Can you even believe the day has finally arrived? I sat on the bed last night surrounded by everything I could possibly need for my adventure, and bawled my eyes out as I read all the lovely emails and messages of support through social media from friends and friends of friends wishing me well. I can’t even tell you how it feels to know that everybody is really in my corner, cheering me on and willing me to succeed.

I’ve had a lot of emails from you guys too, I know several of you have tried to post in the thoughts thread and the website won’t allow it…seemingly my security settings have had a hissy fit, and they now think everyone who tries to post is a bot. No, I don’t know what a bot is either. It’s so annoying, you lot chipping in is such a big part of my journey and I’m frustrated that it won’t let you talk to me. Please bear with us, I’m trying to get it resolved but it’s not likely to be fixed until I get back.

It’s been a flaming rollercoaster of a week, watching hurricane Matthew wield his power across the caribbean, and checking email for updates every ten minutes in case he swung a punch at Cuba as he worked his way north. My heart goes out to the people of Haiti who’ve borne the brunt of it, but where our trek is concerned we’re good to proceed as planned. I have tickets, passport and visa all lined up, my packing list is complete and everything’s ready to throw in my bag.

Fuck, I’m really doing this!

I’d love to tell you that I’ve been rigid with my food plan this week in a final push to get as much weight off before my trek as possible, but that would be a big fat lie. The truth is I’ve been struggling big time. The Asshole voice has pulled every trick in the book out of his backside, most of them along the lines of forget the diet, you’ve got too much to think about and besides you’re going to burn it all off this week with all the walking…Sunday was a day full of dodgy choices, closely followed by Monday, Tuesday and oh look, Wednesday too.

That said, I suppose one advantage of being up to my ears in the jungle will be a lack of opportunity to eat naughty things, right? I’m hanging my hat on this next week as a way to get right back in the sweet spot because I feel like I’m losing my grip a little bit. This’ll be kind of like a proper boot-camp experience, you know? It’s coming at the right time.

I know I’ve had a bit of a wobble but the food plan will still be there when I come home…this week is quite rightly about the challenge. God of Pain publicly declared me match-fit last night as he added his voice of support – I’m ready, and the fact that he thinks I am too has boosted my confidence no end. I’m really ready and I’m really excited. And do you know what else? I’ve raised almost two thousand pounds for my chosen charity…how awesome is that? I think it will be quite an emotional thing when I actually take that first step.

I’m not sure I’ll be able to make any blog posts whilst I’m away, because I can’t take any technology other than my phone, but keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook page, I’ll post pictures as and when I come across the odd scrap of wi-fi. We arrive in Cuba on Friday and we start trekking on Sunday, for five straight days…wish me luck!

My dad was such a lovely man, and I’m going to feel him beside me in spirit with every step I take, especially when things get tough. Have you read his story? If not you can find it here, and for everyone who’s supported me with a donation so far I thank you to the moon and back again.

Dad, this one’s for you. I’m going to make you so very proud 🙂

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