Those who have been reading my scribblings for long enough will remember that my daughter was born weighing just 1lb 4oz at 26 weeks. that was almost sixteen years ago. It was three months before UCH said that it was "when" she came home not "if" and even then we were warned there could be all sorts of problems.
We were told that there was a good chance she might develop Cerebral Palsy. it was at that point that the amazing Nick Richards of Woodlarks got in touch and our association has continued to this day.
Olaf, as I have been calling her since her early years, has grown up in a way that would make any father proud. she goes to a posh girls school in North London, paid for by her rich City lawyer mum Big Nose and is a star. And so last night I got a breathless call "Daddy I have won an academic scholarship for the sixth form." In a hothouse school that is quite some feat. It means 10% off the fees, not that Big Nose needs the cash, and Olaf's name on a board.
She may be a bit of a cottage burning Welsh nationalist - I blame Big Nose - but in all other respects, bar her support for Crooked Hillary, she has her head screwed on the right way.
My father says he won a scholarship too. I think Big Nose claims the same. So that leaves me as the odd one out but, as I always am, very proud none the less. And though I may not have a scholarship I still have my uses when it comes to assisting with history essays.
PS. If I believed in the honours system which I do not as it is utterly corrupt and I am a Republican anyway, I would nominate Nick Richards for a gong as I know of no-one more deserving. Maybe Big Nose will donate the 10% savings to Woodlarks?