The Big Dream, The Bigger Event! Bring on 2027!

Let’s rewind a few weeks. Picture this: me, having a lovely chat with a thoroughly remarkable man named Lamont, founder and CEO of the incredible Team Forces. They support current and former military personnel in all sorts of epic events. And, spoiler alert: they helped me out in a huge way last year. So there I am, pouring my heart out to Lamont about this wild, wonderful event I want to do in 2027. I'm talking logistics, costs, dreams bigger than my coffee budget, absolutely everything. He listens, nods... and then casually drops this bombshell: “We’ll fund it.”

Wait, what?

Honestly, if I hadn't already been sitting down, I would have face-planted from sheer joy. It was the kind of moment you dream about but never actually expect to happen. But there it was, confirmation that this once-wild idea is now officially a “thing.” A big, exciting, happening-in-real-life kind of thing. This one will make last year seem like a blip on the radar! After a few moments of speechless glee (and maybe one or two happy tears), the planning wheels started turning. We’ve already got two amazing sponsors, a possible third on the way, and an incredible dream team forming. Fiona’s back from last year who did all of the incredible work with Rugby club planning last year. Cat’s onboard again (planning, amazing meeting chair, route planning extraordinaire), and the brilliant Theresa amd Paul who are giving the website her usual sparkle. Cathy, is super efficient and so lovely. Then there's the fabulous Cerise from military wives, who gleams with enthusiasm and is so kind and efficient. Dan, who is invaluable to this venture (can't go into detail, or I'll give it away!) And some new members who have a huge amount of experience. And then there’s Ann, an absolute powerhouse of inspiration. I could go on about her for hours, but just know she’s the kind of person who makes you want to be better, and do more. Come to think of it, they all are. They are the Dream Team. Positive, kind, efficient and genuine. Everything a girl could hope for.

Recently, Cat and I were invited to the Army vs. Navy rugby game at Twickenham. Not just to it, but in the VIP box (yes, I checked twice). Cue imposter syndrome in full force. I'm not the world's most confident social butterfly, especially when I’m rolling around in my wheelchair at eye-level with most people's shirt buttons. But Cat, claiming she's “rubbish” at networking (she’s not), helped make it easier. But the room was filled with genuinely incredible people. I even got asked to give a speech, which got a few laughs (thank you, nervous humor!), and more importantly, helped me share the 2027 vision with the world for the very first time.

What’s the plan, you ask? I can’t spill all the beans just yet, but let’s just say it’s going to be big. Like, really big. Possibly too-big-for-my-calendar big. But every second of it will be worth it. We will be fundraising for Team Forces and another charity (yet to be decided). So thank you, Team Forces. You’ve not just made my year, you’ve made the future feel gloriously possible.

Stay tuned. This is only the beginning...

Oh, and the games... The Navy won, but only just! It was absolutely incredible being at Twickenham surrounded fellow military personnel. The comradery was electric. I loved every second ❤️