Although VIP tickets come at a relatively large expense - okay, a huge expense - we decided as a family that VIP tickets for The Vamps would be the main Christmas present for my sister and I. Apart from the fact that the package included a meet and greet, the fact that Union J were touring with them meant that, in my opinion, it was simply a must.
We chose the Genting Arena, Birmingham on this occasion, as we've come to the conclusion that, if you happen to be a wheelchair user, the Manchester Phones 4U Arena (formerly known as the MEN Arena) is utter pants. In my opinion, you'd probably be better off sat at home with a pair of binoculars pointed in the vague direction of the stage for all you can see, and experience, when in the accessible seating area. The Genting Arena, on the other hand, has accessible seating all the way along the side, and so at least you have a chance at being near the front. This way, even though we had to spend over an hour queuing on a phone-line for an accessible ticket, the reward was managing to buy Seat 1 and 2 - deep joy!
My rough estimate of accessible seating area at the
Genting Arena, Birmingham
My rough estimate of accessible seating area at the
Phones 4U Arena, Manchester
The VIP experience began with a Sound check with The Vamps, Union J and The Tide (basically boyband heaven), and a crowd of only just under 100. Not a day goes by that I don't find another reason to appreciate my powerchair all the more, but this in particular was another occasion that made me even more grateful to Caudwell Children (http://www.caudwellchildren.com/) for providing me with such a magical piece of equipment. Well actually, I don't even see it as a piece of equipment or machinery anymore - it's just a crucial - yet extremely stylish - part of me that is the key to unlocking so many exciting opportunities. For the sound check, my Sister and I were in along with the rest of the small crowd, but just because there wasn't as many of them doesn't mean that they were any shorter. As I've said on numerous occasions - which in itself tells a big story - having my powered wheelchair means that I can rise up and be the same height as everyone else, if not taller! As well as being able to see over crowds at concerts and festivals, this is also great from a social point of view, as I can chat with people at face height instead of them having to bend down to me like I'm a three-year-old. Reaching the bar will also be another bonus in years to come.... Did I just say that? Surely not! Just kidding... sort of.....
After the Sound Check (which I highly recommend as an amazing experience), we went straight through to have a photo with The Vamps, and then, after a pizza and chips, took our seats for the concert.
Although my Mum has to spend the evening in the car - on her birthday! - with a good book waiting for us to come out, having a sister like Candice who's two years older means that we can go into the concert together and she can assist me with pretty much everything I might need (except toileting - she draws the line at that)! It works well because we have mostly the same interests, and so she wants to go to these events too, making it a fun experience for both of us. I don't need a lot of assistance at these things, just the odd head-push-up or drink opening, but there is always that possibility that something slightly more major could happen, (urgent call of nature or sinister choke) and so my Mum tends to be close by just in case. Obviously, it won't be like this forever, and we're just working at the minute to set up a plan for a new way of using my statutory care hours to employ personal assistants in a different way. More to come on that soon....
After such an exciting Friday night, what better way to celebrate than to try out new foot splints that have finally arrived?! I've gone on and on about these over the past year, so I just thought I'd let you know that yes, I now have them; yes, they fit; and yes, they are a fully-functioning pair of splints! Not exactly killer heels, but hey, just what I've always wanted!
An example of my 'muscles on the outside'
I'm not sure that anything I write from now on will live up to the unbelievable excitement of the information that you just learned about my splints, but I'll try my very best. Part 2 of the German Exchange commenced in June, with our partners coming over to England for a week. It was wonderful to welcome Vanessa and Anna to Cheddleton after they gave us a fantastic time in Waldorf earlier in the year. Again, it was an action-packed few days including trips Chester, Alton Towers, and even London.
How I spend a sunny day at Alton Towers....
My Alton Towers German Exchange Crew 2k15
Although I've been to London on a fair few occasions now, I had never once attempted the infamous tube - until now. The plan was to travel back to Euston Station from Westminster, and as always, we had left plenty of time. I had a look on my phone to see which was the best route to take and noticed that, with a few buses, it would take us well over an hour, however with a tube, it would take a mere 11 minutes. "Why not give it a try?" we said. Ha! After having negotiated our way through the back entrance lift of Westminster due to the main lift being out of order, we boarded the first train with no problems encountered, wondering why on earth we hadn't used this mode of transport before. That was, until we tried to disembark at our first destination. It turns out that a wheelchair user must be in a certain carriage opposite a platform ramp in order to be able to actually get off - would have been useful information don't you think?! As the announcements came that the tube was going to be delayed while they went in search of a portable ramp to 'disembark the wheelchair', people around started to get rather agitated. Seeing as though I was the only 'wheelchair' - not a person, you understand - in sight, there was nowhere to hide. Cringe.
Tube time....
After that little mishap, we let out a huge 'phheewwww', and having to negotiate a couple of lift and miles of corridors, we eventually found our next tube. Having picked the correct carriage on this occasion, we found ourselves next to a man who'd clearly had a few too many pints at lunchtime. He, as most people are, was fascinated by my chair, but decided to take it that one step further and grabbed my controls in an attempt to steer me forward. Thanks to a guy who politely, but firmly, told him to keep his hands off, no damage was done, however his intervention was not warmly received by our drunken friend. After a tidal wave of explicit language and violent gestures, it was finally our stop, and I don't think my chair has ever driven so fast.
If you think that was enough, just you wait.....
Having finally made it to Euston Tube station and letting out an even bigger phew than the first time, we went in search of the lift up to ground level, only to find out that such a thing didn't actually exist. After a slight panic on my part, with no alternative, we boarded yet another tube train, got off at Kings Cross, and then walked back to Euston Station. Remember that 11 minute journey I told you about? Add another hour to that and you might be getting close to how long it took us.
We had to document the event, as I am 99.999999% certain
that I will not be taking the tube any time soon.
Never say never though!
I made it out alive!!!
This little London adventure also happened to coincide with Caudwell Children's annual Butterfly Ball taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Using the train as a "wheelchair-user" is - touch wood - relatively straight forward, and so, after the compulsory caffeine and calories at Stoke Station, we can head directly to London with no issues.
A suitable way to start the day?
Seeing as though every time we go away - even for a night-stop - we look like we're moving house, the hotel right by the station is perfect for us, as it minimises the amount of suitcase hauling that has to be done. We've now managed to devise a method of packing most of my machines into the one suitcase, but this does mean that it weighs at least ten times as much, and although my chair is good, I've not yet managed to find a way of towing a suitcase!
After hours of hair curling, nail painting and chair blinging, our taxi arrived, and we headed off in style to the Butterfly Ball 2015! We tend to always use an Addison Lee taxi(http://www.addisonlee.com/) as we get a quote for the price beforehand; a text saying that they are ready for us (no trying to flag down a cab at the pavement) and, because of vertigo etc., I don't particularly like to travel sideways in a London Cab, and with Addison Lee, I can just drive straight into the back. The drivers have always been really helpful too!
It's such a privilege to be an ambassador for Caudwell Children, to be invited to their Butterfly Ball is always a huge honour. As soon as you step/wheel into the ballroom, it's as if stepping into a whole different world of sparkle, glamour, and kind-hearted people who are all desperate to support an extremely worthy cause. To be surrounded by true legends such as Rod Stewart and Bruce Forsythe; to have the opportunity to meet some of my personal favourites such as Union J and Aston Merrgold; and to see Lionel Richie himself perform live are moments that I will honestly treasure forever.
Purple Carpet time!
Aston hugs are officially the best.
Aston Merrygold!;<3
Mark Wright!;<3
Brucie and Winnie are just the most wonderful people ever
The one and only Tito Jackson!
The gorgeous (inside and out) Union J!;<3
The grand total of nearly £2million that was raised on the night will go a HUGE way to transforming the lives of so many whole families, and this unbelievable success was down to the generosity of so many people, and the outstanding work of the Caudwell Children Team.
I couldn't possibly publish this blog without including a photo of my gorgeous pooch, so here's Lexi picking some raspberries...
It must be summer!
So many exciting things have happened over the past few months that I physically can't fit them all into one blog! To solve this little issue, I'll be writing again very soon to update you on all the latest gossip in my world, some of which includes a certain Robbie Williams - just what I've always wanted! Haven't you?
Write very soon,
Tilly,xoxox
Twitter/Insta: @ItsMeTillyG
RIP Angelique, my beautiful best friend -
love you forever xxx
