Well, what can I say about the month I’ve had?

It’s been busy, painful, exciting, stressful, and honestly — really good fun.

I’ve had some cracking gigs over the past few weeks. I closed a night for Wayne in Northampton, did a middle spot for Paul Nightingale in Birmingham, and opened for Mirth Control Comedy, which was a cracking gig as well.

I also entered several competitions. I did the RAM Comedy Festival competition, which I didn’t get through in, but honestly, that doesn’t matter as much anymore. The main thing is I’m enjoying being on stage again.

This time last year, I’d really fallen out of love with comedy.

I was tired. Burnt out. Unsure where I fitted in.

But now?

It feels good to be back in the swing of things.

Of course I’d love more gigs — every comedian wants more gigs — but I’m learning it’s all about finding your own path in comedy.

And I think I finally am.

I’m still heavily focused on Blue Badge Bunch, and we’ve done some lovely little gigs at libraries recently, plus rehearsals for some up-and-coming projects.

And honestly, I’ve really enjoyed getting back to what I love doing.

Not just comedy.

Life.

One of the highlights this month was going to a Victorian weekend at the Midland Railway Butterley with my good friend Alex Waite. We spent the weekend travelling up and down the steam railway line, watching people of all ages enjoying the old age of steam.

There’s just something magical about steam engines.

It slows life down for a bit.

You stop worrying about algorithms, ticket sales, politics, and money for a moment and just enjoy yourself.

I really want to get to more steam festivals this year and focus more on things that genuinely make me happy.

I’ve also arranged to go and see Lucy at the end of June, which I’m really looking forward to.

May was another big month because I got the opportunity to perform in the York Comedy Award competition, and somehow I made it through to the semi-finals.

That’s in June, and honestly, I can’t wait.

Not because I expect to win.

But because I’m finally getting back on stage just to enjoy it again.

That’s when comedy is at its best.

On the 8th of May, I also got the opportunity to meet Nadia Whittome, the MP for Nottingham East.

We only had around 15 minutes together, but it was a really positive meeting. We spoke about Blue Badge Bunch, disability awareness, and how we could work together to bring more workshops into corporate spaces and businesses.

They’re even willing to help support us with another funding bid, which is exciting.

It was refreshing speaking to someone whose values feel similar to ours — helping people who need support the most.

Disabled people. Immigrants. Trans people. People who often don’t get the chance to speak up for themselves.

Why are we always punching down at the people struggling the most?

Surely we should be helping each other instead.

Me and Craig also did the Etwall Well Dressing craft fair over the bank holiday weekend, and honestly, it was lovely spending time together.

Craig is one of those people who’s very much like me — he doesn’t like blowing his own trumpet — but I’m going to do it for him anyway.

Without Craig over the past few months, I honestly wouldn’t be as far along with my woodwork, my projects, or even my motivation.

He’s helped push me to get out more, send emails, socialise, and keep believing in myself when I’ve struggled.

We spent the weekend weaving willow, selling artwork, chatting to the public, and just enjoying ourselves.

We even got filmed by a YouTuber called MashtagBrady2.0, which was great fun.

So thank you for letting us be part of your channel and having a laugh with us.

And honestly, comedy has given me friendships like this.

Real friendships.

People who actually rally around you when things go wrong.

I am trying to do most things myself, but like everyone keeps telling me, I need to stay still and let this finger heal properly so I can tour with Slugageddon this summer.

But before all of this, the week before bank holiday, I fell over and split my knuckle open badly.

King’s Mill patched it up and glued it back together, but because I’m self-employed — and still stuck on the wrong type of benefits — I ignored it and kept working.

And honestly?

It made me think about how many self-employed people, disabled people, carers, and minimum-wage workers ignore their own health just to survive.

How many people work through pain because the bills don’t stop.

How many people are scared to rest because they can’t afford to.

We shouldn’t have to live like that.

We should be working together as a country to make sure people can actually survive while still looking after themselves.

Because now I’ve been told I can’t really do much for a few days.

My hand is strapped up, I can’t do woodwork properly, and I can’t even go to the farm.

And if you know me, you know the farm is my mental health tablet.

I need nature. I need routine. I need purpose.

And honestly?

I probably should be upset.

I probably should be angry at myself.

Maybe even depressed.

But I’m not.

Because let’s face it — this time last year I was looking over bridges, if you know what I mean.

But I didn’t go through with anything because I had support around me, especially from my ex.

We’ve now been apart for about a year, and honestly, I’m okay with that.

I genuinely just hope she’s okay and finding her own path in life as she continues her transition as a trans woman.

I truly wish her all the happiness in the world.

And right now, with my hand injured, I need help even more.

Today Craig has spent most of the day helping rally people around me from the comedy community so I’m not sat alone this weekend.

So thank you, mate.

And I’m looking forward to seeing Lewis, Katie, Chris, Dave, and Denzil.

Anyway, enough of that.

Now it’s time to focus on the future.

Edinburgh is slowly coming together, and I’m really proud of what me and Mark have managed to achieve with Disabled Cants this year.

We’ve somehow managed to make sure most line-ups include performers with physical disabilities, which is something we really wanted to focus on this year.

Because every disability deserves representation on stage.

That’s what Disabled Cants at Bar 50 is about.

Making sure disabled comedians feel seen, respected, and given a real chance to grow in this industry.

And honestly, that makes me so proud.

Because let’s face it — when I took over Disabled Cants four years ago, I never thought it was going to make me rich.

In fact, if I’m honest, it’s probably made me a bit poorer.

But do you know what?

I’m okay with that.

Because I don’t do it for money.

I do it because I genuinely love getting to know disabled comedians from all over the country.

I get to watch people grow — not just as comedians, but as people.

I get to see nervous first-timers slowly gain confidence, get better gigs, make friends, and realise they belong in this industry just as much as anyone else.

And maybe one day it will pay off financially.

We’re already starting to get the odd paid gig here and there, which is brilliant.

But even then, most of that money goes straight back into Disabled Cants anyway — promoting it, helping other comedians, booking venues, making posters, trying to build something bigger than just myself.

Because it’s never been about “me, me, me.”

It’s about the bigger picture.

How we can work together.

How we can support each other.

How we can help each other grow into better comedians and better people.

And honestly, that gives it purpose.

It gives all the stress, travelling, promoting, late nights, and hard work a reason.

Because when you see someone who never thought they’d belong in comedy suddenly smashing a set on stage, making friends, and believing in themselves for the first time — that feeling is priceless.

And maybe that’s what Disabled Cants has really become.

Not just a comedy night.

A community.

So maybe the lesson from all of this month is simple:

Don’t ignore problems.

Go to the hospital.

Rest when you need to.

And stop believing you have to destroy yourself just to prove you’re working hard enough.