To celebrate this momentous year of big birthday celebrations, I am embarking on 50 weeks of bucket list activities and challenges! This is going to unfold over 2018 and I know there will be lots of sweat and happy tears! 

The Brittle Bone Society (BBS) has always been a huge part of my life and I recently became a Trustee of this small, national charity. As I am turning 40 and the BBS is celebrating its 50th birthday I have a perfect opportunity to say thank you to the people and organisation, which I believe saved my life 40 years ago......

In January 1978, I came flying into the world! A gorgeous little bundle of gingerness with no wrinkles according to my Grandad, but with over 45 broken bones they diagnosed Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) 

The following year was really tough for Mam and Dad as they were given the worst possible prognosis for me, the hospital broke more bones than they healed, dislocated my hip, and put me in a side room with babies who had gastroenteritis! It was obvious that the hospital didn't have any hope for me...... 

But a news-paper article about another little girl who had OI turned all of this around. It gave the details of the Brittle Bone Society and Dad picked up the phone to a lady called Margaret. 

Margaret also has OI and when her daughter was born with the same condition, with the support of her husband David, they put a letter in a local news-paper in Dundee. The letter asked if anyone else out there had the same condition. They certainly did.... and as Margaret and David brought these families together, the Brittle Bone Society was born. 

Now equipped with information, confidence and support Mam and Dad took me to Sheffield Children's hospital, where I received the right treatment and surgery, but possibly even more importantly, Mam and Dad were given hope that I would live. Not only survive... but have a happy, active, fun, productive and long life.....  

The BBS has never stopped providing my family and myself with information, emotional support, specialist mobility equipment and inspiration. Fifty years on, there are still babies born with OI and families seeking support, just like mine.... 

So far, I know this year is going to involve sprouts, singing and spiders! Who knows what other amazing things I am going to get up to.... but I hope you will enjoy following, liking, re-tweeting, hash-tagging, talking about, supporting and if possible donating to my 50 week challenge. xx