WE SAW THE SWMRS

Friday evening Marnie and I went to see the SWMRS at O2 Academy Islington. The day before and during the day on Friday I was feeling extremely anxious about getting the train so much so that I was thinking if I should have bought the tickets in the first place. I have only been on the train a couple of time before with mum since the wheelchair and when I wore my leg splints I avoided travelling on trains because of the steps but it was a lot easier then and I didn't need to rely on the station staff. Each time I am very anxious as I am now so reliant on the station staff to be on the station so that I can get off of the train. I am always worried that no-one will be there, then what do I do, travel to the end of the line and back?!

Thankfully I am quite a determined person so I was not going to be defeated by my nerves, I just try and have confidence, belief and hope that everything will go well. Getting on the train is absolutely fine, I don't get worried as Uxbridge is at the beginning of the line so it not too busy and I can always get into the disabled space on the train and the station staff have time to let the driver know what station I am getting off so that they give me enough time to get off and they also radio the station I am going to so someone will be there to help me. We were getting the train to King's Cross as it is the closest accessible station to O2 Academy Islington this meant that we luckily didn't have to change trains which made me a little less nervous and meant that I could relax for most of the journey once I was on the train.

As the train was pulling up at King's Cross my heart started to pound, that is how nervous I get, it may sound silly but when you have no control and are so reliant on someone being there to help it can make you feel quite helpless . I had never been to King's Cross Station before so this added to the worry as I didn't know whether I would need a ramp, or if it would be a flat exit and if it was a flat exit would there be a big gap between the train and the platform. I hate when the train is the same height as the platform and there is a big gap because the station staff never get a ramp and I am terrified that my wheels will get stuck in the gap, then what would I do?! There is a lot to think/worry about right?!

I was pleasantly surprised when the train pulled into the station as the was a very little level gap so I didn't need any assistance getting off. A member of the station staff came out of the crowd and took us to the lift and showed us the way out. It all went very smoothly which I am grateful about as I was feeling relaxed and happy. If it hadn't it would have made me feel very stressed and anxious for the rest of the evening and I would have been worrying about the journey home for the rest of the evening. The journey home wasn't on my mind at all I was just really looking forward to getting to the venue!

That was our next challenge to get to O2 academy Islington it was about a 20 minute walk away and we had no idea what way to go. After five minutes of going around in a circle looking very confused Gmaps eventually loaded on my phone and we got going. The journey was quite simple and didn't take too long.

When we got to the academy we were greeted by a lady in a high vis jacket waving at us to come down the side of the barriers and she took us in the lift. When we went through the door the music hit us, we had a step lift to go up and then we were in the room. Luckily it wasn't full as we had to get to the other side of the room to be get our space. I didn't know the other two bands but I really enjoyed them and their music. I love live music, I love the atmosphere, and how it brings all different kinds of people together and as time went on it became fuller and fuller and so did the atmosphere! I was now feeling very glad that I did go!

Where we were sitting was a good spot but I could only see half the stage because of a the speaker so that was a bit disappointing as this meant I could only see half the band. I do find that when you are in the 'disabled' areas not just at this venue but at most the bands don't really engage with you as you are normally at the side or the back of the crowd. But I can't really complain as at least the venues have wheelchair\limited mobility access so I can get to attend concerts and appreciate the music.

When the SWMRS came on the crowd and the atmosphere became alive. I admired the band's energy and passion, they put on a great performance of amazing music and I would 100% go see them again.

The journey back to the station was interesting I got asked by a random guy "How long will I be in the wheelchair?"and "get well soon."

And then someone else asked if I would give them a lift to the station! This was quite funny. It was nice to get some fresh air before the train ride home. When we got to the train station there was a little confusion with the woman working for the station, who wasn't going to radio ahead to Uxbridge to make sure there was someone to let me off the train but it was sorted out quickly and had a good journey home.

Friday evening has made me more confident and relaxed about getting the train and to going to new places. I had a great evening I really enjoyed it and I am very glad I went and that Marnie agreed to come with me! I am looking forward to seeing the SWMRS again and other bands in the future!