Heads up: if you watch my channel, over 75% of the cars are supplied by the LGBTQ+ community.
I will NOT be silent when it comes to the treatment of my friends, a large section of my community and my chosen family.
Keep having the difficult convos and tackle bigotry ๐๐๐
I NEED YOUR HELP!
A friend is getting married on June 6th. Her grandad built this car and it was sadly sold after he passed away and sheโd love to have the car at her wedding as her wedding car.
Iโd appreciate any help reuniting Holly with the car for her wedding!
Seeing as this beautiful hairdressers is up for sale and will no doubt be gone within the next few months, I thought Iโd grab a photo to preserve the site โค๏ธ
Final photo from me before I go under for weight loss surgery after arriving to hospital in the trusty Proton.
Feel VERY emotional and grateful for all the well wishes. Iโll update you all when I can, but thank you once again for the love and kindness youโve all shown โค๏ธ
Nearly a year on from my surgery and nearly 10 stone down, I am going to do a video on the surgery and talk frankly about how the last year has gone.
Itโll be filmed end of October/start of November. Before I get filming, let me know your questions and Iโll try to include ๐
After a terrible 2019, Iโve started 2020 in the best way possible.
Say hello to commuter car number two: my new 1.3 Morris Marina saloon in glacier white.
#morrismarina
#marina
#britishleyland
On the 22nd of November at midday, Iโm taking a big leap and changing my life with surgery.
Iโve debated not sharing this with you all, but Iโm always encouraging others to be their real self, so here it is.
Thank you in advance for supporting me with this โค๏ธ
It was my last appointment pre surgery today and Iโve now officially lost 23lbs from the weight I was when I booked my procedure.
Itโs a long road ahead, but at least Iโm on the road and not stuck on the hard shoulder anymore ๐
Ps. Thanks for all the ongoing support โค๏ธ
This ticks every box for me โค๏ธ
~ the colour
~ the originality
~ the panel gaps
~ the reg plate
What a perfect looking car. So pleased to see it out and about!
The secret is out, so letโs make it official.
As of Monday, Iโm the Marketing and Sales Manager at The Motorist, Leeds!
Apologies Iโve been quiet these past few weeks as I mentally prepare for this role. I predict normal IDAC posting will resume shortly ๐.
Steph ๐ x
Woo Iโm 35! ๐
Bought this little cape as a birthday present to myself and have had so much fun I forgot to take any photos, so all Iโve got is this photo from the services ๐
Ageing is a privilege denied to many, so Iโll save my complaints about feeling over the hillโฆ
Bonfire night > Now
I honestly feel so disconnected from life and my friends at the moment. I am utterly exhausted 24/7 and my mood is all *flings hands about*. My one comfort is my progress is visible and I now have 10 inches off my waist.
First walk post surgery to get my body functioning again.
Hard road ahead and Iโm still in a lot of pain, but I feel like itโs all achievable.
Many thanks to my wonderful friend
@peligringa
who is taking excellent care of me as I heal โค๏ธ
I lied, Iโm never getting rid of Valerie.
Hours and hours of traffic jams and sheโs been faultless.
Nearly in France now which means holiday is officially in full swing.
Iโll keep spamming you all with pics ๐
Hello all!
Finally feel well enough to do a little status saying โIโm alive and survived!โ
I promise Iโll respond to messages and well wishes soon, Iโm still incredibly sore and being sick; so Iโm trying to stay off my phone and focus on the recovery.
Steph xx
I paid off the last of my Morris Minor resto bills this week which means she finally feels โmineโ again!
Very excited to bring her home properly once the salt lifts, but until then, hereโs a photo of our test drive after more tweaks today ๐ฅนโค๏ธ
One of my favourite things to do, is when people troll me online on Facebook for being fat, I find their Mum and Dad on Facebook and send them screenshots of their beloved childโs comments.
Donโt get bitter, get better ๐
Hereโs a cheesy shot to tell you that today I got on the scales and Iโve now lost THREE STONE since I began my new life journey on 1st November 2021.
Weight loss surgery has been one of my hardest experiences and I do have down days, but Iโm so excited to be a new me!
Thank you so much
@KevinHirst17
for empowering me with the skills and knowledge (and confidence) to dismantle my own car.
More people in the club scene should step up and show younger people how to fix stuff. Donโt moan we arenโt interested. We are. Please include us and help us
Downgraded from my XXL uniform to a new L uniform ๐๐๐
If youโre stopping in at The Motorist today, say hi!
Hate working weekends but love the customer energy, so itโs not too painful.
Today is my last day at The Motorist!
My first paid automotive job. Iโve learnt a lot and met so many interesting cars and their owners.
I have my next automotive job lined up as a โHead ofโ and Iโm excited to share that with you guys once Iโm settled.
Thanks as always x
Happy six months since my gastric sleeve surgery!
Iโve changed so much as a person and Iโve never been happier.
Getting weight loss surgery isnโt the โeasy way outโ but itโs certainly given me the boost I needed and saved my life.
Now itโs time to finish editing!
Sorry Iโve been quiet, recovery is slow and Iโm still 24/7 nausea and sickness.
Went and picked up Valerie today and itโs my first drive in a classic in over a month after Kev sorted all the bits I am physically unable to do at the moment.
Iโve hugely missed her โค๏ธ
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for the supportive messages, offers of help and kind donations over the last 48 hours.
I thought my engine seizing was the end and the kindness Iโve been shown has been overwhelming. Video coming soon until then, thank you โค๏ธ
๐ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ๐
I will be on BBC breakfast tomorrow (Weds 19th) on BBC1 talking about classic cars.
Keep your eyes peeled for my little piece and also look out for my pals
@car_british
A lot of you keep asking how life is going post gastric sleeve and how much weight Iโve lost.
In short, I need to do a video about this but I donโt know if Iโm emotionally ready. Itโs heavy stuff (me included)
Anyway, hereโs a progress update
July 21 > Sept 22
#gastricsleeve
Iโm now only 11lbs off hitting 50% of my weight loss goal and itโs been a weird journey so far.
The greatest joy of all of this has been feeling confident enough to leave my house again and go dancing and go to new places without worry.
Oh, and getting this dress out again
My exhaust snapped clean off tonight and I had to use my emergency knickers to hold the exhaust on so I could get home.
I just thought by 32 Iโd be a bit more...together?!
This year has been my happiest year in such a long time!
Next week sees my next automotive chapter begin as the current one closes and Iโm so excited to reboot and restart idriveaclassic and give it my all
Ps. I should probably introduce this man too! My lovely boyfriend, Fred
33 โโ> 34
Goodbye miserable early 30s, hello midway. Going to make this my year filled with new adventures, a healthier and happier mindset and Nancy back on the road.
Ps. Bought this vintage 60s dress in Edinburgh and I LOVE IT ๐๐
Wow! Itโs one year since my gastric sleeve โค๏ธ
I began living again 365 days ago. These two photos mark two very different points; the period where I felt life wasnโt worth living and the day I reached the big first life goal, post surgery.
Video coming soon. Itโs a hard one.
Guess what! I got selected for
#goodwoodstyle
best dressed competition at Goodwood Revival 2021.
Absolutely over the moon. I cannot believe I got chosen!
Cannot wait to drop this into conversation for the rest of my life ๐ฅฒ
#goodwoodrevival
Surprise! Tina is basically done and dusted ๐ฅ
I recreated one of my favourite 70s photos to celebrate, because if you canโt sit on a bonnet youโve sprayed yourself, when can you?!
Thank you
@KevinHirst17
for finishing her off as a surprise. You are the best ๐ฅนโค๏ธ
Happy Christmas from me and Malaysiaโs finest export: the idriveaclassic Proton Saga!
Hope you all have the best time, wherever you are and whatever youโre snacking on.
โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
A two year throwback ๐ซ
Getting a gastric sleeve changed my life and Iโve spoken to two people at length about it this week.
It is mentally and physically draining and it doesnโt cure all the problems in your heart and heart, but it really is a valid solution โค๏ธ
Went to tea last night with my pals (yes you can still do that after surgery!) and the going out shots made me realise how much Iโve changed as a person since last summer.
Itโs been great to do this show with a different mindset and Iโve enjoyed meeting you all so much more โค๏ธโค๏ธ
I dreaded last Christmas Eve (my first as a sad singleton) and shed so many tears
This year, Iโve been singing Christmas songs, sewing my Christmas dress, baking a cake and feeling so alive.
If you feel sad this year, donโt give up. Next year will be better, I promise โค๏ธ
Iโve spotted a fair few negative comments about this stunning Marina I shared.
How about celebrating the fact somebody is keeping this rare, hard to find parts for car, on the road?
If you wouldnโt say it in real life, donโt bother saying it online...
NEW VIDEO NOW LIVE!
Two years ago I couldnโt change a spark plug, yesterday I changed a cylinder head and fitted a head gasket.
Hereโs my video on how I did it!
Itโs my first repair video and Iโd love your thoughts - good and bad!
Just a reminder to everyone that your self worth, the respect you deserve as a human and your right to be seen and heard is not tied to your body size.
18 months ago this wouldโve had me in tears all day. Nowadays I just think โf offโ and move on.
That for me, is progress โค๏ธ
The final pre-surgery meal! My life is now the โpre surgery planโ
Massive thanks to my friends for taking me and Iโm now feeling quite emotional.
Sorry if Iโm not myself this week as I adjust to my new lifestyle. Iโm quietly very nervous about the future.
Steph x
360 miles in this (usually unreliable) Triumph 1300 FWD in under 14 hours.
I wonder how many modern car drivers would think that was too much in a new car with mod cons ๐
Iโm glad to report she mostly behaved and we got home without incident.
I think weโve broken the curse!
Handing back my kit at my office job today in what is hopefully my last ever day of office work in a โnormalโ job.
Iโve finally got a dream job in automotive but itโs not to say I wonโt miss my Findel palsโฆtheyโve been great!
New job details coming soon! X
2021 NEC > 2022 NEC
Next week marks ONE WHOLE YEAR since my gastric sleeve surgery.
Iโm going to cobble together a video about it which goes out next week. Itโll be weird to share something so deeply personal but seeing as so many have asked, Iโve decided Iโm going to do it!
You know Iโve got full faith in my own work when I plonk my bottom on that wing and expect it not to collapse
I got handy with the filler this morning and started tarting bits up ready to roll
Sheโll never look concours but Iโm proud Iโve done what Iโve done (with Kevโs help!)
Hundreds of miles covered and not a single problem incurred!
Well done once again to Valerie, who after receiving a new gearbox, has defied all odds and remained reliable and roadworthy.
What a car ๐
Oh wow! One of my top fans (๐) has clipped the segment for me of my appearance on BBC breakfast.
Thank you Liam and hopefully this will help those of you who are overseas x
Spending my wages responsibly* on a decent engine and gearbox for Nancy the Morris Minor.
1098 engine with the matching box, pulled from a scrapper.
Exciting times ahead and finally the summer with the car of my dreams ๐
40 days difference. I cannot believe it.
Iโm really struggling with my identity, my loss of strength and a weird sense of not knowing what I look like anymore. Iโm also struggling to eat, having not kept down more than 2 meals this week.
OH MY GOODNESS A MARINA HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN FRANCE RUNNING ON SWISS PLATES ๐๐๐
Keen spot by fellow chalet pal Ryan on his way to the French supermarket.
Tired, spotty but safely in Paris.
Lots of content to look forward to on this one, so Iโll be keeping social posts to a minimum until Iโm back and everything is edited.
Very proud of Tina. Who is coming to see her at the
@NECRestoShow
Hi internet pals!
Iโm feeling very weak and struggling to keep food down, so today I wonโt be releasing a video and look forward to going back to video content as usual next week.
Thank you for understanding my recovery comes first. I am hoping next week is easier โค๏ธ
Iโve broken down in a live lane by junction 41 going south on the M1.
Completely cut out with no warning. No idea of problem. Police canโt close the lane so Iโm currently a sitting duck.
Remind me again why it was deemed safe to remove the hard shoulder?
Two years ago today
@KevinHirst17
dropped me off in Leeds to get my gastric sleeve!
Itโs been a wild two years and honestly, if youโre for one minute wondering if itโs โtoo lateโ to start over or do something for yourself, it isnโt.
My only regret is I didnโt do it sooner
Great news, this old heap is on her way home and itโs really brightened my day (which is a bit rubbish so far).
No regrets on the trip and Iโm proud of us both for trying! Full details coming soon in print and online โบ๏ธ
New video now live!
This is Valerie, my new Triumph 1300 FWD. Sheโs not the best but sheโs certainly far from the worst ๐
Give the video a watch and let me know what you think!
Iโm off to the
@classiccarboot
today in London!
Iโve forgotten my filming kit so the video might be a little shaky but Iโm very excited to be out and about.
Whole outfit is vintage and one of my favourite combos โบ๏ธ
365 days of owning a 70s Mum wagon.
Not the first year I planned, but with 15,000 miles under our belts, weโve bloody smashed the first year together โค๏ธ
Wish Iโd jumped into Marina ownership sooner, itโs the best!
My best car at 26 years old
My best car at 36 years old
And if I make it that long, sheโll still my best at 106 years old (me and/or her!)
I wish I could find the previous ownerโs address to write them and tell them how special Nancy is to me.
Absolute life changer โค๏ธ
Weโre packed. Weโre prepped. Letโs go to France!
Ps. Thank you massively to the team at Canley Classics who gave me a spare fan belt for the trip. Very appreciated.
My next slimming goal is this 70s Jet petrol station uniform I found at the car boot yesterday (attending whilst procrastinating over car repairs!)
Reckon Iโm about 2 stone off it and itโll be an autumn outfit. The colour combo is just ๐คค
I had a lot of people ask me about my surgery at Beaulieu autojumble and a few apologised for asking for more detail because theyโre considering it themselves.
Please ask me. Never apologise. Greatest thing Iโve ever done and Iโll help anyone else with their fears/worries โค๏ธ
In true me fashion, I thought this secret filming was 120 miles away and thought โahh, Val will nail that!โ
No no. Itโs 210 miles. Our longest ever journey. Wish me luck, journey begins after work at 3pm ๐
Oh my good god I have never been so proud or happy to own a car!!!!
SO glad I waited for the resto and didnโt rush it. LOVE Nancy with my entire heart.
If youโre coming to the
@NECRestoShow
let me know. Iโm on the
@Lancaster_Ins
stand and want to meet you all โค๏ธโค๏ธ