. Some 25 politicians from across the house came to see what this was about and left the room energised and fully onboard. Setting the scene, in the centre of the room, were maps of Antarctica surrounded by polar equipment with Steve's exceptional books on Scott and Shackleton opened on the page of Scott's last diary entry! The champagne flowed, the sandwiches were duly munched and the cameras rolled. 

The Foundation has been created to help the people's of Britain "be the best they can be" through the inspiration of our Expedition and expeditions yet to come. Only yesterday morning the newspapers were leading with the story of the launch of the governments "Big Society". Our Foundation, created in thought almost a year ago, has become one of the platforms to deliver such a society.

With the Expedition only a few short months ago we are in a critical phase of our fund raising efforts, with the Foundation being of great benefit in providing a the CSR route to invest in the expedition. By linking the two, we have created a long term realisation of benefits and involvement and yet another reason to come onboard.

It was the first time for quite a while that the whole team looked like a real team. With blue cotton oxford shirts emblazoned with the new expedition logo, the ice team worked the room like professional social networkers, talking with passion and enthusiasm to our distinguished guests. The i-catchingmovies boys always professional and a new member to our support team, Sam, capturing the images for the media team, Natalie and Bernice from Primal PR, with Mim conducting affairs. Ours sales efforts have been bolstered with the addition of Corrine and Dominic to endeavour to secure the elusive final sponsor for the expedition.

It was a splendid evening that was one more big step closer to the Pole.

Hurrah




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Monday, 19 July 2010

Pork pies and Pringles

Met with one of the sports nutritionists from St Mary’s last week to plan our diets for the next five months as our training moves towards the final push. It was scary and enlightening in equal measures, in particular how to use the nutritional numbers on food labelling – rough rule of thumb is multiply the “fat” number by 5 and compare to carbohydrates number. Presently I’m not getting enough carbohydrates into me, which could explain an number of things, but come 1 October we go on high fat diets as we expect to lose about 2 stone on the ice. Bring on the pork pies!

Rupert
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Tuesday, 13 July 2010

Manley's weekly missive

Dear Followers, Supporters, Enthusiasts and Ambassadors of Britain,

After the heady excitement of securing our first major cash sponsor (see last week's Blog) there was a danger that it may all slow down. But, oh no.
It gives me great delight to welcome a new member to the team in Dave McCormack.
I have known Dave for a few years as one of the Lymington crowd - jovial, optimistic, fit and focused. The sort of bloke that nothing is too much of a bother and happy to help out wherever he can. The sort of bloke who has the life attitude of making things happen; a do-er, a go getter and a full speed ahead kind of chap!
Dave is now on our reserve bench and has started his training with immediate effect. His first fitness assessment at the Centre for Health and Applied Sports Exercise Science at St Mary's University College, Twickenham is this Thursday - I am sure he will pass with flying colours, but... this is a vital part of the team selection, particularly with the science behind "lactate thresholds" - a measure of your endurance.

No sooner has Dave joined the team than the  "revolving door" syndrome played its part with Charlie Hunter deciding that the pressure from his new exciting job would not allow him to take a full part in the preparation for our expedition and so compromise his ability to deliver with the team. He leaves us to focus on his new career. Good luck Charlie, it was a pleasure to have had you in the team. Thank you for your valuable input, your enthusiastic nature and your experience - you will always be a part of our supporter group and we will also help you wherever we can with your "Kayak of the North West Passage" expedition - Hurrah

Speak soon
Hurrah
Manley


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Monday, 5 July 2010

Breaking News::: First big cash sponsor

Exciting times indeed.
Great news!
As does happen sometimes in life, what you can search the whole world
for can be right under your nose. We have analysed the whole potential
sponsorship market by sector, by size, by "Britishness", by
probability and by best contacts, but when something comes over the
horizon that you were not expecting it makes it so special.
I really am proud to say that our first big cash sponsor approached me
and offered all that they possibly could. It was an expression of
generosity, hope and belief. Totally selfless and as a result has
meant a complete change of track for any near future acquisitions and
purchases for this particular donor - it is a big give and a big ask.
It demonstrates a huge belief in our expedition and our foundation.

I was driving home after taking my kids for a swim in the sea today. I
was discussing my expedition with my seven year old son Frey, an
active sailor and expeditioner himself, when the phone went. It was a
great call, but not as exciting as what happened next...

Frey: "Daddy, how much more money do you need to go to the South Pole?"
Me: "Oh, a fair bit, but we are doing well and talking to lots of
people"
A long pause, deep in thought...
Frey: "Daddy, When we get home I am going to give you all my money"

Wow!

We can now proudly say that we have £15.49 and 10 Canadian pennies, 3
European cents and 20 Rand!!!

I am now sponsored by my son!!!

Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah

Manley

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Thursday, 1 July 2010

The road to recovery

Thanks to all who have sent their get well wishes while I've been ill. The good news is that the lung specialist has said that there is no reason why I can't go to the Pole. Clearly all the fitness training played a massive role in pulling me through what was a serious case of pneumonia. The challenge now is to get the training back on track, but this is going to take time as I do have to take things carefully. Fingers crossed!

Rupert
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