John O'Groats to Land's End - The Next Charity Event Starts Here

Charity Time

Although Project JollyFollies has been moving forward in many directions, very little progress to the charity arm has been made since the London Marathon. The main reason for this is that Jenny and Ollie are keen to avoid charity fatigue (and Ollie is keen to avoid normal fatigue!). So they have decided to leave over a year between fund raising activities. So, what to do next? Because of time constraints due to work commitments, Ollie was always going to be the main fundraiser, but what could he do to follow up the marathon?

When Ollie was little, inspiration for this trip was most probably fire up by two people - Ian Botham, who walked from John O'Groats to Land's End and was presented with a pasty by the young Mr Bridges. Secondly Ollie's fellow St Just RFC member and player, Graham 'Granite' Waters also walked the 900+ miles to raise money for charity. Granite was a walking man mountain who played a simple, old fashioned game of rugby, that always ended up with a bottle of Guiness and song. Simple inspiration for a simple man :)

Although Ollie doesn't have time to walk this distance, he and Jenny are going to spend two weeks in September 2008 cycling it. Well, Jenny will be heading the vital support crewe, bringing along vital supplies of vaseline and lycra, possibly in Dino, but most certainly in a vehicle. Already there are volunteers to join Ollie for some and possibly all of the journey, and the more the merrier. If you are derangged enough to to wish to join them, let Ollie know and plans can be made. O & J would prefer that if you are joining them, and if you are raising money, you help out with the Jollyfollies target of £30 000 for VSO, but this is, of course, not compulsory.

What Happens When Sydney is Reached

Fast forwarding 3+ years, Ollie and Jenny will arrive in Sydney having completed their crazy dream. Quite a few people have been asking what will they do then? Well the first aim is to get employment in Australia, hopefully Sydney. There are plans afoot to try and ensure that this is sorted out long before they leave. They already have some friends in Sydney, and more are moving out. Hopefully there will be a community in place for them to slot into. But after a few years in Sydney what will follow? Currently Ollie and Jenny see four options in front of them:-

1. Stay in Sydney. Perhaps O & J's future will see them stay long term in Sydney. Although not a favorite with either, a distinct possiblity.
2. Continue their trip RTW. Ollie's favorite is to carry on forward, onto South America and onwards from there to, Central America, North America (including stopping to work in Canada), Alaska, Russia, Middle East and finally a lap of Africa and home.
3. Jenny's favorite is to come back fairly soon and try and settle back in Cornwall. This would mean both of them taking 'non career' jobs and setting up their own version of the good life.
4. Cycle back. This is the random element thrown into the mix. Perhaps once Ollie has completed the JOG -> LE cycle run this will be ruled out. Possibilities for this include riding a tendem or recumbents all the way home from Australia. Hmmmm

Website

There has been a couple of more reviews added to the kit reviews.