I wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year - a bit late in the month, I know, but things have been all over the place, as those of you who have ever lost a beloved pet will understand.

My Mum is still struggling to deal with her loss (it's not helped that this week would also have been my Dad's birthday). We are still without gas, so no heating, hot water or hob to cook on (someone has told me this week not to complain about such things as they are luxury items and not a necessity - on this they are correct, however my Mum is a pensioner and I think heating and being able to cook should never be a luxury for someone of her age). As you can imagine, she is feeling very down. Because of her sadness, sorrow and struggle, I am even more determined than ever to make this page work.

Those of you who follow me on my social media, or who have read my previous updates will know I started this page for my own purpose; it was all about me and a road trip I desperately want to do, taking along my best friends youngest 2 children - my best friend died 6 years ago and her kids have been through hell and back during this time. Since starting it though, I have realised they are still young and we have plenty of time to go travelling together. My Mum however is not a youngling anymore, she is a older lady, so I have changed everything to make it about her, and getting her over to the East Coast of the USA so she can finally meet the family she is always dreamed of, yet never knew existed until a few years ago. Her time on this earth is limited now and it would be lovely to get her out there while she is still able to travel.

I cannot afford to send her out there myself; if I could I would be making donations to other people's fund raising pages, rather than asking random strangers to show me (and now, her) kindness. I do buy a lottery ticket each week (someone has to win) but until such time as my numbers do come up, I shall be on here as often as I can, hassling you all to see if you might be able to dig deep and help me, help my Mum.

It would mean the world to both of us, not that she will ever know anything about it until such time as it is all booked and organised for her.