| Fund total | |
|---|---|
| £15,000 | |
| £10,000 | |
| £5,000 | |
About Ian
Over the last 15 years my life has changed hugely. Back in the early 1990s I was building my career as an Optician, specialising in the fitting of contact lenses and involved in running optical superstores for Vision Express in the East Midlands.
I guess back then I took life far too seriously. My colleagues, understandably, used to gently poke fun at me for charging about, flustered and stressed, meeting deadlines, trying to keep both my bosses and the customers happy: in other words trying to do a 'good job'. I think that, on the whole I succeeded. I achieved a measure of success both for myself and for the company, whilst at the same time gaining a level of respect and liking from my colleagues. I owe much to my colleagues from then, and to Vision Express with whom I have maintained contact, despite not having an active role with them since 1995.
Receiving the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis turned my life upside down. Over the first few years the deterioration in my ability to walk was rapid, and frightening. It also affected my eyesight, the sensation in my hands, my ability to stay awake during the day, as well as causing a miserable aching in my legs which would never go away. Faced with this, I couldn't see a future beyond becoming ever more disabled. Perhaps in five years, it seemed to me, I would be paralysed, incontinent, bed bound or dead. Well, whilst I have problems, some would say severe ones, at least I'm still around and not making too bad a job of my life.
During the first few years, and having successfully enrolled myself on drug trials for the then promising Beta Interferon, my condition became almost a full time job in itself. What with frequent hospital visits, MRI scans, injecting myself three times a week (with the after effects this entailed) and so on, time went by very quickly. Knowing that the downward progression of my illness might continue rapidly, in 1995 I took myself off on a Mediterranean Cruise aboard 'Oriana' in her maiden year. I'm glad I did. This got me to the Pyramids, Jerusalem, Cyprus, Turkey and elsewhere, and gave me experiences and memories that I treasure.
I also gained qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy and began practicing on a voluntary basis in both Universities in Nottingham, in a secondary school in Worksop and for DCIL in Ripley, alongside my academic work. Eventually I gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy. I had intended to go on to complete the Masters but, in the end it became too expensive, and too stressful to see it through. Still, this occupied seven or so years and taught me what I like, and what I don't like, about therapy and Academia. It gave me friendships and experiences many of which I also treasure.
I also became a member of Derby Focus Activities Club, and as part of my inauguration with went gliding in the Peak District.
Otherwise, socially, I began to sing for the first time since my school years. I joined the Chesterfield Gilbert and Sullivan Society, playing parts such as The Lieutenant in The Yeomen of the Guard. Because of my MS, this poses quite a few challenges for both me and the shows' Producers. In one performance I was singing as a grumpy old man apparently with his foot in plaster and being pushed around on stage in an ancient Edwardian wheelchair. I am presently on the Committee of Matlock G&S Society and I continue to perform in principal roles despite struggling with my illness. This year I am playing the part of Dr. Daly, the quirky and sentimental old vicar of Ploverleigh.
During my illness, the company at Matlock G&S have been marvellous and have supported me in many ways. I count them all as my friends and I am grateful to them for organising the forthcoming timetable of fundraising events for the MS Pioneer Fund.
Favourite things
- Favourite actor: Alan Rickman. Die Hard.
- Favourite blooper story: "Thank You, Birmingham" pamphlet print run featured Birmingham, Alabama, USA not UK (August 2008). (The word "pamphlet" has an interesting etymology. Sadly, it is not a small pamph!)
- Favourite music: Waltz from Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian
- Favourite compilation CD: Sensual Classics Too
- Most admired people:
- Richard Clements (my Partner)
- Sir Richard Attenborough
- Bryan Forbes
- Jonathan Miller
- Films:
- Most Depressing: A Bridge Too Far
- Bitter/sweet and uplifting: The Elephant Man
- Most Impact: Titanic, Terminator II
- Action: Lethal Weapon. And LWII
- Transfer from book to film: The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring
- Best film not yet made: Titanic II
- Best live concert: Billy Joel, Odeon, Birmingham, UK March 17th 1978. 'The Stranger/ 52nd Street'
- Best album track: Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb (The Wall)
Personal ambitions
- To play some badminton