Just a few days ago Malcolm and I were camping with our trusty ‘big’ car tent (top left) by ourselves as it turned out, soaking up the glorious view over Lostwithiel in Devon.

Whilst Jen, was loving living in style for a couple of days at the fancy Rubens Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road. She loves the whole experience of being pampered, from the nails to the hair to the dress, shoes and associated accoutrements. Jen loves the anticipation, the preparation, the limelight and networking, and of course the eating of fine foods usually denied to her because of her dietary needs dictated by allergies including gluten and dairy.

No wonder Jen describes herself as a hotel girl. ‘I don’t like to camp. I’m more of a hotel girl really’.

On the self same nights Malcolm and I were hundreds of miles away getting back to basics. But our camping lacks for nothing. It’s cheap, I don’t feel the need to dress up for the rabbits, I travel with my chef who conjures tasty nourishing meals on our single burner stove, our mugs are economical multipurpose vessels whether holding tea, hot chocolate, G+Ts, wine or cereals for breakfast. I did need thermals on those particular nights in May 2024.

I have a comfortable bed and long distance views to greet me in the morning, that some people would pay vast sums of money to experience. I have fresh air, sunrises, sunsets, and a firmament of stars, only marred by the occasional drenching or passing gale when I am thankful for the integrity of our sturdy little tent used by mountaineers at Everest base camp!

Jen loves the opulence and the elegant living that is hers to enjoy (which she funded herself from her 40th birthday monies) as a result of being respected, valued, and visible. I couldn’t be more delighted for Jen, and thank Donna and Sophie most sincerely for stepping out alongside her as she celebrated being awarded her British Empire Medal at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

But I am equally delighted that society can witness people with learning disabilities achieving in their lives, that leadership can come from unexpected places, and that anything can happen for anyone.

I’ll stick with my tent, but raise a glass to Jen, her care team, to our supporters, DanceSyndrome and all who believe in taking just one more step, pushing open the next door to afford choice and opportunity for themselves and others.

We celebrate every day that each of us can be supported to be ourselves doing what we love in our own ways.

Here’s a few more of their photos from the day: