Reading Festival 2014

Rob had set his heart on going to Reading Festival way back in February whilst still in Salisbury and had bought his tickets then. Over the last few weeks Rob had worked at getting himself ready to take on the challenge of a long day and night out -several setbacks from cushion problems to infections seemed to be trying to jeopardise the trip but the day finally came and on Saturday we set off for Reading, Rob,2 carers and Dad as the driver.Travel was easy and the organisation at the Festival was great with a quick registration and then off to the disabled car park which was very close to the entrance.

By 3pm we were all in position on the platform with a great view of the main stage. Peace, The Hives and then Foster the People before the wind got up and the rain came- Even the poncho could not keep the cold out and so we retreated to the car to warm up. Rob decided that it was best to get really warm and wait for the main attraction rather than risk getting cold again before the Artic Monkeys took to the stage. So at 9pm we ventured back out to join the crowds and soak up the atmosphere. Well worth the wait- fantastic performance.

We needed to let the crowds go before trying to get back to the car and eventually we set off close to midnight. A quick pit stop on the way home before finally landing back at Oakleaze at 2am. Great day and especially good to know what can be done. It was probably 4am by the time Rob got to sleep and I’m sure just like many others who went to the Festival, Rob did not get up until 4pm the next day!!
Many thanks are due to the carers who put in 20 hour shifts to enable Rob to go. ICCM though have since excelled in their management by failing to organise a carer for Sunday night and then organising 3 for Monday night! Unfortunately we are not surprised by this sort of thing now and consequentially have reached the end of our tether with them…