The BEST of 2018
- Sophe Ward
- Dec 31, 2018
- 5 min read
The year can't end without rounding up our '18' highlights.
It has been one rollercoaster, exciting year. I have to say 2018 will forever stay with me as one of the best years. I learnt such variable lessons and I grew in strength. I am proud of this year I really am, so here are the best bits;
1. BBC Breakfast 28th July, 2018: It was the most amazing experience and the impact it made was just fabulous. Having the support of such a massive media outlet such as the BBC is priceless and it was such an honour to be invited on and raise awareness.
2. National Diversity Awards - September, 2018: What a night! It was truly special and so amazing in everyway. It motivated me so much and proved to me that the work I do is such a massive healer for me but also it brings others so much comfort too. This has inspired me to keep going no matter what. It was SUCH A MASSIVE HONOUR to have been nominated and shortlisted. I met some people that have become dear friends: SImon, Joanne. Thank you.
3. European Diversity Awards - November 2018: Again, a TRULY outstanding night and such a HUGE honour. I had the best evening and again came away with a head full of ideas and motivation for the months that lie ahead.
4. Turkey- Hillside: After four years we returned to Hillside Beach Club. Our paradise and it was FAB to be back.
5. Daily Mail & Lancashire Evening Post: The Daily Mail & Lancashire Evening Post's article back in July blew up worldwide and reached so many media outlets as well as outlets abroad which is incredible. It helped so many people in the thick & height of tick season.
6. Japanese TV: being interviewed for four hours by Japanese TV's world news was a little crazy. Having them act out my life, hiring actors and actresses to really highlight Lyme Disease was just incredible. A 20 minutes film about little old Sophie. It definitely was fun looking back on all my swimming achievements and successes.
7. BBC radio Lancashire interviews: I have enjoyed all four of my BBC radio Lancashire interviews this year and I am SO grateful for all the on-going support they give me. They are amazing.
8. Working for Chorley FM: Of course this was going to be on the list. I always have a good laugh and enjoy all the banter that goes on ( mostly on air). I love Friday afternoons and am so thankful for the opportunity to co-presenter with the great Simon Field.
9. The NOW magazine: being in the NOW magazine and being compared to Bella Hadid was amazing and again it was a dose of motivation. That even with a chronic illness you can still achieve greatness.
10. I became an admin team member for Lyme Disease UK and a Brand Leader for Invisiyouth. I love my roles and always work hard, giving 200 per cent to both of these charities that are so close to my heart.
11. Mama and I attended the protest in Westminster to fight for change and raise awareness about Lyme Disease. I also got to meet and catch up with my local MP which was great.
12. Sky News: Being on Sky News was massive. It was crazy receiving texts from people abroad who had watched and seen me. We simply forget how vital the media is in raising awareness and we forget how many tune in.
13. Reaching milestones on my Instagram and my blog: I am just me, and I started all of this from nothing. It was just an open diary that I hoped people could relate with an find comfort in. To see the hits and followers increase, really does mean the world to me. In so many ways. I am proud of the progression my work is making and look forward to this continuing for many more years. Thank you for all the kind, inspiring messages that motivate me to keep working hard and writing on the darkest days.
14. The Chat Magazine: having my article re-published in the end of year monthly special because it had such a good feedback from the first printed issue was amazing. It just goes to show what an impact Lyme Disease is having globally and again I am so grateful for the support from the media outlets.
15. I got to go back to my old school Kirkham Grammar School and give a motivational speech on tackling life despite the challenges we face and also educating the students on Lyme Disease. It was lovely to return and I am so grateful for the wonderful reception and kindness shown towards me.
16. Alex and Papa: 21 and 60 are both major milestones and this year we celebrated them in style with a F1 themed party. It was an amazing night and all who attended had a wonderful time.
17. Fund Raisers: from Gatsby Murder mysteries to sponsored walks, we put some fun events together to raise money for my two chosen charities - Invisiyouth and Lyme Disease UK. My family and I can't wait to host more fundraisers next year so keep an eye out.
18. The Believe-A-Bear campaign: A campaign Mama added her magic and love to by personalising the bears as we sent them off to be mascots for those loved ones that may have been too poorly to celebrate Christmas with the rest of us. I didn't want ANYONE feeling alone or unloved over the festive period and we all need a little mascot and friend to keep us fighting. Thank you for all the support on this project that was so close to my own heart. We raised some money for each of the charities and we hope to continue this project all year round.
It has been a massive year career wise and personally. There has been lots of family & friend's celebrations as well as A LOT of self-growth. I owe so much to this year in lots of different ways and I am so thankful and grateful. I can only hope that 2019 has lots more surprises and room for growth, progress and further success.
I went into this year with no direction, little motivation and ZERO confidence. I was allowing my pain to win, my illness to define me and my dreams to seem untouchable.
I don't know why or even when I decided to snap out of the darkness that hung over me. I guess we all reach a point where we can allow something to beat us, or make us. Fate isn't and hasn't always been kind but this year it helped push me onto a path that led me to re-discovering myself as well as learning & growing in everyway. For that I will be forever grateful. I hope I have inspired many and continue too.
Thank you for all the love and support throughout the year. I cried believing that 24 was going to be a flop because I wasn't where I thought I should be, doing what I believed I would be doing but it was 100 times MORE than I could have ever dreamed. Proof that sometimes better things are on the horizon and we have to make the most of the cards we are dealt.
Roll on 2019 and 25 !
THANK YOU 2018.
Sophie
xoxox
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