‘Well, you’re here now, that’s all that matters.’

I step forward and give them both a heartfelt squeezy hug, which I note is enthusiastically reciprocated. So much so that it creates a swell of emotion inside me and my eyes start to sting. I clear my throat to get myself under control.

‘Would you like a drink? A glass of champagne, perhaps?’

‘Oh lovely, yes, please,’ my mother and Carol reply in robotic unison.

‘Great, back in a few moments. Then we can have a proper catch-up. Matt, give me a hand?’

‘Of course,’ he replies, and we turn and walk to the bar together, talking in hushed tones.

‘I honestly can’t believe you did that, Matt. And you were also the ringleader in getting all this organised tonight. I really have bagged myself the best bloke in Birmingham. No contest.’

‘Just in Birmingham?’

‘You know what, you’re right. I don’t think there’s a single man on this planet as incredible as you.’

‘Perhaps a step too far?’

‘Maybe, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re a superhero. My very own Wonderbrummie.’

Matt laughs and puts his arm round me as we wait to be served, then leans over and murmurs in my ear. ‘If that’s the case, I have a proposition for you. We might not be at the proposal stage yet, but how do you feel about moving in together?’

A huge grin spreads across my face. ‘I think that sounds amazing.’

‘Think you’ve just made me the happiest guy in the West Midlands.’

He gives me a delicious, lingering celebratory kiss, which is eventually interrupted by the barman asking if we want drinks. As Matt relays our order, I gaze up at him, unable to believe the turnaround in my life. Just months ago, it felt like it was over. It seemed inconceivable that I could have any kind of fulfilling life, never mind a great career, a lead vocalist spot in a semi-pro band, and an unbelievably amazing boyfriend. Now, even though I know there will be tough times ahead, I also know that with Matt, Sasha, my family and all my new friends by my side – cheering me on, not propping me up – I have plenty more adventures to look forward to.

One more thing before you go…

Take A Moment is a work of fiction. It’s also a story close to my heart, because the inspiration for it came from my own life-changing illness.

In 2014, my body failed me in incomprehensible ways: I experienced extended episodes of uncontrollable shaking and tremors, difficulty walking, loss of balance, faltering speech. My vision and hearing were distorted; I lost my ability to concentrate, couldn’t find words, could barely eat and I would fall flat on my face several times a day. That was only part of the picture.

After several months, a Neurology Consultant eventually diagnosed me with a condition called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Simply put, my nervous system isn’t working properly and there’s a problem with the messaging between my brain and my body. FND can range from very mild (e.g. weakness in one leg) to severe, with multiple physical, cognitive and sensory symptoms (unfortunately the version I have).