Friday 24th August - The biggest of big days (pt 1)

While reading the blog of Thursday's activity, Loup reminded me that I'd missed off the fact that as we headed down the platform to catch the train, she'd been met by Katherine from Radio Leeds who had (in the nicest possible way) thrust a microphone in front of her and they had done a live interview as we got onto the train. It's an indication of how things went over those few days that something which, in itself, would have been something to talk about was lost in the melee.

As we had to meet up at 6:30, this meant another 5:30 start - a very quick breakfast, although I was so nervous I could hardly eat anything - although the kids seemed somewhat unphased, well aside from Sam who, not being such an early bird, was recovering from being (literally) wrenched from his bed.

We'd walked from the hotel to Trafalgar Square the day before so knew the route and made our way through Leicester Square which at this time of day was inhabited only by road sweepers rather than the throng of tourists we had seen the day before. We'd seen another flame ambassador (Leicestershire?) in the hotel and as we made our way onto Trafalgar Square we walked with and alongside a number of others clearly heading the same direction.

The meeting point for all 33 ambassadors was the offices of the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) and as we hung around Jeremy Hunt (Secretary for State) wandered past (this being his department) and then Lynda came up to me, looking somewhat bemused, and said "The Prime Minister wants to meet Evan and have his photograph taken with him !". Regardless of political persuasion or opinion that you might have, when the Prime Minister asks to meet your son, that's a landmark day.

David Cameron had sadly lost his own son who was severely disabled with Cerebral Palsy in 2009 - he's a Dad and, on another day, that might have been me. We never stop forgetting, even with the challenges that Evan faces, that we are very lucky to have him...

We left Loup and Ev in the safe hands of Tom for the briefing and myself, Amy, Maya and Sam headed over to Trafalgar Square. The media were there and we spotted Tina and Charlie at one end of the barriers at the front and Katherine and Joe at the other. However, they then united to form a little Yorkshire media enclave fighting for space and position. We did a bit of celebrity spotting - we could see a few presenters in front of us (I even got asked if I'd let Gethin Jones interview me for ITV, but I thought i'd let someone else be on telly as well....) and on stage we spotted Mandeville (the mascot) followed by Seb Coe, David Cameron and Boris Johnson - the latter clearly a very popular guy as there was a noticeable "look, look, there's Boris.... " from all around us.

Then, as the clock reached 8am (it felt like midday), the ceremony started. The Master of Ceremonies was Chris Holmes, renowned Paralympic athlete who was also Director of Paralympic Integration. Speeches followed from Seb Coe, David Cameron and then the wonderfully erudite and bonkers Boris Johnson with a speech combining a latin lesson, Lady Gaga, Shakin' Stevens and a reference to the Olympics as antipasto. (Boris Johnson speech).

Then the flame was lit and the splitting ceremony commenced. Loup had also mentioned that they wanted Evan to be first up - he was the youngest of the participants - which was good as we wouldnt have long to wait - and worry... but when the first name was called it wasn't Evan. Nor was the second. Panic set in - he had been nervous and I could imagine him clinging onto Loup saying he couldnt do it, but then I heard the assistant to Chris Holmes (who is blind so had to be prompted for the list of names) whisper "Yorkshire" to him- audible over the mic.

Showtime !!!

I could see Ev enter stage left and he set off slowly. After the initial round of applause died down it was just Ev walking to the flame. He was doing it. I could see him doing the combination of walking, concentrating, balancing - so much effort for him to do this. I put my hands to my face - I was so, so, proud and have to admit to a few tears.

The crowd fell silent - willing him on, as I do so often - trying to will his feet to lift themselves. After about 25 steps, and 30 seconds, Chris Holmes shouted "Come on let's hear you" and the crowd clapped some more. Which had the effect of spurring him on but he seemed to lose concentration and after three more steps he slipped. Loup caught him and steadied him. I hoped it wouldn't dent his confidence but feared it might. It didn't. He carried on and 22 steps later he was there to collect his lantern. The crowd, as much as it could (there weren't as many people there as you might expect) went wild and Ev beamed his widest of grins. He had done it.

50 steps in a minute an a half. The most amazing 50 steps. The most unbelievable 50 steps. He'd done it - he'd bloody done it.

(Later on I found out that someone had recorded it and put in online - so you can see it for yourself here Evan walking to collect the flame)

I turned to Amy and simply said "thanks!". She had helped make this possible. Given Evan a platform to achieve something truly wonderful. He had been inspired and he had done it.

The remaining thirty ambassadors collected their flames but I wasn't able to pay much attention - totally overwhelmed. Tina and Charlie, Katherine and Joe came over to record our reaction and they all clearly had a similar response. Charlie admitted to not being able to hold the camera steady at one point. It didn't feel like they were just there for the story - we had only known them for a day or so but it just felt like they were friends, sharing the experience.

Once the ceremony had finished we were able to go "backstage" and meet up with Ev and Loup. One obstacle - I had to get in line as he was already signing an autograph for someone ! Katherine did a piece with him live to air and I couldn't believe how calm he was. He just keeps going and constantly pulls it out of the bag. I don't know where it comes from - but the power that pulled him through on his first day still clearly burns strong.

Evan had chance to meet Chris Holmes and his guide-dog who he and Sam renamed from "Lotty" to "Licky" . He was a lovely guy and they spent quite a few minutes together.

There were then a few opportunities to take some photos and record some other bits on camera and then Joe beckoned us over. Do you want your photo taking with Boris ? Too true we did. He asked where we were from - Yorkshire. Where's the sign, where's the sign ?? (each flame had a sign with the name on) and he rushed off - all whirling dervish - to get it for us. Loads of photos later he was whisked off somewhere and we were just about done.

We had a flame to deliver - and so we headed back to the DCMS offices.

Proud - so, so, proud.

Thursday 23rd August - We're off.....

After some late night and last minute packing, a 5:30am wake-up call wasn't the ideal start but we were so excited that even the lack of a shower to wake us up (given ripped out bathroom - see previous blog) had ill-effect and with a nervous spring in our step we set off. 

On the way to York we switched on the radio just as they were reading out the news headlines; "....and we join the young lad from Silsden, Evan Whitton, who is travelling to London to fetch back the Paralympic flame". The news - in our car - reporting what we were doing - while we were doing it.  

We arrived on time in York Station, parked up, got some breakfast and then about twenty minutes before the train was due to arrive we moved to our platform. Just as we would normally do and got the treats out for the kids for the journey - sticker books. Anything to keep the kids amused on a two hour train journey and as they excitedly thumbed through I got a tap on the shoulder - "excuse me, are you with Evan Whitton ?". I'd never thought of it like that, although I am used to being referred to Evan's Dad more than any other of my identities... The guys at East Coast rail (which was actually a posse of manager types) had been waiting to greet us and were worried we hadn't made it - we'd never thought we'd have a greeting party but they very kindly helped us onto the train where we met up with Katherine from Radio Leeds and Tina and Charlie from Calendar. 

We got settled down and as the train was pulling out of the station they came round with complementary tea, coffee, juice and various breakfast stuff. Looking round I noticed that Sam had actually asked for a cup of tea and a croissant and was tucking in, with a "crikey - this is the life" look on his face. How on earth am I going to explain to him that this doesn't happen on every train journey... 

Katherine was sat with us and we had a chat about what would happen over the next day or so and then Tina and Charlie came to do a bit of filming. "Just be yourself" they say - which is easier said than done. So, rather than doing that (which usually entails me trying to play Angry Birds on my phone while getting all three kids to "ask your Mum"), I went into "pointing mode" - I couldn't help it, but take a look at people being filmed on news clips and they all do it ! ... Evan then turned to Katherine and said "can I ask you a question ?". 

"of course"

"do you want to play with my Skylanders sticker book ?"

So Katherine became acquainted with the world of an eight year old and we had a chat about football and work. Almost close to being a normal train journey - but so far off. 

On arrival we were then met by yet another East Coast managerial posse who helped whisk us through Kings Cross and onto a taxi, clearly the envy of those in a rather long taxi queue on an unexpectedly sunny day. This all felt strangely weird for just a regular family on a day out. It was becoming clear that this wasnt just a regular day out. We knew that, but it was only just beginning to sink in. 

We got the taxi to our hotel and dropped our bags off and then met up with Tina and Charlie. The plan was to take a taxi via Buckingham Palace (well, the kids did want to go and see it...) on way to the Natural History Museum. However due to the Paralympics the route was closed to traffic but it was walking distance, so off we went - filming clips as we went and getting to know Tina and Charlie. On the way we passed through Trafalgar Square where, just under twenty-four hours later, Ev would be doing his stuff. Reality was truly kicking in...

Due to special permission being required for the filming, Calendar had contacted them and the Natural History Museum had very kindly provided us with a personal guide and entry to the "Animals Inside Out" exhibition (intriguing, interesting and freaky in equal measure). Tina and Charlie, having got their footage, went off to do some editing and left us to it. Katherine asked if it was ok to stay with us and do a piece later on. Of course it was - an extra pair of hands always comes in useful in a museum when you have three kids to look out for. If anyone visits London we can definitely recommend taking a Radio Presenter and a TV crew - they are very handy. 

Despite this being an extraordinary day out, the ordinary still occurs and one of the things that Evan suffers with is that when he needs to use the loo he doesn't get much warning and so mad dashes when he is caught short are very much part of our life. However, when you have a Live Radio show queued up for us in 5 minutes it does make it much more interesting. As it happens, we made it but "technical difficulties" meant that Katherine had to do a piece on her own and we arranged to do an interview en route back to the hotel.  

Given the 5:30 start we were starting to flag a little bit already, but there was more to come but it didnt seem onerous - the final part of the day was to meet up with Amy and Tom from Yorkshire Gold. They had organised everything for us including a meal out at Hard Rock Cafe, and we were really looking forward to meeting up with them again. 

We checked in to the hotel and, as ever - given there are five of us - we had to split into two rooms which somehow took the form of a "boys' room" and a "girls' room" - Lynda now the proud owner of a "long straw" on that one.... and we had chance for a quick drink at the bar before we headed off. Chance to reflect on how lucky we were. We were only part way through the trip but had already done so much and been blessed to meet such great people, who were really fantastic company. 

At Hard Rock Cafe we met up with Joe from Look North who was going to pick up the piece from Olivia and he caught up with the story of Evan's Big Journey. He sat talking to Ev for ages ("Man v Food" this time). One amazing thing was that he told us that the feedback to BBC about the "walk to school" piece was one of the best ever and Amy added that the clip had been sent to LOCOG and "Seb knew all about Evan". Even with everything else that was going on, this blew me away the most. Seb Coe. Lord Seb Coe knows of and is impressed with what Evan has achieved. Gulp. A great end to a brilliant day.  

...and with that, five very tired soldiers went back to their hotel and to bed. Tomorrow was another day.... 

Photos from the day:
Thursday morning

Thursday Afternoon

Thursday Evening

Getting Ready... Wednesday 22nd August

I'm not sure if we do it on purpose, but we don't tend to do things easily. I try to "keep things simple" but often fail to do so and we always seem to have lot of different things to do, to be five places at once, and when it rains it pours...

This morning not only did it rain, it poured. Literally. Along with the rain arriving so did a "bathroom guy" (we are renovating the bathroom so that Evan gets the benefit of a walk-in shower, essential for a growing lad), a radio presenter and a TV reporter. We also had thought we had better pack for the trip to London so three loads of washing were queued up.

Katherine Hannah was first up - she had a bit of a chat with Evan and then managed the amazing feat of leaving Sam lost for words when trying to get some quotes from us. As ever, Evan wasn't lost for words - although he did tell Katherine (of BBC Radio Leeds) all about visiting Calendar (ITV) - so that would test her editing skills. In fact, much of what happened over the next few days would surely test the editing skills of the various media teams we worked with. She also coped admirably with the background bangs, crashes and wallops generated by someone ripping out a bathroom. A few successful takes later Katherine left us in the hands of Olivia Richwald, who set up camera in the conservatory. Well, I say conservatory - it was built as that but is basically a big toy box. I'm sure (ok, pretty sure - ok, ok, fairly sure...) we'll recall it as a grown-ups' space eventually but for now it's the kids' space.

Just as Katherine had generated silence, Olivia generated harmony. She asked if she could get a shot of all the kids playing together. Now, given that we have a ten year old girl and eight and five year old boys, even Kofi Annan might struggle to get that combination, in ANY family, to play together in front of a TV camera AND do an interview at the same time. However, after about 10 minutes they had done us proud and Olivia seemed happy so Maya and Sam were excused and Evan stayed on for a one-to-one.

I was happy to avoid the camera so made a coffee, checked on the bathroom guy, did some tweeting while Loup hid by doing some washing and also checked on the bathroom guy (!) however, I did keep an ear out and heard Ev "grassing us up" that 'Maya wanted to go to Buckingham Palace but they are taking us to see the Natural History Museum instead' - which was news to me (the Palace bit) but interesting to hear the kids' interpretation of events.

After that, it was time for us to get in on the action, despite our best efforts to discourage Olivia that she needed it. To be honest, I struggle to answer questions in this environment. I tend to mumble something and then think of a really good answer about an hour later. I like to ponder on things and then write on here later on but, as I said, they didn't go to editing class for nothing. So we all sat there on the sofa and answered a few questions and, perhaps sensing that we'd collectively had enough, Olivia called it a day and dashed off into the rain laiden down with her equipment.

We then had the rest of the day to ourselves. Which, if we did things easily, would have been spent sitting around worrying about what was to come. However, we don't do things simply, so the rest of the day was spent attending a birthday party, picking up some friends from the airport, having haircuts, going for baths/showers (going to London after three days of bathing in a sink might not give the right impression...) and finally getting packed (oh, and I popped to the local pub quiz for a bit).

We were ready.

As much as we could be.

What would happen over the next couple of days? -  We weren't really sure, but we were ready for it.

Just...

Inspired - Thursday 16th August

It's only a few days since the end of the Olympics, bid farewell by the brilliantly bonkers closing ceremony, and every mention of what is next - the Paralympics - makes our hearts beat a little faster. It's a little over two months since we found out about Ev's involvement in the Paralympic Flame as Ambassador for Yorkshire and it was always such a long way off, and would be after the Olympics which felt like it would go on for ages.

It's here now though. Next week. Details are starting to feed through, and yesterday some (ahem, First Class) tickets for the journey down. It all feels slightly surreal to be getting the "vip treatment" but we are very appreciative of this opportunity and what it means. Everywhere still seems to be so "up" after the Olympics, especially what Team GB achieved, and to be a continued part of this in anyway is such a great opportunity. The paralympics is going to be fantastic and i'm sure Yorkshire will continue it's domination of sport (we are independent now as a result of the Olympics, right...?)

So many people have been asking about the trip and what we'll be doing and it's great to be able to share it. We have been arranging the trip with Tom and Amy who work with LOCOG on this as well as with ITV-Calendar who are going to accompany us and do some filming of the trip. We have a great opportunity to visit the National History Museum the day before. Totally, totally out of our comfort zone but it will hopefully be something that we can look back on, and gives us the opportunity to share, as much as possible, our trip with as many people as we can. Not just Team Evan - but anyone. In fact, after the last time we were on tv (sorry - I can't type that without the inner me raising an eyebrow...) we were contacted by someone who is going to STL with their son next year and are at the start of their own journey and who said "(we) thought it was wonderful that Evan is doing so well and the achievements he has made - such an inspiration for us".

I'll try and provide as many updates as we can (probably via twitter @andywhitton) but photos and blog will inevitably follow. 

If Evan can inspire just one person or one family in the same way that Team GB have and will inspire the whole nation then that will mean so much to us. 

Looking forward to it - nervous, excited, intrigued, inspired!

Down on the Farm - Monday 6th August

We never know where Evan's Big Journey will take us; a rain drenched walk to school one week, presenting an award at the O2 Yorkshire Media Awards the next. As a result of the latter we were lucky enough to meet a couple of the actors from the show; Bhasker and Fiona - and a couple of weeks later we were lucky enough to get an invite to the Emmerdale studios in Leeds.


So off we drove a couple of days ago and were greeted by Alli who took us on a "behind the scenes" tour of the studios. To be honest, the kids are more into Phineas and Ferb than Amos and Mr Wilks and due to it being on around bathtime we dont watch it as much as we used to so they didnt really know the characters or locations but when we walked into the Woolpack, it was amazing (ok, for me it was...). The attention to detail was amazing - just like a real pub ! We had a few shots (photos, not drinks - although there is real beer in the pumps) and then moved on.

Even if not regular viewers we still recognised a lot of the sets (admittedly some from Harry Hill ?) but when we went into one set and saw a picture of Seth Armstrong (legend!) on top of the telly we had to have a picture with it. 

The boys loved it and even did a few scenes - which Alli most creatively and patiently directed. I think they would have stayed there all day re-enacting scenes.

However, our time was up and we were taken for lunch in the studio canteen and got chance to meet Bhasker again and then had to say bye to Alli and head back home.

We've since paid more attention to a couple of episodes and it's really weird to say "we stood there", "look, it's that" and "Ev was there". A really great experience and we were so lucky to be given the opportunity to visit. Massive thanks to everyone who was involved.

One final thing...

a spoiler.....

it's not called Emmerdale Farm any more !?

Ambassadorial duties - Monday 23rd July

Monday was simply another "one of those days". We'd known for a week or so that this would be the day that everything was announced in respect of Evan being chosen as Yorkshire Flame Ambassador, and had been in discussions with Amy (our contact) about press releases, quotes from Evan, possible media opportunities and early stages of planning for the trip to London.

On the whole, we are happy to do pretty much anything - but the one thing that we never did during the fundraising was television. (We had a couple of opportunities but for various reasons chose not to). However, this felt different - it wasnt for us as such. Who is it for ? At the most basic level,this is an opportunity for Evan, but in the wider sense it's a recognition of everything that has surrounded Evan's Big Journey and everything since.

So when Amy asked if we would do some TV (local stuff - Calendar and Look North) - we had a chat and said we would, but only if it was pre-recorded. We were anxious enough about this, and the pressure of live didnt feel right for either of us - and Amy was able to sort this.

As Monday arrived, so did Summer, and then a Calendar reporter - camera in hand. I hadnt really thought what this would involve - if we didnt think about it, it wouldnt happen. Right ? Wrong !

They dont mess about these guys - moving from story to story - and as we were saying Hi to Victoria, Ev came out (v.nervous) and to get him to warm up I sat him on my knee. That was my first mistake. "Ah, great shot - we'll go with that....".Within what felt like about a minute after they arrived we were ready to go. I got asked a few questions (cant really remember what I said), then it was Loup's turn and finally we did some "family play in the background" scenes and it was "in the can" and they were gone. 

We then had a few hours to kill - couple of tweets, facebook updates and other messages but before we could do the next bit of media stuff we had to get back to real-life as Evan had an orthotics appointment at Airedale to get fitted for some new splints. Once that was done we rather nervously headed off to Leeds.

At the Calendar studios, we were ushered into a room just off the main office and were joined by the presenters who had a quick chat about what this was all about. Ev's SDR buddy Ben is a regular visitor to the Calendar studios and one of the presenters (Tina) had done the Walk to School report. So they were well-versed on the background.

Initially, we thought just Loup and Ev would do the tv but (for some reason) I said i'd have a go as well  and they took us up on the offer. Ev and Maya (plus Mum and Dad) were reasonably subdued but Sam was getting ever excited.

We did the piece (I wont give away any "behind the scenes" info...) and, somewhat miraculously, the first take was good enough. So, we had a quick tour of the gallery and were soon heading off.
Highlight of the experience was seeing Tina asking "Where's Sam?" and looking around nervously when she had lost sight of him. Fair enough, given the value of the kit around. Funny nevertheless.
Biggest regret was that it happened so fast that we didnt take the chance to get photos and authographs, etc. Although I suspect it wont be the last time we visit those studios....

Next up was a trip across Leeds to "the beeb" and this time, it was decided that "Loup and Ev" were the perfect match to "Christa and Harry" so myself, Sam and Maya watched from the dressing room. We did remember the camera this time and got some good snaps. As you can see, Sam remained "not subdued".

Last but not least, Loup, Maya and Evan then headed downstairs in the building to do a piece on Radio Leeds. I didnt get chance to hear it, as it was live, and I was with Sam in the (notorious?) BBC canteen / waiting area. Loup thinks it went ok, but like everything else that day, it went in a blur and we'll try and track down the various pieces of coverage and put them on the website shortly. (I have a bit of a backlog in this regard - but i'm on the case....)

Finally, we headed off out for a family meal - time to sit down and chance to reflect. Who knows where this opportunity will take us - and we are so grateful for the chance. Yes,we are so far away from our comfort zone that it is a mere dot in the distance, but I know we are the better off for it - even when it feels scarier than that :)

What next ? Probably some more of "those days"....

"Team Evan" - Tuesday 24th July

This is just a quick update to say a big THANK-YOU to each and every member of "Team Evan". 

From the very first people who got involved and convinced us we were doing the right thing to people who beep their horns when Evan walks past in the rain, to the "new members" (including our new celebrity friends...) who assisted with the media stuff yesterday. If you're reading this, you're in the team ! 

Some days are more normal than others, some are more difficult than others, but every day is interesting. 

However, every "like", every "retweet", every new friend or follower helps us, spurs us on, and keeps us going. 

Thanks!!