Earlier this year in June, I received an email from Yorkshire Blogger Awards notifying me that I had received a nomination in their ‘Disability/Mental Health’ category. The news of this completely took me by surprise as I’m the first to admit I hadn’t been as consistent with my blog or social media up until then.

Just a few days later, I received another email from Yorkshire Blogger Awards this time sharing the news that I was in fact shortlisted and up against 5 other influencers/bloggers in the ‘Disability/Mental Health’ category!

I remember at the time of receiving my email that I was shortlisted, thinking ‘Oh it’s all the way in September, I’ve got ages!’ And before I knew it, it was the night before the Awards. The Yorkshire Blogger Awards were held at Queen’s Hotel in Leeds City Centre on Saturday 30th September in the Queen’s Ballroom and the dress code was ‘Smart’ and I opted for a ‘Wine/Oxblood’ Velvet Blazer, a crisp white shirt, black trousers and black boots from Jeffery West.

I began getting ready for the evening at Park Plaza Hotel which was situated just across from Queen’s Hotel so in terms of location, it was ideal! The event then started around 7pm where we were shown to our tables and I was introduced to my BSL Interpreter who was available for me to translate the English spoken word into British Sign Language. I find that when I go to busy, noisy events that it is often overwhelming and can be too loud for me to follow what is being said, so having the BSL Interpreter there meant I could easily follow what the host and winners were saying which made this event accessible for me and any other deaf attendees. We were seated for a 3 course meal which was delicious from start to finish and after we had eaten, the categories and winners were then announced.

With each passing category, I could feel myself getting slightly nervous before my category was read out and then when it came to my category, it’s safe to say my palms were slightly sweaty! After each name was read out, it was down to the winner to be revealed and guess who won? Me.

It took me a moment to absorb what was happening and as I went up on stage, Chloe, the host, asked me why is it important for me to use my platform to raise deaf awareness and I froze having not had anything prepared because I genuinely did not think I would win let alone be given an award! I then made my way off stage for a quick photoshoot before resuming at my table to watch the other winners take their place. After the official Awards Ceremony, there was a live band and singer playing iconic songs which put everybody into good spirits and after a Monkey Shoulder (or 3), I then headed back to my room on a complete high. What an incredible experience and evening, and I am so grateful to have been nominated, shortlisted and also to have won the ‘Disability/Mental Health’ category.

The biggest thank you to the team at Yorkshire Blogger Awards for this incredible evening and for my award, and I look forward to seeing the event grow with each passing year!