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In just under 3 weeks I will be partaking in possibly one of the hardest, most physical and mental challenges of my life, I will be running the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon  - I've never been much of a sports man or gym-goer, infact exercise has always been pretty much alien to me, however since January (just over a month ago) my training began, for what is going to be a very tough and testing 13mile run indeed. From starting the year barely able to run 2 miles, I have been slowly increasing my distance each time, I'm no where near able to run 13 yet - my longest to date being 7.5, I have now joined Boot Camp twice a week to boost fitness and am running 2-3 times a week. I will do every thing I can to give this my very best shot. Going from no exercise to training 4-5 times a week has called for massive adjustments and I've had to learn to master serious will power - I won't lie - it's not been easy...

...But this isn't about me, this is about my friend Gary. This is about Gary's family, his girlfriend Anika, and all of his friends, loved ones and the Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad BWRS who are based in NWS, Australia - I'm running in honour and very fond memory of a truly special young man named Gary Lloyd Tweddle. I'm hoping to raise as much money in the form of donations from as many of you generous and kindhearted people as possible, I don't ask often but I need your help. I'll do the running - all I ask is you help me raise cash by donating to this dedicated, hard working and well deserved cause - BWRS. 

On July 16th 2013 Gary went missing from The Fairmount resort in Leura, in the Blue Mountains in Australia. If you have a spare five minutes I'd like to explain in a little more detail, in hope you truly understand why this is so important to me... and I'd like to start by telling you a little bit more about Gary.

When I first met Gary he was the ripe old age of 17 - my best friend Amy's little brother had come to stay from Australia - Gary ended up staying in Reading for a couple of years and he spent a large duration of his time with myself, Amy and the rest of our friends - who soon became his very own "Aunties and Uncles". We went on holidays, weekends away, visited theme parks, we lounged in the sun by the river, played in parks, we dined, we drank, we laughed, we even cried (well at least the girls did) but most importantly we enjoyed life, it's what Gary knew how to do best, make the very most of every situation.  I can tell you now, I never knew how important and treasured each and every memory we made together would one day, in the not too distant future become.  

My first impression of Gary was how mature, clever and wise beyond his years he was, I used to joke it was a Tweddle trait. However no matter how well he held himself, Gary always had an endearing and charming innocence in his eyes, which were wide open and eager for life. Needless to say we all formed very close bonds. Although he was 5 years my juniour, Gary was very protective over us all, he looked after us, in the form of cups of tea, soggy hangover toast, comforting cuddles to sound and genuine advice on life (remember he was only 17) he made us laugh and to this day I haven't met a single person who didn't feel instantly at ease in Gary's company.

In 2009 Gary decided to go back to Australia to further his career - I can assure you he done exactly that and more. Gary was one of the top acheivers at Oracle (a computer technology corporation) and at the time of his disappearance he was attending a work conference in the Blue Mountains for high achievers. Gary had continued to grow into an intelligent and highly successful 23 yr old man and nothing will ever change that fact. He had also fallen in love with a very special person named Anika - it warms my heart to know how happy he was in every aspect of his life. 

When we heard the news that Gary had gone missing, it was like we had been picked up and thrown into a nightmare which we were unable able to wake up from. Unless you have experienced it, you can not even begin to imagine what it is like not knowing and for seven long, testing, mentally and emotionally draining weeks. There were no answers. No closure - whatever that means in such tragic circumstances. 

Following the news on the 16th July was what was soon to be known as the largest search conducted and seen to date in the Blue Mountains unravelling right before our very own eyes - SEVEN long weeks - Gary's friends, family, police, helicopters, search and rescue teams, abseiling down cliff edges, caves, homes and even bins were searched - people risked their own safetly to tread places which hadn't been touched for tens of years, there were around 1000 Volunteers and over 10,000 man hours dedicated to aid, support and look for our Gaz - BWRS were heavily involved in the search, the experience, expert knowledge and skills they provide in circumstances like these is quite simply priceless... Here is a video link if you are unfamilar with the blue Mountains.

Helpless is a word which readily comes to mind. Half way across the world and unable to do a single thing to help - which is where organisations like BWRS came in to play, and why it is so important to me try and give something back to them so they can continue to help others who will undoubtably need it in the continued future. They were one of a number of search and rescue teams - but I had to narrow my choice down because giving to one organisation will be more benficial than giving to 5 or 6. Believe me they are a very deserving cause. 

For what seemed like an eternity and for all those involved who knew and loved Gary -  it will always be looked back upon as the longest, hardest and most testing time of our lives. Every second, every minute, hour, day, week, month that Gary was missing another piece of his loved ones hearts went missing too. I can not say how sorry I am to his family, on the 2nd of September 2013 Gary was finally spotted by an ambulance rescue helicopter which was training in the area  - he was eternally sleeping in a place which is known as 'Sweet Deams'. He was recovered from the cliff edge the next day.  I can not ignore or remove the lump in my throat just writing this fact. 

I want Gary to be remembered in the most positive and happy way, someone so giving, genuine, kind hearted and full of life - he ran races, raised money for Charities and cared very much for others, there are so many things to smile about - especially when you remember his smile and this should be the first thing any of us remember when we look back - I wish there were more people like Gary Tweddle. 

Gary - may you forever rest in peace, and once again I would like to wish you sweet dreams. 

Gary's family - You are all very strong and admirable individuals and Gary was just as lucky to have you all in his life as you were to have him in yours.

And finally to BWRS and everyone else involved in the search- THANK YOU   xx

 Joe Moore - Dream Catch me xx

Please help me to help the Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad. 

 

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