This Christmas: and towards the end of a simply busy and incredible 2021, my message to all of you is to feel hopeful and that you can certainly achieve many things!

To know that this year, I’ve stood for public office and increased Tettenhall Labour’s vote; that I’ve become Co-Chair of the Young Combined Authority; that I’ve massively developed my Administration skills through my once in a generation role and Apprenticeship at Birmingham 2022; that I’ve again engaged with two incredible organisations in Changing Our Lives and Solutions for the Planet; volunteered at Silverstone and raised four figures by sleeping out for Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and The Good Shepherd  – all makes me one man full of massive pride.

To also see that I’ve slowly come out of my social shell and have solely been on a Cruise which took me to Belfast for the 1^st time; seen Wolverhampton Wanderers 11 times this campaign; had many a pub visit with colleagues and friends and my first club night last week in more than 2 years; been back gigging thanks to the wonder of STEPS; seeing the joyful sport of Darts in the flesh; the Race Makers group expanding my friendships and more stuff in between, has all given me memories and again grown my confidence, which as an Autistic man is greatly critical.

And to know it’s happened within a 3^rd COVID Lockdown, as well as despite having had the virus, within the usual challenges of work and family life, makes me living extremely worth-while.

My pride is especially deep from November 12^th’s Molineux Sleepout, which has raised over £50k collectively and through my efforts – saw my fundraising hit £735 and with my entry fee and Gift Aid on top, take me to a wonderful £1,060! To know that such money I’ve raised and had over 70 contributions to, is being used to help TRANSFORM LIVES across the city which has given me so much, will forever keep me humbled.

I give a huge thanks, to all who have been immensely supportive within another productive; whether colleagues, friends and family members, even if it’s been a slightly challenging 12 months as stated within July’s post – particularly knowing of things happening at present and what is to come.

I also express my full love, to all of you who for whatever reason have an empty seat at the table this year and always know your missed friend or loved one, is looking down full of pride.

From my household to yours – celebrating or not, I hope you have a really lovely Christmas Day and just remember that their folks across the land and the planet, who want to make our lives better than now and always know, I am forever part of that fight!