Latest News May 2007
It has been really busy for the last week or so since the press release was issued.
Cathy has, so far, completed interviews with several radio stations. These have included:
BBC Radio Merseyside (went out live at 7.25am in the morning)
Buzz FM (Merseyside - pre-recorded)
Key 103 (Manchester - pre-recorded)
Wythenshawe Community Radio (pre-recorded)
InSight Radio (live at 4.15pm). Insight Radio is an RNIB sponsored radio station transmitting from the Glasgow area on 101 FM and across the internet. The station is staffed by blind and partially sighted people and was recent winner of the Sony award http://www.insightradio-net.com
The Sony Awards are considered the Oscars of the radio Industry. Insight Radio was the highest performing Scottish Station at the Ceremony beating the likes of Radio Clyde and BBC Radio Scotland.
So far - Bernard has managed to escape all the interviews apart from InSight Radio where he actually made his debut! You could tell it was his debut by the fact that - if you listened really carefully - you could hear the sound of sweat dripping onto the floor! He is using this experience to prepare for the BBC Radio Manchester interview below.
This initial interview by Insight Radio is being followed up with a further interview on the 30th May for a different programme on the same station.
BBC Radio Manchester -
have asked Cathy and Bernard to come along on the bike on Tuesday 29 May for broadcast at 10.25am.Our thanks to the staff at the station for their kindness during our time with them on this visit. We really enjoyed talking about several aspects of the trip. It felt very relaxed and informal and this was, in large part, due to the professionalism of all concerned. Again, our thanks.
Wire FM - have also featured the trip on the same day as the BBC interview. Apologies for not responding to the staff there for a little while. They were trying to get hold of us for an interview while we were actually riding the bike back from the BBC radio Manchester interview!
Independent Television (ITV) - have contacted Cathy about appearing in the near future about this unique world's first by a blind woman. Watch this space for further updates.
We have also been contacted by other TV companies about further programmes in the near future.
In terms of Print Media
There have been several stories to date. The journey has appeared in the Manchester Evening News.
Select here for the story - special thanks to the staff at the M.E.N for allowing us to use their photographs for various purposes).There was a large page three article in the Liverpool Daily Post.
The Liverpool Echo also featured the story.
Forward Features
Cathy has been approached by several Women's Magazines for articles to be written on our return. This is popularly called 'forward features' in that Magazines and papers 'book' features in advance.
Online Articles
This is Cheshire - select here for the story Liverpool Daily Post - select here for the story. Auto Trader - select here for the story.Guide Dogs -
select here for the story.Guide Dogs 2 - select here for the story.
Warrington World Wide - select here for the story.
Previous stories featuring Catherine Birchall - select here for the story
British Retinitus Pigmentosa
Society, London's Dinner, Auction and Raffle
Held at the House of Commons on 20 September 2003.
Select
here for the story.
A real eye-opener of a day - From the Guardian Series, first published Monday 16th Oct 2000. By JANE FIELD. Select here for the story.
Link to RNIB synopsis of story - Select here for the story.
Link to Action for Blind Synopsis of story - select here for the story.
Bike Animal - The overall aim of this site is to encompass all aspects of motorcycling. It includes the latest news from the industry, up to date race reports, news from the leading championships and road safety advice for motorcyclists. You can find the story on the site here.
Cathy and Bernard are currently talking to several commercial sponsors regarding supplying various aspects of their trip.
As details are finalised we shall post updates.
Watch this space for further news.
