Theo Paphitis, TV Dragon and chairman of Ryman Stationery and Boux Avenue Lingerie will be presenting a BBC Lifeline Appeal this Sunday to raise funds for bibic, a charity that specialises in supporting children with learning disabilities. The straight-talking Dragon will be speaking from personal experience as dyslexia has impacted on every area of his life.

The Appeal, which will be broadcast on BBC 1 on Sunday 19th February at 4.20pm, was filmed at Ambler Primary School in Islington, North London where Theo began his entrepreneurial career by running the school tuck shop. Children who have been supported by bibic will feature in the programme, including 19-year old Maia Pelham-Green who is also dyslexic and 10 year old Robert Watson who has a sensory processing disorder and dyspraxia.

Theo explained: “Growing up with dyslexia made everything more of a challenge. It wasn’t recognised at the time and people just thought I was stupid. Learning about bibic and the work it does to change children’s lives really struck a chord with me – it is about unlocking the potential of young people, growing their confidence and helping them to achieve their dreams”.

Jess Winchester, Fundraising Manager for the charity said “We were over the moon when we heard that Theo was going to present our appeal. He is a fantastic role model for all young people, an example of how you can overcome any challenge with determination and hard work. He has a real empathy with the children bibic supports and his support means everything to a charity like bibic, where we rely on donations to keep our work alive”.

Members of the public can find out more information about the charity and help transform a child’s life by making a donation through the BBC’s website http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01cnwdm

bibic is just one of 12 charities to receive the opportunity to broadcast a BBC Lifeline Appeal this year. The programme goes out on BBC 1 4.20pm and is then repeated on BBC 2 on Wednesday 22nd February at 1.30pm .

Media Enquiries
For further information, case studies, quotes and images, please contact Jess Winchester, Fundraising & Communications Manager on 07824 991 879 or 01278 684060 or email jess.winchester@bibic.org.uk

Notes for the Editor
• bibic (formerly known as the British Institute for Brain Injured Children) is a national charity that provides practical help to families caring for children with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, developmental delay, traumatic and acquired brain injury and specific learning difficulties such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
• The charity is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012 and over the past four decades has helped to transform the lives of over 14,000 disabled children and their families.
• bibic receives no government funding and relies on its own fundraising activities and the generosity of individuals and companies to provide its life-changing service

Theo pulls some old photos from his pocket – revealing a cheeky youngster sporting a bowl haircut. “Tell me what’s wrong with this picture” he says, pointing at one where he is surrounded by a flock of pig-tailed girls in the school orchestra. “I’m the only boy” he explains, “I guess that they felt sorry for me or something. They liked looking after me, took me under their wing, because I was different”.

Revisiting his old primary school in North London brings back memories for the star of Dragon’s Den who is here to film our BBC Lifeline Appeal. Theo Paphitis has dyslexia – a learning difficulty that impacts on every area of daily life and which made his school days a constant struggle. Although he had fun, it wasn’t easy and as he didn’t realise what his issues were until his own children were diagnosed, he was unsupported and labelled “stupid” at school.

Because of his dyslexia, Theo has a real empathy with the children who receive life-changing support from bibic, and he’s volunteered to be our presenter for the BBC LifeLine Appeal – the charity’s chance to reach out to two million BBC viewers on Sunday 19th February.

We’ve all been nervous about meeting the Dragon – even down to what we should wear to make a good impression. Should we dress like we’re doing a pitch or go for a “dedicated-charity-professional” look? Nineteen year old Maia, who is being interviewed by Theo on camera has brought a rucksack with different colour options so that she can see what he is wearing and make sure that she doesn’t clash.

Maia is impressive. You would never think that this confident, eloquent teenager had ever been at rock bottom. She has GCSE’s – all at A grade and 3 A’levels. You would be surprised to hear that just five years ago she was only going to school three days in ten and was failing. Maia calls bibic her “life-saver”. She said “ I was a failure. I thought I was stupid. I was bullied and my self-esteem was non-existant. The thing is, I really wanted to do well but it seemed as if the harder I tried, the more I failed”.

Today Maia amazes us all – she is a fantastic role model for anyone who has a learning difficulty, showing what can be accomplished with the right support and a lot of courage to face a world in which you always feel slightly out of kilter. Maia says she feels like she lives in a country where everyone drives on the left and she can only drive on the right. I think that Theo was impressed too. It is as if they have forgotten the cameras and are focused on swapping notes, sharing experiences and trying to understand how dyslexia has affected their lives.

It is a privilege to meet Theo. He is scarily clever, straight-talking, down to earth, funny, and he even did a few interesting dance moves while we were waiting for the camera. Dyslexia affects every aspect of life yet both Theo and Maia are inspirational. Meeting both of them makes me more convinced than ever that every child deserves the opportunity to unlock their potential.

Please watch bibic’s Lifeline Appeal – it is broadcast at 4.20pm on BBC1 Sunday 19th February and repeated at 1.30pm Wednesday 22nd February on BBC2. You can also watch it on the BBC i-player until 29th February or visit the Lifeline website here.

Hey I’m Scott and I just joined bibic as a volunteer.  I was interested in working in charity marketing and thought bibic would be great to help build my marketing skills since leaving university. bibic was really accommodating and is looking for anyone that can really make a difference. Today I spoke to Jeanette a therapist based and focused here in Somerset, she explained to me what bibic does and why it needs you.
 

What bibic does
bibic takes children from the ages of 6 months to 18 years. 
bibic offers lots of different assessments to identify the issue the child him or her self is experiencing. We focus on all aspects from sensory processing, motor, communication and behavioural skills. Focusing on these issues helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses the child is experiencing, helping to diagnose the true extent of the condition.
The children come from a variety of different sources, referrals from doctors, teachers, but generally through the parents themselves and finding us through the internet.

 

Identifying the issue and helping the child.
The assessment itself is done in a variety of different rooms looking for interaction with the child using this different stimulus, looking for strengths and areas for development.  Every case though is different and has to be treated that way. A program of strategies and techniques is then designed specifically for you to use at home with the child.

Examples of where bibic made a difference
Examples are plentiful where bibic really has made a difference to a child’s life.

Luke has the condition called dyspraxia, he is very intelligent and now outperforming others in his year. But when Luke first came to bibic he was falling behind in primary school, not interacting well with others and disliked loud noises like dogs barking. He was also forgetful and very shy. Although still anxious in some situations, Luke is now able to communicate well with others and really progress in all situations. Luke now even wants a pet dog! It just shows that with bibic’s help, not only is the child doing better and going to have a better quality of life, he can really take control and the life of the whole family is also improved.

 

Why donate to bibic
The recession has impacted on bibic and the charity needs your help now more than ever before.
A child will sometimes wait years for any level of diagnosis by an NHS therapist and recognition. bibic will help here and now, not just with an assessment and therapy program, but also with continued support through letter, phone or email if you are experiencing any problems at home with your child. bibic tries to deal with behavioural issues immediately and if therapists cannot deal with the issue they will signpost you and your child in the right direction.

Tuesday morning, and this is it. All I had to do was just get up and row 10 Kilometres. 0540 Hrs and my alarm sounds the same, the darkness, and my bung bed surroundings, have now become uncomfortably familiar. I must be due a flight home by now?

So, for the hundred and second time I do indeed get up. Gym kit on, trainers on, all ready to go. Outside the weather remains ‘seasonal’, cold but dry, with the threat of rain. Once in the gym the usual crowd are there. To everyone else, the world seems to carry on as if this is the norm. This is what we do. Fitness training, work for the day, maybe a bit more fitness, dinner then bed.

For me though this really is a day with a difference. The end. The end of my Lands End to John O’Groats and back to Dishforth run and row challenge. As I start to row I contemplate taking my time for this last stretch, enjoy the moment. Or, shall I ‘go mad’ and see if I can row 10 Km faster that I have ever done before. I settle on my first idea. I just need to finish without breaking myself. During this row I just contemplate what it is I have done and for what reasons.

Yes, it has been a very good way to get fit. I have lost over one and a half stone in weight and increased my stamina no end. I have met a fair few people along the way, who have taken the time to stop and say, ‘Hello, I see you here every day.’ I then think of the bigger reason I chose to do this. I wanted to prove something to myself, and maybe to some of my working colleagues, that I am able to complete what I have started, no matter just how daft it of seemed at the outset. I can now push myself a bit further than I ever thought I could, and for longer. But, who could I of chosen to do this for? I have known about bibic for at least eighteen years. What better cause could I wish for?

Just how did I come across bibic? After joining the Royal Navy in September 1989 and completing my basic training at HMS Raleigh near Plymouth I joined The Fleet Air Arm. I only wanted to ever work on Sea Harrier aircraft, and with my parents living in Elmore Back, Gloucestershire, my logical choice was HMS Heron, otherwise known as RNAS Yeovilton, in Somerset. The closest venue to home and the aircraft I wanted? Now not many people get to be so happy with their working life. My week would consist of an early Monday morning drive, from Gloucester, down to Yeovilton. Getting off the M5, signposted Glastonbury, at junction 23, I knew I had about twenty minutes left before I was at work. After leaving the motorway behind, and driving down a sloping hillside, the first junction I come to is a ‘T’ junction at a village called Knowle. Here I would turn left and head off across the beautiful rural Somerset countryside.

On the edge of this junction is a lovely big house. To look at, it could very well be a country mansion for someone, the grounds are well groomed, and the house itself seems so inviting. I always wanted to stop, knock on this total stranger’s door and say hello. Towards the front gate there is a sign, and this reveales the identity of the house. bibic-Changing Children’s Lifes. I never knew then exactly what they stand for, nor the work they do. I just seemed to want to look and admire the view. This very same view I would again see on a Friday afternoon as I reversed my journey, heading home again once more to my parent’s family home. Once I married my long-term girlfriend, Sally, whom I have known since leaving school, we moved to Somerset. Various villages, at various times of my naval carer, we have lived in Somerset. Yet it seemed that no matter where we were, travelling back to Gloucester always took us via Knowle and that ‘T’ junction. I would always look at the house, looking for change, but only sensing the constant, positive, inviting vibes that this building exudes.

Not once have I ever stopped, changed direction and driven up the driveway to this majestic house. What lies beyond the front door I have never experienced, I just drive onwards to my destination. Maybe pretending I am too busy to stop, or perhaps not wanting to ‘burst the bubble’ of my perception towards this establishment. I just never visited.

As my career moved on and I had to leave Somerset behind, I never thought I would be able to find out a bit more about bibic and what they stand for, or who it is they help. So as soon as I realised I had an excellent opportunity to do something, for someone/somewhere, it could only be for bibic. Maybe the next time I visit Somerset, I shall turn off, make the time, and knock on that now, not so much of a stranger’s door.

The 10 Kms had now clicked into view on the Concept2 rower. My distance covered, my challenge completed. Everyone else continued on their way and in their own world. Unaware of what I had done, or how I felt. It did feel quite surreal. 2100 Kilometres in 102 days, that had been enough. But then, what now? What comes next in my life?

I had already decided I would undertake one more challenge whilst here in Afghanistan. I just had to wait for tomorrow to arrive.
Wednesday morning duly arrived. No alarm clock at 0540, today it was set for 0715. Breakfast consisted of 2 slices of toast, topped with bacon and scrambled egg, lots of it. I knew I would miss lunch and this meal had to provide enough energy to see me through. Already I felt nervous toward the task ahead.

Why would I start again after finishing one challenge only the day before? I guess it was because I had time on my hands and wanted to ensure I made the most of this opportunity. Outside the main Camp Bastion dining hall at 1040, I started once more. All I had to do was row, until I wanted to just climb off the darn machine, then, somehow keep on rowing through the sore muscles, which would no doubt come my way.

I had set the time and venue to coincide with lunchtime at the dining hall. With only twenty minutes until lunch, people were soon walking by, queuing up to get into the hall. Some stopped to read, and ask what I was doing. It was easy, 50 Kms in under four hours, I was enjoying talking as I rowed. I could see people starting to put some dollars into the bucket. Already my efforts for today were all worthwhile. Anything else would be a bonus. I just had to press on now and focus on rowing.

More and more people filtered past. I would now engage them in chatter, encouraging them to take one of the tear off strips I had printed. These gave them my just giving address, by where they could donate at a later time. I thought any publicity has to be good. The kilometres clicked over quite well as did the time. I knew I would beat the deadline of four hours, it was just a case of could I continue rowing to 50 Kms? An hour and a half past and I was passing 21 Kms. This was rapidly approaching a greater challenge than I had given it credit for. I had not rowed past 22 Kms before. More and more people were coming past on their way to dinner. Some of my work colleagues had also passed by, saying hello, donating and asking could they get me anything. Money was still going into the bucket. This was proving to be very worthwhile.

After two hours I had covered over 28 Kms. This was hurting now. My fingers were aching, especially the top knuckle joint. I had to keep moving my hands, changing my grip as I rowed. People still walking by, some who had been into lunch were coming out and donating as they left. I tried to thank each and everyone, but I was starting to just concentrate on rowing. Talking had become a bit of a chore. People were asking how far had I covered, how far had I felt to do, what was my time? My mind just could not work out the answers. My mind concentrated instead on the distance to go, not a lot else.

Two hours thirty minutes and this ‘good idea’ was suddenly not feeling as if it had been so well thought out after all. My distance had now easily passed the 35 Kms mark, but the pace was slowing. More people were now leaving than walking into lunch. Trade was being to slow down. A good friend of mine came by, Brian. He looked at the bucket and said it had filled up rather well and he had to poke the dollars down to make more room. I was just happy to of generated this amount of interest.

Over three hours had now passed and I really wanted to just get off now. There was no enjoyment left, this was just a pain. A pain from my lower legs all the way to my finger tips. I now rowed on first one buttock, then the other, just trying to relieve the aching muscles for as long as I could. My head had dropped, and I was failing to register people walking by. I wanted to just finish this challenge. Eventually, with lads from work beside me, to help me along the last couple of kilometres, I pasted through the 50 Kilometres. The monitor registered a finish time of three hours, thirty-seven minutes and forty-three seconds. I had reached the end of a very tiring challenge.

These two events have really made my tour, here in Afghanistan something to remember. I never thought I would of met and made so many friends along the way, nor rediscovered a bestest friend from old. I never wanted for a partner to run with, someone would always volunteer to be there for me to keep me company. To of been pushed out of my comfort zone to achieve these goals will prove to be very memorable for years to come.

I thank each and everyone who donated to bibic. This will, as a result, help them to continue their wonderful work. So far my first challenge has raised over four hundred pound, and as for the second? 590 dollars, for just over three and a half hours effort. Now that’s not bad for a day at work!

Good luck to you all.
The very kindest of regards,
Bernie Heaysman.

Sunday evening has arrived all too soon this week. My anticipations not realised, my goals not achieved. In fact, I honestly feel the sands of time are truly running away from me, but not without a fight.
So, just what can I do about this feeling of under achievement? Simple, try harder I guess.

In fact, all I need to do is just push on a bit and ensure I don’t miss the target, which is so close.

Monday morning will see me halve the remaining distance I have left to cover. After work I hope to complete a ‘quick’ jog covering 10 kilometres round part of the airfield in the late afternoon sunshine, which will leave me with just 10 Kilometres on Tuesday morning to row and finally complete my goal of 2100 Kilometres. This last stretch will, as I say in my just giving web page, be the last leg to getting home.

I have not given up on a single row of 50 Kilometres in under four hours. The time and date have been set. My work will have almost concluded, allowing me time on Wednesday 1st Feb at 1030 outside the dining hall to achieve this last, almost separate challenge. I shall of course let you know just how it goes.

So far, during this last week I have managed to 57 Kilometres running and 92 K rowing. Now that is not bad, as work has managed to get in the way at least twice, resulting in no running for those two days. I guess, in part this is why I enjoy the rowing aspect more so than running. I am in control of the first two, to two and a half hours of my life each day.

You see, out here, on operations I am very much part of a team. The team, which starts as a management team, consists of just three people. I work for, and with, one boss, who in turn works with and for the third person. Such is the structure of our team. We then work for another, upper chain of command, making the team grow.

We duly work together forging a plan on just how to do our daily business to the best of our ability, with the resources we have available. The highly skilled bigger team of technicians, who again work with and for us make up another dimension of the team. Before long, once pilots, aircrew ground staff and the array of other people are added in, the team is now a squadron. 672 Squadron to be exact. So you can see that very quickly, the team increases in size across a whole spectrum of manpower. The squadron works with other squadrons to provide the best service possible. Therefore, my time as a true individual is limited.

Due to my work, and the work expected of me, my time, is that time from the moment my eyes open in the morning, until approximately 0800, when I first set foot in the hanger, and my daily work begins. Monday will see my eyes look around into the very dark, almost black gloomy bed space of my bunk bed at 0540. I expect my MP4 player will have woken me, with a soft piece of music playing. I have this as a wake up alarm now a days as it is far less intrusive than my ‘ultra reliable’ Protek watch, which, whilst still working well, really is loud at such an early time in the day. The other 10 or so sleeping beauties do not take kindly to such a start to the day, and so soft music has the desired effect without the maximum disturbance. Great! All I need now is to find my shorts and top etc for the gym and I’ll be away. I guess lights going on are out of the question? So getting dressed in the dark is the better option.

Now this works most mornings, as I lay out my clothes in such a way they are easy to find. However, I have on two occasions had to re-enter the tent due to no shorts, only long military underwear being worn. Not the best thing to forget prior to heading off to the gym I must say.

My running this week has been mostly outdoors. The weather has picked up a bit, not totally stable yet, but dry again for the moment and dust levels slowly rising once again. I have managed two ten mile runs right around the whole of the airfield. Such a route serves to get away from the main camp and enjoy some ‘open tarmac road’ away from the dust. It does not last too long though. For to get the best out this run we/I will chose to run close to the perimeter wire fence. Here is a very good gravel/dirt track. Not too much vehicle activity and the scenery makes for a welcome rest to the eyes. There are hills, no mountains to be exact in the distance; currently the highest peaks have what appears to be a light covering of snow. Then there a couple of roads with civilian traffic going about their business, and the odd house, or compound, as they are sometimes know out here. So it can all really make for a welcome change. I say we/I as to date, over the last three months, I have only ran on my own twice. Once again team members join me, or I join them for a run. More often that not, making them slow to my pace. My days as a whippet are long since gone. In fact I never was a whippet, more of Heinz 57 variety. Happy to stay at home, or go for a run, with just two speeds, go or stop!

To all the people who have shared a run with me, I thank each and every one of them for the company they have offered me. The miles would have been harder to cover on my own.

Then of course, running around the airfield, there are the constant, overhead aircraft to view as we/I run. From slow helicopters, flying around with large under slung loads, which, from a distance look more shoe boxes on a piece of elastic at full stretch about to snap. Then there are the gun ship type looking ones. I guess these are the ones, which ‘mean business’ and have a very defined task to conduct. These do not seem to pussy foot around when in the sky, they seriously do put out a vibe of just pushing on, don’t get in my way type of flying.

The Merlin Helicopters, which until a few weeks ago never really registered with me, now consciously prick my thoughts. I have a friend, a bestest of friends from years ago, who flies these rather large green aircraft. I have met him on numerous occasions since Friday the 13th. Bizarre, how thirty odd years and not a single word, now we almost bump into each other every few days. I know we will meet again over this next week, as it is my turn to buy the coffee. Well, coffee for me, probably hot chocolate for Sean.

As the size of aircraft goes up so does the noise. The gangly Chinook with its twin rotors busily cutting up twice as much air as anybody else, just to stay in the air, breezes across the sky. You really do hear these strangely beautiful helicopters long before you see them. They are a true air borne taxi.

From the rotary wing aircraft, I move onto the fixed wing airframes dotted around the skies from time to time. Now just why there are smaller almost personal sized jets here I will never know. Anyway, of what use they are to me? Not a lot on a personal scale. The interesting ones are the likes of the TriStar and the truly awe inspiring C17 Globemaster. To be able to run around the edge of an active runway, with aircraft of this magnitude flying in, or flying out really does feel a bit special. There is of course just one problem with all of them. They keep leaving without me!

I know however, I have a limited amount of time left, before there is a seat booked with my name on it, and I guess this is exactly why I am doing my challenge. For I know I want to head home, at the right time, and for the right reasons. My tour here in Afghanistan will be finished, but there are a lot of people to follow on behind. I truly hope these people will soon pass through the same departure lounge as I. To be messed about for a few hours, waiting, checking in baggage, and a whole plethora of other reasons which may seem to hold up their departure, I wish them all a safe return to their families.

This is why I have run and rowed the distance from Lands End to Dishforth via John O’Groats, to feel I am once again, back where I belong. Home.

This week has most definitely had its moments to say the least.
Everyone is now once again fully engrossed in their own working routine and the mundaneness, (if there is such a word?) can all too soon become the norm. The spice of life seems to amount to how hot the curry is at evening dinner.

What makes the difference and breaks up the days and weeks into smaller ‘bite size’ portions are the things, which happen totally out of the blue, for one reason or another.

With Friday the 13th occurring during this month, a few people were wondering just what bad news would be around the corner. I never knew there could be so much superstition in my line of work, but it is there and has a healthy following, mostly in a light hearted way, but justly respected all the same. It could be the fact the shower runs cold, or a light bulb blows, it matters not. Friday the 13th is to blame. There are no two ways about it.

So for myself, the day started as normal and bang on time. The alarm on my locally purchased Protek watch bursts into life. The shopkeeper tells me it is Protek, and the little sticky label on the back would have you believe this to be true, but I am not too sure. Some of the buttons seem to have a mind of their own on the odd occasion. And the strap, not overly convinced. However, it duly sounds loudly enough to awaken me from yet another incomplete dream at 0545, whilst not so loud to wake my roommate. (I hope so anyway, he has never complained).

Once fully awake and ready to depart my pit as quietly as possible, the springs take over where the watch alarm left off. Creaking, squeaking rather saggy springs seem to do their very best to ensure the silence is well and truly broken. I might as well just turn the radio on and go the whole hog at this rate! Still, under the cover of darkness I vacant the room. The air conditioning unit in our room continues its normal, single speed hum. All we need to do is work out the settings. Typical man I guess, been here three months and still not read the instructions. Again, it would appear the buttons have a function of their own and the temperature rises or falls as a matter of potluck!

By the time I stroll across to the gym it is now 0600. The door is already unlocked and people start to filter in. Normally at this dark time of day, there are the usuals there. Approximately ten people, running, in the CV weights section of the Gym or on the cycling machines. I have yet to count the amount of fitness equipment held within this oversized marquee. One thing is for sure; every bit of gym equipment is put through its paces at some point during the day.
Those who what to do indoor Physical Exercise are very well catered for. From the Muscle Bosuns out there, to the general, ‘I just want to get fit’ brigade, they will never want for an item of kit which can exercise virtually every part of the body! Add in flat screen televisions and the scene is set for a great environment to work out at.

For me it is the rower at this time of the day. Nothing too difficult, just sit down, set the Performance monitor to ‘just row’ and start. What could be easier? The first kilometre always aches, that much I know. Soon, however, I settle into a steady rhythm and the kilometres start to disappear. I often think about stopping around 5 Kilometres, after all, I can always play catch up tomorrow, can’t I? This would however soon mean I am behind and will have to cover the extra distance, adding to an already steep enough challenge. Therefore, 5 K comes and goes, the television holds my attention with a bit of Sky news, if I am lucky. The volume is nearly always turned down as well, so you end up making up the story to suit the pictures. This can be funny enough in itself at times. If the news is not on then of course there is football or golf, and lots of it. For some reason the gym staff seem to think that is all the gym users what to see. Football between two Spanish sides, golf from somewhere in the world which is far too idyllic and appealing to someone who is away from home to watch and not ‘wish you were there’ or news. All of which have the volume turned down. Never mind, I have other things to concentrate on, I need to maintain some sort of drive to keep me going.

Before long 8 then 9 kilometres have been completed. No point in stopping now, one more will see me complete my daily quota. 10 Km done, any extra is now bonus, nibbling away at tomorrow’s requirement. With the hour approaching, 13 Kilometres have been covered and time to stop. I have to be at work in an hour and still have to fit in a shower, breakfast and the mandatory cup of tea. So far, Friday the 13th is a normal day.

Following breakfast and a short cycle to work, I arrive at the flight line and enter the Lynx Detachment hanger. People are already working, as some of them have been in all night. This is totally normal, nothing out of place, just ticking over, ready to cross off another day on the calendar before we head home. In the corner of the hanger is the small ‘office’ where I work. I say office, it is very similar to a steel container used in road transportation, except the door is normal, and on the inside there is a bench along one wall with a few chairs strewn in front, left from where the last person just got up, and left. Books line the opposite wall, all aircraft reference books, well thumbed, a bit tired around the edges and crammed into the shelving provided. Once I place down my rucksack at one end of the bench, my day starts. Into the other room I head, it is actually a tent, inside the hanger.

This is our rest area. Handmade wooden seat frames support cargo nets, which are secured in place as the actual seats themselves. Comfortable, yes of a fashion, hard wearing, most definitely. All spaced around an empty packing case we use as the table. On an additional work surface is where I find the kettle. Already warm, just empty. Once topped up with water, and a strategically placed plastic spoon to tip the kettle back, making the contacts work, the red light is on. Tea will soon be mine. Back in my ‘office’ with a hot mug of tea in hand, my day of Quality Auditing aircraft documentation soon gets underway. This activity is rarely completed without minor intervention, and rectification by the author. This is one of my mainstay daily tasks, to look for fault in others legally binding paperwork. Now it may sound harsh, but it carries with it, a sense of satisfaction. By highlighting errors made, others may cease to follow the same course of action. Thus, by doing so, ensuring Military Aviation is as safe as it can be, for all concerned. This is very much a learning and educational culture, which is employed, not a witch-hunt looking to chastise someone for making an error.

Then I get the boss put his head around the door saying I have a visitor. Now, is this the time for my bad news? What have I done wrong, or who wants me now and for what reason. Through the door steps a RAF Officer. A Squadron Leader to exact. He looks at me square on, just a couple of feet away. ‘You don’t remember me do you?’ ‘The last time we met I had more hair’.

The penny dropped. His name is Sean Leach. Now a man, who I last saw as a boy aged just nine, in Elmore Primary School. He was my bestest ever friend, with whom I spent many an hour playing on the farm which his dad had at the time. We literally spent the evenings, weekends, and holidays together, playing and helping out where we could on the farm. I was genuinely lost when his family moved to a new farm, away from the area.

Since then I often wondered what had happened to him. I knew he had joined the RAF and become a pilot. He had his heart set on flying long before he was old enough to join up. During my years in the Navy, I have looked for his name from time to time, via the intranet etc, but all with no joy. So to see him after nearly 38 years proves to me, Friday the 13th, need not be a bad news day after all. And the ironic part of this tale? Sean has been working three ‘doors’ up from me, operating out of The Merlin Hanger, without knowing just how close we were.

The only reason we met up was wholly due to bibic.

I had put up a few posters saying about the New Years Day Half Marathon challenge in the dining hall facility. Sean had read one, correctly thought there is only one Bernie Heaysman, and spent the following week trying to find me. So, I now have something to say thank you to bibic for. The meeting with Sean has truly made my tour out here something special to remember. We have a lot to catch up on.

Just where do I start? I guess by firstly saying thank you for even taking the time to read this page. My challenge started on the 23rd October 2011. I hope to complete it by 3rd February 2012.

Why bibic? That is the easy part for me. I am lucky enough to be happily married and have six perfectly healthy children. They are truly the inspiration for me, making me realise just how much I have in my life. I feel it is now my turn to do something for those who are not in a similar situation.

I am a Chief Aircraft Engineering Technician, in The Royal Navy, currently working with The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) at 9 Army Air Corp who are based in Dishforth, North Yorkshire. At present I am on tour and have just 105 days to complete my challange.

What is my challange?I am rowing (Navy aspect) and running (Army thing) the distance from Lands End to John O’Groats, ending up home, back at Dishforth. The reason for such a route? John O’Groats to Lands End, yes a common route, but then add in the fact that in truth, every Military Man, or Woman, always likes to go home at the end of a tour. Hence the finishing ‘line’ being back at Dishforth in North Yorkshire.

Distance? According to a certain route planning web site, it is 1304.2 miles or 2098.9 Kilometres. With 105 days to complete this challenge, I am having to both row and run a total of 20 Km (12.4 Miles) a day, every day!

I have made a start since arriving and making the best of the good weather, while it lasts. With rain and possible snow over the next couple of months it is not going to get any easier! Especially when you throw in Christmas Day as well!!

So, if you want to help me along the rocky road ahead, please donate whatever you want. I have not set a target of money to raise, as that is not want this is about. Just the more the better.

Oh, I have also decided to grow a beard, just for the duration of this tour you understand. It is a bit itchy already. I will however also take donations on how long it lasts, up to a total of 105 days.

Is the bus here yet? Thank you again for your support. Bernie.

You can sponsor Bernie by visiting www.justgiving.com/bernie-heaysman