Welcome Home Mum!!!

Hi Everyone

Well, what a week - what an amazing and emotional experience ......

....   I just wanted to show you how I was greeted when I got home - see below ...  Sammy (who attends Newick House) is on the left and Toby (his fantastic brother) on the right - I am so proud of them and missed them so much  ...

Despite what Marc said in his 'Comments', all 3 'boys' coped brilliantly and I was relieved to find out that the washing-up had been completed when I got back!! Sammy had been very anxious during the week before we left for China, but once he understood what was going on he seemed to calm down.  He was helped enormously by the extra sensitive care he received at Newick House, spending a lot of time in the sensory room - thank you Catherine (Miss McLellan) - for looking after him and keeping me advised via texts to Tom.  You are a star ..

All the trekkers agree that the incredible bonding, teamwork, encouragement on this amazing Trek was unique to say the least, and we all gained so much from the experience - an experience none of us will forget.  I personally enjoyed Day 3 of the Trekking - Gubeiko - which was by far the remotest part of the Wall that we trekked along.  As usual there was much banter and constant encouragement, but due to the nature of the walk, which was mainly in single file, there was time for silent reflection and time for our own thoughts.  

I am a really lucky Mum and Wife - my kids are amazing and Marc has been so supportive all this year when it has come to preparations, fund raising etc.  I have also come to realise he is incredibly devious  - when the secret 'good luck message book' was presented to me on the first evening c/o Mr Paul Dowling - another devious parent (of the gorgeous Alex).

A personal thank you to all trekkers, friends, family, work colleagues, sponsors, supporters .....  special thanks though to Kevin and Joy Connell for their inspiration, dedication and hard work in making the project such a success, to my roomies Melinda (who, by the way, was nominated for the tiara every day!) and Ann.  We have raised, and are continuing to raise, a serious amount of money for such a good cause, and we have succeeded in spreading awareness of autism, which is just as important.  Great stuff, well done everyone.

Take care and see most of you again in December, if not before - I'm going to arrange a 'debrief' walk shortly ........  also any more evaluation forms out there ????

Claire