Driving home in the rain...with thanks! (by Julian)

Well the team have been prised from their beds and are back in the minibus heading for Calais and Eurotunnel. After we finished yesterday, we had a long, long, long awaiting cold beer next to the Arc and then headed for our hotel in Beauvais. Someone forgot to reset the TomTom to "use Toll Roads" so it took an hour and a half...and our drivers were also tiring so it wasn't the smoothest drive!

Somehow we managed to delay the bed for an hour or so and grabbed some hot food and a few bottles of quality red wine before retiring. Then once those eyes were shut, nothing was going to shift any of us until those wretched alarms went off.

And so to the thanks. Thanks to all those who have texted encouraging messages or sent emails or added to the blogs. At our low points, they were there to lift us and were a huge help.

Many texts said "Congratulations. You did it." In reality "we didn't do it"...we just put one foot in front of the other, one arm over the other, one circuit of the pedals. It was the horde of helpers and supporters that "did it".

First our spouses - each in their unique way - were essential. Sharron and Ian planned the route, drove it the weekend before (with many "sweets and cigarette" stops!) and then for 50+5 hours stayed up to ensure we got there. Sarah watched swimmers whilst all others slept, motivated, filmed, videoed and helped people dress/undress. Jos had saintly hands that came out for pre and post massages in very unusual places across London - and one team member named them as the single biggest factor for us achieving this adventure.

And then there were Liz and Steph. Liz had prepared to come along as our feeder - but at the last minute, we had to go early to avoid the winds and so swum on a Saturday. Liz couldn't come and so despite the anticipation had to stay at home and take care of business. Steph similarly could and then couldn't come as the schedule moved around - in the end, she decided to stay at home to let Andy's mother, Jenny, join us on the boat. Jenny was a total star - she quietly made tea for each swimmer as they emerged freezing from the water and helped them dress. Jenny stepped into the role that Liz had previously filled so well - being the only one who would "go down below" to make tea or sandwiches. If it is hard to swim, it is harder to support and much, much harder to be at home or at work waiting for news.

Let's not forget our Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation Pilot, Lance Oram, observer, Tanya and crew, Chris. Yes they get paid for their professionalism and experience - but they also took a personal interest in each of our swimmers and in our endeavour that made the entire experience just more fun. Then there is the unpaid, highly committed beach crew...Freda Streeter, our trainer, is a legend in the channel swimming community - and that massively understates her impact on each swimmer that she helps. Barrie who stomps the shingle with a well rehearsed pot of vaseline and a glass of Maxim. Irene & Emma who keep everything under control and safe. The swimmers who return year after year like Cliff and Laura - who are an inspiration and also plain mad for continuing to do solos!

And of course, we mustn't forget our friends who helped out with childcare, with logistics or running children around to sporting events or medical appointments. So thank you Howard, Kate & Richard, Ann, Sally, Emma, Erika, Lisa, James, Hilda and many others in small ways that made a big difference. To Tracey for the full medical kit and seasickness tablets (BTW they worked this time...but then you weren't there to refuse to give them to me ;-D) - we were only sorry that you couldn't make it in person. And to my assistant, Imogen, for booking hotels and juggling the diary endlessly to ensure I was there.

But like any good Oscar speech the list doesn't stop there. Over the last 9 months, "archers" and "supporters" alike have been locked in the training and preparation. Our children and families have got on with life in parallel. To them we owe a huge debt of gratitude...so thank you to Alfie, Cameron, Charlotte, Chloe, Daniel, George, Georgia, Hannah, Heather, Jacob, Max, Megan, Molly, Phoebe, Robert, Tom, Tom and William.

So if anyone "did it" then these people "did it"...they are the true stars of "Arch to Arc 2010". When you see them, say thank you from us!

p.s. Those who have pledged, sent money by cheque or web...thanks are also due to you. Those with Spinal Injuries and in the Scout movement thank you.