I was 14 and at an awards evening where parents and the other air cadets were invited for dinner to celebrate our achievements.

I was getting a music award for being in the national marching band and getting a gold music badge. I definitely shouldn't have because I was only grade 3 flute at the time and was moving my fingers along to the beat.. but my parents weren't going to miss this.

As it's a military based organisation, it was quite formal and one of my duties was to stand on the door and greet people.

Much to my dismay, My dad turned up at the door with a massive grin after walking past it and realising where he was, with some dreadful shoes on. He proceeded to push the pull door, trip a little bit through the door way before making it known who exactly he was here for.

Me.

I wanted the floor to open and swallow me whole.

I avoided my dad all night, especially after he shouted after me to ask if I wanted a drink and took a FLASH picture of me. Can you imagine?!

I got my award that night.

I lost my daddy.



My name is Lydia and I would like to raise a quarter of the value of the defibrillator that unfortunately didn't reach my dads unhealthy heart quickly enough.

I've decided to do a Triathlon consisting of a 400m swim, 10km cycle and 10km run in order to do this.

Maybe I can be one of the many reasons another little girl can be embarrassed by her dad until she's old enough to really appreciate it. 

This one's for you Dr Johnson, my hero. 💖

Thank you in anticipation of your support!!!