I'm thinking (REALLY thinking) about doing a 24 hour balloon marathon to raise more money for the Make A Smile Appeal.

Has anyone done this before, do you think it's possible? I know that after about 5 hours I'm shattered. But I'm thinking if I just take my time and don't twist too fast it should be possible.

I'm perfoming a regular Christmas party at a big Tesco store near Plymouth soon, and thinking of asking them if I can do the marathon there. I'm sure they'll agree. It won't be until February during the kids half term week. The store is open through the night.

My thinking at the moment is to make some really fancy balloons through the night if it's quieter and put those up for a 'minimum' donation the next day when it gets busier, and still take normall donations from shoppers passing by . . . . hopefully!

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions, or have you done anything else like this in the past? How did it go for you?

I have other local twisters who have said they'll pop along for a short while to help and other support during the busier times.

Look forwardto your suggestions/thoughts.

Billy

Graeme

Not quite a balloon marathon but I have done a broadcasting marathon - 100 hours non stop for hospital radio, it was tough but I had a lot of support.

If you're going to do it you will need to plan in proper - permissible breaks - say 15 minutes every two hours. Day time was OK for me because there were lots of people around to bounce off and give support - make sure that you will have people who can spare an hour or two during the quiter times to keep you going, I mean specifically to jpoin you not just staff and custmers.

I'd be tempted to come down and twist along with you for a few hours

The date is now set. Starting on Tuesday 17th February at 5pm and finishing on Wednesday 18th February at 5pm.

Tesco had to get permission from their head office first as they have a policy stating no balloons are to be given to children in the store. But eventually gave the go ahead.

I'm not expecting anyone to be, but if by chance anyone is in or near the Plymouth area on those dates, please pop in for an hour and join me with some twisting, it will be great to meet up.

I'll put some pics on here afte the event.

GOOD LUCK billy wiz
just an idea if you haven't already thought about it why not keep a diary (who turns up - how your felling - the ups & downs etc) it should make for an interesting read

Good luck!! That sounds like quite a challenge - but a brilliant one!

I would have given a couple of hours Graeme if I lived down that way. You should do it nearer Blackpool so the people going to the convention the following weekend (like me!) would certainly come and support you! lol
Kev

Well Graeme I take it you are in bed getting ready for the long night ahead hope it all goes well wish I could get to join you for a few hours but it is just too far.

Anyway all the best.
Roger

Graeme,
Hope it all goes well for you and everyone else that is joining in,
hope you get a chance to add some pictures later for everyone to see & enjoy.
Good Luck

Good luck Graeme - hope you make a stack of money

Back home again now. The 24 balloon marathon turned into a 12 hour marathon a few days ago. When I called Tesco they apolgised that they had double booked with another charity for tomorrow, so we had to change it to a 12 hour marathon today from 9am this morning to 9pm tonight.

I didn't stop once for the whole 12 hours apart from a 2 min toilet break. I didn't eat anything as I feel uncomfortable when eating while working and just didn't want to stop. Tesco loved me being there, had a lot of laughs with the staff. They have also agreed to me going back for a 24 hour session next. We also had a slight hiccup with the area we were first situated. It was perfect as we caught every single person coming and leaving the store. But then they explained that we couldn't work in this particular area as we would need a permit to collect money from the local council. So we had to move to a different area whih meant we missed a lot of people coming and going.

Next time Tesco said they would apply for the permit on my behalf.

Anyway, I pleased withthe result, I managed to raise £310.14 for the Make a Smile Appeal. So a goo day. I think it could have been a lot more if I was in the better area all day. But still a good result so I'm not dissapointed.

Didn't get many photos, just a couple below.

nice 1 billy sounds like u had fun

                         DENNIS

What I should have done is taken some photo's for you while I was out there, we'll have to rtemember next time mate.

There's some photos in the above post.

I meant more Photos, I saw the other 2. It would be nice to take a few during a bit of a busy period.