« At the Extravaganza | Main | Onwards and upwards »
July 30, 2004
A sad day
A sad day indeed.
A few weeks ago, Nick informed me that, for family reasons, he would not be able to join me on the road to Sydney at present. This news was obviously a big blow to the expedition and since then I've been pulling out all the stops to try and keep everything on track. But now I've got to admit that we're just not going to be able to honour our original departure date.
Given the terribly short notice, it has proved impossible to find anyone to take Nick's place on the road with me and for various reasons (safety being one of the major ones) setting off alone is not really a viable option.
It's been a very difficult decision to make, but it has become increasingly clear that the best course of action for the expedition, our charity work, our sponsors and everyone who's been supporting us, is to temporarily postpone the expedition.
We are, of course, bitterly disappointed at the moment but we want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who's offered us their help, support and encouragement since the expedition began, especially our sponsors and everyone who's given a donation to Cancer Research UK on our behalf. In fact so far we've raised over £1000 for CRUK and we've been delighted to pass every penny of that directly to them!
There is no way that the expedition is in any danger of being cancelled, so do keep an eye on the website for updates on our progress. Better still, make sure you're on our mailing list so you're the first to know as soon as we have some more news!
In times like these, there seems to me to be only one option and that is to turn the situation into an opportunity. We'll be making the best possible use of the delay, so when the London2Sydney expedition does leave, it'll be bigger and better than we ever thought possible before!
Posted by andy at July 30, 2004 08:31 PM
Comments
Sorry to hear it, Andy. On the positive side, though, at least my nephew's safe for now (I only have six, after all) -- the route seems to be fraught (sp?) with danger. I expect Squiffy's disappointed?
Posted by: Catherine at July 30, 2004 11:05 PM
It must have been a very difficult decision for Nick to make, but made easier for him knowing that you would understand his reasons as you are such good friends. I am sure that the sensible course of action is being taken and that CRUK would not wish its supporters to be in any danger whilst raising money for them. Best of luck to you both in the future!
Posted by: Helen at July 31, 2004 11:27 AM
Hi Andy,
I am very very sorry to hear that. But indeed whever you decide to leave, at that time, you will be more prepared than ever..so no excuse for unexpected incident on the road!!!
Good Luck
Posted by: Alienor at August 27, 2004 03:45 AM
Thanks for all your support, everyone. It's been a challenging couple of months, but having so many wonderful supporters has been an enormous help.
Posted by: Andy at August 31, 2004 11:03 PM
hey are you still looking for someone to take your mates place? me and another aussie guy would love to join you and help with the fund raising. Let me know what you think
Posted by: peter at September 24, 2004 08:36 AM
Peter, I'm always on the lookout for enthusiastic folks who are interested in getting involved in the L2S project! I take it the email address you gave is valid? Let me drop you a quick line...
Andy
Posted by: Andy at October 11, 2004 04:03 AM
I'll come.
Posted by: Helen at August 17, 2005 04:24 PM
hay what happen,as a ex encounter overland driver london to kathmandu i would be happy to chat with you about your trip, I traveld the World for lets think think think hell 30 years!! now a hot air balloon pilot flowen all over australia, canada, usa, nepal,egypt......
type my name in the www nigel pogmore then you will have an idea. At this time writing a book on my adventours expected out in march/April
please let me know what has happend
best regards
Nigel
Posted by: nigel pogmore at January 3, 2007 07:31 PM
Thanks for the comment Nigel, and your interest in the expedition.
I know it's been a bit quiet from us recently but rest assured that London2Sydney is still simmering away. A new team is gradually coming together and we're looking at every aspect of the expedition and how we can both build on all the hard work that's gone into it so far, and move forward into some exciting new areas too!
I did take a look on the web for your name and it certainly looks like you've been involved with some interesting projects! I'd be delighted to chat with you. Let me drop you an email.
Andy
Posted by: Andy at January 8, 2007 06:10 AM
"There is no way that the expedition is in any danger of being cancelled, so do keep an eye on the website for updates on our progress. Better still, make sure you're on our mailing list so you're the first to know as soon as we have some more news!
In times like these, there seems to me to be only one option and that is to turn the situation into an opportunity. We'll be making the best possible use of the delay, so when the London2Sydney expedition does leave, it'll be bigger and better than we ever thought possible before!
Posted by andy at July 30, 2004 08:31 PM"
What happened you, get a life and hit the road or else take this website off-line.
Posted by: Johnny at August 17, 2007 03:35 PM
