Take it easy? There’s not a chance!
SO IT’S been quite a while since my last column in The Hinckley Times, and I should really start by explaining my absence.
Over the last 12 months or so, I have experienced a plethora of unrelated health complications - a hip operation (following a massive infection picked up on a mud run) kicked things off, and that was followed by an ankle operation, a shoulder operation, treatment for an autoimmune skin condition, issues with my kidneys, a virus in my brain which has affected my balance, a torn groin and finally a torn hamstring!
To say it has been a physically challenging time is somewhat of an understatement.
But hopefully (with everything crossed) my body is beginning to heal as my rehab progresses.
Alongside that, I have also been very busy in my work as a model, actor and creative artist.
Some of you may have seen my curly locks gracing your TV screens on both the recent Haribo and GiffGaff commercials, and I’ve other work with the likes of Keith Lemon, Robson Green and David Walliams in the pipeline.
But does all that mean that my efforts with Always With A Smile have been put to one side? Not on your life!
So far, in 2016 I have taken part in 34 different events.
Alongside the usual gravy wrestling chaos, Tough Guy events, coal carrying, egg throwing, wife carrying and Color Runs, I’ve also been ice climbing, up in the clouds in a helicopter, in a microlight, on a handglider, and in a World War Two Tiger Moth!
I’ve been on a rally Driving experience, bungee jumping, dragonboat racing and taking part in the UK Speed Golf Championships, as well as a whole host of other fun-filled activities.
I guess over recent times it has been a case of managing my health, while still trying to do ‘what I do best’ and I have (just about) got the balance right.
But given what I’ve been through over the past year, the advice from many has been that I need to slow down.
They told me that I’m not getting any younger and that I’ll burn myself out.
I listened to this advice very, very carefully, and considered what they had said.
And so, to recharge my batteries, I thought it best to book a holiday - well, three so far!
My first holiday is at the end of October when I walk the Sahara Desert.
My second is an Arctic Adventure in March next year, where I’ll be cross country skiing and ice diving among other things.
And my third is to trek up Kilimanjaro, reaching the summit on New Year’s Day 2018!
This marks a new phase in the development of Always With A Smile.
For as well as continuing to bring a smile to events up and down the country, we will now be hosting three or four trips each year to do, what I like to call, bucket list events.
These are experiences which anyone can join in with and which will provide them with memories that will last a lifetime.
All they need to do is get in touch with the foundation.
I have to say, it’s good to be back!