So when my son was in year 2 at junior school his teacher organised a remembrance event in the playground. When he was in year 4 he had the honour of playing the Last Post and Reveillie in front of the school which he continued to do until he left the school.

When he left some 10 years ago his younger sister didn’t want to stand in front of her peers and play so I was asked to. Every year since then I have played the Last Post in the school playground.

In 2015 I was contacted to check that I ok to play. I had my 3rd chemo on 5 November then stood – propped up by the fence – in the playground to play on 9 November. My biggest concern, given a windy day, was my wig. I feared it blowing off, which it never would have done, in front of 150 4 to 11 year olds. Luckily everything went well, although one member of staff complimented me on my hair (it being much tidier than usual) and, as she was an ex-hairdresser I had to tell her it was a wig.

Unfortunately that evening my daughter had an options evening at school and I nearly passed out at which point she and I got very emotional. Luckily she had great support by the school during my treatment.

On Friday I played my 10th Last Post at the school and tomorrow will be marching with my band and playing at a remembrance service.