Well, I have lots to tell, where do I start.....?Born in the UK, and grew up in Northern Ireland just outside Belfast.Loved the outdoors all my life and after going to the Garhwal Himalaya when I was 17, decided to go and study Geology at Manchester Uni. After a trip to the Arctic for 3 months and working in the rainforest in Borneo in my early 20's, was inspired by what I had seen and done and decided to carry on with studying....Did a Masters in Hydrogeology (Yes, I'm a GEEK... well not all the time) at University College in London. And had a cracking good time in London, discovering the delights of burning the candle at both ends!!! I have way too much energy.....After far too much study, I went to Bristol and worked there as an Environmental Scientist, and travelled a bit more. Went to the Himalayas again, this time to Everest and the Sola Khumbu in Nepal, and then little old New Zealand.... Decided after my NZ trip, that Bristol just wasn't for me and made a decision that would change my life forever. Moved half way across the world... Not much money (well I went out or travelled all the time), no job lined up, didn't know anyone there and basically didn't know where I was heading - I took the plunge... Best thing I ever did. Well, I am crazy!! Despite what everyone said (you know what Poms are like.... "you'll be back in a year..."), I did it, and I have never looked back since. I found the place I was meant to be and my spiritual home.Since being in NZ, have found the most amazing places, friends and inspiration. Been there 9 years now and still loving it...Been a crazy, beautiful time - lived in loads of places, met some amazing people and have a pretty awesome life.When I first reached the shores of beautiful Aotearoa, I travelled all over the place. My first job was pretty amazing. Started off working as a Sea Kayak guide in the beautiful Akaroa harbour, at Onuku. I guided people in kayaks every day, showing them the most amazing things... dolphins, sea caves, birds... I lived in a tent for 3 months, and was paid in... wait for it... fresh veges straight out of the ground, beer (yessssssss), fresh milk straight from the cow and a few eggs. And the occasional free meal when they thought I looked hungry... What a fantastic experience!! Best job ever, met some phenomenal people and saw true beauty in a truly inspiring place.Then, when I needed to start earning some money, got a job in Napier as an Environmental Scientist for a couple of years.Being an adventurous sort ... decided one day that I'd like to do something different. So,decided to change direction a little and joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Amongst all the militarisation and marching, spit polishing my shoes and ironing everything to death, I did some pretty awesome things. Flew all over the place, and got to see some pretty special stuff. I went to Antarctica, East Timor, all over Australia and NZ. Even jumped out of a couple of planes, threw land rovers out the back of Hercules (with parachutes) and became a bit of a survival training freak... Lots of fun!! Was in the RNZAF for a couple of years before I left, and changed course again.... Good to get a few life experiences under your belt.Next thing I did.... trained as an outdoor instructor. Heaps of fun... Loads of laughs!!After that... moved to Hamilton and worked again as an Environmental Scientist, going back to my roots. And spent a lot of time doing what I loved the most…. Snowboarding!! This led me to return to Europe for a while to complete a season in Austria, before returning to NZ once again.After returning once again to beautiful NZ, I worked as a park ranger and have come back to working as an Environmental Scientist in Auckland. Seems that working outside is my passion!!In September 06 I had the biggest and scariest adventure of my life…. Whilst competing in a snowboarding competition, I had a big crash and broke my back. My guardian angel was looking down on me that day…. I managed to survive a near fatal accident, and managed to somehow, despite the severity of my injuries be saved from losing my mobility. Thanks to God or whoever it was looking down on me that day. It was a miracle, and I am grateful for every day that I have on the planet…. My family, friends,physio, surgeon and a hell of a lot of determination, self motivation and support have helped me through one of the biggest challenges of my life. Not only am I up and about and healing fast and well, but I have learnt so much about myself, my life and who the people in my life are that I can depend on and that love, support and positivity can get you anywhere. My life changed forever the day that I broke my back, but I wouldn’t change a thing…. Every day is a positive, every day is a miracle, every day is a gift… Don’t take it for granted!!!Live life to the full and love the people around you....Kia kaha!!
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