Dear Daddy, It's been a year,
Dear Daddy,
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It's been a year since you passed and so much has happened, so I wanted to write you this letter and catch you up.
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I made it to Italy and gave my talk to the congress, I shared our story daddy
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I met with PTC and UniQure Pharmaceutical while I was there and we spoke about their trials.
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It wasn't all work, I got to explore the Bologna with Jenna one evening and a little the next day before I flew home.
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5 days after Italy I went to Marrakesh, Robyn and I did it, and we hiked 50km in The High Atlas Mountains, It was amazing daddy, I’ve never seen anything like it. You'll laugh Daddy, I ended up on crutches for 3 days after it!
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Things got quiet for a while Daddy, but then I got bored and decided it was time for another trip, I went to America for Christmas and spent it with Auntie Vicky and everyone over there. Of course, Hunter took me snowboarding. I'm getting good Daddy, but 3 days in a row was a lot!
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I got home just in time for NYE Daddy, Ryan, Kelsey Hannah and I went to Bingo Loco. Yes, Daddy, it's as crazy as it sounds, bingo and a massive party! You always wanted to party Daddy.
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Ryan, Kelsey, and I went to the hunt ball Daddy, We scrubbed up well! Ryan even smiled for the photos, but I think that's because they were with Kelsey.
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I got the most amazing email, Daddy, UniQure asked me to be featured on their promotional material, they want to send a camera crew over to film me and take photos!
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Daddy, I am a published author, can you believe it, I shared our story and it is published in a book with 26 other authors! In the first few weeks, we sold 400 copies!
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Things got quiet again for a while Daddy, but my suitcase was lonely so I thought I'd take it on a trip. This was a big day, I hope you're proud. I went to the HDYO congress, and it was amazing! I made so many new friends and met loads of people from the community I spoke with online over the years. I gave the opening speech at the Glasgow City Chambers in front of the entire congress! Can you believe it Daddy - I was so nervous, but I know you were there.
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I spoke about the power of social media with two of my friends and facilitated break-out sessions, I wanted to help people daddy.
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I cried on the last day, it was so sad saying goodbye to everyone - and then everyone made me cry more, I won an award for most inspirational!!! Can you believe it, Daddy?
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It was a busy weekend because the day after Congress ended I met with WAVE Life Sciences and spoke to them about a drug trial they have going on. I can't believe I got these opportunities daddy, You always taught me to never give up.
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I spoke with UniQure at the event and they asked me to go to Amsterdam to speak to their Head Office and share my story with their staff.
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It wasn't all work though Daddy, Charlie, Shaun and I went to the Zoo the day after and it was so much fun!
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May was mental daddy! I was so busy! The guys from UniQure came over and we spent the day snapping photos all over Fermanagh! I even got some awesome photos of Ryan and me on the bikes!
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Mummy and everyone threw me a birthday BBQ at the house, Vicky and Sarah flew home from America and Sarah brought baby Simon. He’s so cute! It was a fun night, so many friends and family came and wished me happy birthday. I wish I could have come to visit you, Daddy.
I went to Amsterdam and gave my speech Daddy! It was so cool; everyone was so kind and listened. They're trying so hard to find a treatment daddy. I hope they do. I got to wear a lab coat and tour their lab! They organised a VIP lunch Daddy, and guess who the VIP was... ME! I wasn't the VIP, they all were, because of the amazing work they do.
We rented a boat for the rally this year Daddy, 5 of us! Guess what Daddy we won the trophy for best kept boat (I think). Remember you won it the year of the 50th anniversary. John G won your trophy Daddy! You'll always be on the rally now. I'm so glad we presented the rally with a cup in your memory. That was your happy place.
I joined Crozier Memorial Daddy; The pipes are so hard to learn but I'll keep trying! I've been parading this summer with the tenor drum, it's fun but by gosh it gets heavy! I wish you could see me in my uniform Daddy. It looks so smart.
I went to Sorrento Daddy, Mum, Vicky, and Debbie came and it was beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. I can't wait to travel more Daddy. Sorrento was super-hot! I think I almost melted, but it’s a trip I'll always remember.
I met someone, Daddy, he's so good to me and makes me happy. You'd like him! I think you would approve. We went out on the boat for the night. Ryan tried to kill him in the tube I think (it was a little funny). Let's be fair, you would have done it too. We're going on holiday soon, i can't wait to sit on the beach for a week!
I got a new job, Daddy! I love it, it's what I want to do. It's been a few weeks, and everyone is so friendly. I think I finally found what I wanted to do. I hope you are proud Daddy.
I can't believe it's been a year, Daddy. I miss you so much and there's not a day I don't think about you. It's been so tough Daddy, but I know you watching over me.
I wish you were still here Daddy, i wish I could tell you all this in person and show you what I've been doing.
I love you, daddy.
