Please help - holiday of a lifetime (ANDY HARRIES)

[AndyHarries]

This is the first time that I have logged on in a wee while and I was touched to read your responses. Thank you.

We didn't go the Marsden in the end because Andrew wasn't well enough, but we may go next Wednesday if things improve.

Glyn: we have had lots of offers of a place to stay, but with the baby and the fact that Andrew doesn't sleep well at all, we decided it was best to do it in a day. It isn't so much the amount of driving, just the prospect of the day itself

Barbara: thank you so much for thinking of us and your ideas/offer of help. It's actually the Sutton, Surrey site that we need to visit. The hospital do offer various packages for help with accommodation and transport, but as I said to Glyn, we have our lovely baby and comfy bed to return to.

Thank again everyone, somehow the support of cyber friends is that bit more special...

Rachel

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Folks

To prevent news getting scattered all over the forum, I've merged all posts about Andy Harries fight into this original topic.

I received a lovely email from Tor Disen, one of the pilots at Hummingbird Helicopter Services in Trinidad. The have honoured Andy's fighting spirit by naming their helicopter "The Spirit of Andy Harries".

Receiving news of this wonderful gesture yesterday, I wrote to Rachel. I've been very hesitant about contacting her, to be honest. I don't want to intrude but equally, she tells me that she doesn't want to appear to be always posting "woe is me" messages, as she described them. It's a horrible situation, but Rachel knows our thoughts are with them both.

Anyway, Andy is going through a good patch at the moment. They are still hoping that he will be well enough to travel to Tobago. Sadly, recent scans show two tumours, both growing but not too rapidly. However, Andy soldiers on and makes the best of things. They still manage to do lots of family things together and last night they even went out for a family meal.

Our hopes and prayers are with them both.



From left to right in the pictures: Emmanuel Gopaul - Engineer; Tony Vieira - Managing pilot; Ummar Razac - Dispatcher; Jonathan Drew - Pilot; Tor Disen; Pilot

[Kirsten Giles]

Hi

Any news on Andy and Rachel Harries?

Kirsten

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Kirsten

No news since my last post above, I'm afraid. No news is good news. As I mentioned, I'm hesitant about contacting them - particularly during the Festive season. I would imagine that Rachel has a 'watch' on this thread and so is getting an email notifying her that further replies have been posted, so hopefully she will provide an update.

[AndyHarries]

Andrew and I have been away for a big family holiday, skiing in the Alps. Unfortunately the altitude made Andy very sick and made it difficult to breathe, but, hey it's another milestone reached and we managed to have fun inbetween his bad days. Oh, apart from Harries junior waking everyone up at 6am...

We are still really hoping to make it to Tobago. Andy sleeps much of each day now, but I am sure he'd rather sleep in Tobago than dreary old England. And there's the small matter of a cricket match to attend! And we are SO looking forward to our trip in 'The Spirit of Andy Harries'. i still can't get over that one.

If you read this, Steve, I hope you are having a wonderful time

And thanks to you all for your continued support and sympathy.

Rachel

[Brian Taylor]

We kkep our fingers crossed that you're gonna make it!
The sunset has rehearsal every evening to be perfect, when you are here!
All the best!

Steph & Ali

[AndyHarries]

Hi Ali and Steph

Thanks for your message!

We are very much looking forward to our trip (Andrew more than me, but that's because he's an optimist and I'm not!). And we look forward to that return trip to Castara!

Rachel

[Kirsten Giles]

Hi Andy and Rachel.

How long before you go?

Kirsten x

[Linda P]

Hi Andy and Rachel

I have just read your story and just want you to know that I am thinking of you both and hope that you do make it to Tobago this year. I am sure that if Andy can make the tripit will do you both the world of good.

With my very best wishes

Linda

[AndyHarries]

Thanks for your messages

We go on the 22 of April. Roll on!

Rachel

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Everyone

How time flies! It only seems the other month since we all first read about Andrew and Rachel’s tragic story.

Five weeks today the couple WILL be on their way to Tobago. Andy is hanging on – the thought of Tobago and his beloved cricket match is giving him that extra X-factor to fight for.

Sadly, Andy’s health means that he will be unable to undertake many things that he would like to on this final trip. He will be largely confined to his room, but just lying there listing to the sea will be magic to him. Everything else revolves around the cricket. None of us know how it will turn out, or what will be possible, but we must be positive.

I am helping as best I can by acting as liaison between all the wonderful people who have offered support during this “trip of a lifetime”. I am anxious not to miss anyone, so may I please ask all Tobagonians (true or honorary) who have offered practical support while Andy and Rachel are on the island, to contact me to make arrangements. I will try to identify you all through the posts in this thread and my emails, but I’m afraid that unless you contact me again, I could miss you and unintentionally cause offence.

[Arianne]

Hi Andy and Rachel,

I have been reading this string of messages and it brought tears to my eyes. The only thing I can give you are my thoughts and payers. I realy realy hope you will be able to have a wonderful time in Tobago.

Arianne.

[Bryn]

Hi Andy and Rachel,

From our hearts to yours.......we wish you the trip of a lifetime! I have a tendancy to be very cynical about the goodness of people and I am delighted to see how many have assisted you in planning your trip. I am so moved by you and your determination. I hope to hear about your trip upon your return......please keep us all posted. ENJOY!

Blessings,

Bryn and Edwin

[AndyHarries]

I am really moved by your messages. Always. Sometimes it's the comments of 'strangers' that gives me the strength to carry on... along with the thought of such a incredible trip back to Tobago

Rachel

PS Andy is staying with his relatives at the moment to give me some respite. The next day I had to take our baby to hospital with a nasty infection! The fun never stops in this house

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Rachel

I must remember not to ask you to give me a tip for the Grand National.

Can’t life be a bxxxxx - how much bad luck can anyone have? Anyway, our fingers are crossed for little Josh and the two of you. Keep smiling. Your flight to Tobago is in just 29 days time. And let's all give a big round of cheers and thanks to those wonderful folks at Golden Caribbean who have upgraded your Excel Airways flights to Excel One first class. All arrangements are going well and everyone is rooting for you.

[Rory McEvoy]

I was just daydreaming the posts here, recalling the time we first visited Tobago in 1988.

Your story and the heartwarming response it received, both in Tobago (and Trinidad!) and England makes me realise why we love the place so much.

We are praying for you up here in Toronto and hope that everthing is going well and very soon the warmth of Tobago will bring you both the joy and peace you deserve.

God Bless you both - keep your chin up, Rachel!

Vicky and Rory in Toronto

[Katie]

hello i would just like to wish you a brilliant holiday in tobago. i am sure you will have a lovely time, like everyone does. It doesn't cease to amaze me how kind people are
katie 13

[Horst Heiser]

Just a short notice :
My wife returned from Tobago the other day.There are some rumours in parts of the island.
The people are discussing what they can do for ANDY.
Tobago wants to see You two.
I´m sure, the Tobagonians will do everything they can do.
You will see.
Have a great time.

Horst Heiser

[Juliette J]

Hi!
Just got logged in for the first time! I have one main reason for logging onto the site and that is to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who works on the site and who has offered to help my sister and bro-in-law-Andrew and Rach Harries have the holiday of a lifetime! You have no idea what a difference all you hard work and generosity has made to their lives. Every time i see Rach and Andy they have something new and exciting to tell me about their Tobago Adventure! I was on the first trip (for their wedding in 2000) and i'm very jealous as i know what a fantastic time they'll have! Unfortunately someone has to stay and look after Josh (only joking he's so cute i'll enjoy every minute).
I'm very impressed with the web site generally and will look up where we ate sometime to see if the reviews written here match up to what we thought!
Once again THANK YOU ALL
JJ

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Juliette

Under the tragic cirumstances it would be very wrong to say it has been a pleasure, but I'm sure you know what I mean.

Make sure to post your comments, whether you agree or not with the views expressed in the forum reviews.