Community: Real Life

Stepping out


Viks is 24 and from Surrey. She's bed-bound due to Myalgic Encephalopathy (M.E.), but works hard as co-founder of Post Pals, a website community for sick young people.
Entry: 9
Date: 22/12/2008

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Vik goes to London for a major award, and makes some significant progress with her physio.

This morning, after about four-and-a-half hours broken sleep, mum and I boarded a train for London for the Beacon Awards. I'd been nominated by some Post Pal parents, which was a complete surprise, and meant that we got to go for lunch at Coutts and Co - bank to the Queen and the very rich.

People who win Beacon Awards become part of the fellowship and meet for lunch once a year. There were around 20 people there and I was in awe of them all.

The two women I was chatting to most are true philanthropists. One has dedicated the past 60 years to helping those who have been tortured. The other lady started out by helping women with leprosy in India, but has branched out to helping with other illnesses. I could have listened to them for hours.

Afterwards we had a tour and were told the story behind the history of the Coutts family and bank. I really liked the building; no cheap Biros attached to a ball-bearing chain to stop you stealing them like they have in my bank! 

Next we went to a cafe to kill some time before meeting up with my Dad and going to the evening awards. These were being held in "a tent" that turned out to be a grand two-storey marquee that even had a lift. They went for really pretty low lighting, which was perfect for me - I managed to struggle through lunch without my sunglasses on so it was nice to not have to worry about it for the evening.

"I've not managed to do so much since the beginning of 2002."

It's a small world

There was a drinks reception where I talked to yet more amazing people before we were seated for the awards. One of the ladies on our table was Liz North from YouthNet, who I really enjoyed meeting. My category came second and my Dad took me up on stage where Martyn Lewis, the founder of YouthNet, (who, I should add, turns out to be a dab hand at wheelchair pushing!) presented me with a beautiful framed award.

I was expecting to just smile and say "thank you", but they asked a few questions, including what my thoughts are on how the media portray young people and the expansion plans for Post Pals. Dame Mary Marsh, who used to be CEO of the NSPCC, gave me some excellent advice. They then showed a video which had been made by Dylan at the Media Trust. I found it moving to watch, although like the rest of the day, it was all quite surreal. I didn't win the overall prize of £30,000, which is a shame as it would have transformed Post Pals. However, I wasn't expecting to win it as we're so very tiny compared to the other organisations.

After the awards were presented, lots of people were congratulating me and several gave me their business cards with offers of support, from financial (thank goodness I was sitting down!), to general advice. One lady was having a meeting with the head of the Post Office and said she was going to mention us - I was overwhelmed and very appreciative of it all.

Back to reality

Amazingly, that's not even my biggest news. Recently, I took two steps holding onto my physio's arms while she walked backwards in front of me! Then I rested and did four more. My God they were hard, but (no pun intended) they were big steps in getting better. I've not managed to do so much since the beginning of 2002.

It was back to earth with a bump though - a parking ticket for 'parking in a disabled bay without a blue badge', despite mine being clearly displayed. Also, as I have had a couple of seizures I'm having some tests done' including an EEG first thing in the morning (which messes up your hair - annoying given that the local paper is coming to do photos a few hours after!) and an MRI the next day. I've also got to have another barium swallow to see if they can find the cause for me vomiting so much -Fingers crossed it's nothing serious Have a great Christmas everyone!


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