In July 2014, I had to have an operation to correct previous surgery on my right foot. It was an intensive operation which involved putting in a metal plate and several screws to hold my bones and joints in place. (Sorry to those of you who are a bit squeamish!) I had been on crutches since March 2014, and everyone had got used to seeing me hobbling around at home and at the college where I work! After months of waiting and a couple of postponed surgery dates, I had my operation on the 18th July (the hottest day of the year to that day) which meant for 8 weeks – and for pretty much the whole of Summer 2014 – I was in a plaster cast and in a wheelchair. My family and friends were absolutely amazing to me. My mum made sure I had regular outings to the sea (my family lives in Whitstable, Kent which is a wonderful place to recuperate!) and frequent visits from friends to keep me company. My cat was a loyal companion too, and spent most of the time curled up with me on the sofa as I watched endless episodes of Gossip Girl and Friends! Obviously I can’t have a whole summer repeated (although those additional warm sunny days would be welcome, Mr Weatherman!) but I would absolutely love to experience some of those memorable summertime moments that I missed last year. My Instagram feed was filled with Summery snaps of beaches, palm trees, beautiful sea and lots of sunshine, and to be able to get a taste of that would be absolutely amazing! A view from Tankerton slopes, Whitstable, Kent. July 2014

As you may have been able to tell by some of my previous posts I love attending events. All types of events from fashion, through to home and accessories trade shows to music festivals, I attend them all year round (as well as organise them as part of my current day job!) I absolutely love music and try to attend a festival every year, however last year was the first year that I was unable to. My absolute dream would be to have a VIP experience at a large music event and if I was lucky enough to get a chance to I would love to recreate some Summer memories. It’s definitely my favourite time of the year with everyone being so happy and outdoors in the fresh air. I literally cannot wait to be able to make the most of it this year! To this day I am still having regular hospital appointments for physiotherapy and my foot is on the mend slowly but surely and I am still keeping a smile on my face! I am due to have another operation on my left foot in the next year and as the condition of my foot worsens over the next six months I know I will have to go back onto crutches. I was on crutches until December 2014, but still tried to make the most of every opportunity I received including a trip to a fashion show and to a couple of concerts once I was back on my (two) feet! I have started learning to drive and I am even signed up to complete Race for Life in June 2015. It will be the first time since 2010 that I will be taking part and am so excited about raising money for Cancer Research UK. I know I will be back on two (pain free) feet eventually and I am definitely trying to make the most of every experience I can! If you had the opportunity to do experience something a second time round what would you like to experience? Why not enter the competition, Second Time Lucky being run by Ocean Finance? It’s open for nominations now for yourself or friends and family and it’s all about giving people something they’ve missed out on. You can visit the website by clicking here: https://www.oceanfinance.co.uk/credit-cards/second-chance/

Becky at Pretty & Petit