Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: Mourneman on November 06, 2011

Title: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 06, 2011
Guys listen up -one of our members and my good friend Harry Russell  'mountain goat'  is on a life support machine in Belfast,he's seriously unwell with flu like symptoms,please everyone say a prayer
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 06, 2011
Sorry to hear this. He has my thoughts
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: twentyclicks on November 06, 2011
Oh dear, bad news indeed. Hope he recovers soon.
All the best to his family and friends at this hard time.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LandyLiam on November 06, 2011
poor harry, hope he pulls through, family prayers tonight will be for him
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 06, 2011
  Weil's disease is what i'am hearing from the family,must have being the kayaking we did at Shaw's bridge last week,i'am just off the phone with the family,he organ's are failing and the next of kin have been told its not good,'Come on HARRY,please god
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: RedLeader on November 06, 2011
Fingers crossed. Thoughts are with him.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Scribble on November 06, 2011
Sad news , thoughts for family and friends
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Kayakgirl on November 06, 2011
Good God, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Rumblebum on November 06, 2011
Thats really sad news news surge, i havnt had the pleasure of meeting him yet but i hope to bump into him back on the hills.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: whoRya on November 06, 2011
That's terrible news, thoughts and prayers go out for him and the family.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 07, 2011
Hope he pulls through mate, terrible news.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Paul72 on November 07, 2011
Sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers with him and the family.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 07, 2011
Just keeping you guys posted about Harry,he's very seriously ill with weils disease,but has showed signs of slight improvement as his lungs are working at 30 %,his kidney's,liver are very badly damaged & he's had over twenty pints of blood in the first 24 hours.Of all the people i know harry must be the fittest,he's alway's at the front ,alway's pushing the limit.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6322594784_7b26dd3652.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322594784/)
DSCN7691 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322594784/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6322607756_61081bf1e8_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322607756/)
DSCN7712 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322607756/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Al Fresco on November 07, 2011
Hope he makes a full and swift recovery, My thoughts are with him and his family.
I watched the YouTube video of you guys at shaws bridge last week and was impressed, i have also just looked up leptospirosis and weils disease. Very very rare in canoeists but more likely after floods due to washing out rat runs, as it is carried by rats urine.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 07, 2011
Wish there was something i could do to help him,just shows how dangerous the water is?The medical team at the Ulster are surprised at how strong he is,please god he's alright
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6322062439_b6a2bae135_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322062439/)
DSCN7611 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322062439/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Fred on November 07, 2011
I dont know Harry but I have probably met him in my mountain travels. Im really sorry to hear this.

Fred
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Matthew on November 07, 2011
Like most on NI Wild, I have not had the pleasure of meeting Harry but he sounds a great guy. My thoughts, at this time, are very much with him. It is always sad to hear about people getting unwell or injured while enjoying their hobby.

Matthew
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Grace. on November 07, 2011
My thoughts are going out to Harry and his family, may he come through this fighting.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: specimanYak on November 08, 2011
Sorry to hear this, thoughts for the family and Harry.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 09, 2011
Is there a update on harry's health?
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: MG1 on November 09, 2011
Terrible news!!  Hope he pulls through.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 09, 2011
Hi Guys
              Spoke to the family last night,harry remains seriously ill,can only pray he pulls through.

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6328975640_a26fb850da_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6328975640/)
DSCN7671 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6328975640/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 10, 2011
I've never really asked for much,but please god help my mate Harry,he's not good at all.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6322089395_3870141d2e_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322089395/)
DSCN7808 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6322089395/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: wee gaz on November 11, 2011
any more word on harry.thoughts with family, hope he is recovering
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 14, 2011
Just an update on Harry's health,he's showing sign's of improvement,so hopefully he'll keep getting better.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6344255765_ec220fd6fd_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6344255765/)
DSCN7684 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6344255765/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: wee gaz on November 14, 2011
good to hear
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Al Fresco on November 14, 2011
Very pleased to hear this, have been thinking a lot about this,
But have been afraid to ask.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 14, 2011
thats good news john, hoping his recovery continues!
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Daithi2004 on November 14, 2011
Great to hear the good news, John.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: surfnscenic on November 14, 2011
Good to hear. Small and valuable steps in the right direction. Keep going, keep going.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Scribble on November 14, 2011
great news  :)
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 15, 2011
Harrys wife contacted tonight to let me know that Harry's now stable,but he'll need a long recovery,Thank you to everybody for their kind comment's,i'am sure you'll all get to met him sooner or later
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6346063336_2bfe1aa6e3_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6346063336/)
DSCN7960 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6346063336/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr

(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6345301677_c37c59fdf7_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6345301677/)
DSCN7756 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/69203213@N03/6345301677/) by surginor (http://www.flickr.com/people/69203213@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: RedLeader on November 15, 2011
Great news, glad he's on the mend.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 15, 2011
Superb.

Glad its good news and not bad.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: twentyclicks on November 15, 2011
Excellent news!
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Grace. on November 15, 2011
That's great. this has really been stuck in my head since I heard.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LandyLiam on November 16, 2011
so great to hear of an improvement, harry is constantly in my thoughts and prayers lately, really looking forward to meeting him again
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Paul72 on November 16, 2011
That's great to hear, hopefully the incentive to get out in the hills again will help in the recovery process
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Are we there yet? on November 16, 2011
Brilliant news!
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: specimanYak on November 16, 2011
That's great news, hope he's back on his hooves soon.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: AdamMcC5 on November 16, 2011
Very good news!!
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 20, 2011
Just heard from harry's wife,he's out of I.C.U & in a general ward
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: wee gaz on November 20, 2011
fantastic news
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 22, 2011
Spoke with Harry last night on the phone,going to visit him tonight in hospital so i'll keep everyone up to date on how he's going,maybe he will post something later as i'am bringing him up an ipad to have a go on
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: whoRya on November 22, 2011
I know a lot of patience will be required but good to see he is on the road to recovery.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Are we there yet? on November 22, 2011
That's amazing news! im sure Harrys family and yourself are breathing a sigh of relief. Wishing him a speedy recovery! :)
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 22, 2011
Just back from visiting Harry,he's already talking about going up the Mourne's & his next day out kayaking,he'll be in hospital for the next few weeks anyway & will need treatment for some time.Harry's wife has expressed to me how grateful they are to the Ulster's ICU for all the treatment Harry received & that she would like to do something for the unit,maybe a charity walk?Does anybody on the forum have any experience about these events,basically i'am looking for people to help me organise this walk.
                                                     Issue's to discuss would be legal advice,local council involvement,pr,advertising.Anybody willing to help me in any way,even to act as a Stewart on the day please contact me
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 22, 2011
Glad he's on the mend John, I would be up for a charity walk, work permitting! Keep us posted on the details!
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 23, 2011
maybe a charity walk?Does anybody on the forum have any experience about these events,basically i'am looking for people to help me organise this walk.
                                                     Issue's to discuss would be legal advice,local council involvement,pr,advertising.Anybody willing to help me in any way,even to act as a Stewart on the day please contact me

I'd love to do something like that, wouldnt know about legal advice etc but I'm sure if you needed I could knock up a poster or Facebook page to help advertise this.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
Cheer's guy's,need all the help i can get,really good idea about the facebook page Oisin.I've taken part in charity walks before,normally they're during the summer month's with slieve Donard being the normal choice,but as we are in the grip of winter i need to consider other routes that carry less risks to novice walkers.After a brief online search i've discovered some helpful tips about such events;

1.Local council need to be informed
2.M.M.R,PSNI also need to be aware of large number s of people intending to venture into the hills
3.sponsors sheets should include a disclaimer and fit for walk section
4.Marshals are requirred along the route,together with an inventory of any walkers taking part
5.involve as much attention as you can,ie press,tv
6.the question of insurance
7.thinking that as harry had weil's, we could with involve the British Canoe Union
8.also consider involving a sponsor on the day ,ie red bull,coke

any ideas welcome
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 23, 2011
Are you meaning money goes towards the BCU/CANI?

Sponsors sounds good. Maybe local canoe shops or outdoor places etc or if some of the bigger names will would agree even better.  Do you Need insurance? I just see it as a scam, but i can understand that you may need it.

Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
Great new's( LIFE NI)will be doing all the event management,I've got a date ,sunday 11th dec,slieve donard walk in aid of ICU ,ULster hosp.Oisin can i take you up on on the offer of creating a facebook page for me?
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LennyJ1 on November 23, 2011
Great new's( LIFE NI)will be doing all the event management,I've got a date ,sunday 11th dec,slieve donard walk in aid of ICU ,ULster hosp.Oisin can i take you up on on the offer of creating a facebook page for me?

I am glad you are doing a bit of fund raising. I would of though if you want max exposure then you may want to plan it for the begining of next year around Feb/Mar?? Just my opinion
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 23, 2011
Great new's( LIFE NI)will be doing all the event management,I've got a date ,sunday 11th dec,slieve donard walk in aid of ICU ,ULster hosp.Oisin can i take you up on on the offer of creating a facebook page for me?

I am glad you are doing a bit of fund raising. I would of though if you want max exposure then you may want to plan it for the begining of next year around Feb/Mar?? Just my opinion

Thats a good point, 2 weeks isnt very long to gather up sponsors etc? I am working that day also, so wouldnt be able to go  :( There will be a few knocking about donard wood though, as its the day after the xmas camp??  ;)
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 23, 2011
Great new's( LIFE NI)will be doing all the event management,I've got a date ,sunday 11th dec,slieve donard walk in aid of ICU ,ULster hosp.Oisin can i take you up on on the offer of creating a facebook page for me?

That was fast, no messing about with you.  ;)


I also agree with the short time period. It may still work, but the way I see it is that would it not be better gathering more money over a longer period of time?

Can also give people more time to plan in advance.

I will happily create a Facebook Page yeah. Firstly I think we should gather ideas on locations, ideas, objective?

Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
Oisin mate i had a go at fb page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ulsters-ICU-unit-charity-walk-of-slieve-Donard-Sun-11th-Dec/141809659255269
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 23, 2011
Suprisingly I cant get onto Facebook in school, but I'll have a look when I get home from work later tonight. :)
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
been taking to cotswolds,river rock,ballygown water, coca cola & tayto about sponsership,maybe get something sorted
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
Tiso want to be involved as well,think i'll phone the sports council
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Al Fresco on November 23, 2011
Facebook page needs more details on event, ie; Start time, meeting point, where to get sponsorship forms, how long it may take to complete, and a general basic kit list might be good advice.
Im free that day and will volunteer my services if you need me.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: wee gaz on November 23, 2011
great idea im up for it, but the 11th dec!! with so many bloated hungover people emerging from Donard wood PSNI might panic and pepper spray everyone and MMR would have thier hands full evaucating the masses. this would result in another fundraiser for MMR lol. do you do the walk soon with limited numbers  due to it being winter(some may not venture into the hills at this time of year,some may feel obliged to do so and this could cause its own problems) therefore limited money raised or wait to spring , more people more money ? .meantime is a letter of thanks to be sent to all in ulster hospital  for great job done and explaining what is being planned
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
Will complete Facebook page today/tomorrow,will include all details,cheers for advice
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 23, 2011
I still think you should put it back for a month or two, I'm just thinking what you could really do to make it great, and it think it would be better in a month or two.

Not meaning to tell you what to do, just I'm not sure how many people could take part with the short notice. I'd just like to see it succeed, and i think that means more planning time.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 23, 2011
There's nothing set in stone yet,so i could put it off to maybe the first weekend in March,suppose i was thinking act now while it's fresh in everyone's head,do you think it would be more successful at a later date,what would we do different,ps,thanks for getting involved Oisin
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 23, 2011
I definitely think you would make more money for the hospital if you put it back, more time to advertise, more time to get donations etc - when u do finalise a date you should set up a "justgiving" page, it is a great way to raise extra funds.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LandyLiam on November 23, 2011
No doubt you would make more in the long run but i like your idea of doing this when its still current, sure you could always do another event next year if you like. Try and put a twist into the event though, there's loads of people getting sponsored to do Donard and i know people will laugh at me when i ask for sponsorship for that  ;D  (but they will still donate  ;) ) not saying your should wear flippers or fancy dress going up  ::) (summer would be better for that) would be nice if it would  make a good media story, maybe everyone brings a piece of something that gets assembled at the top, i always fancied a picnic bench up there  ;) or maybe everyone could work as a team to drag a large object up, can you imagine Harry's face when you tell him where his canoe is  :D
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: whoRya on November 23, 2011
Does Harry have a favourite route or circuit that could be used?  It would give a good angle to help with the publicity and it may cheer him up to think of a crowd out doing his wee route.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 24, 2011
Both great idea's guys,kayak on top of Donard,that's class Liam,thinking its too rushed ,for the 11 th dec,what would be a good date?
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 24, 2011
This idea reminds me of the piano a the top of Ben Nevis.
Quote
A musical mystery today surrounded Britain's highest mountain after a piano was discovered near its summit.
Volunteers clearing stones from the 4,418ft peak were astonished when they discovered the musical instrument on Ben Nevis. An appeal has now been launched to find out how and why the piano came to be within 200 metres of the top of the mountain.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/may/17/arts.artsnews1

Gives ideas about carrying something up to be the highest point in Northern Ireland. I wonder if anyone has ever assembled a flat pack at the highest point in Northern Ireland?  ;D
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: wee gaz on November 24, 2011
100 years ago a ford model T was drove to the top of Ben Nevis. if we could just get our hands on one of those cars !!!. the just giving webpage is a good idea and could be set up anytime now to run until the event. is anyone involved in the website compotition? this would be a fantastic place to advertise the fundraising event with the whole outdoor sector
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Al Fresco on November 24, 2011
Some guy drove a vauxhall Frontera to the top of mount Snowdon this year and it caused an awful row with enviromentalists. probably better with something more eco friendly.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 24, 2011
Really like all these idea's you's came coming up with,I've set up a basic Facebook page,but i'am unsure about setting up ,'just giving'.what is it and how do we do it,Tiso and Life ni  have confirmed that they will be involved with the event,Cotswolds,Millets,Red-bull,Blacks,sport NI,BCU,Down district council.H.P.A,river rock,Coca cola have all expressed an interest as well,over the next few days i will be speaking to as many companies and authories as i can.If anyone would like to help me in any way i would be very grateful,ps spoke to Harry tonight.he got all the tubes out today and was asking me about going up the mountains,what a legend
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 24, 2011
Here's a link for justgiving https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising-page/creation/get-started?returnUrl=%2Ffundraising-page%2Fcreation%2Finitiate-authenticated-page-creation-process%2Fd2878a2c-1ba7-451c-aa09-32b86783447d&pcid=d2878a2c-1ba7-451c-aa09-32b86783447d
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: wee gaz on November 24, 2011
more good news about Harry
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 24, 2011
 I've been e-mailing away all evening,companies,authorities,and clubs,ie belfast kayak club,wind surfing clubs,anyone think of anyone else i should target,please get back to me,Also being speaking to Dagger kayak's and certain outdoor pursuits shop have pledge products to raffle almost those taken part in the walk,ie most money raised,funny dress-up,also random draws on the day
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LandyLiam on November 24, 2011
great work john, i like the raffle idea, say every fiver donated gets a raffle ticket, that way your giving people something for their money, i hate asking people for sponsor money, much happier selling raffle tickets, go round the local businesses and gather loads of small prizes, bottle of plonk,vouchers etc
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 25, 2011
Confirmed date of walk -Sunday 4th March  2012. Some far i've managed to secure a number of sponsors ,who are willing to provide goods for a raffle.I've arranged for a press realise this monday at 3pm in Donard carpark ,Newcastle,local and national press want to do a few photo's about the story.If anyone's available and would be interested in helping me with this,please let me know
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: mt goat russell on November 25, 2011
Hi all well thats me home  ;) I want to thank u all for ur best wishes even know i have not yet got the honer on meet any off u yet but thank u for the prayers a wishes .... so TKZ TO ALL OFF U.... & HOPE TO MEAT ON THE TRAILS SOON . ps doing a walk to help rase money in D T B C for I C U in the ulster as thoses guys did save my life & a want to thank then in a big way os keep a date free for walk ..... tkz ppl
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: LandyLiam on November 25, 2011
good to see you back harry, you'll have to get practising for this big walk soon, i hear john is nearly as fast as you now  ;D
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Spud on November 25, 2011
Welcome back Harry, wishing u a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: ChuckMcB on November 25, 2011
Welcome back, take it easy.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Mourneman on November 25, 2011
Good one Chuck ,'take it easy,'anyway here a link to the facebook page
             
                                                                                      http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=142841832485385&set=a.141817959254439.18457.141809659255269&type=3&theater
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: Oisín on November 25, 2011
Liked' the bakebook page. Wont be able to attend the media date, but I have full plans to attend the walk.
Title: Re: Mountain goat russell
Post by: mt goat russell on November 25, 2011
Tkz guys good to be back. I inted to guys one step @ a time  :P