When I met Billy

I am one of a few photographers that volunteer for Parkinson's UK in Scotland. I found myself getting involved because my mum had been diagnosed five years earlier. I'm not a marathon runner (I've eaten a few), I'm not a baker, I find it hard to stay silent for too long, fasting isn't an option but I can take a photo and my marketing skills are pretty decent.

It's a wonderful charity to be involved with and I've never minded standing in the cold and fog waiting on those that do run cross the finish line to get their medals. I've met celebrities at festivals and been part of the press pit in front of the stage at Party at the Palace capturing artists like James, Texas, Gabrielle and Erasure (they were fab to us).

I capture their ladies' lunch every year so when I received a call telling me 'I promise you'll want to do this one' I couldn't get my head round what was coming.

And oh boy was something coming. I was terrified - so many questions. How do you direct Billy Connolly? Look at the height difference, will I tell him to sit down and will he respond? Will I even get in the door or refused entry? I don't remember travelling there or back and my hand was shaking putting the memory card into my mac to relive what had just happened.

He was fab, so friendly and all those worries melted away because that man is a pro in so many ways. He knew what I needed and made it happen and slowly I found my voice - ironically that's the very day I would've mastered a sponsored silence.

I can't leave this without mentioning the family that made this happen. Abby raised money for Billy and she bowled him over. Her family have a memory they will never forget and I do too.

Last time we met I hinted that she might want to befriend Debbie Harry but I think she may need a reminder.