Well thats it. All of the madness is over for another year and now we can look forward to another New Year on the horizon. I hope you all had a wonderful day on Sunday and that Santa bought you all you wanted and more.

This past week has just been madness. It all started last Tuesday when we found ourselves in the national press over a story that we gave to a journalist.

We were not too happy with the story as it failed to put across the main reason why we did it – to promote organ donation and the bucket list – but it was run and there maybe something good to come out of it eventually. We shall see.

On Tuesday night, thanks to a very helpful lady at Wolverhampton Wanderers, I attended the Norwich City match at Molineux with my dad, although the fact that I managed to persuade him to come was an achievement in itself as he has never really had an interest in football.

On a cold night in Wolverhampton we were treated to a 2-2 draw, where Wolves twice came from behind to share the points. They almost snuck the win at the end but first Steven Fletcher’s goal was ruled out for offside and then Adam Hamill’s header was well saved by Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy.

We had our seats directly behind Mick McCarthy’s bench and although our view was slightly obscured, it did allow for my dad to appear on Match ff the Day the following night.

Later that week we also collected the raffle prizes for our New Years Eve fundraiser and it looks set to be a great evening. Tickets are available from The Brooklands in Meole Brace priced at £5 per person and children are most welcome as well.

On the night we have live entertainment, things to occupy the children with, a firework display and, of course, the auction and raffle draw.

Ben's Christmas card to Ayla

And so to Christmas Day. Well, we awoke at seven and it wasn’t long before the paper was being teared off. Ayla bought me some books to help with writing my life story, some Manchester United books, lots of retro games and a Batman shower pack. We jointly got some Range vouchers off my dad and a Dolce Gusto Coffee Machine off Ayla’s mum.

After getting ready and properly dressed we headed to my mums to see my brothers open their presents. Toby was made up upon opening his present off us. We got him a signed Keith Lemon DVD. His face was a real picture upon opening and was definitely a winner.

Zach was also happy with his magic set and Ollie seemed content with his Where’s Wally compendium and Magnetic Cricket set. Likewise we were thrilled with our pizza maker, inbetweeners DVD and wine sets.

We then relaxed whilst waiting for Ayla’s mum and partner to join us for an absolutely huge Christmas lunch, so big that it beat us all!

Now that 2011 draws to a close, I view it as a mixed year for myself. It started on a high and we had big hopes for this year however as it progressed the news got gradually worse, but I will take a lot of memories from this year.

We moved into a gorgeous house in Abbey Forgate, having a job at the start of the year helped me to meet some great people, we had a lovely family party in July where I won the annual Rose Bowl Trophy and our wedding vow renewal was a magical occasion.

We also had a family holiday directly after the renewal, a professional photoshoot with some lovely images for my wife and family to keep and the whole Ben’s Bucket List madness with the warmth and kindness shown by all of you has been great.

I’ve also enjoyed just spending time with my beautiful, amazing, strong and supportive wife. Who knows how long I have left in 2012, but with her by my side I know I’ll go far.

Have a great New Year celebration guys and, whatever you do, make 2012 a fantastic year.

Ben x

See also:

• Ben’s bucket list blog – My story
• Meeting some brilliant people through Ben’s bucket list
• Personal performance from Suede ticks another item off bucket list