It seems like such a long time ago back in September 2009 when we first came up with the idea for Patch and began to think about how we could make it all happen.  We took our first steps towards learning the ropes (literally!) by embarking on a weeks climbing course at Plas Y Brenin in the hills of Snowdonia.  With little idea of quite how much hard work it would all be we happily threw ourselves into the first part of the adventure that would soon dominate both our lives.  

At the end of January 2010 we travelled down to London to the Altitude Centre to be tested for altitude susceptibility.  Of course, it’s no substitute for the real thing, but not all of us have instant access to neither high altitude mountains nor an unlimited budget to travel to them.  Therefore, our altitude experience started in a small room in the National Tennis Centre in London!  Glamorous?  No!  But practical.  We passed all tests with flying colours which at least ruled out certain problems at this early stage.  

We were also thrilled to meet Russell Brice on this trip while he was passing through London.  We were hoping to be accepted as part of the Himex team to climb Everest in Spring 2011 and this was the man who could say yay or nay.  Of course he tried to scare us and talk us out of it, but we were having none of it and by the end of a lovely meal and some wine (always helps!) we had our provisional places booked!   Just over a year to go! 

Altitude Centre

Then it was off to Scotland at the beginning of February 2010.  With Britain experiencing one of the worst winters for years, with heaps of snow, it was ideal conditions for our training.  We joined Di Gilbert – crazy but excellent Scottish Guide who put us to the test on the Scottish mountains.  Di had previously guided the youngest Brit to climb Everest and so she knew what we needed to learn and was the perfect person to put us through our paces.  With alpine conditions, we had a fantastic week and it was both a hair-raising and exciting foray into lead climbing in winter conditions.  Check out our blog – http://patchexpedition.com/blog/team-extreme-tackle-the-scottish-hills/ 

Fighting at the top of Munro number one

In May 2010 our relationship with the BBC started with a radio interview for Good Morning Wales.  Little did we know that this would be the start of regular radio recordings and our first TV appearance!  It really opened our eyes as to how hard it can be to talk to the camera, whilst walking, without tripping up or saying something inappropriate, innit!  As Davina would say, you are live on TV – please do not swear!  (Not that we would, but I do have a tendency to talk complete rubbish and giggle when nervous!  Not good for media interviews).  

Then later that month the Radio 1 Big Weekend came to Bangor, North Wales.  So we got a couple of T-shirts printed up, grabbed our video camera and asked the Big Weekenders what song would they take with them to get them to the top of the world?!  We also met a couple of the Radio 1 DJ’s and Chipmunk!  And that’s not all!!  We spent the previous day filming a video to go with Chris Moyles Parody North Wales.  We’ve had over 7000 hits now!  Take a look at both our videos on You Tube : 

In June 2010 we flew over to the French Alps to have our first taste of real Altitude.  We had a fantastic experience climbing Mont Blanc via the Trois Mont Blanc route with Chamonix Experience, which we would thoroughly recommend.  We then spent a crazy few days learning some more advanced technical skills on the peaks around Mont Blanc with the seriously bonkers Sebastian!  He wasn’t in the slightest bit phased by all the avalanches going off all around us and thought it was hilarious when he nearly knocked himself out on an overhang leaving an enormous gushing gash on his forehead!  But we survived and quickly learnt how to look after each other.  Blogs: http://patchexpedition.com/blog/91/ (Mont Blanc) and http://patchexpedition.com/blog/technical-training-in-the-alps/ (Technical Training). 

Cheese!

Living so close to Snowdonia, we have spent countless weekends bombing it up and down these mountains.  A sunrise on Crib Goch is one of the sights you really must see and it’s right here in the UK.  In August 2010 we decided to complete the Welsh 3000’s which means climbing all 15 mountains over 3000ft in Wales within the space of 24 hours, without using any form of transport.  The length is approximately 24 miles, but the walks from the start point and to the finish point take it to over 30 miles.  This may not sound that far, but this is 30 miles up and down and up and down and up and down again!  It was a long and tiring day, but we love our local mountains and experienced a real sense of achievement once we’d finished.  If you’re interested in doing it, see our blog – http://patchexpedition.com/blog/welsh-3000s/ 

Cantilever carnage!

October and November 2010 were very much about networking and fundraising.  We were still short of our targets and time was ticking on – so it was about getting out there and in touch with as many people as possible.   November was also the month that Wayne O’Brien and Chester University got involved with Patch and have created a couple of videos for us to use in our fundraising.  We learnt how much hard work goes into filming for such a video – totally exhausting but bags of fun!  Take a look at these video’s here!  

Then in December 2010 we headed off to Argentina to tackle Aconcagua.  Our first attempt at a high altitude mountain.  As you may have seen from our recent blogs it didn’t quite go to plan, but was essential training none the less and we feel it has put us in good stead for our future climbs.  Check out the blogs about this expedition on our website or through links on our Facebook pages.

Fat face!!!

No sooner had we landed back in Manchester from Argentina, it was off to London Excel for The Outdoors Show.  We had expected this to be a real winner in terms of fundraising, but unfortunately we found ourselves at the wrong end of a long line of charities in a dark corner where no-one came to see us!  Aghhh!  But we made the most of our time there and went to speak to some other businesses who were exhibiting to secure some sponsorship and advice.  Whilst we were disappointed with The Outdoor Show we had to appreciate that when you start something new, it’s often about learning what doesn’t work for you and then making sure you do something different next time.  

And on a positive note, we met up with the charming Ben Fogle who kindly signed some merchandise for us to use as prizes in future competitions (he’s so much taller in real life!).  And we were thrilled to meet Sir Ranulph Fiennes in person, as he had endorsed our expedition but we had had not actually met him face to face.  No one can dispute that this guy is an adventuring legend and is still going strong! 

Sir Ranulph Fiennes!

 And of course, this month, March 2011 we announced the winners of the Patch Nationwide School’s Competition.  It was fantastic to involve so many pupils in our fundraising and awareness days and the standard of the competition entries was impressive!  Blog: http://patchexpedition.com/blog/winning-schools/ 

The winning Entry - Elizabeth Chan (Year 10)

The background stuff! 

Now, whilst it may all seem like a huge big adventure, what you’ve got to remember is that in between all of these micro adventures we have to put in hours and hours of fundraising and preparations.  And I mean hours and hours!  If you are thinking of undertaking something like The Patch Expedition be prepared to put the rest of your life on hold.  You will not have time for nights out with friends, time to spend with loved ones or sometimes time to eat!  It took us a long time to create the branding for Patch and then hours to write the content for the website, the content for the Fundraising Pack, Schools Pack and Corporate Sponsorship Pack.  Then there was having to design and create all the graphics and then write press releases so people would know about all the work that had been going on.  And those all had to be in place before we could go out there and seek sponsorship as we needed something tangible to show people.   

We have sent thousands of e-mails, made hundreds of phone calls and attended a very large number of networking events.  Before work and after work it’s laptops on, heads down and even at lunch time we try to fit in a few extra phone calls to catch people during working hours.  We would veer from huge highs when we got a ‘yes’ from a sponsor to crushing lows when we had day after day of ‘no’s’.  And of course all this had to be fitted around the increasing physical training and our full time jobs!  

However, we persevered and pushed on, determined we would make it a success.  And we have learnt so so much.  I’ve always wanted to be one of those people who were confident in standing up and talking to lots of people but have always tended to take a back seat.  However, not any more!  We found that we have had to put ourselves out there, stand up and take every opportunity to promote The Patch Expedition.  And then there’s all the cold calling to companies to ask for sums of money.  Believe me, it’s not an easy thing to do but in the end we got so used to just picking up the phone and making the calls that it has become second nature.   

Patch People! 

One of the best things about the whole process so far has been when people get excited about the project with us and jump on board.  Without these people putting their faith in us we would not have achieved what we have so far and therefore we feel it is really important that we say a personal thank you to some of the key Patch players!  And of course we are truly grateful for every penny that every single one of you has raised for The Patch Expedition in aid of UNICEF.  Every donation made counts and helps keep us motivated to carry on fundraising and training so THANK YOU!! 

Key Sponsors:  

Reckless New Media – These guys were our very first sponsors and were pivotal in taking The Patch Expedition from being just a concept to something tangible, something real.  We approached Reckless with nothing but an idea and they jumped straight on board with bags of enthusiasm and ideas to help create the Patch Expedition website.  As The Patch Expedition has evolved and grown, Reckless have made sure our website reflects this.  They have remained enthusiastic and supportive throughout the whole process and we couldn’t have done it without them.  Check out their website www.recklessnewmedia.com.  

Lyons Den – Neil and Fay Lyons were also along for the ride right from the beginning.  We knew we had a long way to go in order to get from a very average fitness level to super-duper Everest fit.  Neil assessed our initial fitness levels and helped us devise our fitness training programme.  With a very good knowledge of fitness, health and training Neil was able to spot our weaknesses – such as my weak knee – and help us to build full body strength and stamina.  I still remember him watching me doing a lunge and asking if I have problems with my right knee when coming down a hill on scree – I was flabbergasted as that was exactly my problem!  Like I say – he knows his stuff.  Lyons Den and Neil himself also feature on our Corporate Sponsorship Video.  It’s a great gym – check out their website www.lyonsdenfitness.co.uk.  

Cotswolds Royal Oak Store, Betws y Coed – Having good equipment is extremely important for mountaineering.  It’s also a real science with so many different companies trying to sell you this jacket and that waterproof, all claiming to be essential pieces of kit.  As we ventured into the unknown, Stephen Hayes and Chris Hopwood have showed us the way, right from our trip to Snowdon up to the current time and our future climb of Everest.  They really do take a personal approach and sell you what you need, rather than simply push the most expensive pieces of kit at you.  We are currently completing a blog on the various bits of equipment they supplied so look out for that one.  In the meantime, check out their website www.cotswoldoutdoor.com   

Himalayan Experience – Thanks to Russell Brice for providing us with a place on the 2011 Everest Summit Team.  He’s also agreed that should we not make it to the summit ourselves, then his Sherpas will take the Patch and Schools Flags to the top of the world for us.  This is hugely important and means that whatever happens in this unpredictable environment of mountaineering, we will get our sponsors to the top!  www.himex.com  

Storm Beach – The mental aspect of mountaineering is not to be underestimated.  We were thrilled when Stuart Haden approached us and offered to coach us during our preparation for climbing Everest.  He helped us to gain focus when we needed it, motivate us when we were flagging and help us devise visualisation techniques to use on the mountain.  And it works!  Check out Stuart’s website: www.stormbeach.co.uk  

Plas Power – Enthusiastic Ian Walton was interested in our journey and with his  passion for climbing keen to help us develop our skills.  Whilst we certainly don’t claim to have the grace and skill of many of his other customers, our time at Plas Power has been crucial in helping us maintain our rope skills and continue to develop our strength and balance in that area.  www.plaspoweradventure.com  

Chester University – Wayne O’Brien has introduced us to the world of film!  Wayne and his students have kindly given up hours of their spare time to film a few spoofs and a sponsorship video for us.    It was a very exciting experience for us filming both on location and in the studio and we hope this innovative approach to fundraising will help us to reach more sponsors.   

Camera Solutions – Ray Fisher at Camera Solutions in Chester was kind enough to help us out with both a camera and a video camera in order for us to visually document our progress.  Therefore, the pics you have seen from Aconcagua onwards are courtesy of the Panasonic FT2.  We will also be starting a video blog in the near future using the Panasonic HDC-SD60EB-R Camcorder.  If you need some advice as to which equipment would be best for you, either call into the shop in Chester or give them a ring – they really do have a lot of useful advice.  www.camerasolutions.co.uk 

Schools Marketing Company – Huge thanks to Andrew Morgan for sending out our e-mails to schools nationwide in order to encourage schools to get involved with our Schools Competition.   It would have been impossible for us to have contacted each school personally and so this help was invaluable.  www.schoolsmarketingcompany.co.uk  

Buff - These guys very kindly made us over 200 custom made Buff’s that we could sell on in order to raise sponsorship.  These are small yet essential pieces of kit and we use them all the time.  If you don’t know what a buff is check out their website – www.buffwear.co.uk. 

Work colleagues – Let’s face it – we spend an awful lot of our lives at our places of work and we consider ourselves lucky to work with such supportive colleagues who have egged us on on those mornings where we’ve dragged ourselves in exhausted having stayed up to the early hours sending sponsorship e-mails.  So for all your moral support and sponsorship activities – we thank you!  

Friends, Romans, countrymen and just about anyone who lent us your ear, made a donation or helped us spread the word.   There are too many of you to thank each of you personally here but you know who you are so thank you ever so much.  It’s helped keep us going and without you we wouldn’t have got as far as we have.   

Please do continue to spread the word.  It’s so easy to see something, think it’s a good idea, decide you’ll definitely do something about it – later – and then totally forget about it!  We’ve all done it!  Take action today and help us out.  Spread the word on Facebook, e-mail our website to your friends, make a donation – any of these are a huge help and do make a massive difference. 

Now the next blog will outline our plans from now onwards……Oooh….