Write description img 1-->
Time for reflection
26 January 08 - 20:12
Having had a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep and calorie intake, it has become a little easier to reflect upon events over the past 58 days. The challenges that we have faced during our journey to the South Pole have really pushed our determination and resourcefulness to their limits. The single most motivating factor en route, for me at least, has been that hopefully our efforts will make a meaningful difference to many people with visual problems. I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who have made a generous contribution to the fundraising effort. I look forward to announcing the grand total following the Charity Ball/Auction event later this year (a Friday in April most likely). To receive updates regarding individual and/or corporate ticket availability to the event please feel free to contact me. On that note, I would be grateful to hear from any individual and/or company who is able/willing to make a philanthropic contribution to the items up for auction. The team would again like to thank all who have sent messages of support and congratulation. We have been happily inundated with messages from people all around the world over the past 36hrs. We will reply to all of you as soon as we can. There are many individuals that I would like to thank for the time, energy, faith and inspiration that they have invested in the OE Challenge. These people include; Jessica Stickland, Fiona Ashley, Chris Dyson, Sarah Zerbib, David Wright, Nita Dally, Rob Cooper, Brian Iddon, Matty McNair, Sarah McNair-Landry, Jill Holt, Spencer Gardner, Mark Aston, Brian Tinsley, Justin Harling, Dan Jones, and Andrew Coogan to name just a few. Huge thanks go to Clare Byatt, Lindsay White, Mary-Frances Kearney and David Moulsdale at Optical Express for their support in the realization of the project. Finally I would like to thank my parents, Kelly and Jade who have played a bigger role in the success of the project than I will ever be able to put into words. John would like to sincerely thank his family and all those who have supported him throughout the past year. It is -50C outside and we are wrapped up in our little tent at the very bottom of the world. The twin otter plane that will take us back to Patriot Hills should arrive in the next 24-36hrs depending upon the weather. From there we take the cargo plane back to Chile, and then we will begin the long journey back to our respective homes where, with any luck, there will be one or two people willing to help us celebrate.