What a day!

Yesterday started off in a (reasonably) orderly fashion.

I made it to the hairdressers on time (nearly) then ran into town to pick up a present for Harmony to take to her friend's birthday party. Poor Harmony still isn't well, but was determined to go and have fun! Here she is ready for the party :-)


Then I just had time to grab some shoes for the evening. Now, when I tore my tendons a few weeks ago, I was told to use crutches and wear trainers for a couple of months. How could I feel dressed up at a black tie dinner in trainers? I did try on a couple of pairs of pumps, but they weren't much better. So I bought these :-)

Harmony got off to her party on time, Camilla, Amirah and Rhowan arranged their own mini tea party, Emerald went out out with friends from uni, and Fin and Tabby came home from nursery (in very tired and grumpy Friday moods), and I was nearly ready when my friend, Rachel of Class Act Theater School, arrived to pick me up. Surprisingly, we managed to arrive at the award venue, the Park Hotel in Warrington on time.

The first thing that struck me was the number of people there. We spent a few moments sipping champagne and admiring the stunning dresses (it goes without saying the guys all looked dapper in their tux), before we got spotted and started to network for our supper!

I was particularly pleased to see Jo Cocker from the NWDA, who was hugely responsible for arranging the event (and told me to go and buy a posh dress!), and Rachel Haslam, (left) of Team Academy, who always manages to energize an entire room of people simply by arriving. I was also delighted to meet Ann Nichols from Prowess, as I am a panelist at their conference in March, but have only previously communicated by email.

The dinner was good, and the service was superb. All the finalists were inspirational, and had achieved amazing things. I was so sure that I was the underdog in my class, and stood no chance of winning, that I was able to relax and really enjoy the evening. When the finalists in my award were announced and their achievement outlined, I was even more in awe of them, and was trying to work out who would win. As the runner up was announced we guessed from the reasons given who it was. When the judges started to outline the winner silence descended over my table as we waited for a clue that would include or exclude me. Nothing they said gave it away, and I had no idea I had won until I heard my name.

After hugs and kisses from the table, my next obstacle was to make it through the room and onto the stage without falling off my stilettos! I received the award, and posed for the official photographs, and then was quietly asked if I would like to say anything "No" I squeaked. "Oh, you must!" was the reply. I don't really remember what I said; the room was in uproar - people were whistling, cheering and clapping, and several were standing on their chairs. It was amazing!!!

After making it back to my seat in one piece, my first job was to text home and let Dave and the kids know we had won. It took several attempts to type "we won x" as my hands were shaking so much, then we were whisked off for more photos.


I managed to meet lots of inspirational people during the evening, but there were many more I didn't get time to talk to. Lots of wine was drunk, and dancing went on past midnight. I arrived home just after 1am- complete with a balloon room decoration for the kids :-)

The award is sitting on my mantelshelf, the £2000 cheque is waiting to be banked on Monday, and £200 clothes vouchers from Planet are in my purse waiting to be spent :-) Not a bad day!

Thanks to Rachel and Rachel for taking lots of photos and keeping track of my camera, phone and bag that I left at various places around the venue throughout the night.