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Some of the fun things that have
happened to me.
Plus my fund raising events.
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No
one can tell you what will
happen next in your life
when you have NF, you are
kind of in the
dark on how
it will affect you, so I
have made a Bucket list of
things I want to do.
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My Bucket List:
-
To go
touring to my favourite
places around the world that
I have not yet visited
(Canada, San Diego more of
Florida).
-
Ride in a
Helicopter.
-
Visit the
Northern Lights.
-
Spend a
day with Peter Andre at the
worlds biggest theme park,
maybe ride the biggest
roller-coaster/fastest (help
him with his nerves).
-
Have a
star studied charity Ball.
-
Get
married at the Pavilion in
Florida (need a boyfriend
first).
-
Do some
radio presenting/TV
presenting- NYC or at a top
UK company.
-
Go
snorkelling with Peter
Andre.
-
Backward
abseil with Peter Andre.
-
Have a
second book published.
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I started writing what life is like
with Neurofibromatosis when I was 9 years old (1999).
I live at home
with my mum (Julie), dad (John) and brother Chris.
My Hobbies are:- Drama, Doing TV work (I love acting), Football, Computers,
Play-station 2, Raising Money for charity and Going to the Cinema.
I suffer from the following conditions, Neurofibromatosis (N.F), scoliosis,
Gastroparisis and
foot drop. I wear a Boston Brace to help support my spine and a brace on my foot/leg,
which is to help with my walking and knee braces on both my knees.
I hope by writing this web
site it helps many other
adults and children who
suffer from Nf and Scoliosis
with any problems they may
have.
19th
September 2003:
Today was one of the
best days in my life. Why?.
Well, I thought I was going
on one of my many trips to
the hospital this morning
and that mum wanted to pop a
competition entry off at
Granada Studios on the way.
Mum sneakily asked me if I
wanted to go in with her to
bring her luck with the
competition(mum knew I would
say "Yes").
The day begun when we got out of the car and dad said he was just going to park
up while he waited for us. When we walked into the building this lady walked up
to mum and shook hands and then turned to me and said, “you must be Kirsty, I am
Sian Lewis from the Women’s Own Magazine, pleased to meet you”. I still did not
know what was going on, I kept asking mum what was going on but she would not
tell me, then, in walked a camera crew who introduced them selves. I am Caroline
Doherty and we are from GMTV, I was told that I was going to spend the day on
the Coronation St’ set with Julie Hesmondhalgh (Haley) and that my brother Chris
had wrote this lovely letter to the Women’s Own Magazine to nominate me for the
Child of Courage award (I have told you before, he is a fantastic brother). I
had a fantastic day with Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sian Lewis (from Woman’s Owen) and
the rest of the crew. It was raining but that did not spoil my day. I pulled a
pint in the Rovers Return, great fun, walked down the street, met some of the
cast members, saw Roy’s café, Haley’s and Roy’s house, the corner shop and lots
more. It was truly a fantastic day.
My story has just appeared in the Women’s Own Magazine (3rd November 2003)
covering my day on Coronation St’.
A very big thank you goes to Sian Lewis, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Caroline Doherty,
my brother and everyone at the Women’s Owen for making my dream come true “Thank
You” for such a wonderful day.
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News from
the Child of
Courage
Awards:
I did
not win the
child of
courage
award but I
got down to
the finale
20, which
was very
good. I am
still going
to London on
the 7th
December
2003 and
going on
GMTV with
Lorraine
Kelly to
talk about
my condition
and the
charity that
I raise
money for
(wish upon a
star). This
is a
fantastic
charity,
they grant
wishes for
very poorly
children. I
am trying to
raise
£1000,00
before
Christmas
and I am
almost at my
target (will
let you know
if I make my
target). |
GMP Young
Citizen of
the Year
Award:
I have
just won the
title of
Young
Citizen of
the Year for
Trafford run
by the
Greater
Manchester
Police. I
was
nominated by
my head
teacher Miss
Lloyd for
how well I
cope with my
illness and
for the
charity work
I do. I will
now
represent
Trafford for
the next
twelve
months and
for my first
job I am
going to the
Trafford
Family
Police carol
service
where I have
been asked
to say a few
words about
the charity
Wish Upon A
Star.
|
1st December
2003:
My
first roll
as the young
citizen for
Trafford was
to attend
the police
Carole
service and
say a few
words about
why Wish
Upon A Star
is so dear
to me and
what I have
done to
raise money
for this
charity. At
the end of
my speech
there was a
collection
for my
chosen
charity and
I am really
pleased to
say the
collection
raised over
£236,00. I
really
enjoyed
myself at
the Carole
service. |
£1000.00 Target
Reached:
“Yes”, I am pleased to say I have
reached my £1000,00 target for Wish Upon A Star; I have managed to raise
£1225,39p, which will go towards taking a group of 100 poorly children to
Lapland to see the real farther Christmas.
I would like to say a big
Thank You to everyone who
contacted me after reading
my story on the web. I am
glad I can be of help to
you, but you are all helping
me too and it's lovely to
hear from you.
|
16th October 2004:
What a
brilliant night, I had the
shock of my life, my mum told me she was getting a taxi to the Ball and when 7pm
came and my brother shouted to me that the taxi had arrived, well, this was some
big taxi for outside my gate was a Limousine, it was fantastic. Katie who kindly
donated a limo’ ride as one of my prizes also gave me a surprise ride in her
limo’ too, Katie was just wonderful and it really made my night. The items I
managed to get to auction for the evening managed to raise over £10,000 which
was really good and which means I have managed to raise over £4,000 for this
wonderful charity in just over a year. I am really pleased about that.
Click here
to see how the fund raising
is going.
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10th June 2005:
To day I am off to the
Gentlemen’s Night Out
Charity Committee Annual
Presentation, which is being
held at the Hilton Metropole
Hotel Birmingham. My self
and some other children have
been asked to go a long with
the Wish Team to pick up a
cheque, which the committee
have kindly donated to When
You Wish Upon A Star. We all
had a brill day with lots of
surprises, which I will tell
you more about later. It was a long day and I was very tired with only getting out of hospital
yesterday after three long months but I would not of missed it for the world.
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17th June 2005:
To day I am off to Blackpool. The Wish team have
asked me if I will take part in a promotional video for them, which is being
filmed in Blackpool, we went to the Sea World, Blackpool Zoo, for a meal, and
played on the beach. My friend Beth was there too (Beth is on my pic’ page). We
all had a brill time and the girls from the Wish team could not do enough for us
they really are a great bunch of people and you never know when you
are flying away on your holidays or at a function you may just see
the video we made.
30th September 2005:
I was in the Manchester Evening News today, my brother Christopher put me
forward for the Pride of Manchester Award. I think I find out in December how
well I did.
The Manchester Evening
News:
The Manchester Evening News have been fantastic in helping me with my fund
raising for When You Wish Upon A Star, I asked if they would kindly put letter
on there letter page for me so that I could sell pin badges for wish, which they
did gladly and I had a fantastic response from Evening News readers, I had lots
and lots of letter and donations and sold about 350 pin badges. A big thank you
goes to the Editor Paul Horrocks at the MEN for allowing my letter to be
printed.
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Matthew Brown's Ball,
22nd October 2005:
My friend Matthew has won a
scholarship to the
prestigious Guilford Drama
Academy. He had to go
through gruelling auditions
to gain this all important
place, which is a three year
course. This is a dream come
true for Matthew. Matthew
suffers from CF (cystic
fibrosis) and as worked
really hard to gain his
place. Friends and family
held a dinner dance at the
SAS Hotel Manchester Airport
to help raise money for
Matthew's fees, we all had a
brilliant time. Cast from
Coronation Street also came
along. My mum won a TV DVD
Combie in the raffle, which
I thought was cool as mum
gave it me for my bedroom.
11th November 2005:
Today
I had the second part of my
Math's GCSE paper, no more
exams until the 24th
November 2005 when I will
take my Science papers.
3rd December 2005:
Some
friends of mine put together
a 1940's event to help raise
money for "When you wish
upon a star", we all had a
great night and managed to
raise £1,168.00. Everyone
came dressed in 1940's dress
and uniform. I would like to
say a big thank you to Alan,
Lesley, Stacey, Chris, Lee,
Nicky, The Royal Mail and
all the companies that got
involved with the event, you
are all stars.
5th December 2005:
Today
I found out that I was in
the final eight to be named
the "Pride of Manchester".
The winner will receive
£3000.00 for charity, which
is fantastic.
12th December 2005:
I went
to Lapland with my brother
to see the real Santa in
Rovanie, Finland. We had to
be at the airport for 5am.
The flight was nearly three
hours long but the time
passed very quickly as we
had breakfast on the plane
and lots of fun with the
celebrities who joined us on
the day. When we arrived we
were transferred to the
Enchanted Forest where giant
bonfires burnt, we rode on
skidoos, snowmobiles and had
a Husky ride and met
Rudolph. The Finnish people
were lovely and very
friendly. Later we all sat
in a circle in the forest
and submit to an Arctic
Circle initiation ceremony.
This means being flicked
round the face with the tail
of a reindeer and drinking
hot chocolate, all great
fun. Finland only has a
couple of hours day light at
this time of year and it was
already going dusk when we
landed. After lunch each
child met Santa, this was
really emotional as you
watched each child
going to receive a gift from
Santa, we later visited
Santa's Village and Santa's
Post Office, where his small
helpers stamp all the
children's letters from all
the world and despite not
being very well and having
to see the doctor we had a
great time. The trip was
organised by the when you
wish upon a star team and
over 90 children and a
parent were invited, many
television stars came along
on the trip too. When I got
home my legs were really
swollen, my mum elevated
them up to try and reduce
the swelling.
25th December 2005:
What a
fab' time I have had, I
received lots of lovely
gifts from my family and
friends.
I also had a
lovely surprise gift later in the day when mum asked me to open this large box
for her…. What a surprise when I saw this electric Bass Guitar with everything
to go with it, I really could not believe my eye’s, mum and dad told me that
this was a gift from a wonderful lady in the States by the name of Kristen
Parker who wanted to buy me something that I had always wanted, well, she
certainly did that. Kristen set up website in memory of her beautiful daughter,
Ashley, please read about this remarkable young lady by visiting my fav’ web
sites link.
12th January 2006:
Today
is the results of who will
be named the 2Pride of
Manchester" after the public
voted for who the winner
would be.
The afternoon
started by everyone meeting at the M.E.N where we all got to know one another a
little better, drinks and food were laid on for everyone to enjoy and help them
self’s too. After dinner we all went into the M.E.N boardroom where Neville Richardson of the Britannnia Building Society
gave a sort speech about there involvement with the Pride of Manchester
after, which Maria McGeoghan, deputy editor of the M.E.N gave a sort speech
about each contestant before announcing the three winners in reveres order.
I could not
believe it when my name was called as the winner, I was shaking and very much in
shock everyone in that room were winners and they had all done something
remarkable, it was great having the opportunity to meet so many lovely people. I
was really pleased to have won so that I could give the £3000,00 prize over to
the When You Wish Upon A Star team, who do a remarkable job at putting a smile
back on a sick child’s face. I would like to thank to everyone who voted for me
both by post and by e-mail and a very BIG thank you goes to Paul Horrocks editor
of the M.E.N, Maria McGeoghan, deputy editor of the M.E.N, everyone who was
involved at the M.E.N and Neville Richardson of the
Britannnia Building Society. Thank you for giving me a day to remember.
14th January 2006:
I had
a surprise visit from my
good friends Julie and
Martha today, it was great
seeing them both and Martha
was just so much fun.
8th February 2006:
I
called in to see the Wish
Team so that I could present
them with the £3000.00
cheque I won when I was
voted Pride of Manchester,
plus I had other cheques for
them from the 1940's event,
The Royal Mail and donation
that I had received.
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Sam,
Me and Ruth |
Me
and Ruth
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Ruth, Sue and Sam
presented me with a big bunch of flowers and tickets to watch Holiday on Ice,
this was such a lovely surprise.
11th
March 2006:
My
1940's event at the King
George, Altrincham raised
£793.30p, a big thank you to
everyone who contributed and
gave donations to the event.
16th
June 2006:
Today
was my school Prom and I had
a brilliant time. The
afternoon started by me
having my hair and makeup
done by Gillian (Gillian
does the makeup for the
Corrie' stars)who is my new
friend, Gillian is really
cool and we had a great
afternoon together. I
decided I wanted to be
different from the norm' and
go to my Prom in a open army
jeep so our friend Lee took
me in his jeep, which is
from the 1940's, everyone
was waving as we went by.
18th
July 2006: Back Home:
Our
trip to Florida started by a
very pleasant flight our
pilot was Mark Guest who I
got to meet when we arrived
at Orlando Airport.
Swimming with the Dolphins
in Florida was an ultimate
dream of mine and it came
true after the when you wish
upon a star team granted my
wish. The experience was
amazing and the rest of my
family enjoyed it too! This
was a life changing
experience that my family
and I will never forget. To
swim alongside these magical
creatures and to receive a
kiss from Roxy (our Dolphin)
was better than all the
medicine.
We were told that the
dolphins were free to swim
away from us anytime they
wanted to and weren't forced
to do anything they didn't
want to do. Each of us got
to kiss Roxy and our photo's
were taken doing so. We also
got to rub the dolphin down,
we were asked to hold our
hands out with palm up and
the dolphin swam right up to
us, I sent the dolphin out
to the middle of the water,
and also got splashed by the
dolphin as she swam past
waving her fin! We then swam
out to the middle of the
lagoon, I went with my
brother and mum and dad went
next. Then each of us in
turn held onto the dolphin
while she swam back to the
shore, which was a great
experience. After our 30
minutes swim with the
dolphins.
We all got a hug of Roxy,
feed her fish and tickled
her belly while she lade on
her back. Sadly our 30
minutes in the water were
soon up and we all waved
goodbye to Roxy, who then
lade on her back and waved
back, splashing us all one
last time.
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Me kissing
Roxy
|
Me swimming
with Roxy
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Chris
kissing Roxy
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G.C.S.E Results:
I
received my results this
week, my family say I did
really well and are really
proud of me. You can see my
marks if you go on my press
cutting link. I took 15 and
managed to gain 9 at A-C
grade and my other 6 were
still a pass but below a C.
I am enrolling on a
Performing Arts course at
college, which will take me
three years to complete. So
you never know I may make my
dream and become an actor on
Corrie' one day.
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1st
September 2006:
I am
busy trying to get raffle
and auction items for my
next big fund raising event
in November. Keith and Pat
who own the CopyShop in
Cheadle have organised a
charity Ball for me with all
the money raised on the
evening going to my £65,000
target to send 100 sick and
terminally ill children to
Lapland. |
My
VIP Trip to Asda with Coleen
Mcloughin:
I was nominated to
open the Asda Store in
Altrincham by a very nice
gentleman called Derek
Hollows, I did not know
anything about this until I
received a call telling me
that I had been chosen. I
was told I would be treated
like V.I.P and picked up in
a Limo' and that Coleen and
I would open the Asda store,
well, when I arrived at the
Asda store there were so
many people outside and TV
cameras that I really did
feel like a V.I.P. Everyone
was so nice after opening
the Asda Store with Coleen
we both went shopping in the
store and Coleen gave me
lots of shopping tips, she
was really cool and very
friendly. I was interviewed
for the TV News and later we
went for a hot drink where
Coleen and I chatted about
my fund raising. My
interview was on the 6pm TV
News. I came away with lots
of lovely clothes and items
for my bedroom, over
£250.00's worth of stuff.
A big Thank You to Coleen,
Management and Staff of Asda
Altrincham, I had a
brilliant day "Thank You".
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24th
October 2006:
I am off to London
for a few days, which I will
tell you all about when I
get home. But I am in
hospital all day Friday
having a bone scan, back
brace and foot brace made.I really hope I
bump into Ben Shepard while I am in London, he is the most nicest, sweetest guy
on television,
and I even have pictures of him on my bedroom wall. Anyway I’ll let you know if
I do. I love him loads, well who wouldn't with a smile like his.
I never met Ben . But I still had a nice time in
London. I went to London as I had won the Well Child award for best brave child
age 16 years and over and I will be in the Best magazine the week beginning 28th
November '06. I was presented with my award by Peter Schmeichel the greatest
Goalkeeper in the history of Manchester United. I also met Dick and Dom you can
see the picture on my picture link.
I am busy getting
ready for my Charity Ball on the 18th November '06, it's been really hard work
and I could not of made this event possible without the help of my friends Keith
and Pat from the
Copy Shop
they have been brill' and very supportive after they read my story in the
Manchester Evening News. I hope to raise £10,000,00 on night. Julie Hesmondhalgh
(Haley from Corrie'), Ian Kershaw actor/writer, Colin Bell (Manchester City
Legend), Tony Martin (The Crooner) and Mr Bernard Manning will all be at my
event on the night. |
22nd
November 2006:
I
would like to say a big
thank you to everyone for
their participation in last
Saturday's fantastic event
and everyone's amazing
generosity, we managed to
raise a staggering
£24,801.63p and although I
was extremely tired for a
few day's after. I am really
pleased with the amount we
managed to raise.
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Julie
and Me
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Julie and Kersh
worked really hard on the auction, Keith, Pat, Alex and the team
from the Copy shop worked really hard. I could never of done this
without there help. My picture went at auction for £2.100.00 and I
was asked to do a second one, which went for £2000. bringing in
£4.100.00 towards my target.
8th
December 2006:
I have been invited to London to meet
Ben Shepard by Chloe and spend the morning watch him present GMTV and
Entertainment Today. Mum and me had a brill time and Ben was just as nice as I
expected him to be. I even got an hug and kiss. I also met some other
celebrities, Jason Donavan, Andy Abraham, Michael Underwood and lots of other
GMTV presenters. (see my picture link for photo's).
14th December 2006:
Today I
handed over a cheque for £24,801,63p to Ruth from When You Wish
Upon A Star with the help of Keith and Pat from the Copy Shop.
Stuart Hall presented me with the Hall's Hero Award, which was a
big surprise. This will be on Channel M on Monday 18th December
06. More picture on my picture link.
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Stuart Hall
surprised me
and made me
one of his
Hero's |
Pat, Keith
and Me
hand over a
cheque to
Ruth
for
£24,800.00
|
21st
January 2007:
I received a letter over the weekend,
which said I had been nominated for the Cheshire Woman of The Year Award 2007. I
have been invited to lunch on the 21st March at 12.00 noon. The winner will be
presented with a trophy and a cheque for £1000.00 to be donated to the charity
of her choice. I don't know who nominated me and they said they cannot tell me,
so this came as a big surprise.All I'm told is that women from
all walks of life are nominated for personal courage, service to their community
or outstanding professional achievement. So I will let you know how it all goes.
I am having a 40's event again in
April, which I am busy getting items for at the moment, please see my
events
link for more information.
2nd
March 2007:
I am going to have a documentary made about me, which
will be called The Day in The Life of Kirsty, filming starts next week and will
be done over two days.
I am really looking forward to doing it, they are
going to film me at college, hospital, at home and with my mates. Not sure when
it will be on TV yet but I will let you Know.
Filming Finished:
After the crew had
gone home on the Wednesday we were all really tired, I was going to go to bed
but as I was not feeling so well mum asked me to stay down so that she could
keep an eye on me. I am so glad I did because about an hour later we heard this
funny sound coming from upstairs what sounded like air in the pipes,
Waaaaaaaaaaaaa,
When dad went up
the boiler in my room had burst letting out boiling hot water all over my bed
down the wall on to the carpet. Chris (my brother) managed to get the water shut
off and got this guy who he knows
to come out and have a look at it. He said that I was not only lucky that I was
not in the room at the time but the boiler had been giving out toxic fumes,
which could have killed me in my sleep.
My bedroom is gutted, we had to get a
new boiler, we are had the boiler moved into the loft for safety reasons. I was
so upset as my teddies got it too and are now ruined. The story of my boiler
made the Sunday paper, see
link.
26th
March 2007:
After
the hospital on Friday I went to see the filming of Britain’s Got Talent it was
really good, I got to see Ant and Dec, Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda
Holden.
The new concept for
this show, required each of the three judges to light an X' if they wanted the
act to get off stage. If the act managed to stay and do all there act they got
to go to the next stage. it was great fun to watch.
The
documentary I took part in is on sky, the community channel on the 21st
May'07 but I don’t have a time slot yet. It is only going to be on TV for about
5 min's but longer on the internet. I will let you know when I have more news.
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|
10th April 2007:
Where
do I begin to tell you what
a brill' Birthday I had? My
morning started with me
waking up at my grans (my
mum's mum) due to the
accident at home I still
cannot sleep at home. When I
got home and after opening
all my lovely gifts from
family and friends, my
friends at the hospital and
Post Pal and blowing my
candles out, which took some
doing lol.. Mum mentioned
that we were going out and
that I needed to be ready
for 5.30pm as we were going
for a meal before going to
watch a show at the Lowry
called ECLIPS, a circus
musical, which Julie, Kersh
and Martha had treated mum
and me to for my Birthday.
When 5.30pm came dad asked
me to get in the car so that
we could get going and as we
went round the corner on our
estate dad stopped the car
and asked me to get out, I
could not believe my eyes
when I saw Paddy, as a
Birthday treat Paddy and
Paul had arranged to pick me
up in there Limo' Chrysler
300 C (Hemi/ Bentley)
limousine... What a
car...What a drive... it was
fantastic.
Mum and I arrived
at The Deansgate (where we were having our meal) and we were met outside by
Colin (Paul’s brother) who escorted us to our seats. It was all really yummy and
we were both bursting after. Colin is a brilliant cook.
Paddy then took us on to the Lowry
to watch Eclipse; we had the best seats in the house and the show was amazing.
Eclipse is a journey of the seasons through the elements of earth, wind, fire
and water. It had international cast of talented artistes, telling a dramatic
fantasy tale ballet, mime, song, dance, aerialists, juggling, rhythmic gymnasts,
acrobats. I loved the playful jugglers. You've seen nothing until you've
seen Eclipse! The UK's first and only circus musical. Thank you, Julie, kersh
and Martha for a brill’ prezzi’. After the show the Paddy brought us back home
in the limo'. The next day Paddy and Paul called round with a big
bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates. Thank you guys you really
made my Birthday special.
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11th April
2007:
I had a
lovely
surprise
this morning
when I got
up, the
postman had
brought me
a package
from Mr and
Mrs Ball who
had kindly
sent me a
Birthday
gift when I
opened it I
started to
cry, I could
not believe
what I was
seeing.
Enclosed was
a teddy that
was the same
as my
brothers, he
has had his
teddy for 20
years. I
have always
loved his
teddy too;
mum had
tried to get
me one many
times but
was not able
to find one.
The 1940's
charity
night raised
over
£1,400.,
which I was
really
pleased
with. |
|
15th June 2007:
I have been invited
to have lunch with Prince Harry and Prince William on the 30th June '07 at
Wembly, I can't wait, you can read more about it by going to my press cutting
link. I have been invited as part of the WellChild award that I won last year.
I went to a party at Julie's
last weekend and while I was
there I met Rob (Liam out of
Corrie') and Rupert (Jamie
out of Corrie'), take a look
at my picture link at the
pictures. I had a great time
and did not get home till
after 2am.
It's my gran's 80th Birthday
tomorrow (16th June) and I
have got lot's of surprises
for her lined up, my gran is
the best and she's been very
poorly with lung cancer, I
love my gran to bits.
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Prince William mum and me
30th June 2007
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1st July 2007:
Well,
back from London, mum and I had great time meeting Prince William and Prince
Harry. I spoke with Prince William, he asked me what I thought about the Spice
Girls getting back together and what were the bands that I liked best, he then
spoke about WellChild and wanted to know how I became involved with them, Prince
William was taken back when I told him how much money I had raised and wanted to
know what I done to raise so money. After chatting with Prince William we went
for a meal, after the meal we had a photo call with Prince William and Prince
Harry, I sat next to Prince William, then we went into the Royal Box at Wembly
to watch some of the concert that was being put on in memory of Diana. I was
asked to do an interview for the BBC News, Sky TV and Radio. The day was
brilliant and everyone was so kind. Thank you to WellChild for making this day
possible.
Today was my mum's Birthday
so we had a great day
celebrating mum's birthday.
I also had a great holiday
with lots of sun, did not
like coming back to the rain
thou.
24th July 2007:
I went
for my theory driving test today and I am pleased to say I passed getting only
one question wrong I am now going to start my driving lessons so be
WARNED
I
will be on the road lol…….
29th
July 2007:
For
part of my mums Birthday
prezzi' I took my mum to
have some pictures done with
me, what do you think?
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Mum
and Me |
Mum
and Me |
14th
August 2007:
Both mum and me
went to watch the The Antony Cotton show being filmed last Friday, it was really
enjoyable, the show went out on TV last night and both mum and me were featured
on it in the audience, mum got stopped going to the shops today to ask if it was
her in the audience last night lol..
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8th
October 2007: 10th
Anniversary Black & White
wish Ball:
Mum,
Dad and I went to the When
You Wish upon a Star Black
and White Ball on Saturday
night and we all had a
really nice night.
It was
held at the Palace Hotel in
Manchester. We were
entertained by Eaton Road
(what great guys), the cast
from Corrie' who were
brilliant, Kym Ryder
(Michelle) sang a few
numbers, Michael Starke
(Jerry) most famous for his
role as Brookside's
"Sinbad". could he sing? We
were blown over by his
singing voice, Katherine
Kelly (Becky) sang a few
numbers, so many more of the
Corrie' cast sang too and
were all really good.
My
good friend Paul Crone was
there too and I had a go at
him for not having the guts
to ride on the Big one at
Blackpool while eating and
drinking with me. My very
good friend Julie (Haley)
and Kersh (Ian) were there
too. The night was just
fantastic and lots of money
was raised so the poorly
children on the wish upon a
stars book can continue to
have there wishes granted.
I am off to
watch a play at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre on Friday called “Union Street”;
this play was written by my good friend Ian Kershaw. Union Street is a bitter
sweet comedy about young love, broken dreams and the changing face of our town.
I am really looking forward to it and will let you all know how it goes later.
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10th November 2007:
I am
going to a charity party tonight at Lightbowne Sports & Social Club,
Kenyon Lane, Moston for When You Wish upon a Star, This is
made possible by the hard work of Sue, Connie, Joan, Chris and
Trish. They have arranged the fund raising night with curry
and hot pot supper I am doing a sort speech about Wish and about the
wish that I had granted last years. I am really looking
forward to it and it should be a great night.
4th January
2008:
I had
a really nice Christmas and
Santa was very good to me
again this year, a big thank
you for all my lovely gifts.
I am
now busy getting ready for
my big Valentine Ball in
February, I could not of
managed to have this Ball
without the help of my good
friends Keith, Pat and Alex
Oldfield from the Copy shop,
they do all the hard work
and all my printing for me,
I just get in the way lol...
9th February
2008:
I have
had a busy few weeks.
Channel M contacted me and
asked if they could come and
interview me for the Well
Child Award and talk about
my condition and the charity
Ball that I am having.
Beverly Walkden came to
interview me, she was really
nice and great fun to talk
too. My camera man was
called "Mark" he was really
cool too. I was on channel M
on Monday 4th February.
Beverley and Mark are both
coming to my Ball next week,
so if you can get Channel M
look out for some clips of
my Ball on the news.
I was also asked to do a
live TV interview for
Channel 5 on Thursday 7th
February, both mum and I
went down to London to do
the interview for the
Channel 5 News.
I am also in the running for
the Champion Children's
Award with the News of the
World.
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14th February 2008:
Getting very excited now, my
charity Ball is on Saturday,
Keith, Pat and Alex from the
Copy Shop in Cheadle have
helped me so much to make
this Ball a success, I can't
begin to find the words to
thank them all.
I have been asked to do a
live TV interview on Monday
morning 18th February 2008
for channel M, where I will
talk about how my Ball went.
I will be on the breakfast
show.
The Manchester Evening News
will be covering the story
too and coming along on the
night to take pictures.
18th February
2008:
My
charity Ball went really well, I had over 200
guest including Julie (Haley from Corrie'), Ian
Kershaw (actor/writer), the boys from Eton Road,
Rowetta from X- factor, The Mersey Beetles and
Vince Miller. Guest travelled from as far away
as Holland, Scotland and London. some of my
doctor's and nurse's also attended. Lot's
of money was raised and I will let you know the
full amount when I have collected it all in.
Keith, Pat and Alex Oldfield from the
Copy Shop
, Cheadle, were great and worked really hard to
make night a success.
14th March
2008:
I am
really pleased to say my
Valentine Ball raised a
whopping £23,000.00 and I
presented the cheque to
Carole from the wish team on
Thursday 13th March along
with Eton Road (David,
Marcus, Danny and James),
Keith and Pat Oldfield who
are my sponsors and just
amazing people.
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8th
April 2008:
I had a great Birthday even thou I did
not pass my driving test, lets face it I
can always take it again so I was not
going to let it ruin my big day.
I had so many Birthday cards
from all over the Globe (36
cards in total), people who
had read my story on Post
Pal sent me gifts too, the
team from wish upon a star
sent me a lovely bottle of
Champagne, a teddy and a box
of chocolates, my friends
from the Copy shop, Pat,
Keith and Alex sent me a
large bunch of red roses, my
friend Emily sent me a
teddy, Susanna my friend in
the USA sent me a box of
teddies and lot's of other
gifts. I also received lots
of money from family
members, as well as gifts
from Mrs Ball, Becky and
gifts from people who I did
not even know, everyone as
been so kind and I would
like to say a big thank you
to you all for making my
Birthday so special.
I told Mr. Oxborrow (my
spinal doctor) about the
book I am writing and he
said he would make a
contribution to my book by
writing a peace for it,
which I was really pleased
about. I have also spoken to
my ambulance drivers who
have been taking my mum and
me to the hospital every
week for the last three
years and they would also
like to make a comment in my
book for me. It's taken a
long time to write but I can
soon start looking for a
publisher who will publish
my book for me. I will let
you all know when I have
some luck with the book.
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11th
April 2008:
The
postman knocked on our door this morning and handed me a
large box that contained three balloons wishing me an
happy Birthday and a bag of mini eggs, when I read the
tag it was from Kate Dee, Kate is one of my friends from
Post Pal "thank you" Kate for thinking of me, I love
them.
Manchester Hero Awards:
Someone
has nominated me for the Manchester Hero Award, I don't
know who it was, but all I have been told is that
a few people have put my name forward for the award. I
was in the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday, I was
in hospital and one of the doctors came up to me and
said "we have a celebrity on the ward" and I asked him
who it was? and he said "you", he had just read about me
in the paper lol... I really thought we had a celebrity
on the ward too. I was also on the Channel M, TV, News
over the award. I was a little embarrassed because I did
not know why I had been nominated really. I find out in
June if I have won, so I will let you know then.
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25th April 2008:
My book is
coming along ok and I have had lots of good feed back
from people, all my doctors are
going to write in it too, so it will be interesting to
read there point of view too.
I have
just found out that I am also in the final for the
Huggable Bear Hero Award, which is run by the bear
factory. I find out in May if I am one of the two
winners from the UK to win the award and if I do mum and
me are off to Washington DC for four days in July, I
also win money for my charity and a scholarship for
University, which would be brilliant.
My
1940's night was towards my target to send 30 poorly
children and there families to Centre Parc's for five
day's in July next year. If anyone can help to raise
money for this project please e-mail me, these children
are very poorly and need this holiday.
7th
June 2008:
I have just
found out that I am one of
the 25 winners of the
Manchester Evening News Hero
Award, I will be going to a
big award ceremony on
Thursday next week and will
tell you all about it next
weekend. Each of the winners
will receive a £1,000
reward, which they will be
presented with at a special
ceremony on June 12. I am
going to use my money
towards getting my book
published so that it can
start helping others with NF
and Scoliosis. Click on the
picture of me to watch a
clip of me that was on the
TV when I was told I had
been nominated for the
award.
12th
June 2008:
This evening mum and I went to the Manchester Hero
Awards, which was sponsored by Barclays and M.E.N as it
prepares to open it’s flagship branch on Market St. The
awards honoured some exceptional people from across
Greater Manchester. The 25 winners came from all walks
of life, from have a go hero’s to another young boy who
raise’s money for charity. I felt honoured to be part of
the celebration. Kym Ryder presented the awards; we each
received £1000, 00 and a framed certificate.
I would like to say "Thank you" to the Manchester
Evening News, Barclays Bank and to all the people who
nominated me for the award. |
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13th
June 2008:
They say
Friday the 13th unlucky for
some, well, this was not an
unlucky day for me.
Mum said we were going to the Trafford Centre to get my
grans teddy from the Build a Bear work shop, when I got
there I was busy looking round when the next thing I
knew Helen (the manager) came up to me holding a
beautiful bunch of flowers and a teddy and told me that
I had won the huggable bear hero award for the UK and
would be flying out to Washington DC in July to receive
my award, which is money for my charity and a
scholarship to University, I was total shock and could
not believe it. Channel M filmed it all and later
interviewed me, which was on TV this evening. Click on
picture below to watch interview.
24th
June 2008:
I have some great news to
tell you, I have passed my
driving test. I am now going
to take my pass plus driving
test, by taking the pass
plus test I will be able to
get cheaper car
insurance and I'll be an
even better driver lol.....
26th June 2008:
Passed my Pass Plus driving test to day and tomorrow is
my last day in college until September.
I have still got the City Pennant that is signed by
Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee and comes
with a Certificate of Authenticity. The latest bid on it
is
£100,00
so if anyone wants to offer me more please get in touch.
All the money raised from this item will go towards my
next £60,000. target to send 30 very poorly children and
their families on a five day holiday to Centre Parc's
next year.
4th
July 2008:
I am off to Washington DC on
Tuesday morning with my mum
and I will tell you all
about my visit when I get
back.
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8th
July 2008:
Mum and I are off to
Washington, DC this morning
for the Huggable Bear Hero
Awards so it was up at
5.30am for us both as we
have to be at the airport
for 7am. Dad arrived home
early from his night shift
so that he could take us.
I had been told that one of the Build a Bear Associates
was going along too and that his name was Chris, he was
traveling from the same airport as me so I knew he would
be on the same flight, I had been told what he looked
like and when I arrived at the airport both mum and I
saw this young man stood with an older guy we looked at
each other and both said “Chris”. Me being cheeky went
up to him in my wheelchair and asked him if he was
called Chris to which he replied “Yes” looking at me in
amazement, I then said from Build a Bear and he said
“Yes”. So I introduced myself and my mum and we stayed
together for the rest of the journey.
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The flight over to New York was really good the food was
nice too. But we had a four hour delay with our
connecting plane. So we were all very tired after just
having a seven hour plane journey. When we eventually
boarded the plane in NY it was really small and I got
out of my wheelchair to board the plane, mum was told to
leave the wheelchair at the side and that they would
fold it up and make sure it was put on the plane,
unfortunately they had problems trying to fold it and a
member of the crew had to get mum to do it. As mum got
up she bumped her head on the over head baggage
compartment (shows you how small the plane was), I know
shouldn’t of but I went in to the fit of giggles along
with half the plane, “Poor mum”. Mum folded the chair
and we were on our way finally getting to our hotel at
10.30pm Washington, DC time, so it was like 3.30am for
us and we had been up almost 24 hours.
We were picked up in a limo’ and taken to the hotel
where we were met in reception by a very nice lady from
Build a Bear, she asked us to order a meal and drink and
that she would see us in the morning. When I went up to
our room there waiting for me on the table was this
basket of goodies from Maxine Clark. We were really
tired and managed to get a great nights sleep, the beds
were so comfy.
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9th
July 2008:
We were up early as we had
to be at breakfast for 7am
due to the busy day that we
had ahead of us. After mum
and I had finished breakfast
I just had time to head back
to our room and get showered
before it was time for my
photo shoot. I was told I
would feel like a star for
the day, which I did. I had
my hair and make-up done
before heading over to the
stylist who had a selection
of clothing and trainers for
me to try on. I chose this
really cool multi coloured
jacket, a green top, pink
trainers and a pair of sweat
jeans (the jeans cost over
£100.00). A few weeks
earlier I had picked and
dressed two teddies, one
that represented me (I put a
blond wig on it, holding an
i-pod) and one other teddy
just for fun. I was
photographed holding one of
the teddies. While I was
busy doing my photo shoot
mum was being interviewed in
this other room about my
charity work and about me (I
hope she said some nice
things lol..). After the
photo shoot I was told that
I could keep all the clothes
that I had chosen apart from
the jeans as they had only
borrowed the jeans for the
shoot and they had to give
them back, they were really
comfy too. Photo shoot and
time for me to do a quick
interview.
By now it was getting on for 11.30am and almost time for
lunch, we were all to meet in the Capital Room C in the
hotel as we were having a Lunch N’ Learn as a Group. We
had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the
beary special partners with whom Build-A-Bear Workshop
works.
I also got to meet all the other 2008 Huggable Hero’s,
who were:
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Anna – Colorado, Austin – Arizona, Aymeric
- France, Christina – New York, Dallas – Washington,
Emma – Nova Scotia, Jack – Oakville, Michala – Kentucky,
Rocco - New Jersey, Jasmine – California, there were
also two Associate Huggable Heroes who were:
Christopher, Warrington and Laura, Wisconsin. There was
one other winner Malka – London but Malka was unable to
attend the awards. Each one above names have done
something good for there community, which is why they
have been honoured in this way. |
After lunch I attended a Leadership Symposium with some
of the other Huggable Hero’s, we all participated in a
special leadership symposium with a lady called Kathy
Cramer. We got into two groups and worked together as a
group. The Leadership Symposium lasted about two hours.
By now it was 4.30pm and mum and I were free to relax
for two hour. We went for a little walk around
Washington DC but not knowing the area we did not want
to go to far and both being on crutches we could not go
far anyway. We did attempt to find the White House but
went the wrong way.
We all had to meet in the hotel reception for 6.15pm as
we were going to the Hard Rock Café for tea. By now all
the previous five year Huggable Hero Winners had arrived
to mark the fifth year of the awards. Lots of hugs were
being passed around, which was nice to see.
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The Hard Rock Café had
stained-glass windows and
honors the rock-and-roll
greatest stars. It was
really busy and we waited a
while for our food to
arrive. We got back to the
hotel about 10.30pm and all
decided to meet up in the
hotel swimming pool where we
stayed until midnight, mum
and Debbie sat in the hot
tub by the pool.
10th July 2008:
Breakfast was not as early this morning so we got
a little to lie in until 7am
and down for breakfast at
8.00 am. At Breakfast we
were joined by Millicent
Williams Executive Director
of Service DC.
After breakfast all Huggable Heroes from this year and
the previous four years departed to do some community
service activity. We all got a turn at painting a beary
special mural at Lackie Elementary. For lunch we all sat
in a big group having a picnic lunch. Leaving our mark
in Washington, DC felt really good.
We got
back on the bus for a special sightseeing tour of the
Washington, DC area. We saw the White House, the Lincoln
Memorial and Washington Monument and other classic
sights.
Getting
back to our hotel for about 4.00pm, which gave us two
hour to relax and get changed before heading off for the
Huggable Bear Hero Awards. The awards took place at the
Top of the Hill with Chief Executive Maxine Clark and
Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast, Dominique Dawes, who served
as the evening’s emcee and Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of
the DC Public School system who was one of the keynote
speakers.
The room was done out beautifully and each table had two
teddies on it. The meal was chicken and tasted really
yummy. After everyone had finished their meal each one
of this years Huggable Heroes were called up to receive
their award from Maxine Clark. I was first up and while
I was going up for the award Dominique Dawes spoken
about what I had done to receive the award as she did
for each of the heroes. The evening was very interesting
and memorable.
We got back to the hotel about 11.00pm and after having
a chat in the hotel reception we decided we would all
meet back down in the hotel pool for one last splash
about. We went back to our rooms at about 12.30am.
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11th July 2008:
We were up early for breakfast I had a quick chat with
some of the new friends that I had made and then went to
get some gifts to take back home while my mum went to do
the packing. I was given four new teddies, a set of
clothes, a book, which Maxine had written and lots of
other nice things, mum had a bit of job fitting
everything in the case.
We were
picked up at 12pm to take us back to the airport in the
biggest Limo’ I have ever seen, there was fifteen of us
in including our entire luggage and my wheelchair, so
that will give you an idea of how big it was.
Chris and
his dad, Nigel were on the same flight as us so we
stayed together. We got back to Manchester just after
7am Saturday morning.
The last few days have
been amazing; everyone involved went out of their way to
make it memorable. Both mum and I met and made friends
with some pretty amazing people from all over the Globe
who we now intend keeping in contact with.
I would like to say a big
thank you to the following
people:
Maxine Clarke, Kate Zeidman,
Samantha Fisher, Harriet
Blickenstaff, Jacob
Blickenstaff, Jill Saunders,
Kristen Hanneke, Jay
Beauvais, Jakie Bauer,
Teresa Kroll and Nicole
Spiegel. I have got a
feeling I may have missed
one of the guys out and I'm
sorry if I have, but you
were all wonderful and I
hope that mum and I get the
pleasure of meeting you all
again some day.
Looking forward to seeing
the Build a Bear calendar
when it comes out later this
year.
29th July 2008:
This evening my Mum and I were
invited to the Didsbury and District Rotary Club meeting where I was
presented with the Charles Austin Volcational Service Award. The
award is named after the late, long serving and much respected,
honourable member of the Rotary Club.
I was nominated for this award by members of
the Rotary Club, which made even more special. The evening started
with us having a three course meal followed by coffee. Linda made a
speech about why I was being given the award (which I have included
in my book) and presented me with a Certificate, £200,00 for my
charity, a portable
DVD
player and a bunch of flowers. Linda then passed over to Phil, Phil
said a few words and then presented me with another Certificate and
a cheque for £100,00 for me to take my family out for a meal.
The evening
was very interesting and both my mum and I were made very welcome.
1st August 2008:
I have got a lot of exciting
things happening over the next few months so please keep visiting my
web page where you will be able to continue to follow my life with
Neurofibromatosis, Scoliosis and all the fun things I get up to.
8th August 2008:
I am just waiting for my doctor to send me
their input to my book
and then I am ready to send it off to my
first publisher. I will keep you all informed on how it is going. I
know a lot of you have e-mailed me to ask when will the book be
published but I will let you all know when I have any more news, I
think I will scream it from the top of the world.
15th August 2008:
My picture (head and shoulder) is to be
transformed into a 1960’s pop art style image. The design called
localHeads will use photographic portraits and put them up in lights
in a 60s pop-art style, which
will then go on display as part of a
quarter mile long archway of faces which will take pride of place
along Blackpool’s promenade throughout the Illuminations season. I am one of
six chosen by Granada Reports. I will take pictures as soon as I can
for you all to see.
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19th September 2008:
I have just returned from my two
week trip to Disney World Florida with my Mum and Dad, there
is so much that people take for granted when taking a
holiday, which can be a huge hassle for us.
For example before I was even allowed
out of the country I have to be insured and documents need
to be signed by my Doctor so that I can take my medication
out of the country, then I have to make sure I have got leg
room on the plane because I can’t bend my legs with the
braces on. But everything went well and I had the time
of my life. Disney world was fantastic and we had so much
fun. With the incredibly
infectious songs that play again and again throughout the
Disney parks.
We got to meet Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Mini Mouse and
lots of other Disney characters.
We also met up with some good friends of
ours, Andy, Melissa, Amie and Louie, it was great to see
them as we had not seen them for a while. We also met with
Melissa's mum who was over visiting the family. Andy,
introduced us to some of his friends (Ryan and Mike) who I
will tell you more about as I tell you about my holidays.
After having tea and cakes with Andy, Melissa and the
children, Andy introduced us to Mike who owns a Segway
business in Celebration and after giving mum, dad and I a
course on how to ride a Segway Mike kindly took us all out
on a one and half hour ride round Celebration and on to a
nature trail. I was surprised at how well my mum did on it,
dad on the other hand needed the most training. But like all
men he kept making excuses..lol.
Epcot is one of my favourite Disney parks. It
allows you to travel round the world to China,
Japan, Germany, Great Britain, and other countries
without leaving the USA or the need for a passport.
We went on lots of rides and my mum even went on
Test track(a fast ride for my mum). I will not be
going on Mission Space again... I don't like getting
motion sickness, dad felt really ill when he came
off this ride and so did Robert a friend of Ryan’s
who came with us too, mum had already decided she
was not going to ride it and sat and had a coffee
with Ryan while they waited for us to finish the
ride.
Magic Kingdom has gone from my second favourite park to
my favourite park (just in front of Epcot).
Magic Kingdom is situated on its own Island, so to get
there, you will have to travel by monorail, or the
Mississippi steam boat. We used the monorail.
There were characters all over the park in designated
spots, and the queues were well managed. I managed to
get the autographs of some of the characters and then
had photo's taken. As you stand at one end of Main
Street, and look towards the centre of the park,
Cinderella's Castle is the first thing to strike you. We
all went on the Splash Mountain ride and I wanted to sit
at the front with my mum we both got really wet. It is a
log flume style ride which starts inside through a
character village with cartoon type alligator, and then
heads outside for the ride. Prepare to get very wet. I
went on Thunder Mountain railroad, which is like a
runaway mine train. Mum and Dad would not come on this
ride. Then we went on the Haunted Mansion ride. You sit
in a car and it takes you round the mansion and out into
the garden. At one point, you come across a mirror and
there is a ghost sat in the car with you, certainly good
for freaking out young children.
We went on lots of different rides and had a brilliant
day. Towards the evening we lined up to watch the
Parade, which was great fun and lovely to watch the
colourful fibrotic floats, the many Disney characters
and beautiful music that they had playing. We then
watched the fireworks, which looked over the colour
changing Castle.
Typhoon Lagoon,
which is a water Park and an
amazing park, we had an awesome time here! The rides
were crazy, mum enjoyed the Lazy River, it was a perfect
way to relax.
We also decided to go to
Blizzard Beach
to ride the water slides and play in the pool. Our
first stop was to find a place to “camp” – a term that means
to have a place to return to when we want to rest.
Our
first ride was the Double Tube slide. It was great. The walk
up the mountain to get to the entrance of the slides was a
bit too much for my mum and me. Mum and I were looking for
the oxygen relief at the first set of stairs! However, the
slide was well worth it! Next it was onto the Toboggan Racer Slide
with my dad. This was incredible! You lie down
on your belly and use the more traditional water slide mats
– except these have handles, which you need to hold on to
and you literally fly down the slopes. Eight lanes of
racers launch each time down straight lanes that drop at
different intervals. We were exhausted. Each
night before we went to bed we said we were getting up early
the next day, but each morning, we did not get up until at
least 9a.m.
We went on a ghost hunting
tour of Kissimmee and
managed to get some really
cool pictures. I really did
have a great holiday. but I
missed my brother.
|
Me having some funnel cake |
Me with the High School Musical
|
2nd October 2008:
I am fundraiser of the month
on Justgiving.com. I was
nominated by my mum (thank
you very much mum for
nominating me), and the guys
at Justgiving’ donated £25
on my Justgiving page for my
When You Wish Upon a Star
Appeal. You can read what
they wrote about me by
visiting:
Fundraiser of the month, September 2008.
Thank you to the
guys
at justgiving for picking me
as
their
fundraiser of the month and
for the £25.00 donation.
I
would also like to take this
opportunity to thank
everyone who has kindly made
donations on my justgiving
page, you really are helping
to make a poorly child's
dream come true. "Thank
You".
This is
the picture of me, which has
been
transformed into a 1960’s
pop art style image
and is part of Blackpool
lights, which
is
placed
along Blackpool’s promenade
throughout the Illuminations
season.
The guy on the top left of
me is one of the other
winners and the pictures at
the bottom are of Tony
Morris and Lucy Meacock who
both present Granada Reports
News.
|
 |
 |
|
27TH
October 2008:
I was asked by the Build a Bear work
shop if I would go and help
with children in Need fund
raising event they were
having at the Trafford
Centre on Wednesday. The
morning went really well and
the young children had a
great time playing games and
dancing about. I had my face
painted to look like Pudsey
Bear.
27th
November 2008:
I have
been nominated for the
Manchester Community Award
and have just found out that
I am in the finals and will
be attending a presentation
evening on the 10th
December when I will find
out if I am one of the
winners.
On the 11th December I am in
a performance at college,
which I will be marked on
for my grades, I should of
been in a performance on the
10th December too, but my
tutor "Pete" kindly allowed
me to have the evening off
so that I can attend the
awards evening. "Thank You
Pete". I will let you know
how the evening went.
10th December 2008:
I
attended the Manchester
Community Awards this
evening with my mum and good
friend, Lesley. I was in the
final three to be named The
Young Citizen of the Year.
The finalist were honoured
at a glitzy Town Hall
ceremony, hosted by the Lord
Mayor of Manchester and
Gordon Burns off BBC North
West Tonight.
The event was made possible
by generous sponsorship
support from a number of
Manchester businesses which
provided services to the
communities of Manchester
and have a commitment to
improving the quality of
life for residents.
A special champagne
reception for all the guest
attending the glamorous
ceremony was hosted by Xerox,
in the Lord Mayor's Parlour.
I was shocked when my name
was called out as the
winner. I received a large
glass trophy with my name
engraved on it and £300.00.
My award was sponsored by
Northwards Housing.
Martin
Joyce, Managing Director of
Enterprise Manchester, who
sponsored the Pride of
Manchester Awards said:
"Enterprise Manchester are
very proud to award Gloria
Barnwell the Pride of
Manchester in recognition of
her invaluable contribution
to Manchester's
communities". He also
referred to the
unprecedented decision they
made to award an extra
"runner up" in the category,
adding: "We are also very
pleased to make a special
commendation to Kirsty
Ashton in the Pride of
Manchester category, for her
remarkable achievements in
the face of adversity." For
this I received a further
£250.00, a framed
certificate and a £500.00
donation to my charity. I
would like to say a big
"Thank You" to everyone
involved in the awards, the
night was most enjoyable and
well done to all the
winner's and runner ups , it
was lovely being in a room
full of so many wonderful
people.
The entertainer for the
night was "The Crooner", if
you have been following my
blog you will know that
Tony, The Crooner attended
my first charity Ball, he is
such a great guy with a
fantastic voice. It was
lovely to see him again.
11th December 2008:
Tonight was my college
performance, why is it you
always get a cold when you
have perform in front of
people. Lol….. Never mind,
it went well and everyone
enjoyed the evening.
See some of the picture's from the
play below.
It’s been a mad few days, my
gran was also taken into
hospital with a chest
infection, but pleased to
say she is much better and
came out of hospital on
Friday. She's still got
a bad chest infection but at
least her temp' his down
now.
17th December 2008:
Yesterday I was given the
biggest surprise of my life,
I went to college like any
normal day, dressed like a
scaly, I had this nagging
cold, so did not really feel
like lessons. Peter (my
tutor) asked me to lead the
lesson, I was doing my work
when Calvin Valentine (Ricky
Whittle) entered the room
with a camera crew and said
"I'm looking for Kirsty
Ashton", I was like eer, eer,
"Hi!" He said "do you know
why I'm here?" I said "No",
he said "well come over here
and give me a cuddle". He
said that I had done so much
for other poorly children,
that they had decided to do
something for me and that he
was going to take me to
Liverpool to look round the
Hollyoaks set and I would
meet the cast, I was
buzzing. I went in Calvin's
car to Liverpool (some cool
car that he's got I can tell
you).
Ricky showed me round the
Hollyoaks set, which was
being filmed the whole time,
he then said I hear you like
Andy who plays Rhys, I was
like errrm, no comment, I
you are all fit lol...
Calvin introduced me to Newt
(Nico Mirallergo), then Rhys
spoke to me and I was all
googly eyed. We had some
pictures taken before going
for dinner. After dinner I
went and watched Calvin do
his scene. Calvin then
surprised me and told me
that I have been given a
part in the pub scene with
Rhys and Gilly, I was like
WOW, I was given my script
and asked to learn my lines
ect while I was in make-up.
I had to flirt with Rhys
(not a difficult job for
me), Rhys rubbed it in
because he knew I liked him,
when we went off set the
cameraman asked for pictures
of us both, Rhys was going
in for the kiss and then he
fell and the cameraman went
we might have one of it
looking like your going to
kiss lol. Then there like,
keep in contact ect' and
hopefully see you back here
one day.
I spoke to the director, he
said he was impressed and
that I was easy to work with
ect' so you never know I
could be a regular one day
lol... After my scene we
ended it off with a bit of
me waiting in the pub and
then the lovely sexy Calvin
came in the pub in his
uniform, it was an image to
die for, I was like OMG,
OMG, I am going to faint, he
looked soooo fit, but I love
them all, they are all
brilliant. Hopefully we will
stay mates and stuff and
I'll see them on set again
some day. I have heard from
Andrew (Rhys), Anthony (Gilly)
and Sonny (Josh) since I
have been back.
I cannot tell you all what
happens you will just have
to watch Hollyoaks, I will
let you know when it goes
out on TV. I really did have
the best day of my life and
I would like to say a big
thank you to everyone
involved in making my wish
come true (you can see some
more pictures from my day on
my picture link). To act on
Hollyoaks was on my wish
list in my book. I can now
tick that one off. But I
would love to do more acting
on Hollyoaks, I loved it so
much. I met some of the
nicest people, I cannot
remember all your names so
thank you to everyone. Paul
Young, Jay Morris, Ricky,
Andrew, Nicole, the camera
crew and all on Hollyoaks
for giving me a brilliant
day. |
Filming outside college with Ricky Whittle
|
Ricky and Me
|
Ricky and Me |
Andrew Moss and Me |
|
I hope you all have
a great Christmas and New Year, I’m sure Santa will be good
to you all and remember if you have a spare penny or two and
would like to make a donation please click on my
Just giving
link, which is a safe and secure way to make
a donation. I would also like to say a really big thank you
to everyone who has kindly made a donation to my next
£65,000 target to send 30/40 poorly but very brave children
on a five day holiday to Centre Parc’s with their families.
Some of these children will never of had an holiday like
this so it’s really important that I achieve this for them.
I am pleased to say that 100 poorly
children and a parent have just had a magical trip to
Lapland to see the real Santa with the last £65,000 that I
raised. Please help to keep the smiles on some of the
bravest children in the UK. Maybe you can give me some ideas
for fundraising, any ideas you have please just email me.
6th
January 2009:
I am still buzzing from my
trip to Liverpool and don't think I'll believe I have been
on the Hollyoak's set until I have watched it on TV. Not got
the date for when it is on yet but I will be sure to let you
know. I am also just waiting on confirmation on the date
that I am going to be on Noel's HQ (can't wait to meet
Noel), mum loves him too and watches him every night on Deal
or No Deal, we both applied to go on it some months back,
but not heard anything yet lol.. Anyway the dates I have
been given for Noel's HQ is Saturday 17th January '09 or
Saturday 24th January '09, Noel's HQ is on Sky, again keep
an eye out for the date.
13th
January 2009:
I
am on Noel’s HQ on Saturday night the 17th
January at 7.30pm, you can watch Noel’s HQ on Sky 1 virgin
121, Sky 106 and HD 170. I am really looking forward to
meeting Noel and being on the show. I am also in the Sun
News paper one day this week and I think the Daily Express
on Saturday 17th January.
A lady came and did my make-up
this morning before I had some pictures taken for the Daily
Mirror news paper, so I know I’m going to look ok on them
lol…
18th January 2009:
I had
a fantastic time on Noels HQ
on Saturday.
When we arrived at our hotel
we had a bit of bother with
the room as it only had one
bed in it, but they soon
changed our room for us and
they apologized for what had
happened.
After getting a good nights
sleep, I wanted to visit the
National Portrait Gallery as
I am doing my A level's in
Photography and came away
with some good ideas to help
me when taking pictures.
When I got back to our hotel
I had a little rest before
going for a quick shower and
change of clothes. Mum got a
call to say our car would be
with us in 5 minutes. When
we arrived at the studio's
our car was met by Paul
Young and Jay Morris, People
had already started to queue
to come in and watch the
show and the show was not
for another two hours.
I felt like a star as both
Paul and Jay kissed me on
the cheek and took me
inside. You can imagine my
surprise when I was shown my
own dressing room with my
name above the door. The
room was huge and had a TV,
video, toilet, shower,
fridge (which was filled to
the top with drinks), the
room was huge as you can see
by the photo's, Noel was in
the next dressing room to
mine, I so much wanted to
knock and ask him who the
Banker was lol..
Paul, Jay, Nicole, Ross and
lots of other people kept
coming in to make sure we
were all ok and asking if we
wanted anything. I was then
taken to make-up, I had to
look glam before going on
TV.
We were then seated in the
Studio ready for the show to
start, I began to feel
nervous and my hands were
shaking. I was first on so I
was then taken back stage
ready for Noel to call me
on, I will let you watch the
clip from here, just click
on the picture of Ricky and
me and sit back and enjoy.
Keith Chadwin, Me and Noel Edmonds
|
Me with Neil Fox
|
Jay Morris, Me and Paul Young
two great guys who looked after
my family and me really well. |
Me having a quick 40 winks before going
on Noel's HQ.
|
Me in my dressing room. |
Ricky and Me
Click picture to watch video. |
|
After the Noel's HQ had
finished everyone who had
been on the show including
the stares and crew all went
back stage for drinks and
food. Neil Fox came chatting
to me and congratulated me
on raising so much money. I
got lots more hugs of Ricky
(I am now in love). I could
not believe it when Noel
said Ricky was here too as
you will have seen by my
face. Ricky is such a nice
guy and gives really nice
hugs. I chatted with Keith
Chagwin and Noel, mum asked
Noel who the Banker was and
he said "sorry' can't tell
you, not even for you" lol.
We had a really nice night
and everyone was so kind. I
had something money just
cannot buy, a part in
Hollyoaks and I would like
to thank Noel Edmonds and
Ricky Whittle and everyone
involved in making my dream
come true. By the way Ricky
Whittle, "I love you".
I have had lots of feed back
from people saying how I
have inspired them to do
something for charity, if
everyone did a little
something the world would be
a much better place.
20th February 2009:
Yesterday mum and me went to
London where I did a fashion
shoot for the Daily Mirror,
my hair and make-up was done
by CB (Clair) and I was
styled by Oriella Paganuzzi,
I had a brilliant time. My
pictures were taken by Emma
Cattell who made me feel so
relaxed when taking my
photo. All three were really
nice and made both my mum
and me very welcome, they
even made butties and kept
us drinks all day.
27th February 2009:
What a busy day I have had
today. My day started with
me doing a radio interview
with BBC 1 Radio Manchester,
I was on 7.30am breakfast
show with Eamonn O’Neal and
Dianne Oxberry. I spoke
about the book I have
written, my appearance on
Hollyoaks and about the
fundraising that I have done
for When You Wish upon a
Star. Off air we had a
little private chat (see
pic’s below).
In the studio with
Emanon and Dianne |
Emanon O'Neal and Me
|
Dianne Oxberry and Me
|
|
|
Then my brother took me to London as I
had an audition at 1.30pm and another audition at 2.45pm. it
was a good job my brother was off work and able to be my
taxi for the day, I would not of been able to do both
without his help. “Thank You, Chris” you are a great
brother.
Checkout what I have coming up to raise
money over the next few months on my
events link and if
you have time come a long and join in the fun.
|
|
17th March 2009:
Today I was in the Daily Mirror, I was given a full centre
page spread. The Mirror had arranged for me to do a photo
shoot to help me with my modelling and TV work. I was
contacted by a number of magazines who also want to cover my
story after reading about me in the Mirror. I am talking to
them at the moment and will let you know more when I can.
27th April 2009:
Now for some good news! On Friday I went to Edinburgh as I
was nominated by Linda and Phil from the Didsbury Rotary
Club, for a Rotary Young Citizen Award and was one of the
five winners to receive the award.
It was really nice to get away for a few days. It was a long
drive but we stopped at the service station for food and
drinks, we didn’t arrive in Edinburgh until after 4pm,
On the evening we arrived I went to see McFly in concert
with one of the other winners (Leanne), Leanne’s parents and
my mum. I had to be at the Corn Exchange for 6.45pm. When I
arrived at the venue I was given the surprising news that I
was to meet the boys from McFly. Both Leanne, her parents,
my mum and me were taken round the back of the venue and
introduced to the boys, they were great and after giving us
a big hug they chatted about why we had been given the
award, they were shocked when they were told how much I had
raised. We then had some picture taken before going to watch
the boys on stage with all the other girls screaming in
excitement. I was surprised when McFly mentioned me on stage
and everyone clapped and cheered me when McFly had finished
talking about me.
On the Saturday morning we had to be at the Corn Exchange
for 10.15am so that I could have a quick interview with
Konnie Huq who was presenting the awards live on the BBC
News 24. Konnie was a presenter on Blue Peter for ten years
before leaving the show last year. We arrived at the Corn
Exchange just in time thanks to Linda’s good driving and my
good navigation system around Edinburgh, which was a
nightmare to drive round due to all the road works they have
going on at the moment.
I met with the other winners before being sat on stage ready
for the awards to go out live on the BBC News at
11.30am.There were over 2000, Rotary members from all over
the world in the audience, I was a bit nervous as I had just
been sick before going on stage and was worried in case it
started again while I was on stage. I was the last winner to
go up and Konnie asked me a few questions and showed a short
film about me as Eve had been to film me in hospital the
week before and had also filmed the girls from Wish Upon a
Star and one my doctors, Mr. Neil Oxborrow. I managed to
make the audience laugh a couple of times with my answers,
which is always a good thing. I received a lovely glass
trophy and a certificate and I am told I have also got
£500.00 to come to me for my charity, which will go towards
my target. After the ceremony we had lunch and some more
pictures taken on stage. Lots of people kept coming up to me
and congratulating me on my award and some gave me money
towards my next target, all in all I was given £80.00 for my
charity. One man even gave me his business card and said he
may be able to help get my book published, I have emailed
him today so we will see. I would like to say a big
thank you to: Mike, Sue, Ann and the other lady who gave me
money for my charity.
Then mum and I went into Edinburgh to do some shopping while
Linda and Phil went back into the afternoon Rotary event.
While mum and I was out I saw the Top Gear presenters,
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May, mum asked if
I could have my picture taken with Richard but this woman
said “No” but I still took some of Richard and Clarkson.
Linda than rang my mum to say she was on her way to pick us
up so that we could all go for tea before heading back to
the Corn Exchange to watch a concert. It was a Scottish
Variety Performance. I had arranged to meet Leanne (one of
the other winners) at the concert and we all sat together. I
must say we really enjoyed it. The show finished about 11pm,
I was shattered by the time we got back to the guest house.
I kept ringing my dad to find out how my 1940’s event back
home was going as I had left dad in charge of the raffle for
me. Dad rang me when I got back to the guest house to say
the raffle had raised £390.00 with money still to come in.
Thanks for doing the raffle for me dad.
Before going home on the Sunday we went to the morning
Rotary Conference, which was really interesting. The RT Hon
Michael Portillo did a speech and told some really good
jokes.
Then it was time for the long journey back home. A massive
thank you to Linda for all the driving she did and Phil and
Linda for looking after us so well over the weekend and of
course for nominating me in the first place.
23rd May
2009:
Last
Saturday, mum, dad, and me went to the Chester football club
to watch the Hollyoaks lads playing football against other
soap stars. The Hollyoaks team included my man Ricky Whittle
(Calvin), Nick Pickard (Tony), James Lomas (Warren) and lots
of other cast from Hollyoaks. They played against some of
the cast from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Shameless,
Casualty and the Bill. They were playing to raise money for
two charities.
We all had a great day even if it did
rain. All the guys came round and chatted with us after the
game and I got a big hug off Ricky when he saw me.
I am trying
to arrange to do a Spookathon, which would mean me staying
in a haunted house over night. I have got some of my
ambulance drivers and some other medical people who are
involved in my care willing to do it for me so if I can pull
it off we should raise lots of money. Keep an on my
events for charity
link for more information.
12th July 2009:
Since I last up dated this page I have
been back to see Mcfly in concert in Nottingham with my
friend Leanne, we both had a brilliant time, I stayed over
at Leanne's for the weekend as she lives in Nottingham.
Thanks to Leanne's parents for making me so welcome.
I am doing my spookathon in November and hope to raise lots
of money for my charity, if you would like to sponsor me,
you can by donating on my
Just giving link. "Thank You".
I have passed my exams and I have been
excepted into Chester University to study TV/Radio Media,
mum and dad said they are very proud of me as I am the only
one in the family to ever have gone to University,
which made me feel really happy.
Next week I am going to our local Rotary club, where I have
been asked if I will do a speech about my condition and the
charity that I raise money for, which should be interesting.
8th October 2009:
Since
my last update I have been
over to Florida with my mum
and dad, we had a great
time. We met up with our
good friends Andy, Melissa
and children, Amie and
Louie, we had not seen the
children for a year and it
was great to see them, Amie
was so big and Louie was
chatting away. Melissa came
ghost hunting with us, which
was great fun, dad got us
lost and we could not find
the car.
Visiting one of the water
parks dad went swimming with
the car keys and lost them,
luckily someone found them
and handed them in, but when
we tried to start the car it
was having no go and we had
to sit in a car park for
over an hour until we had
another car brought to us,
we could not go back in the
water park as it was getting
ready to close so we baked
in the sun for over an hour.
You will never guess what my
mum did, she forgot to pack
my Gabapentin tablets, which
I have three times a day for
the pain in my back. We
tried to buy some but was
told they could only be got
on prescription, my brother,
Chris, was going to post
them out using the next day
delivery, but when he told
them what was in the package
he was told he could not
post them, he even contacted
the Embassy to explain
things to them but the
person he spoken to was
unsure if they could be
posted to the USA. In the
end I had to use my Ketamine,
which makes me feel dizzy if
I have it in the day, I
normally try and only have
my ketamine when I have gone
to bed.
Then my mum had an accident,
we were attempting to play
crazy golf, I had my go and
so had my friend, then it
was mums turn and as she
picked the golf ball up her
knee gave way and she fell
back smacking the back of
her head on a concrete path
(she was seeing stars), we
heard the bump and dad just
came over and said "look I
got an hole in one", and I
said "and your wife as just
smacked the back of her
head". It did look funny
seeing mum lay with her legs
in the air and I am sorry
for laughing mum. My friend
went and got an ice pack
from the people who owned
the golf course. Mum had a
big lump on the back of her
head for the rest of the
holiday.
9th November 2009:
University is going ok, hard work
but good fun too. Well, what do you think of being on a
billboard with my gran (see pic' below), now you can see
where I get my good looks from, my gran is lovely.
|
|
This is me stood by the
billboard that is on one of
the bus stops on Altrincham
Road, Manchester. Cadbury's
Wispa Gold asked people to
write in and tell them about
someone they love and that
they would pick so many of
the entries and put them on
billboards around the UK. As
you can see mine was chosen.
The picture is of my Ronnie
Gran and Me and the words
above the picture read as
follows:
|
Instead of me whispering
I will shout that my gran is the best,
better than all the rest,
She is sweet as chocolate and
she will sell you out of business
as she’s my world.
But you are the gold. |
|
I have got three billboards
up, one on Altrincham Road,
Manchester, one on Folly
Lane, Salford and one on
Chester Road, Trafford. My
Gran could not believe it
when I showed her and gave
me a big hug.
17th November 2009:
Remember back in April when
I told you that mum and I
went to Edinburgh as I had
won the Rotary Young Citizen
Award after being nominated
by Linda and Phil from the
Didsbury Rotary Club. Well,
if you click on the picture
below you can now watch the
video clip of the other four
winners and I, this was on
the national news. |
 |
|
2nd December
2009:
I was invited
to 11 Downing St in London to meet
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt
Hon Alistair Darling MP. received
the Diana Gold Award along with nine
other young people who had all won
the Diana Award over the past ten
years and the gold award was to mark
the tenth anniversary of the Diana
awards. Over the last ten years the
Diana trust has awarded 27.000
awards to young people. We had
drinks and food with some
other guest, including the
Chancellor's wife, Maggie
Darling and Bee Gee Robin
Gibb, who is an ambassador
for the Diana awards.
I was the seventh person to
go up for the award, I was
given a framed certificate
and a lovely glass trophy. I
also gave a small speech and
lots of pictures were taken
for the press.
Click on the picture below
to watch my TV interview
about the award and my spook
night.
|
Receiving
my
award
|
Me
outside
No
10
Downing
St |
|
The
spook night was really good, It’s
hard to believe but lots did happen
and when the channel M guy (Ben) was
filming a fire extinguisher came
flying off the wall but they could
not show it as a couple of people
swore in shock, one guy got
scratched on the back of his head,
which must be 4ins + in length, we
had some pebbles slung towards us
and other people experienced some
things too.
I had my spook night at Hyde
Town Hall and would like to
say a big thank you to the
Manchester Paranormal Team,
Darren, Peter and David
Sarsfireld, Lloyd
Pennington, Chris Body and
Ian Landregan plus Phil,
Ernie and Dan for giving up
your time to help make my
spook night a success.
I would also like to say a
big thank you to Darren Sarsfield ,
Ernie Warburton and Ian Landregan
who took part in a sponsored walk to
raise the money needed to rent the
Town Hall for the night. Other
people I would also like to thank
are Danny Morris, Paul (Danny’s
agent), Channel M’s camera man
Ben Bangbala, Claire Mitchell also
from Chaneel M, Eamonn O’Neal and
all my friends who came along on the
spook night to support me. I would
also like to a special mention to
Paul who agreed to do a lone vigil
in the strong room for half an hour
and raised £100.00 by doing it.
The night raised
lots of money for When You Wish upon
a Star and I would do it again. I
will let you know how much money
when I get all the sponsor money in.
Some pictures below
from the night plus click on
the picture to watch a clip
from Channel M.
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Danny, Me, Alex
and Tom
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Danny Morris |
Danny and Me |
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15th January 2010:
I had a great Christmas with my family and it was nice to spend some
more time with my Gran (my mum’s mum). Gran got herself this dog
called “Biscuit” (see pic’s below), I love it and so does my gran,
you ask it to sit and give you it’s paw, it will, ask it lie down
and it will, it also barks and whimpers, it really is very cute. My
gran is so funny with it and keeps telling me that it is keeping her
awake at night with its barking.
We all know that we have had
lots of snow and on our
first down fall of snow I
made this big snowball.
I have also been a member of
Post Pal for many years and
I have received lots of nice
gifts from people who have
read my story, one lady
(Wendy) read that I was on
crutches and she bought me
some really cool blue
crutches for Christmas, they
are so much nicer than the
ones I had.
We also went to the annual quiz night that our friends Keith and Pat
have every year for all their friends at Christmas (Keith and Pat
have helped me lot over the years by organising the charity Balls
that I have had.
They own a
printing business
and do all my printing) it was great to see Keith and Pat as I have
not seen them for a while and Andy and Melissa had come over from
the USA with the children (Andy is Keith’s and Pat son), Andy always
does the quiz and very good at it he is too. Alex, is their other
son and I have not seen him for a while so it really is nice to get
together with everyone and one of their friends makes the nicest
hotpot ever.
I took my mum and friend,
Lesley, to watch Jermy Kyle
being filmed last week,
which was really good fun
and next week I am going to
watch the TV Awards in
London, which I am really
looking forward too.
I still don't have any news
on my book, but I am still
keeping my fingers crossed
that I can find a publisher
so I can get my book on to
the selves so people can
read about Neurofibromatosis
(NF) and Scoliosis. I know I
have NF in a bad way
internally, but life goes on
and I want people to read my
story and understand what I
have been through and still
am going through. I may have
NF, but I am not going to
let NF have me. One day I
will get my book published
and if my book can help just
one person it will be worth
all the hard work that is
involved in writing my book.
14th April 20010:
I had
a really nice Birthday and
received so many cards and
gifts, a lot of my cards
came from Post Pal who send
gifts and cards out to
poorly children.
I have
found a publisher for my
book and fingers crossed it
should go on sale in July,
so keep popping back for
news when my book will go on
sale.
I have been short listed in
the category of Gill
Astarita Fundraiser of the
Year award and will be going
to the awards in July. Gill
Astarita Fundraiser of the
year award is for the
fundraiser, who in the view
of their peers, has shown
consistent excellence and
best practice in achieving
high=quality fundraising
through either their own
efforts or their vision and
strategy.
29th
April 20010:
My 1940's charity
night went really well and I
wont to say a big thank you
to Alan and Lesley Bates who
helped me with the event.
The raffle items that I got
managed to raise £805.20p so
another big thank you goes
to everyone who attended the
event, it was really nice to
see so many people dressed
in the 1940's outfits.
Titch (my mascot) was a
great success with both
children and adults. I am
sure we will be seeing a lot
more of Stitch.
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I have got my exams at the
moment and looking at what
my next event will be, I
have also got some mobile
phones that I need to send
off.
I am still waiting on news
of when my book will go on
sale, but as soon as I know
anything I will let you all
know.
13th May 2010:
When I
got home from hospital this
afternoon I had a letter
that had come for me from
Buckingham Palace, when I
opened it, inside was an
invite to the Queens Garden
Party on the 22nd June for
both my mum and me. The
letter states that we must
wear a dress and a hat and
unfortunately we cannot take
any pictures as they will
not let you take your camera
in to the grounds of the
Palace. But I will tell you
all about it on our return.
I have had tea with Prince
William and Harry and now I
get to meet the Queen, how
cool is that.. |
This is our
invite,
but not the tickets. |
28th
May 2010:
I have been out and bought my outfit for the Queens Garden
party, I even got my hat. The hat that I bought when I was out with
my friends last week my mum said it would not do and that it looked
like I had a butchers hat on, mum said, it just looks like the one
that Graham wears in Corrie'. I could see what my mum meant, my mum
took it back for me and got me a different one. Well, I don't wears
hats and it's not every day that you get invited to the Queens
Garden party.
Just working on how we are going to get there at the moment as my
dad is working and can't take time off work. Looks like it will be
the train, just worried about the sickness on the way, if I am in
the car and start being sick it's not so bad, but it's not nice if I
start being sick in front of other people and it comes on so quick
that I can't just get up and run to the toilet so I have to keep a
bowl at the side of me. Only other thing I can do is not to have
anything to eat or drink and I will be ok.
23rd June 2010:
Yesterday I went to the
Queens Garden Party with my
mum, which was a great
experience. When I woke up
and I was really excited I
never slept well all night.
When I got up I tried on
like 6 dresses as I had
bought so many and 5 minutes
before the photographer came
I got changed again.
I was
then happy with my choice.
When the Bentley and David
(my Chauffeur) arrived, I
was so excited and when I
seen how beautiful the
Bentley was, I was made up,
I was do happy and felt
privileged that someone had
organised this ride for me.
I loved the smooth ride
there and back, and it was
really comfy. I think I
might invest in a Bentley
ha, ha,. When I got to the
garden party I was made
known and taken through,
after several pictures were
taken by the press. I went
through the Buckingham
Palace gates and into the
garden, I had some lemon
juice and lined up for some
butties and cake. The food
was lovely and the cakes
were lovely too. I enjoyed
the iced coffee. I then
lined up and waited to see
the Queen and the Duke go
past, it was a really hot
day, even though I never got
to say "Hallow" to the Queen
or Duke, just being there
and seeing them both walk
past was amazing.
Two bands were playing
throughout the day and that
was awesome and so relaxing.
I sat back in the sun
catching a sun tan near the
lake eating a lovely
ice-cream. My day was
amazing and I am so happy I
was invited. David my
chauffeur was such a nice
guy and very friendly and he
helped to make my day
special too.
The
time table for the day ran
as follows:
At
3.00pm the royal gates
opened, 3.30pm tea was
served in the main tent,
which were cucumber
sandwiches and ham
sandwiches along with some
very fancy cakes and iced
coffee, tea or juice.
Around
4.00pm the National Anthem
was played to announce the
arrival of Her Majesty the
Queen and members of the
Royal family.
The guest to the garden
party formed two lanes to
allow the Queen and members
of the Royal family to move
through the guest. While the
Queen was taking tea in the
Royal tent my mum and me
went and sat by the lake
eating an ice-cream. At
about 5.50pm the Queen and
members of the Royal family
departed and the National
Anthem was played. After
everyone clapped the Royal
family we went back to the
lake, it was a lovely day
and one that both my mum and
I will remember for a very
long time.
I am really grateful to the
Manchester Evening News for
arranging for me to travel
by Bentley and to Bentley
for agreeing to take me.
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10th July 2010:
I had
a great time in London at
the fundraising awards and
met some lovely people, I
was not one of the big
winners but it was an
achievement getting to the
final three.
I went to watch the x-factor
auditions today with my mum
and one of my friends, Emma,
it was a very long day and
my mum got to see Simon
Cowell, we were only about
ten rows back from the front
so we were sat in a really
good place. I am going again
on Sunday as I managed to
get some more tickets.
I have not got much else on
this next two weeks as I
have got a few hospital
appointments that involve me
having to spend the full day
in hospital having test.
19th July 2010:
I went
to the M.E.N arena to day to
watch the Real Radio Big
15th Birthday Bash. When I
got there I was greeted by
my friends from the wish
office. It's always great to
see the girls. We went to
McDonalds for some lunch,
burgers and drinks. After
this we were invited back
stage and was greeted by a
few who were performing on
stage. I was really excited
to meet Scouting for Girls,
as I really do like them and
think the lead singer is
amazing (Roy)they were all
down to earth and lovely. I
loved every moment. I also
loved meeting the x-factor
runner ups and winners, to
see how far they have come
was great to see. The
singers that I met had
photos taken with me and
signed my autograph book
plus they signed a poster
for me that I am going to
have framed and then auction
it. When we went through to
the concert it was awsome I
could see so much and I
loved every moment, I was
singing along to all the
songs and on the boy bands I
was dancing away and taking
lots of pictures. You can
see some pictures from the
night on my picture link.
1st September- 17th
September 2010:
I went
on holiday to America with
my family, we all had a
really nice holiday. We went
down to Miami for a couple
of days and while we were
there, there was a mini
hurricane, which I thought
was kind of cool. I was
happy it was not disruptive
and that it did not cause
any damage, we just had
difficulty standing up and
was blowing us off our feet.
While we were in Florida we
went to Magic Kingdom and
Typhoon Lagoon. When I was
in Typhoon Lagoon I went
swimming with sharks and I
sank as I choked on the
water I was saved by a life
guard. On the way home from
our holiday and only two
hours into the journey I
took really poorly and was
in a lot of pain, I was put
on oxygen for the remaining
six hours of the flight
home, the flight crew kept
coming up to me asking if I
was ok, the pilot was going
to divert the flight so that
I could be taken off the
flight, but I was ok to
carry on to Manchester
airport. I was taken into
hospital the minute I
landed. After spending the
rest of the day in hospital
I was allowed home.
4th October 2010:
I have
enrolled on a cach course at
the local college where I am
applying to be a teaching
assistant, it is a one year
course and I now have a
placement at my old high
school, so hopefully I will
pass the course and become a
teaching assistant.
I am also busy getting ready
for my next charity spook
night, which is on the 6th
November.
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Craig Gazey (Graham Proctor in
Corrie’)
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12th November 2010:
My
spookathon went really well
and I would like to thank
the following people for
supporting the event. Craig
Gazey (Graham from Corri'),
my ambulance drivers,
friends and family The
Manchester Paranormal Team,
Paul (09 Management), Will
Hayes (Candidate 23) and the
M.E.N readers for supporting
my event.
I would also like to thank
the person who very kindly
sent me £200.00 for the
charity. I would have liked
to have dropped you a line
but you did not include your
name or contact details, but
I am truly grateful to you.
"Thank You".
I have
just found out that I am the
regional winner for the
Spirit Award for all round
commitment to volunteering
and will no go forward to be
named the overall winner
next year.
I have
also received an invitation
to the Lord Mayor's Annual
Reception on the 25th
November, this is a very
special event on the civic
calendar and something that
I am now looking forward
too.
Work starts on my book on
the 17th November and I am
still keeping fingers
crossed that it will on sale
in time for Christmas.
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Will Hays and
Me
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Shaun Rogerson and
Me
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16th December 2010:
Candidate23 are a 5-piece
Indie Rock Band from the
North West of England, their
music has a unique and
impressive sound. They are
currently playing to
audience's across the
country. Their first single
"One for You" was released
on the 24th November 2010
and I was very honoured to
be part of the launce party.
I also did a collection for
my charity, the collection
raised £69.73p "Thank You"
to all you donated. Will and
his agent Paul Chadd also
recently supported me at my
spookathon. You may remember
Shaun from when he was on
the x-factor Shaun was also
at the launce party.
My Spookathon raised
£1593.50p with some more
money still to come in. My
book is almost ready to go
on sale and I am just
waiting on the date now.
I was
at the wish office yesterday
as I had to take all the
money that I had raised and
I was also doing some
filming for the "Spirit
Award", I have now got to
attend an award ceremony in
March when I will find out
if I am the overall winner.
The
Lord Mayor's annual
reception on the 25th
November that I was invited
to was really good and I was
given the opportunity to
meet so many other people
who help out in their
community.
7th February 2011:
Great
news, my book is now live,
please go to my items for
sale link for more
information on how you can
buy a copy of my book.
I have just found out that I
am one of the National
Finalist for the Spirit
Award for all round
commitment to volunteering,
I am off to London in March
with my mum. Click the
following link to read more
about it:
www.vinspired.com/rewards/spirit-award
I will let you know how it
goes.
28th
October 2011:
I have
been very busy over the last
few months, not only with
hospital visits but with
University, fundraising,
doing radio interviews about
my book, which is still
selling well.
I won the Spirit award and
was given my award by Leigh
Francis, in London. Leigh
was really funny and such a
nice guy. I met so many
other young adults who had
done amazing things for
their community and everyone
in the room was a winner to
me.
I recovered well from my
last surgery but after my
next charity event in
December I have got to go
back in hospital for more
surgery, Mr. Christopher
Duff is going to do the
surgery, he is a really nice
guy and very understanding.
I went on holiday to
Tenerife for my 21st
Birthday and had a great
time. I have also been away
to the USA with my family
for two weeks. I am now busy
working on my charity spook
night. I am staying in Hyde
Town Hall again to raise
money for the when you wish
upon a star charity. If its
anything like last time we
are all in for a great
night. We had so much
ghostly activity last time.
The event also raised over
£1000.00 for my charity so I
am hoping to raise more than
that this time.
I was also named in the
finals for the Red Cross
award at the beginning of
this month and I had to go
to London, I was aloud to
take two guest along with me
so a couple of my friends
came with me, my mum and dad
could not come as they were
at an NF meeting in
Manchester. I was meant to
be doing a speech at the NF
meeting but due to the
awards I could not attend
the meeting, but I have
promised that I will do my
speech at the next meeting
that they have. I did not
win the Red Cross award but
again it was a nice
opportunity to meet other
young people who do nice
things for others.
17th November 2011:
I have been asked to explain what winning the V Inspired
National Award last year meant to me, so here goes: "Being a winner
at the V Inspired National Awards last year was a really big honour.
and going to the awards in London was an absolutely amazing
experience. There's such a negative attitude towards young people,
so it was brilliant to be part of an event that shows all the good
things we have to offer. If you know a really inspiring young
volunteer please nominate them now. I'd love to see another
volunteer from Manchester get to the finals!" The V Inspired
National Awards are now open. Do you know a young volunteer doing
great things in their community? Someone who is always helping
others or working tirelessly to change things for the better? If you
do - nominate them now. Apply here:
www.vinspired.com/nationalawards and good luck.
My book is still selling
well both in the UK and USA.
My book sold out in WHSmiths
in the Trafford Centre in
Manchester and they ordered
more copies, which was great
news as all the royalties
are going towards my fund
raising target and having a
second book published.
8th December 2011:
I have
had a busy month at
University and will be glad
to take a rest over
Christmas. I have also been
busy getting ready for my
charity spook night, which I
had last Saturday, over 30
people took part and
everyone had a great night,
a lot of people asked if I
could arrange to have a
ghost night in a castle so I
am going to look at
arranging that next year.
I have
got some really exciting
news to tell you all in the
New Year, but I have got to
bite my tongue till then.
22nd
January 2012:
On
Saturday the 31st December 2011, it was announced
publicly in the Queens New Year Honours list that I am to receive
the M.B.E.
Being chosen to receive an M.B.E for the work that means so much to
me is very exciting and I feel very honoured.
The vast majority of people recognised in the New
Years Honours list include those supporting the Big Society by
making a real difference to their local community through
volunteering, fund-raising, social action and philanthropy.
I was one of three people receiving
an Honour on the New Years Honours list that was invited down to
London to meet with the press. The two other people being, Dr M
Philippou, who was also to receive an M.B.E who is focused on
helping young people move away from gang related crime by giving
them an incentive to be 'STARS' (Social, Trustworthy and
Responsible) and Christopher Preddie, who receives an O.B.E .
Christopher had devoted his life to youth work and trying reduce
crime. He uses his own personal experience to talk to youth groups
and prisoners about crime and the huge impact that it can have on
your life.
My dad took us down the
night before as we had to
meet with the press really
early. Can you believe it
when I say we were able to
drive into Downing St',
loads of people were stud
outside the gates watching
as we drove in and parked up
while the police searched
our car to make sure we were
who we said we were. It was
all very exciting, we were
then showed where to park
our car at the back of 10
Downing St'. We were showed
in to this large room
(Chambers) and given drinks
and congratulated by members
of staff in the room.
My mum and dad sat behind me
and I was told to sit in the
middle at the head of this
large table with the other
two people who had also been
invited told to sit at the
side of me. The door opened
and about 30 people from the
press came in and sat round
the table, they were each
given notes as to why we had
been given the honours and
we were told to say a little
bit about the work that we
do and at the end they were
allowed to ask questions. I
was asked to go first, I
spoke for about 10 minutes
just telling them about the
charity and why I felt it
was important to me, then it
was Dr. M Philippou's turn,
Dr. Philippou was one old
type school teachers and
took us back to when she was
a young girl at school,
after 35 minutes of her
talking they had to ask her
to finish, but she still had
a lot more to say and
carried on for a further 15
minutes, in the end they had
to explain that they were
running out of time and that
Christopher still needed to
say why he had received an
honour. At this point she
did pass over to Christopher
who then spoke for about 10
minutes.
The press asked if I was the
youngest person to receive
the M.B.E and they were told
that I was the youngest
person this year. After 15
minutes of answering
questions we were each
interviewed separately. When
I got home I loads of TV and
radio interviews, I was on
the ITV main news, local BBC
North West News, Granada
News, ITV Main News and a
few radio interviews as well
as being in the press, I
even made front page news of
the Manchester Evening News.
I hope by receiving
the M.B.E it will help my charity work as the children that I help
really deserve their wishes to be granted, they each spend a lot of
time in hospital having painful treatment. I have been one of them
children to spend months in hospital and knowing my wish was going
to be granted really helped me. I still attend hospital frequently,
I still have to have painful treatment and the older I get it does
not get any easer for me, but knowing I can help other poorly
children helps me forget about my hospital treatment.
I have not got the
date for when I am to receive my M.B.E yet but have been told I will
be given six weeks notice. I am really excited about but I really
don’t know what I am going to wear.
I have received so
many cards of Congratulations from people who read my story in the
Manchester Evening News along with some kind donations and I would
like to thank you all.
Click on this link to
hear
One
of my radio Interviews and One of the
ITV News Clips
My book is still
selling well and I hope to have it on kindle soon, I am just having
problems working out how to do it, my publisher would do it for me
but they charge and I am selling the book to raise more money for
charity so don't really want to go giving it the publisher more
money. I am also hoping to start some more work on my second book
soon as lots of people have asked if I will do a follow up to what
they have read so far.
30th April 2012:
I have had a very busy few months, I now have my M.B.E, which you can read all about in my diary page. I am also doing the Olympic torch on the 22nd June in Blackpool, so if you are around in Blackpool that day give me a wave.
My book is now on Kindle, for more information on how you can buy your copy on kindle please go to my items for sale link ware you will find all the information needed.
I was also nominated to go on the Happy list for the Sunday Independent and was named on the happy list. I still don't know who nominated me, but thank you whoever you were.
My M.B.E charity celebration night went really well and I raised £383.00 on the raffle.
I am having a big Black and White Ball in October to raise money for when you wish upon a star and I have already sold all the tickets, which is good news as we are only in April. I have just got work on getting items to raffle and auction now.
3rd November 2012:
My charity Black and White Ball was a huge success
I will update with
some more news very soon. I had over 340 guest and people were not shy at putting their hands in their pocket and the night raised a jaw dropping 60K, which was one of the best charity events to date. Will Mellor. Nikki Sanderson and some of the Holly Oaks cast came along to support the event.
My next big charity night is in December when I will be staying in an haunted place over night, if you would like to sponsor me for this event then please go to my just giving link where you can make a donation in a safe way, "Thank You".
NF is a life-long condition, and you must learn
to live your life, and not let the disorder rule your life. The more
you understand the more you will be in control, so be sure to ask
questions of your medical professionals. Find someone you trust, and
share your feelings, fears and frustrations. The challenges posed by
having NF are hard, but they can be overcome and you are not alone.
They say a problem shared is a problem halved. You can always email
my mum or me and we will both do what we can to help.
I hope one day we can say
"We have found a cure for
NF, Neurofibromatosis is now
history".
If I can offer help and
support to anyone, please
contact me. We are all here
to help each other. That is
a gift we can give each
other. Thank you for reading
my story.
Thank you to all my doctors,
nurses, family and friends
for getting me through some
of my most difficult times.
Take care
Love
Kirsty xxxx
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