Katy writes:

Mark and I were honoured to be chosen to represent the Motor Neurone Disease Association and MNDA East Kent at Buckingham Palace on 20^th May for a Royal Garden Party.

Raising awareness for the Association was easy throughout the day. From the moment we got to the train station people were asking where we were going and why. They were all smiles when we said where we were going and wanted us to enjoy the day.

Once we arrived outside the gates to Buckingham Palace there were lines of people all in their best suits, dresses and uniforms. We were able to go in via a side entrance to the garden, which meant we got to see the corgis running around on the grass. I always thought corgis were small, not these ones. There was a lovely Irish Guard to push the wheelchair over the gravel to the grass. He explained how they enjoyed this duty as they got to speak to people. On other guard duties they have to keep perfectly still and silent.

We mingled with other guests and wondered if we would see the Queen. At 4 pm the doors of the Palace opened and out came the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Yeoman guards with staffs made lines for people to greet the royal party. Tents had been set up and tea was served. The sandwiches and cakes were beautifully presented. The chocolate slices even had gold crown decorations.

We sat and listened to the bands playing. One of the equerries explained to us that, because Mark was in a wheelchair, they realised that we would find it harder to see the Queen amongst the crowds. So if we waited to the end of the event, as the Queen prepared to leave, we would get to see the Royal Party. Wheelchairs were lined up by the garden entrance and finally the Queen walked past asking us all if we had enjoyed the day. It was a resounding yes.

Volunteering for the Association leads you to some wonderful places and we are both constantly grateful to the Association for recognising our efforts and allowing us to make some fantastic memories.