Back, with News

Hello all, I'm back after my month off and excited to get round and see what everyone's been up to. I've got some news to share and I'd also like to ask you all to do me a small favour which will hopefully have a big impact.

Before I left I wrote about my new blog which charts the progress of my stepson, Andrew McNaughton, in his efforts to secure funding for a place at a specialist college in England. I'd love it if you could pop over and give him a follow, and if you could also click on the button with Andrew's face on it to the right, it will take you to the Facebook page which features daily updates. Please give it a like, and if you want to show some extra support, you're more than welcome to grab the code for the button and paste it on your own blog.

One of the simplest ways to show support is by signing the online petition, which you can also get to via its widget over there -->. We're trying to change the entire landscape and get our very own college built in Scotland with the facilities that Andrew needs in order to thrive and have a meaningful career, and we'll only achieve that by banging on the door of the Scottish Government with enough voices behind us! Just to emphasise this point - further education is FREE in Scotland, yet we are obliged to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to send Andrew to a college far away from his home and family. The Scottish system has no equality and no choice for those with complex support needs - what is offered is essentially daycare - and that is what we are trying to change.

We've also got loads of items for our online auction which will run from 2nd to 9th October, including signed books, handcrafted jewellery, toys, portraits, a bottle of champagne, and yours truly is offering a full book critique! Get yourself an early Christmas present and help a deserving cause. All the details are on the Facebook page.

I initially took a break to secure part-time employment, and I managed to achieve that goal halfway through the month, although it won't start until 22nd October (also Andrew's 18th birthday). I posted before about my previous job offer, but that fell through before I got a shift. Hopefully this one will run smoothly. My break was extended to help get the fundraising off the ground, which is probably going to continue for the next three years. I'm planning to continue with this blog and update Andrew's blog once a week. I want to give a massive thanks to those of you who have donated books and other items - we've got enough auction items now, but I'll be keeping you up to date on all the other ways you can support us!

Editing and critiquing are continuing apace, and I can't wait for my one year blogiversary on Thursday 11th October! It will also celebrate 300 followers, and I'll be giving away some fab prizes, so don't forget to come back for that.

Finally, myself and my better half have taken the leap into the Twitterverse - @NickPWilford and @HeatherWilford, which is another way we're keeping everyone up to date on the campaign. Big wave to those who have already followed me there!

Have a good week, and I'll see you around!