Hi everyone
Well, people have been asking where the blog’s gone – and I’ve got several new followers and people wanting to find out what we’ve been up too! I’m so sorry to not write more often – but I hope to rectify this. Here are my reasons!
Firstly, on the 29th of May I was lucky to be an olympic torch bearer! This was heaps of fun – and a real honour. I’ve known I was going to carry the torch for about 3 months – so it was so difficult keeping it from people. I eventually couldn’t contain my excitement and had to tell someone – so confided in one of my friends from Australia as I knew he wouldn’t tell anyone.
My sister (who was one of the two people who nominated me) guided me one side – and Chelsea my guide dog guided me on the other. She coped admirably – considering that wandering aimlessly down the middle of a road while people clap cheer and blow whistles at you is not in the guide dog mannual.
In fact, I think she was rather upset when she resumed working the next day and didn’t get the same treatment!
We were in the local media and on BBC 1!
The next fun thing that happened was I went to Newmarket races to be interviewed for channel four’s racing programme on Saturday afternoons.
I’m a huge fan of the prolific and fantastic Australian racehorse Black Caviar – and they interviewed me about just what a brilliant horse she is – and how she’d captured the hearts of people in Australia.
I first heard about her on a flight from London to Perth – she’s amazing. They were interested in how I found horseracing as a blind person – and I said the commentary made a real difference and that the whole of the UK and Australia would be hoping Black Caviar won.
Then, I went to Italy for a week – to Sorento! I went with traveleyes – a company that supplies sighted guides – who guide blind people round each day and also enjoy the holiday. I met some amazing people and made lots of new friends.
We visited Pompei, Herculanium and Capri.
I ate far more than I ought to have done – although, when I returned, Chelsea had put on weight – whereas I had lost – can’t think of a reason why that should be – more cakes for me though!
I then went to Royal Ascot with my sister to watch Black Caviar run. The day started off badly as I scalded myself in the shower and burnt my wrist, although it could have been worse!
Black Caviar won – and I got lots of comments on my outfit. As my Mum’s wedding dress is salmon pink – I modified it and wore this with black accessories to create a Black Caviar outfit – which got lots of compliments. I also met Luke Nolan – her jockey – wow!! He’s lovely!
I also met Ryan Moore and Johnny Merter.
Then – last week I went to Cardiff with mum to look at the routes and accomodation for when I do my masters in broadcast journalism in September.
So – I hope I’ll be forgiven for not writing as often as I’d like!
Things have certainly be exciting – but life’s one big sea of adventure – you have to grab it with both hands and dive in!
