As they say north of the border:

Ye and yer brother are Big men, be strong.

Wishing you large amounts of challenge luck. I am sure every challenger wishes you well

So get well soon.

Gaz

Alan, we spoke briefly at the Thursday post-TGOC dinner. I mentioned that I had donated a kidney in January and was fit enough to complete this TGOC (233 miles from Ardnamurchan Point to Peterhead) four months later. My 28 year old nephew (who got the kidney) has just played his first game of squash last week. So please reassure your brother that if, (like I found) that immediately after the operation he needs a wheel chair to go just 400m within the hospital to visit you, it won't be long until all he has is an interesting scar (or 4 counting the key holes) to remind him that he doesn't actually need two kidneys!
Like many others I have been following and inspired by your blog and it led me to use TGOC 2013 as the bench mark to aim for to get fit after the transplant. I wish you (and your brother) a speedy recovery though I know there will be ups and downs as they balance your anti rejection drugs, but if anyone can do it then I know it will be you, and it wouldn't surprise me to hear that your brother is a first time Challenger next year accompanying you!
Good luck old boy.
Simon

Many thanks for everyone's good wishes.

It's the morning after the op now & I'm feeling surprisingly better than I thought I would be.

I saw my brother Dave yesterday too, and he seems to be okay too.

Cheers
Alan
x

Fantastic news!! Keep up the good work boys x

Just to echo the speedy recovery messages. Hope all continues to go well.

Thank you to everyone for your good wishes.
I'm now home and on the mend. My brother Dave is doing fine too.
Let's get on with planning for 2014 now.

hi Alan

on the topic of 2014 planning- can I put in an early bid to have the C&W in our back garden?

Hi Al

Glad you are thinking about 2014. Since parts of you have not done the challenge before you and your WP should gain automatic entry!

Cheers, William

Well.

If I get a place Val, I will make sure my route goes Via Kincraig.

I have.
It's done.

Really reassuring and good news to hear Alan. Hope your recovery continues well. We're both thinking of you.
Vicky

Good to hear things seem to have gone well and hope you're both soon back up and about.

Trust you won't be nipping down to the Duck & Parrot to celebrate - just trust that bit to the rest of us, you stay tucked in and recover at your own pace! Cheers!

hope your doing well mate, mised you this year but roll on next year,,
now dont bugger this one up or i'll give you one of mine!!!!

That's wonderful to hear, Alan. Wishing for a speedy and smooth recovery, both for you and Dave. Hopefully you'll have newly re-discovered strength and energy - and will even be back out in the hills soon. And, of course, follow doctor's orders!

Al,
It was a relief to hear that both the Slomans are in good nick. I cannot but admire how upbeat you remained in the lead up to the procedure. A true leg end. I'll drink a quiet toast tonight to your speedy recovery.

Aye

Jim

You can open that envelope now!

Best wishes to you both,

JJ