The Team.
Welcome to my part of the site, I'm Brad Harrop (Donny Osmond look-alike), and have been given the job of introducing every member of the team. With this, comes the responsibility of a character assassination of my colleagues.
Needless to say, the introduction of myself, will be a shrine of words, after all would you slate yourself?
As a collective, we are all firefighters, who work at Barking fire station on the white watch. But individually we are as follows:
Starting off at the top, and that means the eldest member of the team,
Ray Duggan.
Now we all owe Ray, a great deal of thanks. Ray has the unenviable task of driving us all, to and from each challenge. The idea is that the team will ascend then descend each mountain and then rest up in the mini-bus, whilst Ray drives us to the next range. Problem is that Ray is 50, and is prone to the occasional nap. So we have got to set up a rota so that at least one of us will be awake whilst he is driving, to stop him falling asleep!!!From eldest to the youngest,
Craig James.
The problem we have with Craig is the Spanish word, Manana (tomorrow), could have been created for him. Let me explain, we have roughly 24 hours to do the challenge and not 48 as manana would suggest. Over the years, Craig has taken up the guitar, started a house renovation project and undertaken "The Knowledge" (black cab). Well around the station, we never hear the sound of Jimi Hendrix's, are forever discussing his things to do in the house list and all have to use the local cab firm when we go out. Get my drift, manana, manana. But with a little encouragement, I'm sure Craig will make it.
Chris Wilson.
Our friend from the north. Subtle, tactful, are not words that can describe this man. "I say what I like, when I like", would be somewhat more accurate. To be fair, he is the brains behind the team (doesn't say much about the rest of us), and has been responsible of the fund-raising. So perhaps it is only right, we have somebody gobby, er I meant determined when it comes to fund-raising.Ian Thompson.
The man that will enjoy the challenge the most. Ian is a great lover of the outdoors and if anyone I could see "Living the dream" of the country life. He is part way there now, with his regular weekends away with his family in his VW camper van. Which incidentally, should you ever see a man with big ears, standing at the roadside, with a bright orange camper van, waiting for the AA. Chances are, that this is Ian!John Huntley.
The well spoken chap on Barking white watch. He talks propa - like, if you know what I mean. He is a geezer, a mush, and a face. He is also, an electrical genius and the chances are Ben Nevis will be under flood light by the time we complete the challenge.Garry McCafferty
As his name suggests Garry comes from North of the border. Gary is an extremely proud Scotsman, although we are yet to be convinced, what there is to be proud of. He has an army background, so the challenge should be a breeze for him. However, he is a little on the short side, so it could be argued that he has twice as far to walk as anybody else!!Barry Sweeting
He of the bowlegs. Had he have been a giant, chances are, he could have straddled each mountain. The term get a double decker bus through there, would be somewhat apt. The challenge could be interesting for Barry. He is the fittest bloke on the watch (as in health and not looks, that´s me obviously), but is like our own little Michael Owen, always carrying an injury. Although at least Barry will do the challenge injured or not un-like Michael I would suggest.
Finally me,
Brad Harrop
good-looking, charming, funny, sincere, reliable, trustworthy, etc, etc. In other words and all round good guy. However, I might be carrying a black eye after my colleagues have read my comments.
So there you have it, a brief run down of the team. Ultimately, we are all determined to complete the challenge, yet have a good laugh along the way. But most importantly, raise as much money for the two worthwhile charities we represent. Thank-you for visiting our site and would take this opportunity of thanking you in advance for your sponsorship.