Rathlin Road, Friday, December 19th, 8pm:

I still haven't packed a sock. Spent the last couple of hours buzzing about like a blue-arsed fly distributing various pieces of Group equipment for people to carry. Today has been crazy, especially for myself and Ken. Right now I'm just looking forward to settling into my seat on the big BA Jumbo from London to Kolkata in the safe knowledge that everything is in order, on schedule and that we haven't left anything of any great significance behind us.

It has take an enormous effort to get us to where we are now. Tonight as 18 people embark on the adventure of a lifetime, I think of those who helped get us here. People like Marie Therese O'Higgins, Michael Donlon, my mother Nora Lawlor, John Alexander, Sister Cyril, Fr Seán McArdle, Fr Liam Lacey everyone who donated money, everyone who gave us practical support with fundraising events and in our planning and everyone else who have unfortunately escaped my mind at time of writing.

This has been a massive journey for me personally. I have learned so much from this and having the support and encouragement throughout of people like Ken, Catherine and Glenn has been my lifelblood. I hope I will not let them down. We'll do our best. I better go pack that sock.