My birthday was excellent and I was totally and utterly spoilt as usual. A and my mother decided that this year I should blow out all 24 candles in one go, which I duly did and was rather chuffed with myself.

Since my last post I have been to two exotic locations; France and Sheffield (one arguably more exotic than the other)

Sheffield was for work and involved me travelling up there on my own and staying in a hotel on my own. Now for a 24 year old (woohoo!) that's not really a big ask, but I still find these moments of assumed independence oddly unnerving. There’s absolutely no reason why I wouldn’t be fine doing this, but I suppose when you’ve been so heavily reliant on others and so used to people being with you for everything, “firsts” are always a tad unsettling.

As it turns out, I loved it. It was great to be in the hotel by myself, and a fantastic confidence booster when you face something you’re unsure you can do (had fantastic visions of me ending up in Aberdeen or somewhere).

Whilst in Sheffield I had the privilege of meeting Nattie’s mum. Having been “working” with rather poorly people for a while now, it takes quite a bit to shake me the way Nattie’s story has. She is close friends with Rachel, another completely awe-inspiring young lady. These two are not even 21 and have faced more than most of us will face in a lifetime already and are still smiling. Please pay their page a visit; every time I do it inspires me.

Then to France over Easter; 3 days of eating, drinking, taking in the sights, eating a bit more…a fantastic break. Back to work today (which I am still loving) and so life continues to move at a rapid but exciting pace. Oh and last of all watch this space for some exciting Live Life Then Give Life news coming soon…