My English Rose

Well, the stabilisers came off this morning, and she got it straight away. Take a look for yourself...

Amelia has also had stabilisers removed, but she had a few more accidents on her first try!

We're all good...off to Northumberland for half term.

Paid a quick visit to Padley Gorge today. Beautiful as usual in the warm(er) spring sunshine.

The girls each made a card this week, which we attached to Lisa's tree. Ella's is pictured.

Sorry folks - scrap the below. I am now NOT going on telly this Friday. ITV are rubbish...or maybe the Andre wasn't up to it. Please unset your Sky+ for now...it might happen at Xmas. Maybe.

Grrrr

A quick update to let you know that our appearance on "This Morning" has been changed to Friday of this week.

Not sure who could possibly be more important, but the upshot is that the presenters are special guest ones for the day...Kate Thornton and ... Peter Andre!!! Surreal.

Today saw me being interviewed at the studios of BBC Manchester Radio. You can listen to it here on the BBC iPlayer. Just scroll to around the 2 hr 30 mark after clicking on the "Listen Now" button.

Cheers, Simon

Not sure what Lisa would have made of it all, but since the article came out in the Daily Mail, I feel like I've needed an agent to deal with all the press attention I've had!

Am still expecting something to appear in the Daily Mirror at some point, and there will also be a piece in Woman's Own magazine in a few weeks.

The printed media will only get you so far of course...so it is with some trepidation but lots of excitement that I can announce a forthcoming appearance on ITV's "This Morning" programme!! Eeek!!! Well, I couldn't not do it could I??

So, set your DVD recorders / Sky+ for the show on Thursday 29th October, when I'll be chewing the fat with Eamonn Holmes. Two small girlies will be nearby in something called the green room. Makeup please!

In the meantime, I have also featured on Radio 5 live on the Anthony Nolan show. It went out last night at 12.45am (!) and is currently on the 5live iPlayer for a few more days. I have spent tonight though capturing it for posterity.

You can hear it here by clicking on the 'play' button on the left. It runs for about 13 minutes.

If you cannot see the play button you will need to look at the security warning at the top of your browser when this page loaded. It is safe to accept this by clicking on it and selecting "Run Active-X control". The page should then reload with the play button and other controls visible.

Hi,

Just a quick note to let you know that we'll be making the news again tomorrow (Saturday), in an article to be published in the Daily Mail.

Have found out that the circulation figure for this edition is around the 3 million mark. Gulp!

Have a great weekend.

UPDATE: The story is on page 5 of today's Daily Mail!
You can also read it here and add your own comments.

RACE UPDATE!!

Well, I managed to complete my first Great North Run in a time of 1 hour 55 minutes. It was an amazing day, hugely enjoyable and I can't wait to go back next year!

Of course it was also a very emotional day...but running with all those memories made it easier for me. I knew I was getting a helping hand.

A massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far. You have all been very kind.

Here is a link to some pics from the weekend:

Onwards and upwards,

Simon

Hi,

Just when you think you have found some stability in life, things seem to go off the rails a bit.

I guess you never ever step off the rollercoaster entirely...you just might get the odd period with no twists, turns and somersaults.

OK, cutting to the chase, if you were to look at my Facebook status now, it would read "Single". Not my decision, and one which has been hard to accept/understand. Here is not the place to go into detail...suffice to say I had the most amazing 3 months with a very special lady.

Looking ahead, I've made a life changing decision this week, and handed my notice in at work. Its been something I've considered doing on and off ever since Lisa died really. I have many reasons for doing it, both on a personal and professional level.

Training for the Great North Run on Sep 20th is going well...but I'm taking a break from it by taking the girls to Euro Disney, sponsored by Alternative Hair and organised by Leukaemia Research. Very exciting!

Lastly, our story was picked up by a journalist some months ago, and has today been published in the magazine, "Take A Break". We've made the front cover no less!

That's it for now...but would like to say thanks to all my friends and family for their words of support/advice/wisdom and collective shoulders to cry on over the last few weeks. Thank you.

Simon

Hi!

It's been some time since the last update..I'm afraid I've just been up to so much, haven't had the time to share it all!

So, in roughly chronological order, here are the highlights of an incredible last few months.

New Garden

It feels bigger, it definately feels safer for the girls and bang on queue, we've got a decent summer to enjoy it all. Here's some pics:

New (Super)Car

Massive indulgence. Massive present to myself. Massive dream realised. Massive fun!

Monaco Grand Prix

Again, another dream realised, and ever since Richard and Judith kindly provided an accommodation option, always hoped to do it one day.

A great experience, huge noise and atmosphere and a British winner! Good job there was a big screen opposite though!

Amelia's 3rd birthday

Back to the good 'ol Jellymill for the party. "I'm a big girl now..."

Chapel Primary School - Library opening ceremony

Today saw the girls and myself invited to formally open the new library at Chapel-en-le-frith primary school - where Lisa used to teach.

It was a lovely occasion - I got to chat with some of the staff and children, whilst the girls got their hands on the new books...and some cake!

Ella did a great job cutting the ribbon.

Thank you to headmaster Mr Smith for including us today.

And finally...

Well as some of you know by now, if you were to look at my Facebook status, you would see that it now reads "In a relationship".

I have met an amazing person, and I feel very lucky. Lucy is her name and happiness is our game. Here's a photo of us in Cannes.

Night all.

Yep, it's 8th April...first time around.

So many thoughts, so many memories, so many tears.

And yet, I have this positive energy, coursing round my veins that keeps me going in the darkest of hours. I have Lisa to thank for this of course...a year ago, she was so strong, so giving.

I have all I need from her to keep this life thing chugging along.

Today was a big mixture. Thoughts, non-thoughts, dry pants/wet pants (Amelia's btw), cava, stella, bravia, and so on.

It doesn't get any easier. Its just that the harder bits are less frequent.

Talking of hard, here's A & E stood astride some boulders at Padley Gorge today, with Uncle Chris in charge. Ella doing her best Morrissey. Clearly needs a few tips from Daddio.

Right, must go. This is valuable drinking time. I'll leave you with a pic taken this evening from our half finished garden, and the view over Bakewell. Its what brought us to this house in the first place and something I'll never tire of.

As you can see, I have duly christened the new deck. The first of many I feel! I hope you get the chance to raise a glass to Lisa tonight.

Cheers.