7 days later

Its a week, almost to the minute as I type that we rode into John O'Groats. But I'm not sure it has sunk in. I have been overwhelmed by the response from people, friends, family and others.

The fundraising total keeps going up, which is fantastic and I can't thank people enough for their generosity. I was touched, embarrassed and taken aback by the round of applause I received when I first went back to work. Its lovely to have such a response and its really these little things that help to make it worthwhile. Paul and Rachel had decorated the house when we got back which was sweet and brought champagne. Loads of people have congratulated me and whilst that's great we shouldn't lose focus on why I did it. In fact I didn't do it, I needed the help of Beth and many others, a real team.

I've been pondering on what I learned from it all. In telling people about the tour I've tended to harp on about the "incidents", characters we met on the way, bad service, road rage, bad weather and lost site of the great things. The fabulous views, the lovely people, the great downhills, nice hotels, generosity. All things we should cherish.

Of course the obvious lesson is fairly cliched. The fact that it is true that, a realistic goal, no matter how hard, can be achieved if you work at it. 12 months ago I hadn't even thought about this (but then I hadn't practically lost the use of one eye either) and here I am with the end to end in the bag.

Its Imogen's birthday party today. I wonder what she'll be doing in 40 year's time, when she's my age and whether I'll be around to share it with her. I'm so lucky to have the people around me that I do. So if there's one lesson that overrides all others. It is: be positive and the world is a much better place.