Day 15 Estadio Nacional

The party last night was absolutely brilliant. I never expected that so much attention would be paid to us, the highlight for me was when we were called up on stage to receive a specially commissioned medal. As there were 27 of us this took some time but everyone to a man was standing applauding the whole time. It was starting to sink in what we had acheived.

Many beers and much wine was consumed but I was tired, I was happy to get back to the hotel without doing too much damage and was looking forward to completing the journey tomorrow.

The stadium officials had agreed to open the Estadio Nacional for Celtic supporters from 15.00h - 17.00h. They understood that something special was happening but I'm sure they were still bemused that thousands of football fans wanted into a stadium for no game!

We were hanging around the hotel all day at a loose end, all dressed in our Road To Lisbon kit covered in sponsors logos. We had no idea what to expect at the end of the journey. As Celtic supporters we knew how much this pilgrimage meant to people but we had done this to raise money for charity. It was the biggest thing in our lives at the moment and had been for some time now but we were still only 27 from a few thousand.

After what seemed like an eternity we started the short cycle to the finish line. Paul Muldoon was up front with the 4 girls and we guys cycled behind. About a mile from the stadium we started to encounter fans walking there from the nearby train station. As soon as they seen us they stopped to applaud us as we cycled slowly past them. I had goosebumps, it was obvious from their behaviour that they all knew we were here and how we had got here. I started to wonder what was awaiting us in the stadium.

Outside the stadium was incredible. The Hillman Imp from back in '67 was parked outside. The 2 guys who had driven here in it happily posing for photos. I could hear the singing from inside the stadium as we were asked to line up an wait. The stadium director Jorge Silva was proudly wearing his Celtic strip as he explained they wanted to clear the way for us to cycle in together safely.

We were actually here, this was it! I couldn't wait to get inside.

The path was cleared and we were off, there was no announcement of our arrival, none was needed. My eyes filled as we were given a rapturous reception. Shouts of "well done guys". "incredible", "brilliant" amidst the non stop applause. I'm actually welling up again 2 days later just writing about it.

One by one we climbed the steps and held the Big Cup aloft. It seemed like we had actually won it!

It is a moment I will never forget and forever cherish.

After many songs and even more tears I was delayed as I tried to leave the stadium. Lots of supporters wanted a photo with Grace, she was a huge attraction for obvious reasons "If you know your history?"

The Lisbon city council had given permission for a street party and closed off Pink Street. The street itself actually has tarmac that has been painted pink, tonight however Lisbon was Green & White!

And so it was over, an incredible journey and and impressive total raised and still rising for 3 charities, thank you all again for your generous donations. There are still more to come I know for sure but at the time of posting I have £5329 reasons to be grateful.

Distance covered 1853.5 Km

Climbing 20,678 M

Moving time 85:18:00

Summary:

Easily the toughest thing I've ever done but one of the most satisfying.

Difficulty rating 9/10