I’ve just re-read the post I wrote on New Year’s Eve exactly a year ago and it reminded me what a decidedly rocky start I’d had to 2014. On Boxing Day last year the muscles in my hands unexpectedly and very suddenly seized up.…

We arrived in Scotland as the sun was setting. The snowy mountains we could see from the plane were mesmerising, with pools of bright light on seemingly untouched snow contrasting with patches of dark dense forest. From above, paths cutting confidently through the trees looked easily accessible.…

Zoë and I are heading for the skies today. Quite literally, and in two ways: first, we’re about to go and get on a plane, and secondly, we’re off to the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Hebrides.

We’ll be spending New Year on Skye with Olive, Keith and a big group of friends.…

It’s Christmas morning at the castle. There’s a cheerful clattering coming from the kitchen and a sizzling sound as Fat Sister makes bacon sandwiches. And I can hear the rustle of King Russell packing Christmas presents into bags, ready to go into the car.…

My jaw had become locked open and my body was twisted by spasms in my muscles. I was at home, on the sofa, cushions and padding everywhere, with a carer in the same room. I should’ve been feeling safe but instead I could feel fear mounting inside me as the seconds ticked – the carer standing silently next to me.…

I’ve finished work for a bit and at last I’ve got time to attend to all those little jobs that’ve been building up over the last few weeks.

I’ve done a load of filing, pumped up the tyres on my wheelchair and re-organised the bathroom cupboard, and the castle’s had a festive clean.…

As we speed ever closer to Christmas there’s festive spirit all over the place – something my tics have picked up on in their typically bizarre way. They’ve started going on about spirit levels!

Yep, as in the tool that lets you know if something’s level or not.…

Today was our last day at work before Christmas so we had a party for the children. There was ‘Crimbo-limbo’, an amazing festive feast, music and lots of games. There was even an incredible Grotto. But there was one thing missing – Father Christmas.…

I’ve written before about my obsession with the logo of a popular three-striped sports brand. For no clear reason I get a lot of pleasure from touching the trefoil with three fingers and saying ‘Boof’, or even better, touching two together to achieve a ‘Double boof’.…

My friend Zoë’s been one of my support workers for over two years. We know each other really well and I feel happy and safe when I’m with her. I often affectionately call her ‘Zo-bags’ and earlier today this name took on a new meaning.…