Very few things in life excite me more than grabbing my bag, suitcase, rucksack or back pack and heading off to find a new destination to make some memories. I firmly believe that not only does travel broaden the mind (as the adage goes) but it also provides great scope and opportunity in reviewing the life you have left behind, and allows one to think about new opportunities that may lie ahead. Quite simply travelling inspires me and so too did this video about a young man called Andy who walked through 10 countries in 44 days capturing each country with only one second of video footage.

The video aptly entitled MOVE is a complete breath of fresh air for documenting exploration - and makes me wish that instead of capturing over 3000+ photos which are currently sat on my hard drive at home, that I had instead had the foresight to do something similar a few years ago when I took myself around the world on my own personal voyage through SE Asia, Australia, New Zealand andFiji.

The concept initiated (and more than likely funded) by STA Travel and Emirates successfully captures the inspirational qualities and attributes of how taking a chance and seizing an opportunity by making this year your own to travel the world can (and will) ultimately change your life. MOVE certainly inspires. Andy, it is clear, is loving every second (literally) in every destination he reaches and I found myself smiling from ear to ear throughout as we witness Andy skip seamlessly through destinations such as New Zealand, France, Bangkok, Italy, Peru and Australia to name but a few. By the close of the video I couldn't help but think back to my own memories and subsequently, due in part to the infectiousness of the film, felt galvanised to get planning more experiences of my own. 

 This video is a must for all who share a passion for finding and exploring new ventures on new horizons.

JR

The Bpositive team are victorious! 

Yorkshire's three highest peaks have been conquered in less than 12 hours by myself and the Bpos crew in the organisation's first ever challenge. And you know what? It feels pretty good.

It all kicked off at 6.54am yesterday in Horton-In-Ribblesdale. Conditions were dry but chilly and visibility worsened as we made our ascent to Pen-Y-Ghent. The top was windy and cloud-covered. The climb itself was fairly easy-going and swift, so despite the poor weather we all felt pretty chipper at trig point number 1. The descent took us along a chunk of the Pennine Way before we went off-piste over Horton Moor. It was here that I walked enthusiastically into a peat bog almost up to my knees. Thankfully I avoided nose diving so didn't have to reapply my mascara! The comical moment broke up the drudge of crossing wet and muddy terrain which we all came out of with soggy boots!

We lost a bit of time crossing the soggy land so really pushed ahead to Ribblehead, picking up the more established path of the Pennine Way. A tea break and some of Katie's fudge flapjacks gave us all a boost. Over four hours in and the initial adrenalin had worn off. The sun decided to make an appearance at this point which was another boost and the scenery, including the impressive viaduct near Bleamoor Sidings, was becoming more and more stunning. Giggles were had when a jet passed overhead rocking side to side in a waving motion. It felt like a good luck salute!

The climb to Whernside was tough on all of us. By now the heat was intense and our muscles were becoming tighter but once we reached the ridge towards the second trig point the views felt like a worthy reward for our hard work. It was at this moment I realised how far we had come as Pen-Y-Ghent loomed across the valley. It also hit home how far we still had to go! Panic was not far away as the clock ticked. The trig point was fairly quiet so we took a few photos then took a snack break. More of Katie's baked goods and some chocolate were consumed before pushing on.

Our descent was steady, by this point both Jan and Katie were finding the uneven ground a little harder to traverse but both had the grin and bear it mentality so carried on! The team was extremely strong-willed when we passed a pub at the foot of the final mountain Ingleborough. Kevin and myself were tempted to pop in for ice cold refreshments but the sight of the tough climb ahead made us stay on the path!

The climb was steep, hot and by far the toughest of the day as we battled tiredness. The team pulled it together and when we reached the summit I felt so proud at how far we had come. True grit had been shown by all - but the day was not over.

When we reached the trig point I couldn't help but let out a 'woo hoo!' and we had it all to ourselves. After a few minutes of bathing in the glory of our achievement I hugged my mum and then started the descent. At this point the team split. Myself and my mum advancing and Kevin and Katie taking a steadier pace behind but after an old lady overtook Katie she decided she wouldn't be beaten and took it up a gear. 

The final stretch pushed everyone to their limits. Jan, by this point, was in terrible pain but held back the tears and I swelled with pride as she put one foot in front of the other to ensure that she reached the finish point in 12 hours. Katie showed absolute determination to overcome the discomfort of testing ground and Kevin as ever provided the support that everyone needed. We would not have been able to achieve any of this without him.

What was most important is that we crossed the finish line together. When my mum Jan and I heard Katie and Kevin running to catch us up we were elated. I sang 'We are the Champions' at the top of my voice. We made it!

Charlie

Click here to see Charlie talking to us about the triumph at completing the challenge. 


Want to take part in an event for Bpositive? Contact us with your event details and we'll take things from there.

Congratulations to all the Bpositive trekkers on completing the first ever Bpositive event.

Charlie and her team conquered their challenge of hiking up to three of the highest peaks in Yorkshire in twelve hours. The 'BpositiveTrekkers' Charlie, Katie, Jan and Kevin were aiming to raise awareness for Bpositive and were fully representing the charity's brand with their bpositive T-shirts. Throughout the challenge, the team withstood some very hot conditions during their trek and as you can see from a somewhat pink Charlie in the video (right) sunburn played a factor too.

Stay tuned for Charlie's impending blog and photos of the experiences of charlie and the team on the three peaks challenge. 

Not your average Sunday afternoon I can promise. 

A 'bungy jump' was always on my 'things to do before you die' list - but as I was making my way to the suspended platform in Queenstown, where I would voluntarily plunge the 134 metres with my only hope of survival resting in the elasticated rubber cord, this dream was very much a reality. 

After watching my peers jump before me, it wasn't long at all before it was my turn next. As the video (right) shows, all you receive prior to the jump is a short briefing from the instructors (along with some cheers from your group pals) before all that is left is me, my sanity and my courage. I had, naturally, written 'Bpositive' on my forearm and showed it to the camera seconds before my jump.

My Nevis bungy jump was without doubt the most exhilarating experience of my life, the 8 second free-fall was unbelievable and the sense of pride, once I realised I had survived the jump, would stay with me for the remainder of my trip and beyond. 

JR