Life challenges us all in different ways. Mine became apparent after I found subjects hard, because I didn't understand or wasn't interested, and got bullied for being 'different'. I didn't, at least until I was 18, feel able to explain why until I turned 18!

My special interest was (still is) 'communications'. It wasn't until I pursued my passion for broadcasting whilst in college, working voluntarily for my local hospital radio station, that I gained the confidence I need.

I sought help in 1998 for Gender Dysphoria, transitioned and had surgery 4 years later. I was assessed for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (Asperger's) in 2016. I also have a Cognitive Processing Disorder which makes reading and conversation difficult. I never have any trouble talking to myself in a radio studio though! ;-)

I worked for several stations before I ran one myself! Unfortunately, through a mixture of funding cuts, listening to the wrong advice or letting the egos and naivety of others take over - The Park ceased broadcasting at 7pm on Friday 8th June 2012. I'll never forget how I felt as 5 years of hard work vanished in just minutes. I had a breakdown shortly after and still suffer from anxiety today.

This year I am now presented with the biggest challenge yet, on top of all that, and have been referred for treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. :-(

For five years I have procrastinated over whether or not to bring local radio back to the New Forest. This diagnosis has made me realise that it's NOW or NEVER! So it's time to launch SPITFIRE RADIO and use the station as a vehicle to raise money for other people leading challenging lives!

I've achieved a lot already with the help of a friends and associates. I now need to raise at least £1500 to cover Year 1 costs including insurance, broadcast software, content subscriptions (news/weather) & royalty licence fees.

Long term we would like to build a studio for training and production.

TARGET LAUNCH DATE: 6th April 2017