Hmmm, thanks for the great answers guys. Sort of sums up what I thought. Think I'm just going to have to harden up & get better at doing the tube repairs .

We did do all of those good steps you've highlighted (tripletom). Charlie recommends using Windex as a lube, because it evaporates & doesn't cause any corrosion. Based upon all your responses here, I'm wondering if we perhaps should've put a bit more air in the tubes now. Oh well; no guts, no glory.

At least I have learned what sort of kit I'm going to have to invest in for the job (bloody good tyre levers & a mini compressor at the top of the list - any suggestions on these?).

Thanks again for your help guys. You all rock.