214 TRAVELLING ELLIS...

Time to get some charity admin done, which started, ironically, with a non-charity-related task. I spoke with Sarah about New Start. While we were on the call, I asked her to send the picture of Ellis she used for his Snugzy so we could order one for the trip.

She sent over a picture, and I had a crack at creating the pillow with his face on a shirtless body covered in tattoos. I came up with something and showed it to the group; they all gave me the thumbs-up, so I sent it to Sarah for the final green light.

Her response was exactly what I was after; "🤣 love it! Yes, that’ll do nicely!" Perfect and a massive relief.

I explained that this is how we remember Ellis from the Quiz Nights we did during lockdown: him sitting there, shirtless, covered in tattoos, occasionally getting jabbed by Sarah as she administered some drug or other in a brilliantly matter-of-fact manner.

We were in awe of how casual and slick it was.

I shared the image with everyone else who did the Quiz Night and got another positive response. We looked back and realised that Ellis passed away 2 years ago; it doesn't seem that long ago. It still hurts to be honest, which is why I'm glad we are doing the rally and raising a few quid in his name.

Design agreed, I took the plunge and ordered our 'Travelling Ellis'. He will come with us as a mascot, and we will be sure to get snaps of him along the way.

Look out for him strapped into the back of one of the cars, sitting outside a Belgian chateau, up a Swiss Alp, watching the waves lap on the shore of Lake Como, taking in the sights of Monaco/Nice/Séte/San Sebastian and surrounded by truckers on The Love Boat!