The MS Society Awards 2013 at The Dorchester yesterday were, in the words of The Teenager, just awesome.
To be in the same room as so many incredible people with so many inspiring stories and achievements is impossible to convey and to be a finalist in the same category as St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Shift.ms was humbling. I had no expectation of winning and was over the moon to receive a ‘highly commended’ certificate and bottle of bubbly.
There’s far too many highlights to mention, so here’s a flavour of how the day unfolded: we arrived early enough for The Teenager to be photographed posing next to a £1 million Bugati parked outside the hotel which he quickly tweeted to his friends.
A champagne reception was then the perfect way to meet new people and put faces to names before being ushered into the ballroom for lunch. I was thrilled to be sitting next to Joseph Carter, the Director of MS Society Cymru and on the same table as David Baker from St Bartholomew’s Hospital with whom I had a lively and illuminating discussion about Alemtuzumab.
Lunch was superlative, the surroundings beautiful, but most importantly, the awards were emotional, moving and thoroughly well-deserved. The final announcement, for the MS Lifetime Achievement Award went to our very own Stuart Nixon (hardly a dry eye in the room). The Teenager was busy having his photograph taken with as many celebrities as he could find – a big thank you to Stephanie Millward for signing autographs for him and letting him hold an Olympic torch. In all the excitement, I forgot to take any photographs myself (d’oh!), but the day passed in a whirlwind.
It was brilliant to have people come up to me, have a quick glance at my shoes and ask if I was Stumbling In Flats. To be told how much people loved my blog was an award in itself and I’m still floating on a high (possibly also due to the champagne…).
What can I say? I truly was in the company of giants. If the future of MS is in their hands – through research, through fundraising, through volunteering – then we are in very safe hands indeed.
Sounds amazing, glad you had a good day.
Thanks Julie!
It was absolutely incredible. Had a very, very sad son go to school today, muttering under his breath, ‘yesterday a Bugati and The Dorchester, today double maths’. Bless him.
x
Sounds like a fantastic event – and very well done on your “Highly Commended” B – well deserved indeed.
Smashing pic of The Teenager too!
Jan x
Aw, thank you! It really was a lovely, lovely day. Especially good to be there the year that the Society celebrates 60 years.
x
So pleased you both had such a fab day – you deserved it and all the lovely comments re your blogs!
Thanks Sue! Just can’t believe I forgot to take photos, lol. So much going on and so many fabulous people to meet.
x
Good morning i won’t ask how you are, i can see from your blog you are on a high, but reality and an unusual MS life is still here. The experience and feeling the energy from so many positive people is in itself a wonderful time. I have met so many people who have different diseases and conditions, and have not heard one say why ME. Some struggle to get on with their lives, and others fight against attitude’s discrimination in society. Vicki would say that I’m waffling now, now you carry on doing what you do best, woman in flat shoes. See you are recognized when you enter a room. It’s because of Vicki that I respect and love MS people. Have a good weekend xx David
That’s a lovely comment, thank you! Yup, still on a high – so much happened!! Plus very tired from a long day and a long drive home. Think it took us longer to get out of London than it did on the motorway to Cardiff, lol.
x
Yay! Sounds wonderful, and a very, very well deserved recognition for your fab blog. (In my mind, you were the BIG winner!)
That’s so sweet! Honestly, the best people won. Those guys are fab, just lovely. There’s always next year!!
x
Fanastic and no excuses we want to see you in a pic well done keep it up and enjoy your fame xx
Chris
Thank you! Honestly, I got so caught up in it. MS Cymru has an event next wed, will wear same outfit and post pics!!
X
Very well done indeed! So delighted that you had superb time and that the value of your inspirational blog has been recognised by the august MS Society.
Brilliant.
Honeysucklexx
Thank you so much! Such a lovely day. And there’s always next year, lol.
X