Introducing the Support Team - Steve (aka The Cameraman)

Continuing the series of introducing the Run Geordie Run Support Team, it's now time for Steve Harrison.   

Steve, a Geordie through and through, is one of my colleagues from the Northern Rock IT department and will be driving the "Team Bus" for 2 weeks in July. Steve is a very good motivator and a kind, supporting type of chap. An ideal candidate for the support team. He also makes a cracking bowl of porridge I'm told by his missus.

Steve's nickname is "The Cameraman". This is because he has an uncanny nack of getting that perfect picture. And by perfect picture I mean, a cheeky snap of people in unflattering poses. There is a classic one of me tucking into a bacon sandwich. It's simply not fit for publication on this blog. My sponsors would run a mile if they saw it! 

I'll leave you with a few words from Steve.

"I’ve known Mark for a few years but got to know him more since he joined the Men of Steel bike tour in 2009.  He was part of the Coast to Coast bike ride in 2010 where he managed to break his ankle with the finish line in sight, although typical of Mark’s positive thinking he managed to turn this round and gain valuable publicity. Through being away doing these rides I met a fiercely determined man the likes of which I’ve never known before, it also gave me the chance to get to know Mark better.

If it was anyone else but Mark attempting the run I very much doubt whether I’d be so keen to go, but knowing Mark as I do and his reasons for doing the run I firmly believe that he’ll complete the challenge and have a great experience.

I feel extremely honoured to be part of the team supporting Mark in his amazing effort to run across America in 100 days and raise £50,000 for The Children’s Foundation and St Benedict’s Hospice. I’m looking forward to it even more as Mark will celebrate his 40^th birthday while I’m there.

Overall though I’m looking forward to flying out to America, doing some shopping, taking in the sights and having 2 weeks in the sun.  I’m also available to do some driving if required!"

And the first version of that text that I received from Steve was this:

"I’ve known Mark since he managed to get invited on the Men of Steel bike tour in 2009. He was part of the Coast to Coast bike ride in 2010 where he managed to break his ankle with the finish line in sight, thereby ruining the whole event. After we’d managed to calm him down and stop the whimpering we got him off to hospital and the ‘real’ Men of Steel completed the ride.

We all felt the ride was a big let down, which was made worse by Mark seeking as much publicity as possible all for breaking a leg. He even managed to get himself on the front page of the Journal, laughing in his hospital bed while the rest of us were back at work, without a mention…but that’s Mark.

I feel extremely apprehensive about being part of the team supporting Mark in his crazy effort to run across America in 100 days, I only hope I’m not alone with him as I’ve witnessed previously how he enjoys his vaseline applications. Luckily, I’ve only ever been an observer.

It was one moment of weakness, the next thing I know I’ve joined up to go…a warning to everyone of the affects of alcohol. It’s also his 40th birthday while I’m there, but doubt there’ll but any celebrating as he’ll be complaining about being tired.

I can’t wait to go!"

Introducing the Support Team - Kirsty (aka Wee Kirsty)

Next up in the continuing series of introducing the Run Geordie Run Support Team is Sports Therapist Kirsty Reid.

Kirsy, from Erskine near Glasgow in Scotland has a degree in Sports Therapy. Coincidentally, my John O'Groats to Lands End Support Team back in 2007 also had someone from Erskine in it. The one and only Owen McMahon (aka Rab C Nesbitt). Unlike Rab, though, Kirsty follows the blue half of Glasgow.

Kirsty is the youngest member of the team at 22 and will join the tour on day 15 just 2 days after Las Vegas. I should be in quite a state by that point having run almost 450 miles during the previous 2 weeks. It'll be Kirstie's job to ensure that I'm all repaired and ready to face each day.

Kirsty is with the team for 4 weeks and will see me right through the Rocky Mountains. By the time she leaves, I should be in pretty good shape physically and hopefully won't need as much fixing and repairing afterwards.

It's great to have Kirsty as part of the team for such a great length of time. As I'm giving all of the team nicknames, she'll be known as 'Wee Kirsty' from now on.

I'll leave the final words to Wee Kirsty:

"Hi I'm Kirsty and I will be joining Mark two weeks in to his amazing challenge. My role in the support team is Sports Therapist and to make sure Mark can complete the run in one piece! I am really looking forward to the challenge and very proud to support Mark in one hell of a run! Not only will I get some valuable experience but I will be travelling between Las Vegas and Idaho Springs and get to see some great sights! Lets go team :)".

Introducing the Support Team - Richard (aka Neil)

This blog post is the first in a series in April, where I'll be introducing the Run Geordie Run USA 2011 Support Team. They are a motley bunch of individuals but very dependable and experienced nonetheless.

I'll be giving the team an opportunity to say a few words about being part of the team and you will be hearing more of their side of the story during the actual run itself. In fact, I'm planning on a Big Brother style Diary Room in the RV where the team will be able to give you the inside story of what is going on during the run across the USA.

Not only have the Support Team paid for their own flights, insurance and food costs they are also taking valuable annual leave from their day jobs. 

First up on the team is Richard Scholfield. Richard brings a wealth of experience to the team. For example, he has experience of self-sufficiency in Mongolia and is a keen rock climber. I'm also aware that he is used to fixing vehicles and crossing remote rivers without bridges. Hopefully, those skills will not be required during the run across the USA!

Richard will be on the team for the first 2 weeks during the stretch from Huntington Beach to a point 60 miles north east of Las Vegas. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as I run through the Mojave Desert too.

Readers should note that, just like I did in 2007 from John O'Groats to Lands End, each team member will have a nickname. Richard's nickname, due to his long flowing hippy like locks (sorry mate!) is Neil. That nickname was chosen in memory of the character from the 1980's show The Young Ones. For those not familiar with this classic show, that's Neil to the right. Richard is actually pictured below.

Next week I'll be introducing more members of the team on my blog so please check back for that. In the meantime, I'll leave you with a few final words from Richard, erm I mean Neil.

"Hi, I'm Richard, first up as part of the support team and driver of the RV. Always wanted to say that! I'm looking forwards to being part of such a huge event, supporting Mark in his latest and greatest efforts for St Benedict's Hospice and The Children's Foundation. And what an opportunity to see parts of world I'd probably never go to otherwise, travelling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas at 31 miles a day, I should get to know them pretty well. There's a lot of learning to be done for all of us, how an RV works, how to live in it with people we don't know very well, bring it on!".