Wednesday 13 June 2012

Task 7: The Final Task = Y Dasg Derfynol

I truly cannot believe that this day has arrived- who knew my 23rd birthday would mean so much? Its hard to be imagine now that this all began because I so desperately did not want to turn 23. The number 23 has always been associated with such heartache, losing my brother Oliver at the age of 23 on the 23rd March 2006. I was only 16 years old when we lost my big brother and to imagine where he would be in his life now is extremely difficult, but it always so comforting to think of everything he achieved in such short time. He is the sole inspiration behind everything I have done these past 8 months and without doubt it has been equally the most amazing and emotional experience of my life. I cannot pinpoint the highlight as they have all been so special in their own way. Scotland will always have a special place in my heart as it was the most daunting and meant so much to me, I never dreamt that is how I would be completing that task. The list in general has brought so many wonderful opportunities I never thought I could achieve and I genuinely don’t know how I am going to get used to know thinking about the next task I have to do.

Oliver on his 23rd birthday..

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all those who have helped me with tasks along the way. To my family- for having to put up with my constant nerves. To my friends ‘the girls’ who have had to hear about me talking about the same thing for the past 8 months, and also for helping me to complete tasks. You all played such a big part. To everyone who donated and helped me achieve my target for the amazing charity CRY.  And finally to everyone who has read the blog and learnt something. This was the whole point, for you to appreciate how short life is and the importance to live it to the full. I beg you all to do make sure you do everything you have always wanted to do.

Remember you can still donate at www.justgiving.com/23b423 and my new blog page www.lifeafthelist.blogspot.com will be live soon- just let me have a few days break first.

Some of you may have realised that there is still one task left to complete- learning welsh. So please prepare yourself for my final words in my favourite language. (apologies to anyone I offend with my horrific welsh)..

1. Go to New York
2. Get a tattoo
3. Appear on a TV programme
4. Run a charity race
5. Buy a pair of designer shoes
6. Start a blog
7. Learn Welsh
8. Hold a tarantula
9. Go to a music festival
10. Bet £100 on red or black at the casino
11. Climb Snowdon
12. Watch the sunrise on New Years Day
13. Get a piercing- not ears!!
14. Go on a blind date
15. Volunteer for a day
16. Write the first chapter of my book
17. Go to Paris
18. Streak
19. Ride a motorbike
20. Appear on the radio
21. Go to Scotland
22. Learn to do the splits
23. Do a bungee jump


Thank you for reading,

Grace xx

8 comments:

  1. Well done Grace. Oliver would be proud of you. Make sure you jog on through life x

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  2. You don't know me Grace, but I know Shaun and through him I feel as if I know Oliver. And through your blog I feel a sense of the pride and love you and Oliver shared for each other.
    My beautiful son Allan died aged 20 in May 2004, when an undiagnosed heart condition caused a massive cardiac arrest 3 days after the kidney transplant that was supposed to give him back his life.
    Wherever they are now, Oliver and Allan are surely friends.
    Thank you for being such a brave and determined young lady, and for raising awareness of charities such as C.R.Y.
    I send the very best of good wishes for your 23rd birthday, and for a lifetime of love and happiness xxx

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  3. Nadia Cummings13 June 2012 at 06:47

    Happy Birthday Grace!

    I know we have only met a few times but I have been reading throughout the blog and must say that you are a very inspirational lady. I never met "Big Ol" but I always remember how Oliver and Sophie's Rich were such good friends, drinking buddies and mad Saddlers fans!

    I would like to think that I have the same philosophy in life as you..."you only get one chance!" but the fact that you have turned something horrible into such a positive and have managed to fulfil some of your dreams along the way, is mind-blowing! A HUGE "well done" and please keep going!

    Lots of Love

    Nad

    xxxx

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  4. Well done Grace!! You've done an amazing job, Oliver would be so so proud. Pauline. x x

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  5. Congratulations Grace. I'm sure Oliver would be proud. Still wish I'd got to meet him.

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  6. Congratulations. Truly inspiring! x

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  7. Well done grace, you really are an inspiration! Xx

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