Wishing you a very happy, healthy and successful New Year!
Unfortunately, ongoing foot and ankle injuries resulting from the accident in 2004, have put paid to water skiing this season and in an attempt to remain positive, I have focused my energies on other things.
In November I went off to London to take part in The House of Lords v The House of Commons Charity Swim.
The event raises much needed funds for the N I charity, Hope for Youth which is a cross community organisation working with children and young people bringing them together through music, drama and theatre.
As well as esteemed members of both Houses, there were quite a few celebrities taking part in the swim which was held at the Porchester Centre in south west London. I was horrified to find myself racing against the fabulous former Olympian swimmer, Duncan Goodhew, but I was over joyed when my team won the relay event!
After the swim, the Duke and Duchess of Glouster presented the medals and trophies, then we all went into the dinner and auction and a staggering £63,000 was raised for Hope for Youth!
I've also been studying to become a Mind Factor Coach. Following the swim, I went off to Manchester to do the Mind Factor Course with Karl Morris and the Mind Factor Institute. Karl, who is the leading European Mind Coach works predominately with golfers, but his teaching applies to all areas of life from sport to business, education etc.
The course was hard work, but absolutely fascinating and I am now delighted to be a certified Mind Factor Coach!
I have also been undertaking Mentoring courses and I am looking forward to working with elite athletes at the Sports Institute NI in the New Year.
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and successful New Year!
