Days 19, 20, 21

After the much needed rest day in the Claremont Guest House near Telford the boys sat on their beds and got up to date on nearly all the video diaries. We had internet so they updated the site for the die hard fans of BoardFree. Looking back on all the footage made us all giggle. It was great to be reminded of the fun and happy times when going through the difficult times.
Dave’s foot was in need of the rest day and although I don’t think it did a great deal for the blisters it gave him a day off his feet which can’t be a bad thing!
God damn that weather! The rest day turned out to be an alright day. No rain. Sun occasionally popping behind the clouds but not for long. Foiled again!
When we awoke on day 20 there was blue sky up above. When we had breakfast the blue sky had been covered with a white layer. When we got outside into the van to go through the 40 minute process of getting Dave’s foot all gaffered up, it started spitting. In the words of Peter Kay, ‘it’s that fine rain that soaks you through’.
Dimitri left us before we set off to go back to London for a night. The day was going well due to a new padding concept Dave used under the sole of his shoe. Then, four miles into the day the pain came back. We carried on going, stopping every so often for breaks. We got into Bridgnorth after stopping at Ironbridge for a touristy break for 5 minutes and we pulled up outside the Shropshire Star offices. Some lovely people stopped to find out what was going on and gave us a donation.
We had two phone calls, one from Pete and Melissa. (Pete of Badgerboy Productions and Melissa who is Pete’s other half) and one from Sam at Sub Tv. They were both in the area so we met up with them to go for lunch. We carried on the day with Sam and Jenny from Sub Tv bombing it ahead and doing some filming. We arrived in a place called Bewdly after asking several random old people for directions. We stopped in a B+B and got ready for dinner at a tapas bar owned by a Portugese chap called Silva. Nat drove to Bewdly to meet up with us and we went for dinner. One glass of Sangria and several ‘little bits’ later we had free Sombrero’s sponsored by Silva’s!

day 21

nat and Pete drove to Gloucester to drop Peter’s car off so there wasn’t an abundance of cars on the skate. Dave, Melissa and myself set off and the heavens, of course, decided to open just as we pulled up outside a kiteboarding club. Dave had a 10 minute nap after looking at the map. Melissa and I had several bizarre conversations about classic songs after my taste in music went down hill. Daphne and Celeste, MC Hammer and the list goes on.
ALSO, can I just say how brave Mel and I are! We rescued not one, but TWO helpless creatures trapped in our van. One of which was a little baby caterpillar that kept jumping up to show off. ( I think it’s one of those special show caterpillars they breed). And the other was something I’m most certainly terrified of. A moth. But not just an ordinary moth. It had a mustache! Like Poirot! So hooray for us!
Nat and Peter came back and just as we had set off as the rain stopped Becs, Bev and Dan showed up in Billy (bec’s car!). I was soooooo happy to see them. I really have missed them. We all hugged and introduced Peter and Melissa and set on our way once more. I swapped from driving a heavy 2 litre diesel van with no power steering to driving Nat’s car. It felt like a racing car. I was so close to the ground. Dan got in the van and on we went.
I then got a phone call from Pauline (Dave’s mum). She was asking what road we were on. I knew instantly that Pauline and Peter were going to surprise us. I promised not to tell Dave and they headed up to meet us.
So many things happened yesterday, I can’t remember what order they went in.
Pauline and Peter showed up in Worcester. Dave was ecstatic. It really is good to see him lifted. Sometimes I try to lift him but because I’ve been there 24/7 it’s not the same as a surprise from his parents! Clearly.
We stopped for lunch at a pub somewhere. I was told that Dimitri was returning to join us with some support for Dave. I didn’t expect what was about to happen. The door opened and in walked a male Little Red Riding Hood, Batman, Robin, Werewolf and a Masai warrior! The plan was for them to skate/ride their bikes/run/roller blade behind Dave.
Nat had been skating with dave for a few miles and Dave’s pace when he’s got someone with him improves ten fold. Sometimes, when Dave’s on his own I worry that the pain is going to get so much that he’s going to collapse. When he’s got someone with him he’s got other things to take his mind off the pain. It’s brilliant to watch too. Some of the fancy dress crew that arrived with Dimitri had given up because they’re forms of transport packed in. The day went on with us over taking, undertaking, sidetaking, taking taking, taking pictures, taking shots etc etc.
Dave did amazingly. We parted with his parents in a car park after his mum checked his foot. We’re past the point of remedy now. His foot is going to hurt from now until this ends. All we can do is pad it out on the bottom and hope for the best. I’ve probably said that before so I apologise for repetition.
I got Dave’s original shoes he’s already worn in sent to my inlaw’s and I’m there right now so I’ll be going back to the team tonight with comfy shoes and new bearings given to Nat by Octane Sport.
I stopped overnight here and I feel better for it. I needed to get away. A part of me doesn’t want to leave because I don’t feel the responsibility here but most of me just wants to see this through and finish it. We can do it. We will do it. Dave’s going to make it, so all you guys who’re going to be at landsend better get ready!!!! He’s going to need a wheelchair, a beer and lots of applause, hugs and celebrations.

Catch you later!!!

Hollaboll