My ramblings on the "Hardest Hit" rally yesterday.

Well, I got 25 seconds of exposure on Channel 4 News's report last night, so that in itself made it all worthwhile!

But seriously, it was an AMAZING day. I went through the full range of emotions when I was there, from tears welling up in my eyes listening to stories of the sheer agony and pain that people have had to go through, all for the "crime" of having difficulties in their day to day lives in this world of ours, and in 21st century Britain, the sixth richest country in the world. Anger, as it dawned on me the full extent of the government's effort to "cut costs" will have on REAL people. Elation, as I realised that if we can mobilise so many thousands of different people with various different conditions and disabilities together in one place, in a completely unprecedented way, then we CAN force this government to back down and not attack our rights to a full and independent life, and make us feel that we are "unaffordable". And, ironically, cut the means by which we can actually work, contribute and do something useful instead of festering.

There are disagreements, there were imperfections with the way the march and rally went yesterday. But I urge you all to look beyond those, and focus on the overwhelming acheivement of yesterday, of forcing OUR elected representatives to sit up and listen to us, and to put pressure on those who promised to meet you, but didn't bother. My anger and contempt for these specimens knows no boundaries.

Also, on a personal level, I wish to extend my love and biggest thank you to the AMAZING people from rethink, who took me under their wing on the march and let me chant with them and feel welcome. It was difficult for me to be there on my own, I felt a bit left out, a bit isolated, and quite anxious, but the support they showed me was typical of most people in the disability rights movement, and I won't forget it.

But finally, (and in my personal opinion, most importantly) I want to acknowledge the countless numbers of people who could not make it, for countless different reasons (mainly relating to the difficulty of getting there)but who expressed their support in other ways. Such as trending #HardestHit on Twitter, lobbying their MP's via email, or who were just there in spirit. Thank you, your work is EQUALLY as important.

(Oh, and how many ADORABLE guide dogs were there yesterday?!)