10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and we're off for a 10.5  mile walk around Banbury to raise money for Katherine House Hospice. There is over 600 walkers this year all prepared and raring to go. I'm walking in a group of 8, all family and friends who agreed to do this with me. My preparation for this didn't go as I planned. The idea was to walk every Sunday and a couple of nights in the week and go for a bike ride too all to build up my stamina and fitness. As with all good intentions and as they say the best laid plans .... this didn't happen. From reading the previous posts you'll get an idea why, that and coupled with other family events meant my 'training' schedule went out the window. I strangely wasn't worried about getting round. At the risk of sounding arrogant I always felt I would complete the course, mainly because I knew I had family and friends around me and knew we would be chatting and having a laugh along the way. This and knowing that I can walk distances when I've got the time at a steady pace meant I was confident this task would be completed. The one thing that worried me was the time of day we were walking. Why? well anyone who knows me will realise that come 10 O'clock I'm going up to bed. I don't need a clock or the tv to tell me is that time, my body just seems to know. So for me the real challenge for this task was staying awake till it was time to go.
 I'm concious I haven't mentioned the reason for this task. The challenge around the time of night was insignificant, it was a by product if you like for this one. The reason was to give something back and say thank you for the hard work and dedicated support given by the staff of Katherine House Hospice and other Hospices around the country. It is rare these days for anyone to say they haven't been touched by cancer, whether that's because they have a  family member, friend or themselves that has experienced first hand what this disease can do. Some survive but some don't, either way the devastating effects remain with you for ever. It can make you feel helpless, uncomfortable not knowing what to say and totally out of control. Of course cancer isn't the only disease to do this and I certainly do not mean to diminish the effects other illnesses and conditions have on anyone, on the contrary my heart genuinely goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one at any time however that may have happened. So my reason is simple to say THANK YOU, thank you to all, volunteers included, who help others when they are at their most vulnerable time. Thank you for choosing to enter this area of care, thank you for being you.

So how did the actual walk go? It went well. I had no trouble staying awake before leaving even though I only managed a one hour sleep in the afternoon. We arrived and registered, collected a bottle of water, banana and chocolate bar then waited for the rest of our group and other walkers to arrive. The atmosphere is great, radio Horton are playing music there's goofy and Donald and a few clowns to entertain us. Quarter past eleven and the keep fit instructor gets us all moving and warmed up. It's hard to follow her as we cant see her, we are positioned to the side and at the back but follow her instructions as best we can. I just want to get going now. The radio Horton DJ begins the count down to midnight, 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 and off we go. We take the obligatory photo before we get too far and begin our saunter through and around Banbury town. We realise there are markers counting the miles we've done, not sure at this stage if they will help or not I'll hold judgement on that one till later. We walk at a steady pace, chatting as we go, we're feeling good and at ease. The walkers begin to space out as we go with the lead marshal guiding the walkers round the course. We pass several other marshals helping with crossing the roads and directing walkers which way to go. We spot the two mile mark, three mile mark and four mile mark, still feeling good. We stop at the Musketeer pub car park which acts as a 'pit stop', time for a toilet break and top up of water for those who need it. Our group does! Heading down towards Tescos and by the round- a-bout there's a three piece jazz band to encourage us. We head along Southam road, into Cope road across into Boxhedge and around to Woodgreen sports centre. Here we have to re-register. One of our group is struggling, she has had a foot injury a while ago that still isn't completely right so she makes the sensible decision to end her campaign. I really feel for her and she is clearly upset, but we all know its the right decision. the organisers get her a taxi which takes her to the finish where she waits for us to get back. We get under way after another rest room stop and water and food replenishment. We seem to pick up the pace a bit. Next stop is at Marlborough road Church. This is the most poignant of all the stops and markers on the course. Here we have time to reflect, remember loved ones, light a candle and leave a message on the message wall. I don't want to dwell on this bit because it was such a personal part of the night for all and I'm not sure I could do it justice here. I also feel it would be an intrusion and that's not what I want to do. We move on there's about two miles left and at this point the markers are a welcome sight. We start on the long home straight of Bankside. Its a long hill up to the finish but surprisingly our group still feel fresh and step up the pace again. We get to the top round the corner and hear a round of applause from the marshals cheering us home. I can't believe we've done it and the feeling is one of exhilaration, not tiredness, a few aches and pains and sore feet but more exhilaration than anything else. It must be the adrenalin running round our bodies, I'm sure we will feel it in the more or rather later as its 4.50am.  Another obligatory photo after collecting the medals, de-registering and bacon roll with a cuppa. We meet up with the other lady and check how she is. She's sore but not too bad she tells us, we are all so proud of her and I'm so very proud of everyone. Without each one both in our group and those not, this event wouldn't be as good or as fun. We head back to the car and I drop everyone off and get indoors for 4.40am. I'm seriously not tired or so I thought so gather my book and glasses get into bed and read a couple of pages only to nod off and loose my place, time to turn in. 7am and I'm awake well sort off. I get out of bed but feel a bit groggy not surprising as I've only had about 2 hours sleep. It's back to bed for me and drifting in and out of sleep I hear some movement from everyone else. I get up and go downstairs. The adrenalin must have left my body, I feel a little light headed and sick, no sore feet or achy legs though! However I think I'm going to struggle today. A slice of toast and a bubbly bath and surprisingly I'm back to normal anyone fancy going for a walk!

came in secondWell, well, well who would have thought i was a betting person certainly not me that's for sure.Don't get me wrong if people want to bet then that's their choice but for me I've always looked upon it a s a mugs game. I've openly voiced my opinion that you should bet more than you an afford to loose on several occasions. I realise that may make me sound self righteous and opinionated but I really don't understand how people can squander their rent or mortgage money on betting or even put betting before feeding and clothing their children and if that's makes me sound like holier than thou then so be it and I make no apologies for it. With this in mind and my strong opinions on betting I decided to place a day at the races on my list. I hoped to understand the 'thing' that makes people do this I hoped to dip a toe in the excitement and thrill of watching my horse come home first and experience what it is that makes people study form and place bets based on information about a horse's past record. Today gave me that chance and thanks to Hayley who bought me an experience day for my birthday I went with my husband to Worcester racecourse. I might add at this point Andrew had never been to a racecourse before either so it was a bit like the blind leading the blind. We arrived and wandered through to the the styles. I showed the lady my booking confirmation to be directed to another gate, we showed our tickets and wandered through and gathered our race cards. I'm not sure what I expected, whether to be met by some-one or guided to where we needed to go but either way this didn't happen. I was beginning to feel completely out of my depth and looked to Andrew to tell me what to do, trouble is he was as in the dark as I was. We wandered across to find a building which we walked into. It was a kind of betting shop with a bar we looked around then walked out the other side to find ourselves beside the stands. There was a marque open to the public we went in and decided to have a cup of tea and a baguette, it was lunch time, and it gave us the opportunity to study others and see what they did in the hope of not looking total novices. We noticed everyone had betting slips (note the use of racing terms slipping in here) so Andrew got one and a pen. We looked at it read the instructions on the back and realised it was to pick the winners of several races at once, not what we were comfortable in doing so we scrapped that and wandered outside. We looked at the boards the sort the old style tic tac men used to stand by and then took a look at our racing cards. We decided to go for it pick  horse by what ever means and place a bet. My first horse was Crack at Dawn, I've no idea why, but that's the one I chose. I went up to the betting place and asked for £2.00 on number 6 to win, I handed over my money and was given my slip. That's it I'd placed my first ever bet. I wondered if the guy was laughing at me and could tell I was a complete novice. We stood by the fence and waited for the horses to race past, I had an over whelming urge to shout 'come on move your blooming arse' just like Elisa Doolittle but resisted the temptation.The horse came in 5th out of 8, I leave you to make your own judgements! With the experience we got to meet with some one who gave us some back ground into the world of horse racing. we had to meet at the winners podium and was taken into the parade ring where usually only the owners go as their horses are walked around and then the jockeys came out. I've always known that jockeys are tiny but was quite taken aback as to how small they are when stood beside their mount (spot the racing term?) It was really interesting and I'm glad I had the chance to do this bit as well as the betting. We placed five more bets out of those 3 of mine  and one of Andrews came in second each time I picked the horse with a name I liked rather than because of their form but in the final race I changed tactics. I turned to Andrew and said I was going to go scientific with my choice. I asked him to open the book, I closed my eyes and pointed. I chose Pour Changer, Andrew had No Compromise. I couldn't believe it I won, not sure how but I did and we ended up £2.00 richer than when we arrived. We decided to walk away at that point not believing our luck. It was a great day out a truly new experience. I can see a little of the attraction now and I could see us having a family day out at the races. I actually really fancy Ladies day at Ascot, dressing up and having a day out with friends and family. The atmosphere is great the horses are some thing to be admired and the experience was amazing.

I suppose choosing to celebrating my 50th birthday in the way I have was likely to attract attention, after all I am on a calendar, with several others, that will be sold for children in need and I have been trying to get sponsorship for The midnight walk. But I never dreamed that the local paper would take up the story. I never thought that what I am doing would interest anyone. I realise that may seem an odd thing to say especially as I'm writing this Blog and Blogs are meant to be read by people all over the world. But I naively thought that the interest would be on the fundraising efforts not my whole year and certainly not me. I must admit its a little unnerving seeing your face in the local paper, I keep wondering who has seen it and if anyone will say something. My family joke that it will cost them to talk to me now but let me reassure you it won't cost you anymore than it does now! I am happy that the calendar got mentioned and that the Midnight walk did too, they are two very big events that really need and deserve the publicity, I just hope that it does some good and lots of money is raised from it. The Guardian also kindly put in a plea at my request for a printing firm to take up the chance to donate printing the calendars. This is really important because if we can keep the selling cost down it means the more we can sell. In a previous posting I'm pretty sure I mention that I'm usually the one behind the camera and gave my reasons why. You would think that after having my photo taken so much this year, doing a semi clad photo shoot and now my picture in the paper that my dislike for having my photo taken would have waned. Oh how wrong you would be, I'm still not that comfortable with it and I would still prefer to take the photo but all credit must go to the professional photographers this last week for making me look reasonably presentable and especially Lesley Rigg for getting my best side!

Well we done it, 11 very brave ladies and one just as brave man got together for our calendar photo shoot. First of all before I let you know what happened I must say some very heartfelt thanks. To Lucy Weston, Annette Thomas, Michelle beard, Karen Irvana and her beautiful daughter for hair and make-up, Lesley Rigg for photography, Whately Hall hotel for the venue, Castle flowers, David's flowers and Marks and Spencer for flowers. I also want to thank all those taking part Dominic , Amie, Lucy, Ali, Anna, Rachel, Agnes, Marie, Juliet, Annette again, Hayley and especially Tracey who has taken part from the other side of the world. So how did the day go? Well there were nerves, delaying tactics and alcohol to help us all relax. It was pretty organised too even if I do say so myself but to be honest that was down to everyone pitching in and having an idea of what they wanted their photo to be like. Annette kicked us all off as she was doing most of the hairs. She was brilliant and amazing as everyone was but to go first took some guts and I applaud her for that. The photographer Lesley was just the best at getting people to relax and not feel too self concious, a very necessary skill as we were all semi clad or totally naked. There was some waiting around but I don't think anyone minded too much and just about everyone was happy with how their photo session went. We can't wait to see the end results. I will never forget today nor will I ever be able to thank everyone enough for making this event happen. We had so much fun and I really hope we can sell plenty of calendars to make it all worth everyone's time. The photos are just a few from the day but just candid shots not the ones that will make the final cut, if you want to see those you need to buy the calendar details on how to do this will follow later.

Good morning. I know it again has been a while since my last post but I've been so busy organising, arranging and holidaying that I've not been able to keep you updated. Still I'm here now and there is quite a bit to tell. First of as the title suggests I have a confession to make. Last week I enjoyed a wonderful relaxing holiday in Croatia with my husband. It was a beautiful place, unspoilt and not overly commercialised. Going at the beginning of the season meant it was quite peaceful too. I have come back rested and ready to tackle some more of my 50 for 50 task list. So what's the confession I here you cry. Well being so relaxed I forgot to take my daily photograph so there will be a weeks worth of photos short on the time line I create at the end of my 50th year. OOOOh confession really is good for the soul! I may have forgotten the photos but I did actually get two thirds of the way through another one on my list. I read two of the three books in the fifty shades of grey trilogy. This one was an idea from a friend and colleague. She decided that the fifty link made it a must for me to include it on my list so on it went. I must admit hearing so much publicity, chat and hype about the books didn't fill me with an overwhelming urge to read them. I like a story, a novel usually based on real events. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a story line in this book and one that leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Oh don't get me wrong there is lots of graphically described sex scenes but they slowly revealed revelations about the characters made it an enjoyable read. I am now looking forward to reading the last one which I hope to complete soon.

So I've already mentioned that I've been busy organising behind the scenes but what have I been organising? Well On Sunday 16th June we have the calendar shoot for children in need. We have had a couple of meetings and sorted out things like styles of photos, props, venue, photographer, hair and make-up artists etc. It's been mad trying to get this together and I certainly couldn't have done this without he help advice and input from all those involved. Dominic, Amie and Anna, have managed to help get us pubilicity for the event even to the point that BBC Northampton radio would like to do a live interview with me after the event, scary is not the word but fantastic that we are getting interest. What we really need is a printing company willing to donate their time to print them for us. The calendar for those no aware is for charity, we are trying to raise funds for children-in-need so any help donated would be gratefully considered. 

Now is the time for a plea, for me t get on bended knees and beg, again all in the name of raising funds for charity. On Saturday 29th June at midnight I am walking 10 miles for our local hospice. Its an annual event and I've never done this before. This will be a challenge for me because anyone who really knows me realises that as the clock strikes ten I go to bed. Staying up then walking will be no mean feat. However I don't have that much sponsorship yet and would ask anyone reading this to put their hands in their pockets and donate even just a few pounds for this worth while cause. You can do this simply by going to the following web address www.justgiving.com/janet-james4. I thank all who sponsor me in advance, I know the Hospice will be very grateful.