B.E.M?<\/p>\n
This day last year was possibly – probably – the most insane day of my life.<\/p>\n
Late the night before, the New Year\u2019s Honours List was released. I was the youngest on the list, being awarded a BEM for services towards the promotion of Organ Donation. <\/p>\n
Then that next morning me and my sister were up at 5am being taken to the BBC studios to appear on live breakfast T.V and I had four other radio and T.V interviews that day.<\/p>\n
All whilst fitting in a nail appointment and a waitressing shift. And writing a blog. Madness.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s still absolutely bonkers to look back on it. It doesn\u2019t seem real that I was awarded it in the first place.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t do what I do for recognition, and honestly I\u2019m\u00a0really not a fan of the whole press\/interview\/attention situation. I do this because I know what it\u2019s like to need an organ. Because I know what receiving an organ means. Because I know that I would not be alive if it weren\u2019t for donors and families who most probably knew that their loved one wanted to be a donor.<\/p>\n
There is nothing more incredible to me in this world than the fact that I am alive because of a total strangers kindness X3.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately due to being in hospital, I didn\u2019t get to go to the ceremony in May in Buckingham Palace, however I did get to the medal presentation in Hillsborough Castle in September.<\/p>\n
As coincidence would have it, my best friends Dad was also being awarded a BEM and so we were all there together. It was so special to be able to celebrate that day with so many people that I love.<\/p>\n
Me and my sister and friend in this very posh castle pretending we were sophisticated. Actually I don\u2019t think we even really pretended haha.<\/p>\n
I still don\u2019t know who nominated me to receive the award, and may well never find out but whoever they are – Thank you so much.<\/p>\n
I really hope that I have been able to spread the message a little bit further, and I will always continue to speak out about Organ Donation.<\/p>\n
It really is just the most bizarre thing. Lucia Mee, BEM. What? Also, side note –\u00a0I am now apparently allowed to get married in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London – weird perks of having a BEM.<\/p>\n
Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support this cause, who helps raise awareness and who has supported me in any way over the years.<\/p>\n
Most of all, thank you to my heroes – my donors and donor families.<\/p>\n
So here\u2019s to one year on since the craziest day of my little life.<\/p>\n
Maybe it\u2019ll actually have sunk in by this time next year. Unlikely.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Lucia X<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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