hello all
we've decided that Sunday is easier to drive to Annecy so we are going then - no lorries on French roads on Sundays!
Im ok, i am not down for some reason, I intend to have some fun (as soon as this dizzyness goes!) WE will go to Devon, and Suffollk when we can.(Where we went as a young family) Oh I do want to go there . I have such
Seems like i want to go to so many places - i do and we will. fell out of my bed yesterday and dad had to xcome and rescue me - i have such fond memories.
You mighthave read that we are not going for Chemo. I just don't want to feel ill ( and I will) so, we have decided not to go for it.W e 'll see what happens. I'm stll tired from the radiotherapy so gosh knows about the chemo. I'll tell you!
Love
Alii
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53 comments:
hi ali,
have a great trip. you have made a very brave decision, but were all still thinking shrink!
livestrong
martin creasey
Morning Ali, have a fab trip in France and everywhere else your planning to visit........come to Scotland to visit the McGregors ;-)
Love and hugs Kirsty McG x
Dearest Ali
Your blog if my first "work" of the day. I logged onto my work PC and checked you out.
It is so great to hear you so positive. You go for it, have all the fun you can, you certainly deserve it and more. You will have to make a list of places to visit and tick them off.
We are sure you have thought long and hard about chemo and with the help of everyone around you have made the right decision.
Please don't keep knocking yourself around Ali, falling out of bed, having arguments with furniture, take care of yourself - I know your mum and dad are certainly giving more than a 100% in caring for you but that is what caring parents do. We wish we could help in some way but we are with you in spirit and always will be.
Keep blogging Ali, keep smiling and stay strong and positive. You are one in a million and we love you lots.
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah & Daniel xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Ali
This is Mike J. here; Looking forward to you coming back to Annecy again. If you need anything while you're here in Annecy just send me an sms.
There is one thing though, we should go back to that restaurant again, it was really fab the last time - but this time you're not allowed to pay, otherwise I'll set Martin on you.
Give us a buzz when you're here mate.
Happy driving!
Mike Johnston
Morning Ali
Getting into this now. Got a lot of catch up to do. Hope you got my mails yesterday. Well good decision to go to Fance on a Sunday, man they are bad drivers especially those truckers (I should know after all!) Sunday will be nice and quiet.
Hey if your going to Devon, on the way back turn left when you get to the M4 and get your a**e to Swansea and the Gower mate!
Strong decision on the Chemo, thinking shrink and thinking positive!
Keep that infectious Ali smile and if you cant remember ... "who lifted up her kilty at the annual borough ball ... "
Next line tomorrow
Danny G
Hey Ali,
In the middle of consolidating the group forecasts etc and thought I'd check up you. Much more interesting than numbers!
Anyway, take a break in your journey and stay with us on the way up to where you're going in Suffolk - we're in Colchester so just on the border - seriously think about it - or at least pop by for a cuppa. We live on a hill and I'm sure I can dig out a pair of roller skates!
If you do head down south westwards don't forget Mum & Dad are in Trelights and would love to see you all. Have you tried that para buggy thing - no idea what it's called but you're in a little buggy on the beach that's pulled along by a giant kite (hope I'm describing it ok.) Anyway - I reckon you'd love it - you've probably already tried it.
Most of all though, enjoy your world of tour of your favourite places and spend time doing what you want with the people you want - no obligation, no duty - your choices.
Big decision AlliBally - so brave.
We love you lots.
J-A
Hi Ali
Its Chris Watts here, formerly of Bonne Neige Ski Holidays
I have just read your blog from start to finish as im away at present and I never saw it before.
I had heard that you were ill last summer and it was only in the autumn in Les Allues that I discoverd the severity of it and heard about your blog.
I havent had email access whilst I have been away and i got the address off a friend in Meribel by email the other day and so I read your blog.
Well I really dont know what to say at this point other than you have faced up to your illness with the utmost courage and dignity.
Just to put you in the picture, I am currently on Operations in Helmand province at Musa Qualah fighting the Taliban having been recalled for active service by the army.
I am actually surrounded by and working alongside brave, courageous people here, but I must say you are more courageous than any of them by far!!
Each day here is a challenge and sometimes of an uncertain outcome, but none of this compares to what you and your family are going through right now.
It has come as a real shock to me, as I really thought that your other treatment was/had worked, when I went out of contact and to see the latest on your blog was not the result I was expecting at all.
I really hope you go for the Chemotherapy if you decide it is what you want to try, you never know, it may just work....
I know everyone is rooting for you Ali, you have, in the ski industry, touched many peoples lives always for the better I am sure. I gained massively as a result of my training with NewGen during my time in Meribel and it changed for the better many of the seasons I spent there.
We have now closed the Ski Chalet business as a result of the loss of our flagship chalet, due to change of ownership, and also having to pay off a co-director who wished to leave. Possibly at a good time given the fact that last September I went back into full time service in the army again.
People do say that if you look around there is always someone less well off than yourself, it is true. We have seen some very bad things since we got here and we see every day just what the ordinary Afghanis have not got, that we take totally for granted.
Closing my crusade of a business was a tough decision, getting through my cruciate repair that i ruptured in a Eurotest was challenging but it was all nothing compared to what you are facing up to each and every day.
I just wanted to say you have my utmost respect and admiration and I wish you all the very best in what you decide to do in terms of treatment or your life from hereon
My thoughts are with you all
Regards - Chris Watts
Hi Ali
Its Chris Watts again
A strong decision on the Chemo Ali, but thats you all over mate...
Make a list of all the places you can think of that you want to visit on your tour
Make it fantastic in every way, you deserve it and more
Chris Watts
Hi Ali,
You've got to respect a decision like that - you're a very brave lad.
Hope you have loads and loads of fun in your travels. If you're in Manchester, I'll take you to a City game but I can't guarantee fun!
Lods and loads of love, Jonno and Soile xxx
Hi Ali
Been away from regular internet contact during my time in Courchevel but of course have been kept up to date with developments from the guys and gals at newgen. Totally gutted when Simone told me the news about the radio therapy the think shrink message is so positive and so many people are thinking it. Guess you and your family have had some tough decisions and even more to deal with then you already were over the past few days. I am in absolute admiration of your strength, courage and positive spirit through all of this and we will continue thinking shrink on a daily basis for you and your family. Have a great time in Devon, Suffolk and Annecy it was looking beautiful if a bit wet when we drove through last saturday. Thinking of you dude.
Love Rob, Katy, Anna and Dillon
Hi Ali
Been away from regular internet contact during my time in Courchevel but of course have been kept up to date with developments from the guys and gals at newgen. Totally gutted when Simone told me the news about the radio therapy the think shrink message is so positive and so many people are thinking it. Guess you and your family have had some tough decisions and even more to deal with then you already were over the past few days. I am in absolute admiration of your strength, courage and positive spirit through all of this and we will continue thinking shrink on a daily basis for you and your family. Have a great time in Devon, Suffolk and Annecy it was looking beautiful if a bit wet when we drove through last saturday. Thinking of you dude.
Love Rob, Katy, Anna and Dillon
Hello sailor - you're a brave man. Travelling that distance with your mother helping you with the navigation from the backseat. Arrrrghhhhhh.
Perhaps when you're down there you can find that chalet for the next Venture summer expedition..... there MUST be one!
Still working on the Think Shrink campaign with you, so have a superb break and good luck with the travel!
Ali,
I see you're copping out of our meeting on 25th/26th - it was your round at The Brocket.
Have a great trip, enjoy yourselves.
Courageous decision, hats off to ya!
Marzie
Like most of the inhabitants of Courchevel (and seemingly the rest of the world) I have been following your blog and been caught up in the extremes of emotion that your situation has generated. Despite being here for 8 years (and, I'm afraid to say, having worked for a competitor - Magic in Motion - sorry!), I only met you the once - on the Gravelles chairlift with Physio Sian (you definitely won't remember!). I was thinking how, in life, we never truly know what other people think of us; your situation has meant that you now know for sure how incredibly highly people rate you. Before this all happened, it is clear that you were an extremely popular and memorable character. However, you have now inspired so many people with your indelible courage and humour in the face of unimaginable adversity. Whatever happens, and so many people will be praying for a miracle, you can be sure that you have made a real impression and a difference - as well as living life to the absolute full; something which so many people fail to do - even if they live to a hundred. May God, and whatever other forces are out there, see you through this; we are all rooting for you.
Hi Ali,
"Courage and humour" in Lisa's comment above really sums it up. We are full of admiration for you, and thank you for letting us all know, via this blog, how you are doing.
[Nerdy fact - based on the counter at the bottom of the page: last Thursday when we were all waiting for your scan results, someone logged on every 90 seconds or so!]
A real shame that the results weren't as good as we all hoped for, but congratulations on your brave decision re the chemo.
Enjoy your travels!
Love and best wishes,
Harriet and Martin xx
Ali,
If your visiting old haunts .... don't forget the The Fountain Bar in WGC - Where your sure to receive a chilling welcome !
Dizz
Ali
I can offer coffee and biscuits / tea and cake for a stop off on your way to the South West. Let me know.
Enjoy your tour, we look forward to hearing about your adventures along the way.
Linz x
Hello Ali,
Just checking in to say hello....just look at all the amazing messages of love and support and more pour in by the hour...this shows how truly special you are ...and how much you have touched poeple's lives over the years however well or not you have known them. We're looking after Jeanette this end fear not! She tells me you have not lost your sense of humour along the way, you cheeky devil, I am very glad to hear it. I dearly hope that I can come and see you whilst you're in Annecy and maybe take you and Chorly (my new nickname for him) out in the sunshine for a spin. We think of you every day,let's make a list of all the things you want to do and MAKE THEM HAPPEN. all my love Janey x x x
Hello mate,
Your decision on the chemo reminds me of the quote your Dad posted a few days ago that is something your Granny always says "Its not what happens in life that counts, its the way you deal with it". Have yourself a great holiday and keep us informed of your movements as it would be great to hook up on your travels.
We'll keep on Thinking Shrink,
Russ, Belle & Cara xxx
Ali, you are amazing - your courage,spirit and sense of humour in the face of adversity are truely awe inspiring. We are thinking of you constantly - to help your sore head Hamish suggested he lent you his Thomas baseball cap (a very prized possession for a nearly 4 year old!) Brave decision on the chemo - make that list and make it long! If you can get as far north as us (a very long way I know) Roy would love to take you out in a boat again! Have a fab time in Annecy Liz H
Hi Ali,
Thinking of you every day. Just logged on to wish you Bon Voyage tomorrow and now discover revised departure date - no doubt less stressful on the roads.
Take it easy, have fun - make the most of every minute. We're all coming along with you!
With our love, L & R
you are an amazing man Ali, you have atchieved so much in your life so far, you have so many friends and from what I read a caring, loving and supportive family....
I have only met you once in the company of Bernie in bourg,in the past, but he talks about you all the time especially when it comes to football!!
You have made such a brave and difficuly decision in ref to the chemo, only you and your family know what is best for you..well done for having the courage and strength...
I hope that you have a great time in Annecy and the rest of your travels..I too will not stop with the think shrink, I have been one of the many people not known to you that have been quietly thinking it all along..
have fun, take care and stay strong..
always in my thoughts H :o)
Hi Ali
True to form, no matter what life throws at you, somewhere along the line, you will find time to have fun! That's what we love about you.
We know you will have lots of fun on your travels, revisiting family holidays and happy memories especially. We are looking forward to hearing all about it.
We were just thinking, if all your friends stood hand in hand, they could probably line the whole route to Annecy! and back!!
Have a great trip
All our love
Paul, Amanda, Emma and Georgia
xx
Ali
Just to send a message wishing you a fab time in Annecy. It is amazing when there are so many beautiful places in the world that we have chosen to make our home in flat, land locked hertfordshire! However that is home and we love it really.
Enjoy the views of the lake and mountains and lovely air. Buy one(or more) of those beautiful tarts from the patisserie and devour it!
Have fun on this next international adventure.
Love Katy & Chris
Hi Ali
Hope you and your family have a fantastic trip!!!
Nick has told me about your visit in May to the training ground of the Gods....how exciting...hope you have a great time...give my regards to Cesc!!!
Anyway...when you are back you know you are always welcome to come round and watch the footie with us and the lads.
Take Care
LOL Cat and Dave xxxx
Ali,
Have tried to call a few times but was not able to reach you. Just wanted to let you know that you are very much in my thoughts. Sorry have not managed to catch up with you and unfortunately I am heading back to UK as you drive back down here. Back in 6-7 weeks so look forwards to catching up with you then. I see your irrepressible smile every time I read your blog! You are truly an inspiration. It was because of you that I signed up for three months with New Gen, and your warmth and passion had a great impact on me, as did your skiing :) Your courage and character now is very very inspiring, and humbling. Am off to the African bush again for a month but will still be thinking Shrink and thinking of you. Keep smiling, live strong and look forwards very much to seeing you soon.
Take care
Ben CJ
Ali. For giovedi read domenica, but with the same sentiments. You've probably guessed, I've had to go back to a dictionary to make that revision! Annecy,Suffolk,Devon or wherever you fancy being, is the place to be if you're happy there; so have a good journey and happy times with those you love. Awrabest.
GREAT to see you today Ali, nice walk, coffee, juice and good company. Sorry to miss Jeanette but do hope I can meet her next time. Take care, safe trip and will be thinking of you lots. Our thoughts are with you all. Love Sally & family XX
Hi Ali
All the best for your trip on Sunday, every mile (or km!) closer to the sunshine of Annecy, such a gorgeous place.
We know you have been, and will continue to be, inundated with people wanting to see you... but let us know if you do feel up to meeting up in Suffolk even for a quick cuppa. At the least we'll send you a list of the best places for fish & chips! In fact, I may just do some more research on that this weekend.
Love
Miranda & Alan xxx
Hi Ali, have a great trip to France. We are thinking of you here in Chamonix.
Hi Ali,
well if Mikey J's paying for lunch, then I'm in!! that's definitely an event to come to Annecy for...
great that you're coming back out, spring is lovely by the lake..
and if you or mum and dad need anything while you're out, don't hesitate.
take care on your travels,
Katie xx
- chisp wants to know if we can go out in a boat again :0)
Hi Ali.
Soo sorry to hear about your tumor.
With you with all my heart & really wish you'd get better.
Uffe Val d'Isere
See you very soon and we can have lots of chocolate ice cream!
Deirdre xxxx Chalet T.
Hello Ali
Glad to hear that you are off on a few trips and where better for your first stop than Annecy!
Let me know if you have time to meet up as I'm only a short trip away. If you are passing through St Gervais at all let me know as it would be good to see you and your lovely parents and also meet Jeanette. I'm sure you will all be very busy and have lots of peopel to visit so no worries if you can not fit it in.
Keep being brave and lots of hugs
Summersx
Hey Ali
I just stumbled across this poem - I'm currently trying to improve myself by reading a poem a day!
It seems to fit somewhow with your sunny outlook on everything, noting the 'best things' each day.
I hope you like it:
New Every Morning
Every day is a fresh beginning,
Listen my soul to the glad refrain.
And, spite of old sorrows
And older sinning,
Troubles forecasted
And possible pain,
Take heart with the day and begin again.
by Susan Coolidge (1835-1905).
Love, Jacquie x
Hi Ali,
KT put me onto your blog. Long time no see ! Pleased to hear that your spark is still strong - stick with your instinct and Livestrong as Lance says.
Very admirable what you have achieved so far - wish I was out there still but 5 kids and a business keep me in blighty !
Hope we can meet again on the snow - you'll be able to teach me a trick or 2 now !
Take good care. Steve Scott ;')
Ali... you are incredible..xx
Buddy, let you know when you get back to Annecy as I might come across and pick you up in one of these bad boys and we head through the French mountain tunnels at Mach 3!
http://www.techtreak.com/2007/08/06/gallardo-superleggera-vs-911-gt3-rs-video/
Love Jumbo
Hi Ali,
So I was in the office yesterday sitting next to my boss and he said nikki I have just found something out that is really sad, he started to tell me about a young man who is a friend of a friend who has just been told he has a level 4 brain tumour, I said oh really what is his name and guess what, it was you!!! Its a small world Ali but one that you have made a huge impact on!!
Be very proud of yourself.
Enjoy your trip.
Lots of love
Nikki & Matt
Hi Ali, I just wanted to wish you loads of fun on your road trip.
With so many people to visit, you'll be kept topped up with tea and cake, which - unless I am very much mistaken - is recommended by doctors the world over to combat tumours.
Have a wonderful trip.
Kate F
X
Hi Ali
Tim and I ave eventually realised just how easy it is to leave a message on your blog which we have been keeping up with regularly. (Neither of us are great at the whole high tech stuff!!)
SO glad you have been able to much the massive decision about the chemo - a very brave one.
It's been a while and so much to catch up on, We know you will be busy and have loads of people to see on your trip to Annecy, but we would love to come and pay you a visit.
We are out in Morzine for most of the summer this year, and it really would be great if we could arrange to meet up, or obvioulsy if you fancy a visit to Morzine/Les Gets!
Let us know when would be a good, if possible,
0611 454760
Keep smiling, Lisa (Irving)&Tim Jackson xxx
Cor blimey - Steve Scott 5 kids? What's going on there?!
Completely respect your decision Ali. Hope you have a wonderful time in France and your old haunts in the UK. Will be signing in for updates, so keep us posted when you can, but most of all enjoy yourself. Am out with the Salomon guys tonight in downtown Basingstoke (lucky me?!) so we'll be raising a glass (or three) to you.
Thinking of you Ali, and wish you well.
Sheila
Nice pic Ali! If I know you like I do then I am guessing the co-ordinating skis were no accident!
Here's a poem (not by me!) that a friend sent to me recently which i thought was wonderful. You've inspired hundreds of people in your life Ali to live just like this with your endless energy and determination.
In an ancient wall in China
A brooding Buddha blinks
Deeply graven is the Image
“It is later than you think”
The clock of time is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell when just the hands will stop
At late or early hour
Now is all the time you own
The past a golden link
So “Go do it now my brother”
It is later than you think.
With lots of love and hope to see you very soon.
Janey xxx
Ali,
You remember when we were taking you up to London for your radiation treatment and you had your book for people to write a 'ditty' in, in that book I saw one of the funniest things I have seen for many a year. I think it was an old friend of yours from France who had written;
"Never loose your sense of Tumour"
Well, hats off to you Sir, because despite all this crap that life is throwing at you, you haven't. It was awe inspiring to see you at Tony and Alison's wedding last Saturday, sitting in 'Chorlton', chatting and laughing with old friends and just being you. More than you, it was us that needed comforting!
To be counted as one of your friends is an honour. I have said it before and I will say it again the fight is not over, I hear no Fat Tart singing and you are still you and that is the best thing to fight this with.
My BIG Love to you and yours,
Dicky M.
I read your blog on a daily basis and although you don't know me, I feel like I have been by your side every step of the way. My husband, Chris, was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor in June 2006 - the week our 2nd child was born.
The unknown is probably the hardest and next to that is figuring which is the best course of treatment for YOU. Chris is holding strong - yet every 3 months when the next MRI comes along the tension is just sitting all around us.
Your decision is courageous - but if you decide you want to talk to another brain tumor survivor that went through radiation, chemo AND Avastin - send us an email: kimberlygolden@comcast.net
We're rooting for you all the way from beautiful New Jersey USA :)
Here's a little mantra for you:
Inhale peace;
exhale despair.
Breathe in hope;
blow out fear.
Inhale healing;
exhale disease
Hi Ali, Have a good trip.
All our love.
Karen, Daff, Jack and Toby xx
Dear Alistair,
have read all the comments this evening & find peoples concern very moving.
I also must say that you really take great photos, Charlie & Simon could be a best selling poster.
If you decide to come to Alpes Maritimes then I would love to see you, & maybe go for a little drive & show you some local stuff. Confiserie Florian that make hand made sweets, The Gorges de Loup, St Vallier de Thiey & other delights.
If all these bloggers have such love for you then God (who must have made the Bloggers) must love you (& me & all the Bloggers) a billion times more....
Much Love & respect for you, Mum & Dad, & of course Jeanette
Steve - Cagnes sur Mer
Ali, Mate!
This year's Gang Show finale song title said it all - "Something inside so strong". You are amazing, Jeanette is amazing (we haven't met her but boy do we know it!). What an amzing network of family and friends you have around you. Go out into the world and continue to spread your bravery and strength - God knows the world needs more people like you.
We love you. Bonne rentrée en France, et tout de bon, mon brave. Nous vous embrassons tous les deux très fort!
Ewan & Claire
Ewan & Claire
Hi Ali,
We follow your blog and are thinking shrink for you. We have never met but our son Lewis did Basi Gap year with you in Courchevel 1650 in 2005. Ski-ing is his passion and you are his absolute mentor & his inspiration. You are very much in our thoughts and we wish you strength, happiness and love.
MacLellan Family, Pitlochry, Scotland
Ali. I've just read all the poems, quotes, comments and stuff and can't resist joining in. It's late, but here's a ditty to the tune of the "Boating song".
"The sexual life of a camel is better than anyone thinks.
In the height of the mateing season, it tries to bugger the sphinx.
But the sphinx with the wizdom of ages, stuffs its arse with the sands of the nile; which accounts for the hump on the camel and the sphinxs'(?) inscrutable smile.
The end....but not quite!
Ali. Keep on, keeping on and when you don't feel like keeping on, keep on! Let the good times roll!!!Awrabest.
Hey Ali,
The post above made me laugh out loud! Very funny.
Just checking in to say Hello. Best things about today (and it's not even 8am yet) are that there is a definite promise of sunshine and it's Friday - woohoo and I've just found the stash of cards that my husband has been hiding from me as they've been arriving in the post, for my birthday next Wednesday - shall I, shan't I....??? I'll be good for now......
Hope you've got your flip flops lined up by the front door ready for your travels on Sunday. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. We'll be expecting lots of fab photos on the blog when you get back.
Better go and earn a crust, I suppose but just wanted to let you know we think about you every day. You all are always in my prayers.
Lots of love
J-A
Dearest Ali
My second blog on the long list above. What an amazing lot of bloggers. Some of the words are so moving and just go to show how well respected and loved you are. We do hope that all this love will make you better because you sure deserve it.
Hope all the plans for your trip to Annecy and Provence are going well and we shall not stop praying for you and wishing you a very happy trip. Breathe in that beautiful air and enjoy every moment. We will check your blog before leaving for Val d'Isere and then hope to catch up with it from an internet cafe whilst away. (So sorry that you wont be able to meet up with us as usual)
Here hoping the sun shines on you as you shine on all of us.
All our love to you as always and to your mum, dad, Jeanette and all the Rainback crew.
Keep up the good work.
The Conways
Chris, David, Stewart, Jo, Freya, Sarah and Daniel xxxxxxxxxx
Come to the edge he said
But we are afraid they said
Come to the edge he said......and they came even though they were afraid
and he pushed them over the edge............and they flew.
Keep at it mate ...you never know
Malcolm and Ruth
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