Travels are over

You may have noticed that I haven’t been doing many collections recently. We’ve been on a bit of a road trip through France and into Spain. Though I haven’t posted about our trip, mainly for security reasons, I have done a bit of collecting. Most notably while I was on Omaha Beach in Normandy. This is where American troops landed on D Day in 1944. Totally different scene when we visited, the beach full of people having fun. Still you did not have to go far to find clues to events 71 years ago. The scale of it all leaves you feeling both overwhelmed and humbled. I have lived the whole of my life with people who took part in the events of that time and have very rarely heard anyone speak of it. More recently I have wondered how many of those men who survived went on to face illnesses like Prostate Cancer. I know at least 2 who did.

Later we headed down to the Pyrenees to one of our favourite spots near Argeles Gazost. For the first time Tom took his bike and while I was waiting to cheer him home I managed to gather some rubbish on top of the Hautacam. For those who don’t know, this is one of the classic stage finishes on the Tour de France. 1064 metres in less than 14km. He made it in style as well as topping the Col de Soulor and the Col Borderes during the trip.

Just to underline the point - there is life following a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer leading to hormone treatment and radiotherapy then later, cryotherapy.

Didn’t have a lot of opportunity to hand out leaflets in France though a couple found homes. However, as we were waiting to disembark from the Bilbao Portsmouth ferry I gave out 6. Heading home we stopped at a service station on the M40 where I met 2 guys from the Coventry Foodbank who each accepted a leaflet. Good work lads.

We had a great time, saw and visited some wonderful places but home is special and so normal business resumes.