Completed Challenge 16# - Charity Fashion Show

What a fun night! We struggled a bit to get the numbers we needed, so had to reduce the ticket price but we still raised a massive £218 which I was really chuffed with! A lot of that was from raffle ticket sales so thank you so much to those who bought one or many strips. I was so lucky with the prizes people donated which made it a really enticing raffle.

The way the fashion show worked was they sold a range of high street brands at incredibly reduced prices. I myself bought a fleece coat for £7, a shirt for £7.99, a jumper for the same and a lovely Topshop blazer for £9.99. Friends, family and fashion goers snared a range of similiar bargains and we all had a great night.

A massive thanks to Maureen who organized so much of the night. She was an absolute rock for me that evening and I wouldn't have got anywhere near it without her! Thanks also to everyone else who sold tickets, donated prizes and helped on the night.

Pictures below of me strutting my stuff and some of the bargains!

Remember if you want to support this or any other challenge you can donate at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 20# - Make Me Smile

This is probably one of my most important challenges. A friend is going through a tough time and I am trying very hard to keep her smiling. I started to send her motivational quotes and she challenged me to find a new one every day for 30 days that will make her smile.

It's lovely to have another reason for a challenge and to feel it might instantly make a difference. I will post a montage of the best ones here when we're done. I hope it makes someone else smile too :)

If you know of any great quotes please send them my way!

Number 1:

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 19# - Watch the mirrors!

"Rachel I challenge you to get a car in your garage". Easy, I've only got a mazda 2, I'll clear everything into the garden and drive it in. "Therefore it would have to be cleared out to the point where it can permanently fit". Ah...

So on the surface easy peasy, take me maybe 2 hours. But the garage is rammed full of boxes, theres a dryer in there, there's even my desk and all my school stuff. Plus this will involve admitting to my husband that I stuffed the chest freezer we don't use full of school files to hide how much I brought home from my old job.

This came about from us mentioning in passing we had never seen a garage with a car in it, that everyone just uses them for storage. Note to self when you are engaged in charity challenges never mention anything in passing. So this becomes less a challenge of getting my small car in (though I'm starting to think that might be tough with an empty garage) and more a challenge of tidying.

I am the world's messiest person. I remember where things are based on where I last put them. Plus I hoard. More than I realize.

So this is the garage in its current state. I have technically until May to change that!

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 18# - Sewing!

I'm sure there are wonderfully domesticated nearly 30 wives out there. Who cook, clean, bake and sew. If you know me or have previously read this blog you'll know I'm not one of them!

So when my friend from sign language Charlotte challenged me to sew her a skirt for the festive season I was apprehensive. For her. She's the one who has to wear it! I did textiles at school (a good 15 years ago) but I'm ashamed to say I pratted about with my friends quite a bit and it wasn't a great success. I haven't sewn since, I don't even own a needle and thread.

There is the added problem that as you can see from the photo below Charlotte is super stylish! So wish me (and Charlotte) luck on this one. Maybe I'll find a hidden talent, hopefully it will at least stay up.

Remember to support this or any other challenge donate at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 17# - Picture Round

For this challenge I have to remember to stay quite secretive. Every year since I can remember there has been a quiz on Boxing Day in the village where I grew up. It is run by a good friend Allan Stone and despite trying to blag answers from Allan every year we have never been successful. We have tried everything from taking a cordless phone to the pub (pre mobile times) to having mixed age teams in the hope we would win but to no avail.

The hardest round for me has always been the picture round. They are often current celebrities but pictures of them years ago and Allan always photocopies the images over and over until they are almost unrecognizable. This year he has challenged me to help out with the quiz and to set the picture round. It's very exciting for me to be behind the scenes of the quiz and nice to not be trying to win this year!

So I've got my thinking cap on now and I'm trying to create something challenging but possible. If you frequent the quiz there will be no help from me either - I'm sticking to Allan's rules!

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 16# - Charity Fashion Show!

Now on paper this one is a lot of fun. An ex colleague (the lovely Maureen Cooper) offered to run a fashion show for my charity and challenged me to help. I was very happy as it seemed such an easy and fun one to do. However I've since moved jobs so it's much further away and more of a challenge to get people involved in. Therefore it's one of the ones I'm more nervous about as I so want it to be a success!

We need at least 80 people for it to go ahead, so if you are willing and able to come please do! It's £5 entrance including refreshment and all the money goes to the charity. The company that come sell massively discounted highstreet clothes (great timing in the run up to Christmas).

It's on the 7th November at 7pm at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School (in between Chesterfield and Sheffield).

To support this challenge please contact me about tickets! rachbuckley30@gmail.com

Completed Challenge 15# - Aye Aye Captain!

This one was brilliant fun. We were originally supposed to go on the 12th October but the weather was absolutely atrocious. I woke the morning of the 26th and it didn't look much better. However as we got there the sun started to poke it's head out and although there was the odd shower there was a good wind and it was beautiful.

About 16 years ago I had been sailing on the big boat so I tried desperately to remember the terms. When we began I was still pondering which was starboard or port so I decided just to start afresh. Thankfully Rod was a fantastic teacher and very patient with me. Suddenly it was "ready about", "leo", "boom", "jib" and port and starboard were the least of my worries. It was very physical and Rod sometimes had to yank my rope after me as I just wasn't strong enough. The biggest thing to get used was having to hang outside the boat to keep it level. It just didn't feel natural and I was first convinced that I would just topple out.

Rod assured me we wouldn't capsize but then told my sister that was providing the ropes didn't snap which they sometimes did! I was all for just having ago and not worrying too much about race placement. But sailing is a competitive sport and so I soon learned you absolutely aim to win. Ours were pursuit races where everyone has a set start time based on the handicap on the boat. We were one of the last to start so it was exhilarating playing catchup constantly.

My family came to watch and after a nail biting 68 minutes we came second! It was so unexpected to me I was thrilled. The wind had changed for the 2nd race and despite our best efforts we couldn't improve on it and came third. However for a rookie I think bronze and silver is pretty impressive. I want to thank Rod and everyone at Ogston Sailing Club for making me feel so welcome. It was very different from the big boat (distinct lack of gin and tonics and a hell of a lot more bruises) but what an amazing experience.

There's also a short video here of us pipping to second! Remember if you want to support this or any other challenge please donate at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Complete Challenge #14 - Quiz Time

This completion is bittersweet for me. I was very pleased to get 16 correct out of 20 on my quiz but it does mean one of my best friends has now jetted off on her travels! The quiz was tough as it was a mixture of questions on the airbus A380 (for which I had done a lot of revision) and random ones about her trip. She largely dropped these into conversations with other people throughout the evening; so I had to be constantly alert.

Thanks for the challenge Ali, I promise not to call you a geek again at least until you are back. Have a wonderful trip!

Remember you can support this or any other challenge through www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 15# - Aye Aye Captain!

Well this is another scary one! A long standing family friend Rod has challenged me to learn to crew and then race a sailboat on a local reservoir. I was lucky enough to go on their yacht once as a teenager. However this involved sunbathing, watching the dolphins swim by, and the occasional attempt to look useful! Rod suggested we go during October as from November the 'wet suit rule comes in'. I would be quite happy to wear a wet suit but Rod assures me I probably won't fall in. I'm wondering whether I could get away with wearing one under my clothes and he wouldn't notice I'm a wuss!

So weather dependent we'll be going on the 12th or the 26th and I'm lucky enough to trust my captain!

Challenge 14# - Quiz Time

It is true; karma really does exist. After years of taking the mick out of one my best friends for her geeky interest in planes she has turned the tables on me. The challenge is for me to learn all about the Airbus 380 and she will give me a £1 for every question I get right in a quiz she has devised. To add something to the mix she will also throw in some questions about the 7 month trip she is about to embark on.


 Just in case any of that seems too easy I will have to glean the information about her trip whilst out for dinner with a big group of our friends. Noisy restaurants when hearing impaired are not the easiest places so I will have to try and get the best seat and not
drink anything that might impair my memory!

 Thanks Ali!




Remember you can donate to support this or any other challenge at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Completed Challenge 4# - Swimming!

So originally this challenge was to swim 3 miles which I was unable to do in one go. I adapted it to swimming 30km over the summer holidays and it has proved one of the most grueling! Due to various commitments I decided to complete the swim in 3 weeks. This involved swimming 60 lengths of a 25m pool every day for 20 days.

Mentally as much as physically this was challenging. There are only certain times in the holidays that it isn't 'family splash zone' where the pool is filled with inflatables. This meant I found myself up and about much earlier than I care to when I'm off work. It also takes a chunk out of the day when I'm busy with other challenges. So motivation was a struggle! Thankfully a great friend came with me when she could and I chatted with old friends, acquaintances and even the odd stranger to keep me going in the pool. Thank you to any one who motivated me in any way.

Physically it was also difficult. I had to build up my fitness and endurance level but also watch my back as I have a weak spine. I have been pulled apart by the chiropractor today and she pinched a few vertabrae back into place but otherwise I feel fit and healthy so I have hopefully done myself some good along the way!

As always you can support this or any other challenge - or even nominate your on - by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Completed Challenge 3# - Experiencing being deaf-blind.

Originally I didn't know how to achieve this one and get the most out of it. I decided to complete an assault course blind-folded and with ear plugs in. We made it a family affair as my sister took part with me and my mum supported us both. Please note this was done at Lea Green Development Center under their professional guidance. Many thanks to them for allowing us to do this.

This was a really important challenge to me. I was totally humbled by it especially as I was conscious that at any time I could remove my blindfold. It was also a massive challenge for my mum who had to figure out how to maneuver her 2 adult children. I experienced a full range of emotions from feeling exhilarated when I could climb over things myself, to scared when I had to place my trust fully in someone else and in some places frustrated and lonely when I had to wait for my mum to help me and she was busy with my sister. I could see how easy it would be to just give up and go home and this was just an hour of my life.  The loveliest moment was when the sun came out towards the end and the small amount I could sense through the eye mask seemed like diamonds. It was a beautiful moment I wouldn't have noticed if I had full use of all my senses.

The experience really touched all 3 of us so I've asked my mum Anthea and sister Tessa to write about their experience as well.

 Tessa:

This challenge was much more emotionally difficult than I had anticipated! There was frustration at having to wait to be guided by someone when I just wanted to be independent, the crisis in confidence when I couldn't get my footing and general temptation to give up at almost every stage. But there was also the overwhelming sense of security and gratitude of being guided by someone you really trust. I can't even imagine this being my constant reality.

It sounds obvious but my other senses were really heightened. The warmth and texture of the wood and tyres felt amazing and the warmth of the sun on my face (when it finally came out!) was immense. On the flip side I felt every bump, bruise, scrape and graze which was less nice!

Anthea:

 

I guided them to each obstacle in turn and then started them on their way, sometimes by handing them a rope and sometimes by placing their first foot on a pole or whatever. The scariest moment of this challenge was when they both clambered across tyres that were 1.5 metres off the ground.  I was well aware how high they were but the tyres guided them in a straight line.  Getting them down was tricky!  All then went well until I misplaced Tessa's foot and she lost confidence in both me and where she was going. 
50 mins of utter trust and teamwork.  I found it exhilarating but maybe that was because I was mum again.

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

 

Completed Challenge 13# - Dinner for 10

Well everyone is still alive! I stuck with a simple stew recipe for the main and used our new slow cooker as well as the oven. This meant I could get most things sorted early on and not get stressed when everyone was arriving. I had a helping hand from my sister but I'm used to being the sous chef and wasn't very good at giving instructions!

We had a meze platter to start with cocktail bellinis, palma ham, humous and grilled halloumi. This was very popular and a good chance to get people drinks and chat with my guests. Despite a brief red wine spillage incident the evening went off very well. Thank you to my all my 'guinea pigs', I can't promise my husband that I'll be cooking from now on!

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 13# - Dinner for 10!

For the kitchen lovers out there this won't seem like much of a challenge. But to give you a flavour of the comments I got from friends and family "but you can't cook", "ha, good luck with that!", "has your husband run off and you didn't tell us". So I'm by no means a good cook, I'm not at home in the kitchen and the words domestic and Rachel do not go together!

To add the challenge - the people attending my soiree are all good cooks and have made me many an excellent meal before!

Completed Challenge 9# - Sensory Walk (very much not seniors!)

When this was first challenged I was told it was a sensory walk for seniors. We actually had a real mix of people so if any of you are reading this I'm not referring to you as seniors!

After an unfortunate start (rain delayed play from the Monday), and losing some of our participants due to the change in date, we had a fantastic day. I had tried to do my research and preparation in advance even attending a Derbyshire Wildlife tour of the meadow a few months earlier which was incredibly useful. I learnt all about the dew pond with it's Great Crested Newts, the grazing they do there, the bat cage and the coronation meadow. I tried to learn about the different plants but they change so much over a few months many of them weren't there and a whole load of new ones were!

Thankfully I was actually surrounded by experts. I learned so much about different flowers, trees and grasses from the others on the walk that as usual the challenge was a great experience for me.

We came back to my house for elevenses, a tour of the garden and the all important taste sense. This was also a chance for me to talk a little about Sense and what has inspired me to complete the challenges. I made far too much food but then I had been in the pool for half 7 to get my 60 lengths in for another challenge and I for one was ravenous!

We then carried on with a lovely walk up the quarry experiencing the eclectic mix of sounds from bird song to trucks and diggers. There is another beautiful meadow at the top near the mine and we spent some time smelling and touching the unsual range of plants that grow in such a lead filled environment.

We passed the Steeple Grange Light Railway, stopped for a spot of lunch and carried on over the rocks and the moors with frequent 'vista stops' as the views over Cromford are breathtaking.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and for the fabulous donations from those who came and those who couldn't make it.

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Update Challenge 4# - Swimming!

Much to my disappointment I can't swim 3 miles in one go. I've spoken to my chiropractor who laughed in my face and I've attempted it unsuccessfully! So I've changed the challenge to swimming 30,000 metres by the end of the summer holiday. This is still a major challenge as it's the equivalent of 30km or 1200 lengths of my local pool.

So in some ways it has turned into a much more dedicated challenge as I was up with the larks Sunday morning after a dinner party Saturday night to try and get as many metres in as I can.

I'm mapping my progress with the speedo swimfit app so will keep you updated once I have finished!!

Remember you can donate to support this or any other challenge at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Completed Challenge 10# - Epic Walk

When I first got this challenge I envisaged pouring rain, muddy boots and being battered by the winds on the moors. In this little Jane Eyre fantasy it never once crossed my mind that we would walk 22 miles on one of the hottest days of the past 7 years.

There was no possibility we would postpone, we had struggled to find a weekend and after all this was supposed to be a challenge. When Scarlett picked me up at 7.10am and it was already comfortable tshirt weather I knew it would be.

But thankfully both Scarlett (who set the challenge) and I are good in the heat and Jen who provided extra company, though not great in the heat, is an exercise machine. She joined us for some of the walk and ran back totaling a massive 26 miles!

With good friends and some putting the world to rights chats it was brilliant fun. The last 2 miles, when Scarlett's blisters had popped and it was by then 28 degrees and 7 hours after we started, were hardcore. But people stopped us to chat and asked about Sense so it felt wonderful to raise awareness as well as cash.

Thanks everyone for their support either financial or physical. If I ever say I'm too hot to walk along the beach for a lolly give me a kick!

Remember you can donate to support this or any other challenge at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Completed Challenge 6# - Life Drawing

Sitting outside the venue this morning watching seasoned artists dragging in their easels I was seriously tempted to do a runner. But my lovely friend Jen arrived who always puts people at ease and I figured if nothing else it would be a laugh. Jen has wanted to do life drawing for ages so challenging me was the push she needed. As the instrutor referred to her drawing as "luminous" at the end I think she has a real chance for keeping going.

As for me...you can judge for yourselves! I have stated from the beginning I'm not skilled at drawing and somewhat of a prude so this was going to be a tough one. However you do ease into it and the instructor really helped me by getting me to draw the different shapes and telling me not to think at all of it as a body. I only blushed at maybe 2 things he said which for me is a real achievement.

I would like to thank Jen for putting me out of my comfort zone. This is something I never would have done if it wasn't for the challenges and I hope will inspire others to try new things!

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

The moment of truth:

Money so far!

As it is half term I am in the throws of working towards various challenges keeping me busy and out of trouble. I am massively spurred on by recent donations and we have currently raised a massive £1199.50. This is 39% of the way towards my target and was a real boost as I hit 29 and have exactly a year to go. Someone amazingly donated £500 which totally blew me away.

To give you an indication of the difference this could make we could use:



£500 – to pay for a child to undergo a specialised educational development assessment to establish what their learning abilities are.




£250 – to kit out a home with sensory 'trails' enabling the deafblind residents to identify specific rooms, stairs etc, enabling them to live in a safe, secure environment.




£100 – to help pay for 2 deafblind children's vital first assessment.




£150 – to buy 6 interactive light tubes to help stimulate 6 deafblind children's remaining sight.




£90 – to pay for 6 tactile books for use at a Sense family centre to develop a child's sense of sight and touch.




£90 – to pay for 12 deafblind children to experience sailing and feel the wind on their face on their Sense holiday.




£65 – to buy 13 sets of musical bells to help stimulate even the tiniest amount of a deafblind child's hearing in music therapy.

Thank you to everyone who is supporting me in anyway - please keep it coming!  http://www.justgiving.com/30before30sense