GAFSIPlog

En route to Bansang

Claire — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:48:10 +0000

On Sunday 28th Jerry and David and their Gambian support crew left Soma just after 7.00am. After a very short break in the heat of the day they arrived in Bansang at 15.30hrs. This was a long, arduous day but Jerry was determined to reach Bansang ready for the final day of his challenge. They slept in the van at the army barracks in Bansang. Jerry has made incredible time as it was planned he would have taken an extra 2 days to have reached Bansang than he actually has. For further information see www.avonfire.gov.uk

Moving on to Soma

Claire — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:43:18 +0000

On Saturday 27th, Jerry and David again left just after 7.00am. The roads from Kanilai to Soma are treacherous, with numerous pot holes as a result of the rains. At 13.00hrs they stopped for a 3 hour break for food and a rest. They finally arrived in Soma at 17.30 where they again slept in the van at the fire station. They were welcomed by the local villagers. As a point of note, throughout this part of the challenge, Jerry has been accompanied by 5 Gambian firefighters who have cycled and run the whole length with him. He is also being supported by an ambulance and a qualified nurse throughout his journey. For further information see www.avonfire.gov.uk

The cycling/running leg commences

Claire — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:36:38 +0000

Jerry and David started just after 7.00am on Friday 26th. They left Brikama fire station and after a 2 hour break during the heat of the day (an incredible 45 degrees) at Kafuta they carried on until they reached Kanilai at 18.00hrs. Jerry was extremely hot and tired but was determined to push on early the following morning. They slept in the van at the fire station and were shown warm hospitality by the station manager there, Adama Sanyang. For further information see www.avonfire.gov.uk

Kanilai visit

Claire — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:31:07 +0000

On Wednesday 24th January, David and Jerry visited The President’s home village of Kanilai - some 50 miles up country on the south bank. Here they met with Oumie Sowe, the widow of the fire-fighter who lost his life last year whilst saving the village from a devastating fire. Jerry presented Oumie with a statue on behalf of Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Another moving and humbling day. For further information, see www.avonfire.gov.uk

Visit to Kanifing

Claire — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 12:26:50 +0000

On Tuesday 23rd, David and Jerry visited the bereaved families in Kanifing, a suburb of Serrekunda. Last November, a fire claimed the lives of 8 young men who were trying to extinguish the village fire. David and Jerry also visited 4 young men who are still in the Royal Victoria Hospital with severe burns. David stated that it was an extremely emotional day due to the courage of these men and their families who are surviving with little medical relief and no pain relief. A very humbling experience for us.

Challenge 2nd leg

Claire — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:25:55 +0000

Sean and Simon arrived home safely on Tuesday 16th. Jerry arrived in The Gambia on Friday 19th. Yesterday he completed the first stage of his challenge - possibly the most physically gruelling and extremely hazardous part of his challenge. He left Banjul harbour at 10.10am and canoed the 8 nautical miles across the mouth of the River Gambia to Barra on the North bank. The journey took him 2 and 1/2 hours - what an amazing feat. He was extremely tired but exilarated that he had succeeded this task. He was escorted by the sea rescue boat and crew from Barra Station.

He has visited a number of Fire Stations there already and has found the standards to be good. He will be visiting the remaining stations while he carries out his challenge.

Today, he is being officially welcomed by The Minister of State for The Interior, The Permanent Secretary and The Inspector General of Police.

Safe Arrival

Claire — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:15:10 +0000

Sean and Simon arrived safely in The Gambia on Friday 12th January after their momentous journey. They were tired and in need of a good wash and rest but were thrilled that they and the land rover made it to The Gambia in one piece. David was there to meet them off the ferry as they crossed from the North Bank before they went to their hotel.

Good News

Claire — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 09:14:13 +0000

Back on the road. Landy fixed in Nouakchott yesterday. Set off early today en route to St Louis in Senegal tonight. Sean and Simon wish to thank The Gambian Ambassador in Mauritania, Colonal Momodou Badgie for all his assistance in getting them back on the road.

Latest

David — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 18:22:38 +0000

8th January. Back in contact after 3 days in Western Sahara. Bad news! Clutch gone on Landy. Good news! Gambian Ambassador in Mauritania assisiting in getting us back on the road. 9th January - repairs hopefully taking place. Both lads in good spirits although tired. Only 1 week to go all being well. We are wishing them well and fingers crossed!

The Desert Cowboys

Malcolm — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 17:37:18 +0000

The Desert Cowboys are away, en route to Banjul by 4×4 Land Rover. Here’s the first update from David:

05-Jan-07 19:04

In Tarifa set rail for Africa today. All going well and car holding up. Now the real fun starts.

Stopped in Casablanca for lunch then on to marakesh for the evening.

First real night in the landy last night. Like a 5 star hotel. Drove over the Atlas mountains yesterday. Pushed on till late last night to a hotel on the beach. 9 euro inc breakfast. Woke up to the sound of the sea. Spent the morning running on the beach and playing cricket - hard life these rallys! Long drive to Laayoune now.