OV9

I'm ranting in a safe space...

About 11hrs ago I got the frantic sequence of texts and attempted calls telling me to call home. The last time it happened I was sat on the top deck of a London tour bus as NZ reached out to tell me my closest friend had taken her life. This time, it was the UK to tell me Dad has been taken into hospital and they've found terminal bowel cancer.

I'm trying frantically currently to figure out what timeframes we're working with and no one has answers. Rushing passport applications through (or trying). No idea if I needed to be back in the UK yesterday or if we have months to play with.

I had wanted my next trip back to include some time in Scotland driving, preferably with some of you lot and a toast to YK. It's looking a little like that will have to wait a lot longer.

Distance can be a right pain. Good luck Dave.

Sorry to hear that Dave. Best wishes getting it sorted.

I'm very sorry to hear that Dave - it's a horrible thing to happen at any time but the distance really makes things worse.

Albeit to a much lesser degree, I know exactly what you're going through and the impact distance has when these sort of life events take place.

and of course, feel free to reach out individually, rant to the group - whatever you need.

Sorry to hear that, while nowhere near the same distances, I felt it keenly when my mum was ill. Not being able to get there quickly is very upsetting. Hope you get back in time.

Really sorry to hear that.

Ah rubbish, sorry to hear this Dave.

Sorry to hear that

Sorry to hear that Dave.. those things are so bad to deal with anytime, but being on the other side of the world too...

Hope you get back quickly!

Be cal. With people involved with travel, they will help you as much as they are able to.

Dave!

I am sorry to hear that.

Ah man, horrible news.

Fucksocks. Big hugs, Dave.

Sorry to hear. Do you still have a British passport? You can get a travel permit back if so

That sucks, sorry to hear it

Thoughts are with you pal

That blows. Let me know if you want to swing by and get drunk.

Thank you all.

Patrick, I may well take you up on that offer...

New (NZ) passport issued today - time from application to being issued: 4hrs 50mins. Collecting in the morning.

Bugger Dave, best wishes mate.

Well at least the nz passport office is better than ours glad you’ve got one and are able to travel back. Thoughts with you and the family