After a year of great change for Castle Garth Guinea Pig Hotel, and for us as a family, I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken the time to send their love, thoughts and prayers. Your kindness has meant more than you know.

As an update, Maddi has had her course of radioactive iodine which searched for and highlighted some more microscopic abnormal cells. These suspect cells were in a string of about 15 nodes further up her neck and were removed in a second operation - she has had approximately 100 removed in total. She will now be monitored for the next five years with blood tests and will need to take medication for the rest of her life. She is gaining strength day by day, but it is hoped that all the cancer has now been removed.

In other news, Chris, my husband, was made redundant just before Christmas and is now house-husband extraordinaire.

2019 is a very special year for Castle Garth Guinea Pig Hotel as it will be our tenth year of trading. I can't believe it, the time has flown by. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Finally, all my love goes to all my guests past, present and future. Have a fabulous New Year, I hope it brings you happiness, peace, mountains of hay and a fair amount of mixed veg. You all deserve it.