Northern Ireland

Submerged in a whirlpool of activity it has been difficult to find the space to write but since last time we have had two fundraising dinners - one in Birmingham and one in Belfast!

Absolutely loved Northern Ireland - it's the first time I've been and the emerald isle certainly showed us it's best with beautiful weather all weekend. We were staying close to Belfast Castle and so a couple of early mornings I was able to go for a run in the beautiful grounds/country park surrounding it. Hot and humid, the country side reminded me almost of Kenya with it's thick scrub and thrumming crickets, the soft green leaves of hill-side bushes fragrant in the morning heat as they scrambled amongst tumbling boulders. We climbed a short while up the craggy hill behind the Castle and although no where near the top were rewarded with panoramic views of Belfast docks, the tall yellow cranes looming like herons out of the white-blue haze.

We also had a supporter conference on the Saturday which was extremely tiring but our energy levels were kept high by the amazing traybakes (apparently a NI speciality!) that had been ordered for the 300+ delegates. Row upon row of brightly coloured, chocolatey and delicious looking cakes and bakes were uncovered to gasps of admiration from all. Never have I seen so much excitement over cakes before!