The Ben Mclean Trophy

Over the past few months we have been organising a golf day for Ben. We decided on golf because a lot of the family, the boys especially spent most of their time with Ben on a golf course! I have to say I had no idea how much work an event like this takes, and I am so proud of my mum and dad for organising such an amazing day. 

We all agreed that throughout the day, any of Ben’s friends or family could take part in the competition and then those who don’t play could join us in evening. The turnout for the golf alone was incredible, with over 100 people playing over the course of the day!  

    
    
 
My dad and his horrendous trousers presenting the top 3 golfers with their awards, and all of beautiful trophies! 

At night we were joined with by an overwhelming number of people; it’s always lovely being reminded how well liked and respected Ben was by so many people. We had a band and it goes without saying that after a few drinks we were all singing/dancing our hearts out! It was so lovely to spend time with all of the people that cared about Ben, and to see both family and friends that we don’t get to see often. 

   
    
 
Some pictures from the dance floor!

As a family we decided to make the day a charity event, and we chose to donate to Action for M.E. as this would undoubtedly have been a cause close to Ben’s heart. One of the most incredible donations we received was from Paolo Nutini. Our whole family adore his music and when he heard we were having a night for Ben, he donated a signed guitar. We put the guitar up for a blind auction, along with a signed Celtic and rangers strip. (I really have no clue about football, but the buzz generated from these items was amazing!)

   
    
 
Ben’s golf day was massively successful. Not only were we given an opportunity to share stories about Ben but we all had a great day and we can now contribute to a cause that our family care about. Including donations, money made from the raffle and the blind aucfion, we were able to raise over £3000 which is incredible. So many people worked so hard to ensure everyone had an amazing day, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by such generous, kind and supportive people.

I hope that everyone who came had an amazing day, and I hope that next year is even more successful! 

T in the Park

It’s been way too long since I have posted on this. So I thought I would get back into things with a post about one of the most eventful weekends Scotland has to offer. T in the park!

I spent the weekend with some of the most amazing people, and I got to see some of my favourite bands. For me a personal highlight was at The Courteeners on Saturday night. Not only are they one of my favourite bands, but they are also so incredible live! The crowd were absolutely mental and Courteeners fans always make for the best atmosphere possible, seeing them live is truly always an amazing experience. Before The Courteeners were The Vaccines, The Proclaimers and The Libertines, so for me Saturday was by far the best night!

   
    
 
Excuse the horrendous quality of my photos, a muddy festival where phones go missing at an alarming rate isn’t really ideal for getting great photos! Especially when you have to pay to get your phone charged.

Over the weekend you definitely see some interesting sights, and there are some things that quite frankly, you can’t unsee. Despite this, the weekend is all about having the best possible time you can. If that means going out in the pouring rain and getting covered in mud to see a band that you love, then go do it! Getting to spend a full weekend with you’re favourite people seeing some of the biggest bands in the world is something I truly couldn’t pass up, and I would happily go again!

For me this year, the biggest downfall of this weekend was the wait for the buses on Monday morning. To say that was a long day would be a massive understatement, but nontheless we made the best of a mad situation and got through it still smiling!

I had an amazing weekend, despite the lack of sleep, the excessive amounts of alcohol and the pathetic attempts at staying clean, it truly was hilarious. On the bus home our throats were so hoarse that we could barely get out words, and some of us were unable to tell if we were really tanned or just really muddy, but it was worth it nontheless! 

   
    
    
    
   
Some of my favourite pictures from the weekend! I definitely got more selfies than pictures/videos of the acts as I felt more comfortable using my phone in the campsite as I was surrounded by people I know!

It’s safe to say that after a weekend in a tent, surrounded by people that apparently come alive at night, I am absolutely done in. I have never been so excited to see my bed and Monday night was the best sleep I have ever had! Plus the fact I could eat food that didn’t cost a fortune, have a shower at any time without a queue, and was no longer covered in mud were all amazing reasons to be back home! Suprisigly enough I also managed to arrive home with a better tan than what I got in Turkey! 

Turkey

I know I have just posted about summer and my holiday, but I am very much in the holiday mood as I pack for turkey so I thought why not share some more about this beautiful country!

I love going abroad, and I am lucky enough to go away at least 3 times every year which you would never be able to tell by looking at my ghostly complexion! When it comes to being in the heat, the last thing I want to do is lie out and sunbathe, it’s something I find incredibly boring and I believe that a tan is not wasting a whole day of your holiday!

Now I am excited to get away mostly for a break, having time to relax is important and giving yourself a few weeks to clear your head is in my opinion necessary! What better for the soul than a few weeks of good weather, good food and good company! I don’t have much planned for the time I am away other than just enjoying the company of my family and friends and having the best time possible!

   
             

Some family photos from Turkey. This is a place where I have many happy memories, and our holiday home in Turkey is a place that is a huge comfort to me!

Turkey has some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen, especially oludeniz beach which is known all over the world for being absolutely breathtaking! 

   
   

Some pictures from Oludeniz! 

I am so excited to get away, and for the weeks ahead including T in the park, and I hope to kickstart a happy, positive summer! 

Gigs

There is nothing more satisfying than being in a room packed with people, whom love the band in front of them as much as you do! From my experience, at a gig, everyone is your friend. There is no judgement, everyone simply accepts that the people they are surrounded with having something important in common with them. Their music taste!

Being in a room packed with so many people that you can barely move, having what you hope is a drink but is most likely pee thrown at you, and sweating more than you thought possible sounds like a truly awful experience. Yet when the band that you love comes out and you hear the music you adore, none of that matters! Singing along with everyone and anyone, jumping like a maniac and trying to get a halfway decent video without dropping your phone becomes the most important thing. 

Hearing a band you love play live is honestly indescribable. I have found myself in tears at many gigs simply overwhelmed by my love for a song or a band. I have met some amazing people at gigs and can always spot people out of the crowd that I recognise! 

If you are hesitant about seeing a band live because you’re scared the crowd may be rowdy, don’t be! If you want to be amongst the chaos (which I always am) then you can be, but if not, you’ll still have an amazing time if you stand back and simply listen to the music!

Here are some pictures from some gigs!  

   Biffy Clyro

 Jamie T

  Morrissey

  The Vaccines

  The Courteeners

  The Killers
 Miles Kane

There are just some of many and I know the quality isn’t all that great in some of them but these photos represent some of my favourite memories!! 

Trust

It is so important in this life to find people you can count on. Reliable friends are hard to come by, so when you find a friend you know you can count on, don’t let them go. 

I believe that having strong people around you is the only thing that will keep you going at times in this life. It is so important to identify the people that you can count on, whether that be friends or family. Knowing you’re not alone in times of need can be hugely reassuring.

If you notice a friend is struggling, it is essential that you support them. Make sure they know that they can count on you. I think that one of the best qualities a person can have is being trustworthy and reliable, it proves you are a genuinely compassionate person, and that can be a rare quality to find.

It can often be hard to trust people when you have had your trust broken in the past. But I urge you to remember that if someone lets you down, you cannot punish other people in your life for that. One friend going back on their word, or a promise being broken does not mean that everyone will let you down. I believe that being open with the people closest to you even if you are let down occasionally, definitely beats struggling on your own. 

Now that does not mean you should run off and tell the world you deepest darkest secrets. I mean you can if you want to, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead find a strong unit of people that have earned your trust, and help them lighten the load of whatever you may be struggling with! Of course always remember that trust is a two way street and that friend whom is always there to lend a helping hand, might actually need you to to return the favour!

Mental Health Stigma

Something I cannot make sense of is the stigma around mental illness. Illnesses such as depression or anxiety should not be treated any different from a physical illness. You are struggling. You see a doctor. You find the best treatment for you. To me it’s that simple and I don’t see how anyone can argue against people seeking medical help to improve their health.

Now I do not claim to be an expert on all mental illness, but I do know that there are probably way more people suffering than doctors are even aware of. It is okay to speak out and seek help if you feel something isn’t right. You deserve to be treated with support and respect, and most importantly you deserve to be taken seriously. 

Many people see mental illness as a sign of weakness, which can makes those suffering scared to come forward. But as a mental health activist I feel the need to state the obvious; having an illness does not, and never will, make you weak.

Studies show that at least a quarter of us are going to struggle with our mental health at some stage in our lives. Beating the stigma and working towards positive change in how we treat those struggling is essential for these numbers to decrease. I feel many people, men especially, may be embarrassed to admit they are struggling with their mental health. People fear that because you cannot see these illnesses, like you can of those in a physical nature, they may not be taken seriously. 

I feel this post was necessary because no one should have to suffer in silence. Please reach out if you feel you need support. The only way we will be able to gain the insight we need to begin combatting these life-ruining illnesses is by supplying our doctors with all of the facts. 

I also feel it is essential for me to highlight that if someone opens up to you, please take them seriously. If you make someone feel as though their problems do not matter, they may not feel they are able to reach out to get the support they need. 

At the end of the day mental illnesses impact a huge number of us throughout the world. Whether the impact this has on our lives is minimal, or devastating, it is important we treat each individual with respect and understanding. By speaking out and being able to talk openly about our mental health, we are helping to beat the stigma. 

Why Music Matters

I believe that music is good for the soul. Regardless of what genre of music you enjoy, taking a break every now and again to listen to music can almost be therapeutic. I love music. I love discovering new artists and the amazing feeling of falling in love with an album.

When it comes to music there is one thing that I care about more than anything. Gigs. To me there is nothing more magical than seeing an artist you adore live. Being surrounded with people who are all on the exact same page as you in regards to the artist is incredible and the whole experience is incredibly uplifting. I have found that despite being surrounded by strangers, it can often feel as though you are with old friends as you all sing along together without giving it a second thought!

   
  
Some photos from gigs: Biffy Clyro, Jamie T and The Vaccines!

Music plays a huge impact in my life as I know it does with most people. Listening to your favourite song can go a long way in helping to lift your mood when you’re struggling. Also it is reassuring to listen to songs that you feel you can relate to, in a way it is a reminder that you are not alone in whatever you may be going through.

Despite this, music is not only for listening to when you are sad. In my opinion, there is nothing better than being in a good mood and having your favourite happy songs on full blast! Being with friends and having a kareoke session can be hilarious, even if you are completely tonedeaf, a bit like myself. Belting out your favourite songs with your friends is an essential part of any good night out!

   
 

Grief

It is a sad truth that in some stage in your life, you are most likely going to lose someone who means a lot to you. The loss of a loved one affects us all in different ways because we are all different, so it only makes sense that our grieving process would be too. To me, the most important thing to remember when you lose someone is that you are not alone in your grief. There will be other people struggling and no matter how saddening it can be, it is important that you come together with those people to celebrate the life of the person you have lost.

I believe that should be the priority. Coming together to share photographs and stories, to continue to enrich each others lives by sharing new things about the person you have lost. Nothing can ease the pain of losing someone you love but knowing that you are always going to have people to talk to, and memories to look back on, goes a long way in helping you get through the day.

I know this is a subject that a lot of people avoid, but it is important to talk about. Life is short so remember to utilize your time to the best of you ability. Spend time with people you truly love and do the things that make you happy. Losing someone is never going to be easy, but knowing that person made the most of their time, however short, can be a reassuring thought.

I feel I must stress that having a strong support network is essential. Seeing a friend who is devastated can be truly heartbreaking, but regardless you must ensure they know that they have your support. It is okay not to know what to say, and sometimes you don’t need to say anything at all! Just be there for your friend and make them know they are not coming to terms with this loss on their own.

Lastly, it is okay to struggle. Losing someone important is not something we are expected to be able to cope with. However you feel is perfectly okay, even if you don’t feel anything at all. Just remember to reach out, don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by your grief. Speak to friends, family or even a professional. Just do not isolate yourself because as I said at the beginning; you are not alone in your grief.

Individuality

To me, being your own person is essential. If you like something, buy it. If you want to do something, do it! Worrying about the opinions of others is something will only hold you back in life, and it just isn’t worth it. We all feel some pressure to please our peers, to fit in and to feel secure in the fact that other people think of us in high regard. Whether we admit it or not, we all seek approval from our peers a huge majority of the time.

I am not saying it is easy to suddenly break away from the crowd, but it is something that is so important. In my opinion if you believe something will make you happy, then that above anything else is a reason to go for it! At the end of the day, if your friends have something bad to say about you dressing or acting in a way that makes you happy, then are they really your friends at all?

Many people shy away from being themselves as they are scared of being judged. This relates back to my post on confidence as it does take a lot to step forward and break free from the societal norm. To me it is important to remember that realistically, you are going to face judgement in this world. You are going to meet people who disagree with everything you believe in and you are going to come across people who act in a way that you never would. And that is okay. It is okay not to be the same as everyone around you!

We are all entitled to be treated equally for who we are. So be genuine. Be the person that you truly are, instead of what you think you are expected to be. Usually the person who doubts you the most is yourself, and I know I do this without even realising. As long as you respect the choices and opinions of those around you, then you will most likely be treated with the same respect back, so be genuine and put yourself out into the world as you truly are! You’ll soon realise you had no reason to doubt yourself.

The Importance of Taking Photographs

Recently I have come to appreciate the importance of photographs. It takes all of five seconds to take a picture, and by doing so you are allowing yourself the chance to look back on your experiences whenever you please. To me it’s a no brainier, just take pictures. If you’re having an amazing time then what better than to take out the camera and capture the moment! 

I love taking photos. In fact I probably take so many photos that some people find it annoying. This is something I can’t understand. What’s better when you’re feeling down than looking through old photographs and reminding yourself of the positive things in your life. Whether that be the people you love, the places you have been or the things you have experienced. In this modern era we all have a photo album on us at all times, and personally I find that a huge comfort. 

Now the biggest problem with taking photographs is that most of us have no clue what we actually look like! So when it comes to seeing a picture of ourselves our automatic reaction is to recoil in horror and delete it as quickly as possible. We all have a burning desire to look good at all times and it is something I wish we were able to let go of. It’s usually the funnier pictures that we enjoy looking back on!  I really hope I can make you all think twice about deleting a picture straight away just because you don’t like how you look because really, it’s hardly the end of the world is it? If you’ve taken a picture in a place that you love with people you love then the sentimental value that holds will outweigh the need to constantly look perfect.

Here are some of my favourite photographs, if anyone is interested. And I invite you all to look through your own photos and think about what ones mean the most to you, and why. For me it’s all about the people in the photos!    

             
Speaking of photos, follow my Instagram- I am fairly addicted to posting! Instagram