About

For my 32nd birthday, I wanted to do something meaningful. The photo you see here is me at 13 years old, jumping into the water at Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre. Back then, I was a very different person. What I didn’t realise at the time was that those days on the water, turning up again and again, were shaping my character in a big way. The confidence, resilience and direction I have today were built through those experiences. I actually trace a lot of that back to when I was 11 years old on a trip to Snowdonia. That was the first time I really felt a shift in my outlook. From there, I became a bit obsessed with being at Shadwell. It gave me something positive to commit to, and over time, it genuinely changed the trajectory of my life. For over 50 years, Shadwell Basin has supported young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to realise their potential through the outdoors. When you grow up in Central London, those opportunities are not always accessible, but they can completely shift your perspective. Fast forward to now, and Shadwell Basin is still a big part of my journey. I now run a Powerboat Training Centre from there, something that would not have been possible without the opportunities I was given growing up. This isn’t just about me. It’s about making sure the next generation gets that same chance. So this year, I’m asking for no presents. If you’d like to support me, I’d really appreciate a donation of any size to help keep this going for others. Even a small amount can help fund access to the water, equipment, or a young person’s first experience outside their usual environment. Thanks for taking the time to read, and wish me luck.

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