The Critical Friend

@ClareNews2 On a scale of one to ten I’d say they’re a 12. I have glasses envy 😎

New glasses - hit or miss? 👓👍👎🏻

Outstanding response from @Tesla West Drayton today. I turned up unannounced panicked about a noise that sounded dangerous. A technician immediately offered to check it, diagnosed the problem & reassured me all was well until the planned service next week. Brilliant, thank you.

@shitscaredmum @SalfordUni @GracieNuttall41 Like mother, like daughter. Both of your bright and beautiful daughters have had the most amazing role model. Congratulations- so thrilled that you have something so positive to celebrate 🎉 xx

This amazing girl has been my rock. I honestly don’t know how I’d have got through the last 4.5 yrs without her & despite everything she’s had to cope with, she’s just been awarded a v well deserved 2:1 in film production @SalfordUni I could not be prouder of @GracieNuttall41 ❤️

Saw this and thought of you @shitscaredmum I’ve been thinking about Laura a lot. Is it wrong that I don’t wish her the traditional ‘rest in peace’? Instead I want her to be dancing in the sunshine, trying new adventures & living her best life - just somewhere we can’t see xx

@fcampbellhowes Which is a shame because I was thinking how stunning it is. Form over function and all that….

@melissablake This popped up - read it from the bottom up. You are a beautiful person driving positive change in a world that needs it. Please believe in the brilliance of both your smile and your impact 😊

Here’s a sample of the nasty comments I’ve received lately. This is why I speak up. This is why I’m writing an ENTIRE book about disabilities. Because people with facial differences are worthy human beings. I like my smile and I like my face. I just wish society did too... ❤️♿️

@shitscaredmum Gone but never forgotten. Your bright, beautiful girl and her incredible tenacity leaves a special legacy. Thank you for your generosity in sharing such a deeply personal story. Wishing you peace, and wonderful memories as you come to terms with a missing seat at your table xx

I'm heartbroken to share the news that we lost our beautiful Laura in the early hours of this morning. She was fierce & tenacious to the end & it was truly the honour of my life to be her mum. We are devastated at the thought of life without our girl, she was a force of nature💔

@shitscaredmum Your specialist skill is creating moments of joy during the bleakest of times. There is so much you can’t control, but you are OUTSTANDING at making pockets of happiness. From one stranger to another, sending love and strength x

Things are grim, Laura can’t speak & she’s losing her ability to swallow. She’s very low (& who wouldn’t be in her shoes) so we took her for a late night walk round the park. No brakes on the wheelchair & it’s a big old hill but it did get a smile from her (& it knackered Mark)

@shitscaredmum Maybe hope is another word for love? Whilst you care for Laura, your Twitter community - the Twitter family you have never met - wants to care for you. Like you, we’re frustrated we can’t do more. But we see you, we’re here for you & we’re sending a whole heap of love.

One of the hardest things is going in first thing before she’s woken up. She looks the same as before, & despite everything, I still have a ridiculous hope that she’ll be a bit better today and this isn’t actually the end. Hope is the hardest thing to kill.

@shitscaredmum @BrainTumourOrg In the grand scheme of things such a trivial thing for me to highlight, but please tell Laura she absolutely rocks the shaven head look (albeit through necessity) and the purple wig looks glorious on her. As I say, trivial, but I believe in telling people when they look great 🤩

Honestly didn’t think we’d make it to the #CelebratingYou awards, the end of last year things were so bleak, April felt like a lifetime away. But we did make it & had the most brilliant night with our friends @BrainTumourOrg The wig didn’t last long but she rocks either way 💜

Struggling to focus on the pitches in tonight’s #dragonsden because I am so distracted by your stunning ring @DeborahMeaden Would you be prepared to share where it came from? Thanks in advance from this shallow and easily led admirer 😬

@Liz_ORiordan @BCRT @Sarcoma_UK I am so very sorry for your loss. Although I only knew her through Twitter, it was clear she was a remarkable woman. Heartfelt condolences to those of you who loved her.

My incredible mum Isobel died yesterday 😓 Many of you followed her as the One Arm Bandit after her diagnosis of osteosarcoma We set up a fund to help raise awareness and find a cure bcrt.org.uk/BeMoreIsobel #BeMoreIsobel @BCRT @Sarcoma_UK

@shitscaredmum Just done a little happy dance around the kitchen - brilliant news, here’s to Laura’s speedy recovery x

We just got the call. The surgeon's happy, no complications & she even managed to say a little hello. Hopefully we should be able to see her later. It's been the longest 4.5 hours of my life & your support has meant the world. Thank you so much for holding Laura in your heart 💜

@shitscaredmum Hold onto the thought that total strangers, connected only through the Twittersvere, are genuinely holding you and Laura in our thoughts and hearts today. Keeping everything crossed for you x

@SarahPryce I know, time stands still for us but rushes on regardless in the real world x

She’s gone down to theatre now. I just need to wait & try not to dwell on what’s happening in surgery. That feeling of dread as they came to take her away, if you’ve been there; you know.

Love my job. Kicked the week off facilitating a strategic planning day for @CIoSDSP in the glorious sunshine @BedruthanHotel Innovation, challenge, hidden talents, heated debate, awesome sea views and cookies the size of my head. Setting the bar high for the rest of the week.

@ed_abrahamson @cornwallairamb @AirAmbulancesUK What a top decision - and what a brilliant ambassador you are x

@ms_organised Unusually I think you’re wrong. I mean I love your signature red, and you’d want to steer clear of a pale pink, but you totally rock a deep pink 😍

Is a shocking case of the wrong colour lipstick.

@MattWalpole71 Enormous congratulations to you - you’ll be leading a top team here in Cornwall 🎉🥂

@LarkOwlUK @DavidBurgessFR @Simonablake Back at you x

@SarahPryce @DavidBurgessFR @Simonablake It's so good though! Relatable, memorable, true... Hope you're doing brilliantly x

"When little things are bothering us they're usually actually big things" @Simonablake #CIOFFC