Janet Gray M.B.E.

The House of Lords v The House of Commons Charity Swim

2011-12-31T17:07:00.005Z

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!

2011-08-28T14:50:00.003+01:00

The last year has been a nightmare, to say the least! An ankle injury last August right before the Europeans, put me out for the rest of the year and while in recovery, I underwent two more major re-constructive surgeries, one in October and one in January.

It was fab to finally get back into training at the end of May. I was excited and really looking forward to the 2011 World Disabled Water Ski Championships, which are taking place next week in Cincinnati, Ohio. Unfortunately, while slalom training in the middle of June, I came off my ski and broke my foot !!!

We have now discovered that these recent fractures are due to severe injuries sustained in the major trauma, while training in Tampa, Florida in 2004.

I am gutted and pretty frustrated at having to miss another ski season, but the most important thing is to get the foot and ankle properly healed up and then strengthened, so as soon as I get out of the air boot I'll be able to start rehab, lucky me!!!

Ambassador for Concern Worldwide

2011-06-03T15:29:00.004+01:00

It's been a busy few months what with recovery from the latest surgery, physio and rehab for the ankle injury. I was hoping to start ski-ing again soon, but, the horrendously strong winds which we have been experiencing over the last number of weeks have put paid to any notion of that!

I was thrilled at the end of last year when I was invited to become a special Ambassador for Concern Worldwide. It's both an honour and privilege for me to work along with the other Ambassadors, who are all great women of NI.

We are hoping to raise £10,000 over the next 3 years for a Child Survival project in Burundi. Burundi which is in Central Africa, is a developing country and poverty levels are extremely high. Unfortunately, it is a fact, that as a woman in the developing world, you are more likely to be poor.

Our first fund raising event was a Fabulous Clothes Swop just a few weeks ago and we were delighted with the response and support which we received from our friends and families. The event which was held at Cayenne was a great success and to date we have raised £1,850.

It's fantastic! and all the Women of Concern are excited, but, we still have a long way to go, so we are busy planning more fund raising events for the autumn, so I'll keep you posted!

£10,000 doesn't seem like a lot, but yet it will go a long way and make such a difference to the lives of women and children in Burundi.

If you would like to know more about the work of Concern Worldwide, please look us up on:-

Link: www.concern.net

Blind Ambition on Disk

2011-02-21T18:06:00.001Z

The 18th January saw the launch of my autobiography, Blind Ambition on disc for the Royal National Institute for the Blind's Talking Book Library. The launch was held in Cookstown Library and attended by many of the Book Club members.
My sincerest thanks to the Belfast Ladies Club whose tireless fund raising for the RNIB, provided the funds to produce the book in Daisy format for blind readers.

Very many thanks also must go to Eamonn Holmes, who not only wrote the Foreword, but, very kindly agreed to read it onto disc.

I got the easy bit, I simply read the Acknowledgements and Epilogue sections, but, it was the RNIB volunteer reader, Ciara Chambers who expertly read the bulk of the book! Ciara also very kindly came along to the launch and read out small extracts and chatted with myself to wet the appetite of the Book Club members. My sincere appreciation to Ciara for all her hard work.

It was a lovely event and I am delighted that my book is now available for blind people to enjoy. I hope it will encourage and inspire anyone going through tough times with sight loss.

The 19th January however, was a totally different ball game!
I went back into hospital for another lengthy round of re-constructive surgery
and am now at home recovering and looking forward to getting back into routine and training in the near future.

Happiness & Sadness

2011-01-30T15:51:00.002Z

I had a lovely Christmas break at home with friends and family and it all seems so far away now.

I went back into hospital on 19th Jan, for more re-constructive surgery, which is still ongoing from the accident in 2004. The good news is.....hopefully, if all goes well, this will be the last of the big operations with just minor procedures to follow. I am now at home recovering and am looking forward to finally, being able to draw a line under the past 7 years and move on with my life.

I was deeply saddened on Friday to hear of the death of my friend and fellow elite athlete, Karen Cromie. Karen, a member of the GB Wheelchair Basketball Team, changed sports to Adapted Rowing and just 2 years later, took 4th place in the Beijing Paralympics.

Karen was not only a wonderful girl and dear friend, but, was a successful and talented athlete and we will all miss her very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family at this very sad time.

It's Christmas

2010-12-20T14:58:00.001Z

Well, finally, I started into rehab for my injured ankle, although I'm rather frustrated at the mo, as the healing process is very slow. Just as I was becoming more mobile.....down came a heavy blanket of snow and grounded me!!!. Trying to work a white cane through thick snow is a nightmare, as you loose all your landmarks, like kerbs and changes of surface texture.

It might be pretty picturesque and seasonal, but, roll on the big thaw!!!.

On the 2nd Dec, I had the honour of helping switch on the Christmas tree lights and speaking at an event at Stormont in the run up to International Day for Persons with a Disability. It was a really lovely event and my thanks to the Speaker of the House, Mr. William Haye, for inviting me.

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all, a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Chop chop chop!

2010-11-11T14:05:00.004Z

I'm afraid I've been a bit slack with my blog updates, but, I have been in hospital for another round of surgery which is still ongoing from my accident in 2004.

Unfortunately, when I wiped out my face and lost my identity due to the trauma in Tampa, consultants told me that, to rebuild my facial structure, would be a long process, just like building a staircase, one step at a time.

So, another op ticked off the list, with another planned for the New Year.

Meanwhile, the ankle isn't healing as well as expected and may also require surgery. I broke the talus bone in my ankle in three places and while they weren't bad fractures, the talus bone carries the blood supply to the foot and so, is quite a tricky injury to heal.

Aw well, 'it never rains'....., but, I'm on the mend and looking forward to getting back into routine soon. I never thought I would say it, but, I am really missing training, both in the gym and swimming pool.

My poor body is craving the routine of regular exercise!!!

(Don't pay attention to the jokey photo on the right - I love my doctors really.)

Sod's Law!

2010-09-14T13:18:00.002+01:00

After success at the Meteor Competition in July, everything was on track and going really well in preparation for the 2010 European Disabled Water Ski Championships.

Sod's Law struck, when on my last pass of slalom with my Team Coach in Whitworth, last week, I turned around buoy 3 and got so much angle and acceleration out of the turn, that I let go in order to avoid a bad crash. Unfortunately, the ski gripped the water and the force broke my ankle in 3 places!!!.

I am really disappointed and frustrated at having to miss the European Championships which are running this week from 13-18th Sept, at the beautiful Italian water Ski Federation site

Busy busy busy

2010-08-15T14:16:00.003+01:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the gap in updating my blog, but, it's been a very busy season, so far.

The Waddle event in June went really well the team of six guys, led by Paul Rainey, spending a grueling week-end walking, then paddling the one hundred miles of the River Banne. I was delighted to join the team on the final day and get into the canoe and do my bit. The week-end challenge along with a Waddle Charity Dinner has raised around £11,000 which will be split between Belfast's, Royal Hospital for Sick Children and A.S.B.H., the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. For more info visit:-

www.thewaddle.co.uk

It's great to be back on the water this season and I've been training in preparation for the upcoming European Championships. They will be held at the Italian Water Ski Federation site in Recetto, near Milan from 13-18th September.

In June I trained at a ski camp in Whitworth with our Team Coach, Andy Knowles and in July, ski coach, Sarah Green, came over to coach at my home club of Meteor at Lough Henny. It's hard work getting back into all three disciplines of slalom, trick and jump, but, I'm really enjoying the challenge of getting back up to speed after missing the 2009 season due to surgery.

On Sun 8th August I competed in the Meteor Open competition. It was a P.B., Personal Best tournament and was fraught with a few technical difficulties, which were very frustrating, but, all in all, I was pleased with my performances and it was great to get back into competition mode. My hubby Paul, has been training to jump guide for me and although, they always say that, "it's not a good idea to teach your wife to drive."....we made a great team and worked well together.

Very well done, Paul!!!.

The British National Championships have been postponed, with a new date to be confirmed. I have one more intensive training camp at Whitworth later this month before going off to the Europeans on 10th September.

Bye.

The Waddle

2010-05-26T21:40:00.001+01:00

When my friends little baby daughter, Zoe, was born with severe Spinabifida and Hydro-cephalous, he decided to set up a charity called The Waddle. Waddle means to both walk and paddle the 100 miles of the river Bann from it's source in the Mourne Mountains to where it meets the sea at Portstewart Strand.

The aim of the charity challenge is to raise awareness of the condition and much needed funds for the Royal Victoria's Hospital for Sick Children. The Waddle will take place from 4-6th June.

I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be Patron of Waddle and I will be joining the team to canoe up the Bann on the final day of the challenge.

You can make a donation, or follow the progress of the Waddle Team on:-

www.thewaddle.co.uk

Ups and Downs!!!

2010-05-16T16:27:00.011+01:00

I've just returned from a preseason ski training camp at Extreme Gene Water Ski and Wake Board School, near Cordoba in Spain. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather and an old ongoing injury, training was a little restricted, but, it's great to be back on the water.

I'm delighted to announce that, I've recently become a Special Ambassador for the charity, Concern Worldwide, who do fabulous work to improve the lives of thousands of women in third world countries. I'm looking forward to working with the team on a new and exciting project and will keep you all posted on developments.

I was also thrilled when I was asked to become the Champion of Sport for Derry/Londonderry's bid for the City of Culture. Londonderry is a terrific and vibrant city and deserves this coveted accolade and I am delighted that, sport is included, as it crosses all boundaries, brings people together and can rebuild lives.

On Saturday 8th May, I abseiled off the top of the Europe Hotel in Belfast. As President of Lisburn Sub Aqua Club, I went along with a merry band of ten other members and of course, it was all in aid of a very good cause, The Friends of the Cancer Unit at Belfast's City Hospital. I was really looking forward to the abseil, that was, until I got onto the roof of the hotel and then, the butterflies in my tummy gave a little flutter, at the thought of going over the edge!!!, but, thanks to the confident and expert instructors from the Belfast Activity Centre, it was a fabulous experience and one which I hope to do again in the future.

The last few weeks have been very busy!!!

2010-03-23T15:08:00.012Z

I very much enjoyed a visit to Knockmore Primary School, where the children did a fabulous job of interviewing me. Their questions were all very interesting and they had done a good job in researching info on me, with the aid of their teacher, Miss Ruth Montgomery.

It was great fun and my thanks to the pupils and staff of Knockmore for a lovely day.

Mon 8th March was International Women's Day and as Patron of The First Steps Women's Centre in Dungannon, I went along to speak and launch an event on Celebrating Women, at Corrig House in Clogher. The events ran throughout the day and there were many stalls and exhibitions for the women to browse and enjoy.

In the evening, I visited Armagh Library, another event to celebrate International Women's Day, where I spoke and signed copies of my autobiography, Blind Ambition. It was a busy, but, exciting day. It's great to see so much 'Girl Power'!!!.

The weather meanwhile, was playing havoc with Christine Bleakley's Challenge for Sport Relief, to water ski across the English Channel. It was postponed Wed, then Thurs, but, it was the green light and all systems go on Fri morning at 7.30a.m., brrrrr!!!.

The 22 mile stretch of open sea is the busiest shipping channel in the world, so as well as facing the elements, Christine had the wash from many other sea faring craft to cope with. It was a grueling journey, but, Christine has the dogged determination of Ulster women and was dedicated to raising as much as possible for such a worthy cause. Physically and emotionally drained, she completed the challenge in 1hr 40mins, to become the first woman to water ski across the English Channel!!!, raising a hugely staggering £1,300 000!!!. Our International Woman of the week, way to go girl!!!.

As I had been involved in coaching Christine for the challenge, the BBC invited me over on Fri night to surprise Christine on The One Show. She was delighted to see me and it was a very emotional moment.

Very well done and many congratulations to Christine.

Christine Bleakley

2010-02-25T16:54:00.003Z

Christine Bleakley and the crew from The One Show came over to N.I. last week-end to do some filming with Christine and myself, so I thought you might like a little piece for the magazine. There will be little bits of Christine's progress and preparation on the One Show each evening from 1-5th March.

Christine Practices at Home for Sport Relief Challenge

St. Valentine's Day was rather different this year, as Christine Bleakley and myself, Janet Gray, braved the waters of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

Set on the Co. Down coast, the Lough is the richest in marine life in Europe, with everything from porpoises, seals, basking shark and even the odd whale visiting from time to time. The shores boast seal hauls outs and many nest sites and there's a fabulous aquarium in Portaferry at the mouth of the Lough. The waters may have many species of wildlife, but, these are very dangerous waters, with a tidal current of around 18nts, whirlpools and sunken wrecks, therefore, it is not a water ski area, but, the Council very kindly agreed to open the marina for Christine and I to practice and film, for the upcoming charity event.

Christine, presenter of The One Show on BBC1, is going to water ski across the English Channel in aid of Sport Relief. A mammoth challenge, considering she has only just learned to ski especially for the event!!!.

When Christine asked if, I would coach her and help in her preparation, I was absolutely thrilled. We are both originally Co. Down girls, so Strangford Lough was just the perfect place.

Crowds of excited spectators, friends and family turned out to cheer Christine on and lend their support, as we skied off together braving the icy waters. Christine then watched from the boat, as I skied, gauging the flow of the current beneath me, in order to give Christine as much information and useful tips as possible. Back on board, a quick chat over a hot cup of coffee and Christine was ready to brave the elements again. When our intrepid skier got back into the water, her skiing position had improved a lot and after a further twenty minutes of skiing out in the open sea, Christine's confidence had soared.

Time is short, as the challenge is set for around 10th March, weather depending, of course!!!, but, I have every faith in Christine and know, that she will give 110% on the day!!!. N.I. is very proud of our Christine and we are all behind her and will be cheering her on, every ski of the way!!!.

Go girl go!!!, you can do it!!!.

Mentality - by Joe Sillet with Karl Morris

2010-02-09T18:26:00.003Z

Author Joe Sillet along with leading Mind Coach, Karl Morris, have produced a unique book called, Mentality. The book comprises interviews with sixteen famous sports personalities on their secrets of success. Each chapter has been summarised by one of Europe's leading Mind Coaches, Karl Morris and some of the proceeds from the publication will go to the charity, Special Olympics.

The famous names include:-

Ben Ainslie
John Amaechi
Geoffrey Boycott
Laura Davies
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Andrew Flintoff
Dr. Janet Gray M.B.E.
alan Hansen
Damon Hill
Georgina Hulme
David James
A. P. McCoy
Scott Quinnell
Denis Taylor
Phil (the Power) Taylor
Lee Westwood

Mentality is both an inspirational and
motivational must read!!! and is available from:-

www.mentality.tv

2010-02-05T15:33:00.003Z

Last Wed, I went along to visit the children at Carnmoney Primary School, in Newtownabbey. I took along my slalom ski and some World Championship Gold medals. It was great to speak with the Key Stage 1 pupils and answer all their questions.

So far, my autobiography, Blind Ambition, has had rave reviews and been very well received. Please feel free to leave your comments on the web site, I'd love to read them.

I recently took part in another book for charity. Sixteen sports personalities all did a chapter each, with author, Joe Sillet and leading Mind Coach, Carl Morris. The book, A Winning Mind is available in all good book shops from 1st Feb, withthe some proceeds from sales going to Special Olympics.

To learn who the other 15 participants are, log on to:

www.mentality.tv

First Steps Womens Centre, in Dungannon

2010-02-05T15:31:00.001Z

January was a busy month. It's great to be back into the training schedule, working in the gym and the swimming pool again. Well, I need to knuckle down and get back into routine after indulging in all the lovely Christmas goodies!!!.

Last Monday I went along to the First Steps Womens Centre, in Dungannon, where I was appointed as the centre's first Patron. It is both an honour and priviledge for me in accepting the post and I will endeavor to carry out my duties to the best of my ability. The centre does tremendous work in providing many courses for women in a wide variety of subjects and across many qualification levels, giving students encouragement and the confidence to progress. They also provide a first class child minding facility.

I was delighted to attend the fabulous Coffee Afternoon which was organised to raise much needed funds for the Haiti Appeal. It was great to meet and chat with all the girls and just after a few short hours, the centre had raised £882!!!. Very well done everyone!!!. To learn more about the centre and view the latest pics log on to:

www.southtyronewomenscentre.org

Mush news for you all.

2010-01-05T13:38:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas.

The run up to Christmas was hectic with media interviews and the book signing tour. I visited Ballymena Library, Bangor's Carnegie Library, Belfast's Grove Library and Lisburn Library. I really enjoyed meeting everyone and my sincerest thanks to the staff involved and all those who came along.

Paul and I enjoyed a lovely quiet, relaxing Christmas at home with the family, but, now it's time to get back into my training routine and preparations for the 2010 ski season!.

Latest news!!!.........

I was delighted to revisit the First Steps Women Centre, in Dungannon for a book signing in December and I was absolutely thrilled, when they asked me to be the Centre's first Patron. I am deeply honoured to receive such a prestigious title and I look forward in 2010, to being involved with the Centre and the fabulous work which they do.

I was also delighted to be asked, to take part in a book called, A Winning Mind. The book's author, Joe Sillet, approached around 20 sports personalities in the U.K. to each do a chapter, with the proceeds from the book going to the charity, Special Olympics. A Winning Mind will be launched on 1st Feb.

Well, they say things come in threes!!!. My involvement with yet another book is on the horizon.

A book called, Two For The Road, is the brainchild of Edel Reck and consists of various challenges around the world, each challenge involves 2 sports personalities, 1 able bodied and 1 disabled.

I think I've got the most exciting challenge, as I will be going off to the arctic to drive a team of huskies!!!. Mush, mush!!!.

Watch this space, for more info on the book and to learn who my mystery partner is for the trip!!!.

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and successful New Year.

A media star ?????

2009-11-16T21:50:00.001Z

There's been a lot of media interest in Blind Ambition. I recently did fabulous and very enjoyable interviews with Carolyn Stewart at U105, Candy Divine at Downtown Radio, Maurice Boland at Talk Radio Europe and George Ellis at BFBS Radio.

Latest News on Book Signings

I am delighted to announce that in conjunction with the Library Service N.I., I'll be visiting some of our lovely new libraries around the Province. Everyone is most welcome, so please come along and say hello and have your copy personally signed by myself. The dates and venues are as follows:-

1st Dec Ballymena Library, from 7.30pm.

3rd Dec Bangor Library, from 8pm.

4th Dec First Steps Women's Centre, from 11am.

7th Dec Grove Library, Belfast, from 7pm.

11th Dec Lisburn Library, time to be confirmed.

I look forward to meeting and chatting with many of you.

Book Launch Photos

2009-11-03T16:24:00.001Z

It's exciting....!

Photos - click here

Book Launch

2009-11-03T16:23:00.000Z

Thurs 29th Oct saw the launch of my autobiography, Blind Ambition, at the First Step Women's Centre, Dungannon. There was a great turn out with many friends attending from the worlds of sport, media and show biz.

My sincerest thanks to N.I.'s favourite sports presenter, Jackie Fullerton, who spoke and did a fabulous job as Master of Ceremonies. Many thanks also to the Mayor's of both Dungannon and Lisburn, who took time out of their busy schedules to come along.

Special thanks must go to the staff and centre manager, Michael McGoldrick, who pulled out all the stops to ensure the day was a complete success.

A fabulous day was had by all!.

There has been great media interest in the book. I flew home on Fri 23rd Oct, from intensive training at Xtreme Gene in Cordoba, Spain, to appear on the Late Late Show, with the terrific Ryan Tubridy and I've just returned from Dublin after radio interviews on 4FM's Saturday Magazine Show and 2FM's Sports Bag with Robbie Irwin.

Coming up this week is U105's Lunchtime Bistro with Carolyn Stewart on Mon 2nd Nov, UTV Life on Thurs 5th Nov at 10.30pm and Downtown's Candy Divine Show on Sat 7th around 2.30pm. Sat 14th Nov will be

Blind Ambition is now in all good book shops, so please, enjoy the read and don't hesitate to come along to my book signings to have your copy personally signed.

The book signings will take place on:-

1st Dec at Ballamena Library
3rd Dec at Bangor Library
7th Dec at Grove Library, Shore Road, Belfast

Hope to see you there.

2009-10-26T12:27:00.002Z

I was very disappointed in having to miss the 2009 World Championships at the end of August, but, I am now back into ttraining and have just completed two intensive training camps with my coach, Matt Southam, at Xtreme Gene Water Ski and Wake Board Centre, Cordoba, Spain. Recovery from the recent surgery is going well and it's great to be back on the water and back into the routine of training.

The big news is.....the launch of my autobiography, Blind Ambition.

I flew into Dublin from Cordoba on Friday evening to appear on RTE's Late Late Show. Presenter, Ryan Toberty was fabulous and I enjoyed chatting with him.

My book launch will take place on Thurs 29th October at the First Step Womens Centre, 21 William Street, Dungannon at 11a.m..

I recently visited the centre to speak and present awards and when the centre Manager, Michael McGoldrick, asked me if I would like to launch my autobiography with them, I was absolutely delighted. I couldn't think of a better venue, as my book is both motivational and inspirational and I hope it will give hope and encouragement to others.

Blind Ambition is available from Fri 30th Oct, in all good book shops and direct from:-

gillmacmillan.ie

Amazon.co.uk

The book will take you on an amazing journey, full of highs and lows, laughter and tears, so I hope you enjoy it and please feel free to contact me through the web site with any comments.

Ballyholme PS Record of Achievement Ceremony 2009

2009-08-17T01:12:00.001+01:00

Surgery and new book

2009-08-17T01:10:00.001+01:00

At the end of April, I went into hospital again for more surgery, which is still ongoing from the accident in 2004. Unfortunately, the operation took a lot longer than expected, lasting almost 9hrs.

Recovery from such a lengthy procedure takes time and as I will not be up to full fitness by the end of August, it was decided, that I would not go to compete at the 2009 World Disabled Championships, which are being held in Viche, France from 31st Aug-7th Sept.

I am following a structured recovery programme with Sports Institute N.I. and hope to start slowly back on the water, soon.

The exciting news is.......The big book launch!!!.

My autobiography, Blind Ambition is now finished and the date for the book launch is29th Oct.

You can pre order your copy now from publishers, Gill and MacMillan.

Link: www.gillmacmillan.ie

Watch this space.....for more news on the upcoming book.

Janet Gray's Freedom of Lisburn City Video

2009-08-01T15:57:00.001+01:00

Freedom of Lisburn City

2009-06-22T14:48:00.000+01:00

Meeting Princess Anne at UUJ Sports Centre

2009-06-09T14:00:00.001+01:00

My Biography - the new cover

2009-05-28T15:02:00.002+01:00

Hi,

this is just out. It is the cover for my Biography.

More about the last few weeks...

2009-05-22T15:47:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I started 2009 working hard in the gym and swimming pool with my Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Sports Institute N.I.. It’s essential to have a very good level of fitness before going off for winter training.

I headed off to Xtreme Gene Water Ski and Wake Board School in Cordoba, Spain, at the end of February for two weeks intensive training with Coach, Mathew Southam. It was great to be back on the water and at last, I got to try out my new slalom ski, the Prophecy, which was kindly sponsored by Connelly Skis Inc.. I quickly got to grips with the new ski, it’s fast, smooth and very light. I just love it!!!. Matt changed my style of slalom ski-ing and I was making good progress, but, then disaster struck. The ski school was broken into and both of my trick skis were stolen, along with other wake boards and equipment. It was very annoying, but, I was very upset at the loss of my 48inch black and yellow, custom trick ski,
which was specially made for me by Connelly.

I returned home for two weeks, then went back to Xtreme Gene for another intensive ski camp. The weather improved on my second trip and I was quite relieved, as a film crew came out to the lake to film the action for a Sky programme, which will go out later this season.

On the 18th April, I had the Freedom of the City of Lisburn confered upon me. In ancient times, having the key to the city, meant you could graze your sheep anywhere in the town. Nowadays, you become a representative and ambassador for your city and country. I am deeply honoured and very priviledged to have such a prestigious title bestowed upon me and hope I can be a worthy ambassador for Lisburn and N.I.. It was a magical day and one which I will treasure for ever.

Catch the Freedom of the City Ceremony on:-

Link: www.lisburncity.gov.uk

I have just finished my autobiography, Blind Ambition!!!. The book launch will take place in the autumn. So watch this space!!!......