Just like Lewis Hamilton steaming down the Hangar Straight at Silverstone, on a glorious 52^nd and last lap to win his 9^th Formula 1 British Grand Prix on Sunday July 7^th, these past 12 months have really gone in a blur.

It has been a year that I feel wholly satisfied about, even despite one or two moments that have naturally tensed me up and tested my mind.

Losing an Election so narrowly (again), it taking several months for myself to nail down a permanent job, assisting my Mum in more ways than one, saying farewell to your best and much beloved furry friend after nearly 12 years and having a genuine sense of loneliness much of the time, illustrates the rocks one has had to climb and overcome that has on many occasion left me saddened, financially strained and mentally drained.

It would be wrong not to be upfront and honest about the above, knowing the impact which such events have had on my motivation and feelings in many a form; not least with how I feel that I have a real lack of intensely close friendships. This is something I intend to work on in the coming period, not least with the immense number of mates which I have both in and out of professional settings.

On the flip side of the coin, going from a contractor to a full-time employee in my work place in which saw me sweep through my Probation period without any doubts, contributing to several winning Election campaigns for many fine individuals, becoming an even greater runner; to the extent where a Half Marathon is in reach, as well as raising £475 for 3 charities in 2 big events, seeing Wolves knock on the door of another trip to Wembley including through that Round 3 win just down the road, volunteering at Silverstone twice and outside Wembley for the Champions League Final and of course witnessing Taylor Swift so breathtakingly do her thing 4 weeks ago under the arch, has given me highlights to cherish for many a year.

When thinking about it all, it has all meant one extraordinarily busy 12 months which even despite it being a partially bumpy ride has certainly kept me stimulated and I give my thanks to everyone whose played a part, including family, my colleagues, political allies and those from within the organisations I am linked in with.

As I celebrate today with a bit of cake, I look ahead to the coming 365 days with determination, vigour and a sense that I can achieve even more, develop further in my career and in my persona. For all that, as well as that I will have my first trip back to Europe next June for the Spanish Grand Prix since February 2019, makes me rather excited.

A further blog post on political aspirations and plan will come in the coming days and the only other words I need to say: Happy Birthday, to me!