I vividly recall leaving base camp in the Brecon Beacons. it was the Gold award 4 day expedition. We climbed fast and high in excitement, despite the heavy rucksack, I think 4 of us in total.

Unfortunately , I soon began to feel ill. After a fitful nights sleep I had mopped up a full ( greasy !?) breakfast which was now churning in my stomach. So yes it wasn’t long before I was badly sick. It absolutely drained me and I had no strength left to carry on.

I pleaded with the others to wait for me to rest and recover but I could hear the group leader using a Walkie Talkie trying to contact base with a view for them to collect me . Fortunately for me they could not make contact and this was well before mobiles being 1973 ! I soon fell into a deep sleep and apparently my snoring was louder than the mooing from the surrounding cows !

Within an hour I was up and at it again. Although weak and fragile to start I gained strength anxious to make up the lost hour. By the end of the day I was up front and as they say never looked back.

On reflection I considered I was both lucky and proud of my inner strength and determination not to give up. These are 2 life traits that have stayed me with ever since and I found I had both in abundance undertaking the DoE.