Hi Folks,

As it's the 10th Birthday of NRAS this year I'm hoping to do a number of fundraising events to raise some well deserved funds.

I'm hoping to do 10, though I'm still arranging some of them, but I've got the first two organised one of which I've been doing since January

So without further a do.. I bring you..

1) Jo's Lose the Lard Challenge

As some of you will know I've been trying to shed the pounds since January, and I hope that in by me losing them, NRAS can gain a few!
Current loss so far



2) Great NRAS Rail Race 2

Some of you may remember my fund raiser from 2009 where I travelled around the UK in a 36 hour non stop train marathon. This year I've made it bigger and I'm hoping to visit the capital cities of Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. I've worked out my route, I'm just now trying to finalise a date for it. Full details can be found on https://nrasgreatrailrace.wordpress.com/

I'll add the other challenges here once they've been arranged!

My just giving page for this year can be found in my signature at the bottom of this post.

Thanks to everyone for all their support in the past events :)

Jo. x

Thanks Lyn, :) I've surprised myself at how well the weight is coming off so far. (hope it didn't hear that)

Funny you should mention Europe, I've been working on something the last few days

I'm also hoping to do some more abseils and maybe some indoor skydiving too (as I was too blobby for the NRAS skydive at the time of signups) :)

Also hatching some other plans.. All will be revealed soon!

Hope your fundraising goes well and hope to see you soon.

Jo. x

Go Jo

Well done you for signing up for another abseil BUT four in one day Have you really lost the plot?

I will keeping a watchful eye

Have you got the Rail Race date set yet? I will be en route to sponsor you shortly (just awaiting credit card bill with the Hilton on it ), then I can spend some more!!

Take care

Lyn x

Rail Race 2 date set for June 8th. :)

I've set the date for my second 48hr rail race, this time visiting all the capital cities of the British Isles

I'll be heading from my home in Birmingham down to Cardiff on the morning of the 8th, from there I'll be heading to Holyhead for the swift ferry to Dublin. lack of forward connections mean I'll stay overnight in Dublin, before setting off next morning for Belfast, then on the ferry from there to Stranraer then by train again on to Edinburgh. Depending how plans work I'm hoping I'll be on the sleeper service from Edinburgh at 23.40 and arrive at London Euston at 06.43 on the morning of the 10th

As last time I'll be blogging/Tweeting and using Facebook to keep everyone up to date on my journey, share pictures etc.

Twitter feed is @NRASRailRace and you'll find the full details of the trip on the blog at http://nrasgreatrailrace.wordpress.com/

JustGiving Page (for all my events this year) http://www.justgiving.com/Robo-Jo


A BIG thank you to everyone's words of encouragement. It's a shame I can't get some of you on for free too, as I know a lot of you would love to do such a trip. thanks also to the team at NRAS for all their hard work :)

Jo. x

Thanks Lyn,

Just a quick update for everyone. My friend Sara has done a logo for the blog page, which is now in place after getting permission from NRAS HQ.

Irish Ferries leg from Holyhead - Dublin on their Swift service confirmed for the priv rate of £9.25

Stena Line leg from Belfast - Stranraer also confirmed, travel is free but a £3 port tax :)


Just got to find nice but cheap accommodation in Dublin near Connolly station, as my cousins have just moved and I've lost their new number (searches on IE phone book have failed so far)

ooh I'm getting all excited.

Jo. x

Ohh and I'm currently trying to get some friends to join me in a cycle ride from Birmingham - Worcester (around 30 miles) using the towpath of the canal. it featured recently on the Julia Bradbury's canal walks I'll keep you posted, as i'm also on a local cycling forum, and going to be cheeky and ask them to join me/support NRAS.

Well done Jo - fantastic achievement! There's no stopping you!

Tracey and the team

Saturday got terrible lower back pain, which is only just easing off.

Saw my GP today who said I'd upset Arthur and the muscles in lower back.

Hot pads, pain killers and some max strength deep heat rub all helping to calm it down, ready for the next challenge :)

Also looking at suspension seat posts so it's not as hard on the rear end next time <giggle>

Thanks for all your kind sentiments

Jo. xx

Ab fab!

I'm still waiting confirmation of my place on the Trafford Centre abseil, due to take place on the 25th.

Might do another cycle ride too before the year is out and I'm hatching a plan with the help of some friends for a Euro Rail Race too.

Any news on the Abseil I'll let you all know :)

Thanks for all your support

Jo. xx

PS Jean I'll give you a call later

Yes, I think you are mad Jo but we are very glad that you are as you are raising great amounts for NRAS!

Tracey and the team