RAce for life

Well today was the day.  The weather pulled itself together and had the decency to behave like English summer weather should and my mum and I together with my friend and her daughter, made our way to Southampton Common to do the Race for Life. If you have not done one of these, I urge you to consider it.  It is a very humbling experience and extremely moving to see how many thousands are affected by cancer.  We were part of 10,000 women running/walking today.  We didn't run but we walked.  My mum (shortly to be 79) kept up with us all and even set the pace on a couple of occasions.  She is an example to all of us.  But it was fun and purposeful and above all essential.  If these events didn't happen, Cancer Research Uk would lose 60% of its funding.  Shocking isn't it?  Most of the funding for research into cancer is provided for through donations.  Have YOU donated????  Feel free to do it now! :) (Sorry - being a bit enthusiastic there but the message is pretty serious.)

Anyway, here we are in all our glory...............before the race.  We looked pretty good afterwards too but I forgot to take a photo!

My mum and I in the first photo and my friends in the second photo.  Between the two of us Sharon and I have lost nearly 9 stone in weight!!!

But on a totally different tack, yesterday I went to a quilting workshop in Brockenhurst.  The teacher was Penny Bicknell and we learnt how to make a block from one template.  I have made a cushion cover with mine, ready for my new kitchen.  I think it will look fab when quilted and piped etc.

So a busy weekend.  Creative, energetic and definitely a feel-good factor.  See you all next time!

Update on Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 09:32PM by Sally Rouse

Forgot to add that my brother and his wife in Sydney, Australia organised a small event of their friends to walk the same distance at the same time that we were walking.  Of course with the time difference, they were walking at night!  However, by charging them $20 entry fee each and then giving them a BBQ before they started, Ian and Karen have raised about £200.  Half will be donated to Cancer Research and the other half to the equivalent Australian charity.  Great effort guys and thanks!

Comments

[Joan]

Well done Sally. I've done the race three(or is it4?!) times and it is both humbling and uplifting to be part of it. love JoanH

[Bev]

Katie has just seen your quilt and says "Woah", and then does some jaw dropping thing that must be cool at school - the message is, she is very impressed.

[Sarah, Keith, Isaac and Sam]

I was there today Sally and it was an amazing, and as you said, humbling experience. The tributes/messages were very moving, as was the speech by the Dr at the beginning. I am so glad I did it - I've been on a high all day. I will definitely be there next year. See you soon xx

[Denny]

Well done for doing the RFL,and for the money that you've raised,Sally!! The quilt looks absolutely gorgeous.... look forward to seeing the finished article! x

[Ian&Karen]

Sally - you and Jean look fantastic! I love your t-shirts - very poignant and all the more justification for the cause. We had a great walk last night and because your clever brother timed it to coincide with the start of the UK walk we felt joined in spirit if not in body. Well done girl - yet another huge personal accomplishment... Lots of love Karen and Ian XXX

[Jules Michelle]

Well done Sally on the RFL. These occasions are humbing and well worth doing one. You look amazing as does your Mum.

As for the quilt...it looks rather lovely! Look forward to seeing a picture of it completed.

Take care. Jules xx

[Sue E]

Great photos from the RFL, dont you all look fantastic.

Fabulous quilt, love the design and colours.

Sounds like a great weekend, where you achieved so much xx

[Sharon Peters]

It was great to take part with you and your mum - she is such a babe!! Very humbling experience as well. Thanks for uploading photos - I knew I should have put my makeup on before we went LOL!! Love the cushion cover. See you soon. Hugs.XX

[Jane3865]

Well done to you and Mum for completing the RFL Sally. You both look fab.

See you soon

Jane x x

[Ian&Karen]

Auntie Sally im so proud!! you both look fantastic! Congratulations on a great achievement and such fabulous style when doing it- the t shirts are beautiful.
Your very proud neice Rachael xxxxx

[Bubbleblitt]

well done Sally and also well done to your Mum-love the photo.You all look fab! The quilted cushion is very pretty, Love Beverley/Bubbleblittxx