Firstly, Mike from Coys Cars did exactly what he promised and has got me a shirt from Slade the English rock group who I first remember from the 70s. They had a whole number of hits with both huge sales of singles and LPs. (Oh no. I sound old!! Who remembers long players?) Mike is related to Don Powell is related who was delighted to send a shirt with his best wishes. Mike has also got a Torquay United shirt who is a fan at that club in the farrrrrrrrrrr south west of England as well as Wolves and Chelsea shirts. Thanks so much, Mike. These four shirts will be part of the BIG shirt in South Africa. So Iron Maiden Sir Elton John, Fish, Slade. Who else do you know who would like to say “hi” and donate a shirt? A tennis or golf player, a famous singer or group, a well-known entrepreneur or footballer? ALL welcome.


Then Lesley Aveyard called Steve to say that she had got the shirt from her local rugby league team. This is a full-contact sport that is hugely popular in the North of England and is played with 13 rather than the 15 players you see in rugby union. Fast and furious! Thanks for the shirt and for getting details of my journey out to your contacts. The Bradford Bulls will not be the only rugby team there of course as I met up with La Vila club in Spain who entertained me well ….and then fed and watered me just as well. Which other rugby or tennis, golf or bandy teams can we get to send their shirts? ALL welcome.


When I was in Spain I met up with Amanda Hamilton at her gorgeous hotel deep in the Spanish countryside. It was my last week in Spain and I was tired after 6 busy weeks. Amanda laid on a great farewell party and even arranged a professional masseuse! Happy memories. You can read about the party in the November blogs. Anyway, as well as all the shirts she handed over on the day, she now writes that three more are on the way to basecamp Norway. THANKS!


Finally, I was delighted to hear that Bury FC from League 2 in England are the latest club to have sent me a shirt direct. Steve is big buddies with their commercial director Mark Catlin who has sent a Bury shirt and a CD Jávea shirt from his days as El Presidente at the Spanish club. It was particularly nice that he took the time to send best wishes to me. "All of us at Bury Football Club would like to wish Björn every success, and we look forward to seeing the Bury shirt flying proudly in South Africa with so many others that have donated so generously to the cause." Mark Catlin, Director.

Mark is working really hard at the club who are looking good for promotion this season. If you get a chance to go along to a game, please say “Hi” to Mark and thank him for his generosity and kind wishes. It´s good to know that the big professional clubs are behind me and I'll go onto their Facebook page to thank them. So nine more shirts from Spain and another one from the UK. A nice email from Steve!


If you have a shirt stored away or one you have been meaning to forward, please do so now.