Month: December 2024

Closing the book on 2024.

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both challenging and transformative. It began with me seeking counselling for my mental health issues, a journey I embarked on following the deep pain of losing my mum. Her loss left an enduring mark, and I knew I needed to take steps to address the grief and struggles that came with it. This process ultimately led to a significant decision in August: leaving my job at Buzz Bingo. While it was a difficult choice, it was necessary for my mental well-being. However, it was lovely to return as a customer a couple of times afterward and reconnect with that environment in a more positive way.

Just a week after leaving my job, life threw me another curveball. I had to undergo surgery to remove a lump inside my penis, which, to my shock, turned out to be cancerous. That diagnosis was one of the scariest moments of my life. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and I’m now cancer-free, with only one final scan remaining in February to confirm everything is clear. The experience was a stark reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to cherish every moment.

In the midst of these challenges, there were also moments of great joy and love. I fell in love this year, something I hadn’t expected but welcomed with an open heart. Unfortunately, as the year came to an end, so did that chapter. Getting my heart broken at Christmas was incredibly painful. It’s a hurt that lingers, but I’m trying to move forward, holding onto the belief that brighter days lie ahead.

There have also been many highlights to celebrate, particularly everything I’ve achieved with Overton Radio and Andover Radio. It’s been an incredible year of growth and community engagement. Hosting so many live events has been a privilege, and I’ve loved connecting with the people around me through these opportunities. One moment stands out above all others: the Overton Sheepfair. That event was a shining example of what makes our community so special, and it was an honour to play a massive part in it.

I’m so proud of the teams at both Overton and Andover Radio. Their hard work and dedication have been a constant source of inspiration. I’m grateful for their support throughout the year, especially during times when I’ve needed it most. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about all the brilliant projects and events we have planned. There’s so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.

As I close the book on 2024, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May 2025 bring health, happiness, and hope to us all. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey this year—you’ve made all the difference. Here’s to new beginnings and brighter days ahead.

Life begins.

If you’d like to buy me a pint for my birthday, you can Paypal me.

As a child, I experienced one of those moments that stays with you forever—I was hit by a car. It was terrifying and left a lasting impression, especially since later in life, I saw someone I knew go through the same thing. School wasn’t much easier. I faced bullying, but music became my refuge. Playing the keyboard brought me joy, and I loved performing, whether it was in front of the whole school or in the two plays I took part in. Somehow, I was also good at French, which surprised everyone, including me. My GCSE music class was small – just four of us – and I was the only boy. Talk about standing out!

College was a fresh start. The bullying stopped, and I earned A-levels in English Language and Media Studies. This was also when I discovered Burger King, which might explain why I’ve always been “big.” But hey, a love for burgers has its perks.

At 19, I moved out of the family home to live with my grandad. He taught me how to make his crisps and scotch eggs – important skills for survival, obviously. After he passed away, I had to learn how to live on my own. It wasn’t easy, but it was an important step.

Over the years, I’ve worked a variety of jobs. There was my time at One Stop and Co-op, then working behind the bar at The Red Lion and The White Hart. I even helped build an extension on a house on Winchester Street, though I’d never do that again. The worst job of all was a customer service role in website design. It was soul-crushing, but I discovered I loved building websites. To date, I’ve built over 60. I should probably charge more, but that’s a dilemma for another day. My favourite job, hands down, was as a bingo caller. It was where I found my love for entertaining, which eventually led me to radio.

Another lifelong fascination of mine is TV presentation. Over the years, my website, TV Live, has gone from strength to strength. It’s even introduced me to some incredible friends (and a few enemies – hey, not everyone appreciates brilliance). My attempt to replace TV Forum with the TV Live Forum didn’t go quite as planned, but every misstep is a lesson, right?

Life hasn’t been without heartache. Losing my mum was devastating and deeply affected my mental health. I miss her every day and wish she and my stepdad Bob could be here to celebrate this milestone with me.

Love has been a rocky road, too. There was the time I got dumped on Christmas Eve 10 years ago, which felt particularly cruel, and a string of short-lived relationships followed. Then, I met Tracy. We first crossed paths while working at the bingo hall, and even then, I knew we’d be great friends. After we both moved on from that job, my feelings grew, and I fell in love. Tracy helped me through my mum’s death and has become my everything. She’s a fantastic cook, makes me laugh like no one else, and is my rock. I love our walks to Eastrop Park to feed the ducks and swans, as well as our cozy evenings watching The Chase and Tipping Point. Tracy, if you’re reading this, I adore you and am so grateful to have you in my life.

There have been some strange chapters, too. Like the time I had a lump removed from my private area. It turned out to be cancerous, but luckily, they got it all. The ordeal left me circumcised and with a story that gets a good laugh – or grimace – when I share it.

Today, I’m enjoying life as a radio presenter and station manager for two stations, living in a wonderful community, and surrounded by amazing people. Looking back, the journey has been full of challenges, but every step has led me to where I am now. As I celebrate this milestone, I feel grateful for the experiences, the people who’ve been part of my life, and the memories I’ve made. Here’s to the next chapter – and hopefully, a few less dramatic ones!