Day 1 - Report from Diana Glazer - We must have appeared like angels from heaven! No one knew we were coming but as soon as they saw the massage tables, feet came out of ice buckets and people started to scurry around to showers. AB, Mrs AB and Dean Jones all had massage, as did a couple of corporate walkers. AB and 'Deano' both confessed not have had massage before because in their day it was thought to be somewhat sissy. After about half an hour with me I think they changed their mind!

-- Joel Morrell (arn@tsn.cc), October 10, 2002

Answers

Day 2 - Report from Diana Glazer - I have been adopted by Dean Jones who is loud when he is enjoying the massage and even louder when he is not! I promised to bring some tape for his mouth on day 3 so that the others could enjoy their massage in peace. Phil Kearns could still take a tough massage today but Dean was very tender and all had blisters due to the rain.

-- Joel Morrell (arn@tsn.cc), October 10, 2002.

Day 3 - Report from Diana Glazer - Most of the walk was accomplished in the rain and it was a very ragged lot that came down the huge hill into Gosford. All had tender tibialis anteriors from the steep downward trek. A very quick bite to eat and once again they were on the tables. We have certainly become a very welcome and necessary part of their day and I have heard AB mention massage on radio as part of his daily recovery. They are a nice bunch of people and you will all enjoy the experience.

PLEASE NOTE ALL MEMBERS TAKING PART ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT THEIR EXPERIENCES ABOUT THIS PROJECT - REBECCA - FEEL FREE TO PUBLISH!!!

-- Joel Morrell (arn@tsn.cc), October 10, 2002.

Day 3 - Report from Ian Eggleton - Massage is now an integral part of the daily routine for the trekkers. "Where's the massagers" is the first thing heard as they end their day, followed by "Massage now,Shower later". Mr & Mrs AB are both handling the walk extremely well, they both have prepared their feet for the ordeal. Lower extremity was again the order of the day. DJ is suffering in the leg department, blisters & achillies. Phil Kearns looks too fit, only a small blister on one foot to watch out for. We figure AB who has received very little massage prior to this event will be in tip top condition when he hits Brisbane, mainly due our massaging each day.

-- Ian Eggleton (ian.eggleton@tafe.nsw.edu.au), October 14, 2002.

Day 5 - Today had some casualties - DJ, under medical advice is not walking for about seven days, due to achilles problems, and there are some mightly blisters for Phil Kearns (who may be making up for DJ in the noise department). AB is holding up well,no specific complaints or problems and no signs as yet of any blisters. The daily massage having a great benefit overall on his (and everyone else participating-walking and driving) fitness. All are in fantastic spirits still, knowing how much walking is still ahead of them.

By the way, for those of you who are regular viewers of ABC tv, try to catch CNNNN (Thurs 8.30) as they filmed a segment with AB during today's walk.

-- Meagan Mathieu (mathieu@idl.net.au), October 14, 2002.

Day 7 Raymond Terrace. Two AMT therapists and 8 sore feet with bodies still attached. AB is in very high spirit and said he was feeling better each day - obviously gaining in match fitness. He expressed deep appreciation for the work we therapists are doing for his effort. They are impressed by the public support being given to the team as the proceed along.

-- John Cavanagh (lochcav@bigpond.com), October 14, 2002.

Day 5 Swansea- Report from Chris Minto- Four eager AMT therapists were on hand to provide 8 people some very welcome releif after a long walk 38-40 KM. from Wyong to Swansea. Phil Kearns was first on the table, said he needed massage more than he needed to watch the football on TV. I have great admiration for these athletes walking with many blisters on their feet. All very grateful for relief provided for their tired bodies.

-- Chris Minto (chris.minto@tsn.cc), October 16, 2002.

Day 17:As anxious kids and adult fans alike,waited the arrival of AB and DJ at the Nambucca plaza, we unfolded our tables and also waited for the weary trekkers to arrive.You could almost feel the throbbing feet as the walkers peeled off their shoes and with a cold one in hand made haste to the tables.AB,DJ and a few of the team had a massage.The experience was fabulous not only to meet with top sportsmen ,but to be part of a worthy cause.Many thanks Joel for including me in your team. Yours in health Kirsty Bush.

-- kirsty bush (kirstybush@tsn.com), November 18, 2002.