The Journey of a Special Needs Father's Blog by Gary Herbert
JSNF Blog No 5 - Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year (West Anglia)
Gary Herbert named Pride of Britain fundraiser of the year for the west of the Anglia regionGary said: "I'm shocked"
Everyone else said: "You totally deserve it"
Update: 25th October 2022
We had an incredible evening at the The Pride of Britain Awards. I felt extremely privileged to be in the same room as some truly inspirational and selfless people. To meet the other 16 ITV POB regional winners and to share stories was extremely special.
Whilst I didn't win the national award, I do feel quite proud of being in the same company as all these other incredible human beings. It was an amazingly emotional evening which will live long in the memory. If what I have done has raised a bit of awareness for the wonderful Northampton Hope Centre in these really difficult times with the cost of living crisis, then I'm a happy man.
A special mention goes to Callum Clare who looked after Lewis while we were away. Quite simply without his help we wouldn't have been able to go to the awards ceremony. Your absolutely amazing mate and we are so lucky to have you looking after Lewis, thank you x.
Also wanted to say a massive thank you to all those who have supported me and sent some really lovely messages, it's extremely appreciated. Just sorry I couldn't win for you all!. #prideofbritain
We had an incredible evening at the The Pride of Britain Awards. I felt extremely privileged to be in the same room as some truly inspirational and selfless people. To meet the other 16 ITV POB regional winners and to share stories was extremely special.
Whilst I didn't win the national award, I do feel quite proud of being in the same company as all these other incredible human beings. It was an amazingly emotional evening which will live long in the memory. If what I have done has raised a bit of awareness for the wonderful Northampton Hope Centre in these really difficult times with the cost of living crisis, then I'm a happy man.
A special mention goes to Callum Clare who looked after Lewis while we were away. Quite simply without his help we wouldn't have been able to go to the awards ceremony. Your absolutely amazing mate and we are so lucky to have you looking after Lewis, thank you x.
Also wanted to say a massive thank you to all those who have supported me and sent some really lovely messages, it's extremely appreciated. Just sorry I couldn't win for you all!. #prideofbritain
Update: 17th October 2022
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for me. Firstly, I somehow won a Pride of Britain award for West Anglia for the fundraising I did for the wonderful Northampton Hope Centre in 2021 when I ran 2021 miles in the year. It’s been a couple of weeks since I was surprised at work (see video below) and was presented the award and to be honest, I’m still in shock and can’t believe it!.
It’s going to take a long time for it all to sink in. Next stop is the National Pride of Britain awards ceremony in London (red carpet an all!) on Monday 24th October which myself and Lexi are really looking forward to. I will let you all know how the award ceremony goes in London.
I have also just taken a new job as a Community Cricket Coach with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. Those that know me know that cricket is my passion and I can’t wait to get started in my new role.
Take care all, Gary.
Winning Moment Video..
Nomination Video..
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for me. Firstly, I somehow won a Pride of Britain award for West Anglia for the fundraising I did for the wonderful Northampton Hope Centre in 2021 when I ran 2021 miles in the year. It’s been a couple of weeks since I was surprised at work (see video below) and was presented the award and to be honest, I’m still in shock and can’t believe it!.
It’s going to take a long time for it all to sink in. Next stop is the National Pride of Britain awards ceremony in London (red carpet an all!) on Monday 24th October which myself and Lexi are really looking forward to. I will let you all know how the award ceremony goes in London.
I have also just taken a new job as a Community Cricket Coach with Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. Those that know me know that cricket is my passion and I can’t wait to get started in my new role.
Take care all, Gary.
Winning Moment Video..
Nomination Video..
JSNF Blog No 4 - Highs and Lows
Well a lot has happened since my last blog over a year ago now!. We always seem to be so busy in the Herbert household and time just seems to fly by. I prefer being busy though as it keeps me occupied and helps take my mind off our daily challenges and stops my mind from wandering. Blog No 4. Highs and Lows
JSNF Blog No 3 - Groundhog Day Lockdown
Hi all, hope you are all well and safe.
The past couple of months since I last wrote have been very demanding and extremely challenging for us all in the Herbert household. Trying to juggle home schooling in combination with looking after Lewis has been extremely difficult, exhausting and very stressful for us both.
It’s just not normal for children to be taught by their parents, it’s just not our role and not what we signed up for!. It must be so confusing for the children, I really feel for them. We have done the best we can in a very testing time.
The past year has, and will continue to have a massive impact on so many people’s mental health for many years to come.
Read The JSNF Blog In Full.. Blog No 3. Groundhog Day Lockdown
The past couple of months since I last wrote have been very demanding and extremely challenging for us all in the Herbert household. Trying to juggle home schooling in combination with looking after Lewis has been extremely difficult, exhausting and very stressful for us both.
It’s just not normal for children to be taught by their parents, it’s just not our role and not what we signed up for!. It must be so confusing for the children, I really feel for them. We have done the best we can in a very testing time.
The past year has, and will continue to have a massive impact on so many people’s mental health for many years to come.
Read The JSNF Blog In Full.. Blog No 3. Groundhog Day Lockdown
JSNF Blog No 2 - A Line Drawn in the Sand !
A month ago I was completely fed up of feeling as rubbish and as low as I was feeling. I’m was sick and tired of always feeling sick and tired, and the penny finally dropped!. I knew that stopping drinking at the weekends would have a positive impact on every aspect of my life, and that would enable me to start moving forward in a happier and a more positive and productive way.
I’ve spent the past month doing a lot of thinking and have spent a lot of time reflecting on my life and what I can do to try and improve things moving forward. Read The JSNF Blog No 2 In full.. Blog No 2. Draw a Line in the Sand
I’ve spent the past month doing a lot of thinking and have spent a lot of time reflecting on my life and what I can do to try and improve things moving forward. Read The JSNF Blog No 2 In full.. Blog No 2. Draw a Line in the Sand
JSNF Blog No 1 - Lewis 18th Birthday
Hi all, really hope my first blog finds you safe and well in these crazy and very challenging times for us all. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay!. These are unprecedented and extremely challenging times for all of us in so many different ways. Try and be patient and understanding to others, as you never know what they might be going through.
Lewis’ Birthday weeks have always been really tough for us, with so many different emotions and thoughts going through our heads. Thought’s of all the missed milestones over the years which so many people take for granted, all the what if’s?.
Read The JSNF Blog In Full.. Blog No 1. Lewis 18th Birthday
Lewis’ Birthday weeks have always been really tough for us, with so many different emotions and thoughts going through our heads. Thought’s of all the missed milestones over the years which so many people take for granted, all the what if’s?.
Read The JSNF Blog In Full.. Blog No 1. Lewis 18th Birthday
Lewis Story.. His Consultant.. Thank you Dr Hewertson
Very often health care professionals go under the radar and are not recognised for their amazing timeless work. We would like to put on record our experience of Lewis’ Consultant Paediatrician and give him the credit and recognition he very much deserves.
Yesterday was a sad and emotional day for us both as Lewis had his last appointment (transition) with his wonderful Consultant Paediatrician at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) Dr John Hewertson. It really is an end of an era for us, as we have been through some much whilst under his superb care.
.. His Consultant Dr Hewertson
Yesterday was a sad and emotional day for us both as Lewis had his last appointment (transition) with his wonderful Consultant Paediatrician at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) Dr John Hewertson. It really is an end of an era for us, as we have been through some much whilst under his superb care.
.. His Consultant Dr Hewertson
JSNF Blog No 5 - Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year (West Anglia)
The Journey of a Special Needs Father by Gary Herbert