(posted on behalf of Vics Wood)

A very BIG thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday for Cape Town’s show of strength. …Tom, it truly was such a perfect day! The sea was incredibly still, unbelievably clear and dazzling, and our group of 24 various shades of yellow were a beautiful collection of sunshine filled energy channeled entirely your way! It was a very special occasion and I have no doubt you felt our deep breaths back in Harare I will post some photos over the next couple of days. With so much love from Cape Town, …Tom and Sal, we breathe for you both x

(posted on behalf of Vics Wood)

Just a reminder for those of you who are in Cape Town this weekend and are able to join us for CT’s Show of Strength – we’ll be walking along the Seapoint promenade this Saturday morning, breathing deep ocean air breaths for Tom! Meeting at 08h15am at the playground adjacent to the Moullie Point Lighthouse – don’t forget to bring coffee/snacks for a breakfast picnic if you are able to join in afterwards!

Thanks,

Vics Wood

Winter in Perth is unpredictable. Friday and  Saturday brought torrential downpours and wind yet today we had the most perfect sun filled day with only the slightest breeze in the air.  It truly was the most glorious day in Kings Park.  Everyone arrived promptly armed with bikes/trikes/scooters and prams.  There was an air of optimism and energy.  September is the Wild Flower festival in the park so that only added to the spectacular mood! Friends/acquaintances and friends of friends to Tom and Sal -all arrived to show their support.  A few men and one brave lady (well done Zoe!) went on a 20+ km ride through the park and around the Swan River. The rest of us enjoyed a wonderful 5 km walk/ride through the park.  The kids were unbelievable and pushed on right to the end.  We had a visit from Tom’s mate “Bob” and enjoyed a wonderfully relaxed afternoon lazing in the sun, breathing deeply for Tom!  Photos will be uploaded soon…thanks to everyone in Perth for making the day such a success!

Mid-September in England is normally cool.  With the winds starting to pick up and a winter chill that grips the air.  People naturally take to hibernation mode.  Leaves on the trees are starting to turn and people are gloomy as they contemplate the moving of the warm season into the cold.  Today was NOT a normal September day!  Man oh man.  Tom, you would have had a smile so broad if you could have seen what I witnessed today.  Sal asked for a miracle a while ago – today I lived that miracle.  It is called the miracle of family and friends.  There was a force out there that shook this world.  With beautiful warm weather, clear blue skies and only the slightest touch of a cooling wind, the weather could not have been more perfect.  People started to arrive dot on time, with Gretta, Ross and Douglas in the lead car, closely followed by Mandy and then Joe, Toni and myself.  After that people came.  People, dogs, kids … the lot!  On bikes and trikes, with walking sticks and deck chairs – and all with something yellow attached.  The photos are on their way … with lots and lots of love, best wishes, hugs, kisses and deep, deep breaths for you both – Tom and Sal.

Wow, you wonderful Zimbabweans – what a show of strength we had for Tom today, it was truly amazing and uplifting to see so many people out there showing their support for Tom and Sal.  We had 862 walkers through the gate breathing for Tom and sending him all of their positive energy!!  Well done guys, it just cemented why we live in this wonderful country with such amazing people.  We will be updating the web with photos shortly.  Once again thank you so much for your support!!

We are now counting down, 4 days to go until our walk for Tom around Borrowdale Race Course.  Please make an effort to come and join us anywhere between 10.00 and 12.00, followed by a family picnic.  If you cannot make the walk but would still like to make a donation to Tom, please give it to either Dee - 0912384484 or Alison – 0912616108.  We will also be selling t.shirts  and silicone bracelets on the day for both adults and children.  We look forward to seeing you all there on Saturday.  Lets show Tom and Sal just how much we care!!!!

It’s the final countdown … only 6 more sleeps!

Just some last-minute info that is  important for those who are attending the event in Richmond Park on Saturday, 12th September.  Our meeting place is the ISABELLA PLANTATION CAR PARK, from 0930 hrs.

http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond_park/how_to_get_to_isabella.cfm

FIRSTLY – There are some lovely silicone wrist bands that have been sent to me (thanks Peta-Jane) – these are inscribed with the most beautiful and inspirational diction and will be available for purchase – £2 each.  All funds raised, once the cost of production has been covered, will be put towards Tom’s wheelchair fund.

SECONDLY – Sal has asked if we can have the colour YELLOW for our event.  I thought this was rather apt, especially with Tom’ s love of cycling and the obvious links of the yellow jersey with the Tour de France!  So if you have something yellow (even a canary!) bring it along, attach it firmly to yourself (especially if you are bringing the canary!!) and follow the rest of the yellow participants!

THIRDLY – Following some rather deep debate, we have decided that we cannot legally and ethically charge an ‘entrance fee’ as such.  It has been agreed that ‘donations’ will be accepted, with a suggested donation of £5 for individuals and £15 for group participants (groups of up to 4 people).

FINALLY – On a more sombre and careful note, we have Health and Safety (yes, I hear you all SIGH!).  This is a necessary point to cover, so please be tolerant and read the following disclaimer carefully.

DISCLAIMER:  The organisers of this event, England’s Show of Strength, are not linked to any charity or charitable organisation.  We do not have insurance cover for this event and have therefore done all that we possibly and humanly can to make this a safe event for all participants.  As a result, we wish all participants to understand and know that each individual is responsible for his or her own health and safety (and the Health and Safety of their children or other family members) at all times.  Richmond Park is a PUBLIC space and we will be sharing this space with other people and vehicles.  Due care and caution should be exercised at all times and respect shown towards everyone.  Qualified1st Aiders will be attending the event and, although off-duty from their respective jobs, are willing and able to offer basic assistance if required.

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Looking forward to putting faces to names and finally meeting more of Tom and Sal’s fantastic, inspirational and brilliant family and friends.  See you all on Saturday – Lyn  xox

The count down for Perth’s chance to generate some wonderful energy and inspiration for Tom is around the corner… If you are in Perth or the surrounding areas PLEASE come along to the “Lottery West Family area”  in Kings Park at 9.30am on SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER.  Bring your bikes/prams/walking shoes and join us for either a 4.8km walk/ride through the park (the kid friendly option!) or a longer 21.5km cycle(roughly)  from Kings park along the Swan River and back again.  Registration will take place between 9.30 and 10am and we hope to head off at10 am.  We will hopefully be back at the picnic area by 12pm ready for a well deserved lunch!  (There is a cafe available if you prefer to buy your lunch)  There is also fabulous playground for big and little kids If you can’t make the cycle/walk then please come along for the picnic lunch at 12pm.  If you haven’t ordered a T-shirt there will be laminated logos to pin on your shirts so come wearing WHITE tops.  We’ll also have balloons for the kids to attach to their bikes…we’ll meet on large grassy area on the the Southern Side of the Large “Spider’s web” climbing frame.  Looking forward to seeing you there.  Please feel free to email me for any further information logansakha@bigpond.com