There is always someone worse off than yourself. This counts true in all aspects of life. Feeling sad for oneself pales in comparison to so many other people struggling with their own woes. I had a great conversation the other day with a good friend of mine wherein I divulged the AIH diagnosis. His response wasn't one of pity, which is never something I seek, but one of cold reality; "So"? He correctly pointed out to get to this stage in life, both in our mid 50's, some things are gonna give. One's luck is determined on a sliding scale of severity with regards to how much that illness or condition decides to interfere with your journey. "It's just life mate, get on with it" was the suggestion. It grounded me to realize that while my condition is surmountable there are many that, sadly, are not.

Some of you may remember a couple of years ago when I walked the length of Okinawa, South to North, to raise awareness and funds for a couple of veterans causes in both the UK and USA. That trek went well. Pounding the tarmac between Cape Arasaki and Cape Hedo I trekked along the Western Coastline of the island, a distance of 127km. Now as if my aching bones, cramped muscles and aching back were't painful enough I've decided to do the trek a second time, but this time following the more meandering North Eastern coastline that will extend the distance to some 168km.

For this second, and maybe last, time trekking the way from the industrialized southern confines of the island into the verdant and wild rolling hills of the Yambaru in the North I'm aiming to raise awareness and outreach fund for Testicular Cancer. Teaming up with the UK registered and based charity The OddBalls Foundation I'll be walking so that they may continue in their production of printed media which is then placed in area where men frequent, bathrooms, changing rooms and toilets etc throughout the country. The media aka 'Check Yourself Kits' are reminders for men to check frequently for the presence of abnormalities in size, shape and discomfort under slight pressure of their 'family jewels'.

If caught early enough and with treatment on average 95% of testicular cancer cases are surmountable. Creating that reminder to check one's plums is vital media that contributes to the fight against this disease with every case that may be detected due to the media placement.

Not to be one without a quirk I've also decided to attach two rather rotund and majestically symbolic pink balls to my backpack for the duration of the walk. They are indeed latex balloons with a max diameter of about 120cm / 4 1/4ft ! To this end if I you hear me asking folks if they want to write on my balls you'll now have the understanding as to why I make this strange request. Rather than highlighting a rather dubious fetish it is indeed a rather tongue in cheek suggestion for sponsors to have their names written on the balloons that will accompany me for the planned trek.

Training is currently underway, I'm planning to step out at midnight of February 11th. Wish me luck. And if you do wish to back this project and get your name on my balls simple click this link to be taken directly to my justgiving project page.

Many thanks,
Mark.

PS: If you want to see my 'Majestic Globes' you can click the small Icon at the top right of the page, the little circle with opposing arrows, click a second time to return to this post.

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others".

Audrey Hepburn