Day 23: Manchester

Josh is in Manchester and taking in some of the city's sights and sounds. He is staying with his uncle Chris, has had a wonderful shower and said that last night he had the best meal that he has eaten in months. I'm not sure that his mother will be pleased to hear that. He has only been on the road for three weeks. ;-) But she will be pleased that he is happy and off the streets.
Josh says that he is impressed with the liveliness of Manchester and the last text message that I had from him was to say that he had just finished watching a live jazz band and is now going to a free film exhibition, whatever that is. He hasn't seen a doctor yet and he is obviously still capable of walking so perhaps it is not as bad as his mother and I imagine.
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The following arrived from Josh:

Ok, I'm well over half way now and it feels amazing. The wonderful feeling of having no skin on my feet will never grow old, unlike the lack of music I have endured over the past 3 weeks (with the exception of my less than perfect harmonica playing) as my ipod decided to run out of batteries exceptionally fast. However! I have made it to Manchester and although I am not medically trained, technically speaking, I am pretty sure I have managed to find a pulse, which my sources inform me means I have infact made it here alive!!! (insert canned applause here). This hike so far has been such an incredible experience for me. I have met some fantastic people who have really revived my faith in human kindness. Speaking of kindness, I would like to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who has donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association on my sponsor page (www.justgiving.com/hike4). I am half way on my hike and have already managed to reach my £600 target that, when I set it, I perceived as un-achievable. Thank you all. As my official blogger (aka Dad) has said, I am staying with my uncle this weekend to allow my wounds to heal and my muscles to relax. It is fantastic to be under a roof that isnt supported solely by two folding poles. I did have a fantastic meal last night (and mum, rest assured, I have still found nothing to beat your enchiladas or spag bog) which was a very welcome change from pasta. I have spent the day looking around Manchester city and I truly am impressed, it is a wonderful area full of culture and events. A very active but relaxed city. After I finished reading the book, One Red Paperclip, which i really enjoyed (thanks mum), I popped into Waterstones to get another one to get stuck into between my walking and Spanish lessons (Earlier in the hike I invested in a "Teach yourself Spanish" book). I have walked away with Terry Pratchett's Small God's, under recommendation from a friend. I have the mission tonight of deciding the route for the next half of my journey as tomorrow I need to venture back into the city to buy my maps. In just the one day that I have been in Manchester and not dragging round my 85litre bag I have recovered so much. I am going to rest tomorrow as well and then come Monday morning i should be good to go. This break has really helped, but i have to say that what has really helped keep me going is all of you. I don't want to sound all preachy but you have helped so much with your support and your comments, (although I'm not quite sure what was meant by, "go go gadget boy"), and I don't think I would have got here if it wasn't for you. Thank you. Please keep your comments coming and I will try and post another personal blog on here as soon as possible, although I will try and keep the next one a bit shorter. Thanks again. This is Hike for MND, I am Josh Forwood, GOOD NIGHT!!