Just how well do you think you know people?

Everyday somebody closer than you think is fighting a battle you never knew about…

An illness, depression, anxiety, the list goes on…. more often that not it’s those you don’t expect.

Every day in our wonderful county ordinary people just like you or I are doing extraordinary things.

Let's cheer you up a little...

Isn’t Christmas just the best time of year? Giving and receiving presents, eating your own body weight in pigs in blankets and watching your nan having one too many glasses of sherry... I just love it! The trouble is for many out there Christmas won’t be such a happy time. In fact quite the opposite. Perhaps they are looking after a loved one who is ill, perhaps they are fighting their own demons inside their head or perhaps they have nobody to share this Christmas with….. Feeling grateful yet?

Let me tell you a true story…

In July 2019 this year I was that person!

A close family member of mine, after finally getting into remission with cancer, had another huge health scare, we lost out on a big project at work, cash was tight and I was mentally in a terrible place. I was quickly burning out and I felt like I had nobody, despite being surrounded by supportive friends and colleagues.

It’s a times like this you need support, you need help and you need perspective… Now don’t get me wrong when your in that place it’s very hard to do but it was in September 2019 this year that I managed to fight those demons and regather perspective.

Now what I mean I perspective is this….

Yes one of my family maybe unwell however there are millions of people in the world without any family, yes we may have a lost out on a big project but we are healthy, happy and still a thriving business. Yes finances may be tight but actually by having over £1000 in the bank we are up there with the top 10% of the worlds wealthiest people.

It was here I decided that we need to make a change. Rather than feeling sorry for myself, I needed to dust myself off and go and make a difference.

That evening I was watching a film about somebody looking to live a normal life. It was here I realised this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to feel “Normal Again” and I wanted to give something back.

I have been incredibly fortunate. I have a roof over my head and a supportive family. I went to a great school and got my A Levels. I was able to start and grow my business, working on my own terms. I want to pay some of my good fortune forward.

So here is the plan....

This Christmas we are looking to raise money to go and buy suitable presents for those ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This Christmas I want us all to recognise those people. Try to have perspective, try to put yourself in their shoes, imagine what it must be like to go through this battle.

We are lucky enough to be working with some of Norfolk's leading charities including The Big C and the Benjamin Foundation just to name a few. Everything purchased will be gender neutral to help celebrate the wonderfully diverse world we now live in.

Finally I leave you with this… If it’s you that’s going through a difficult time. Exam pressures are building up, trouble at home, family illness, anxiety, depression …. remember this….

Each and Every one of you is good enough. You are all strong, you are all brave and you are all loved! You can do whatever you put your mind to and it’s OK to ask for support when you need it.

Thank you very much!