Stuart's Diary: May - June 2006
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24 July
Have hit ROKO 4 times last week.  I’m starting to feel really good. Average weights lifted in one session is 24,000kg.  I received an email from ROKO the other day stating that I had lifted the equivalent of 14 African Elephants since I have been training there.

The equipment is computerised, so it is both fun and interesting to use.  I actually look forward to visiting ROKO.  The staff are fantastic as is the atmosphere and equipment.

Have managed to get down to 117.6kg. Have decreased my medication down to 200mg seroquel last week.  That is a very low dose.  Although my symptoms have not become active I am finding it hard to sleep.  I usually take my medication around 9.30pm and am asleep an hour later.  And usually sleep very well.

Since I've been taking 200mg my sleep pattern has been lost.  Will increase again to 400mg.  Good sleep is vital and helps relieve stress and keep symptoms of schizophrenia at bay.

Enjoying the sun.  Jane and I went away last week camping in the Peak District.  Had a lovely time walking.  Visited Derwent Reservoir which is beautiful.  A must for all walkers who visit the Peak District.

The Derwent Reservoir, built in 1916, sits in the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District National Park. This was to supply water to the cities of Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.

The topographical similarity between the Upper Derwent Valley and the Ruhr Valley in Germany meant that in 1943, Lancaster bombers from the Dam Busters Squadron used this place as its experimental practising ground for Barnes Wallis’ "bouncing bombs", prior to real life hits on Germany.

Consequently, it was also used as the film location in the famous, commemorative film, "The Dambusters".

All the best to you all. SBB.

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4 July
Have been training now for 2 weeks at ROKO health club. The equipment is brilliant and really helps me want to train. All state of the art, computerised, with many incentives to achieve your training goals. Am currently training 3 days per week but will increase to 4 days soon. On top of my gym work I walk for 3/4 hour each evening.

Lifted the equivalent of 20,000kg in one session yesterday. This consists of Bicep Curls, Leg Press, Pulldown...

Thanks so much to Panasonic this week for donating 2 Toughbooks to the One Mans Mountain team. The Toughbooks will ensure that we can have full contact from Everest back home and keep the News teams well informed!

My diet is changing with thanks to Jane who is keeping me on the right road to healthy eating. Far more fruit, far less chocolate.

A plea to possible sponsors. If any one is thinking of making a donation or who may want to sponsor the expedition please do so, we need your help and support to make my climb happen and to help inspire the World of mental illness.

Please help us if you can. You can find the sponsor page and contact details on the website. All good wishes to you all. Keep following your dreams no mater how big or how small. Stuart.

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12 June
It has been over one month since I returned from Nepal. As I look back I do have regrets about not being able to Summit Mera. But, no one can control the elements.  If I can find the finance I may try and return this October.

Have returned yesterday from along weekend on Dartmoor National Park with Jane and my dog Beau. It was lovely weather and we did much walking around the Merrivale area. Climbing the rocks around and on the Tors reminded me of the Himalayas and gave me a great urge to return to the mountains soon.

My weight has stabilised at 119kg. I am starting my fitness campaign at ROKO Health Club in Bournemouth Southern UK this week. Its time to seriously knuckle down with my training.

Its now time to do it... SBB

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16 May
1st of all, I have to offer my congratulations to Mark Inglis the 1st Double Amputee to Summit Mount Everest. He is a great 'inspiration' to everyone overcoming personal obstacles in life. His achieving most certainly 'spurs' me forward to succeed with overcoming my own personal difficulties.

My focus now is on Everest. Getting fitter and losing more weight. I managed to lose just over 6kg whilst trekking to Mera. This was a great 'kick start' to my fitness campaign. I am currently weighing 119kg. I want to be under 110kg by April next year. This would make me the lightest I have been in many years but I am always fighting the medication. The medication increases appetite and often leaves me feeling tired during the day.

The road to Everest is a mountain to overcome in itself. 

Since returning from the Himalayas I have felt a far greater level of energy, of which, I am taking advantage. I am walking most days now for a 1 half hours across the fields and small hills in Dorset. Soon I will be walking along the Lulworth coast from Ringstead towards Lulworth, up and down the 'larger' hills.

It is an exciting couple of weeks for the One Mans Mountain Group. White Lantern Film, who are making a documentary about my life with schizophrenia and my climb on Everest will be on their way to the Cannes film festival which starts this week on the 17th May. So 'good luck' Boys!

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February to April 2006
August to December 2006