Job done

Thanks to the support of many, many magnificent people, Jamie's 12-hour spinathon to help fund his trip to next year's 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea was a huge success.

Indeed, it could not have gone better.

The sun shone, the flow of people to help with the pedaling and cheer him on never stopped - and neither did the donations.

If one major pledge of support materialises, it seems that at least £1,000 will have been raised, a simply eye watering amount.  We'll let you know a precise figure when everything is in. With £3,800 required for the trip, there is still a lot of work to be done but we are well on the way.

As well as the pedaling, Charlotte's cake sale was a stormer with every one snaffled well before the end.

Leaving Charlotte with time to do a bit of pedaling too.

Earlier in the day, my old mate Paul "Merv" Gail came along on behalf of the Coleraine massive, with lots of donations making their way across the Irish Sea throughout the day.

The most heart-warming moment was when the wonderful members of 15th Airedale Scouts arrived to support Jamie - and stayed for three hours.

Almost all had a go, including James who, along with Kathrin and Harry, have led the pack in such an inspiring way - despite the challenges of Covid.

Without their help, Jamie would not be going to South Korea.  He will be forever in their debt.

Thanks so much to them and to everyone who has supported him in any way with the spinathon and in other ways.  

A special mention must go to Rob Rattray at Syno Education, who was lead sponsor of yesterday's goings on, Chris Kempton for providing the extra kit needed for Jamie's bike, plus Guiseley AFC,  Wharfedale Observer, Ilkley Gazette, BCB Radio, Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire Evening Post, Telegraph & Argus, Leeds Live and Bradford Zone who did so much to help us promote the event.  We are grateful to you all.

Thoughts have already turned to what comes next, with a couple of straws in the wind.  Full details will be revealed when everything is nailed down but fun will be the prime motivator in what we do.

In the meantime, Jamie's GoFundMe page remains open should you have some spare coppers to chuck in his virtual bucket.   

Thank you again, you're fab. 

In a spin

I wrote here late last year that Jamie had been chosen as a member of the UK Contingent travelling to the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea next summer.

He'll be one of over 40,000 scouts from more than 150 countries around the globe.

One of the conditions of attending the event, in the best traditions of the movement, is that each scout must raise the costs of making the trip themselves.

Charlotte held a little cake sale just before Christmas to get the ball rolling.

Then, in April, Jamie fronted a jamming session at Aireborough Rugby Club with musical friends.  That's him on the mandolin beside Andy Smith (left), the brains of the operation. 

Act Three of the fundraising thriller will be written on Saturday when Jamie begins a 12-hour spinathon on our driveway.  

Thanks to Chris Kempton, who kindly provided the necessary equipment, Jamie and assorted others (yes, including me) will keep the wheels turning from 8am to 8pm with passers-by gently encouraged to chuck some spare readies into his bucket.  

And, as the good folk of Yorkshire may have read in their local papers, his sister has stepped forward again with the offer to sell more cakes. 

The media coverage - including a long radio interview with Jamie - has really helped to stimulate donations.

The wonderful Rob Rattray, the main man at Syno Education, has also stepped forward as Jamie's first corporate sponsor.   It is greatly appreciated and where Rob has characteristically led, hopefully other businesses will follow by getting in touch with me directly (Tel 07787 514324 or email barry@vanbarassociates.com) 

Jamie also has a GoFundMe page which has attracted support from friends and strangers alike. Should you wish to join them, you can do so clicking on to THIS LINK.     

Saturday should be a fun day.  I'll keep you informed.