CURRENT MISSION

To return to India to teach housebound exercises to those with AIDS or TB in the slum area of Pune

ABOUT ME

I was born in UK, then my parents travelled with the family to Kuwait, Tasmania, Australia, India, Lebanon; finally retiring to UK. My father was trained as a Pharmacist. My parents met in Persia; married in Bangalore; my 2 older brothers were born in Pune. I have lived longest in Mumbai, India [6 years]; Tasmania & Sydney, Australia [11 years]; UK [over 30 years & counting] but still feel Australian! Summers used to be spent on narrowboat, but no longer physically strong enough.

Have a wonderful son who graduated from Loughborough University - Manufacturing Engineering & Management in 2010 [he took a 3 month backpacking trip around India in 2007]. Now working as a business developer with an Engineering company.

Have spent a couple of decades dealing with unrelated cancers, but am now well. Have taken an online TESOL/TEFL course and went to India Sept 09 for 3 months as a volunteer Assistant English Teacher in Pune with the Deep Griha charity - a wonderful experience. In Goa, India, from June to Sept 2012 to attend an Ayurvedic doctor and receive a course of healing. Excellent results!

Since January 2010, have spent 3 years going through a process of operations to re-build my body after cancer treatment - not quite finished yet! Whilst I have been somewhat 'housebound' have taken up studying for a Humanities degree with the Open University ... currently reading philosophy. A great way to pass the time and to stay positive!

PHILOSOPHY

I have chosen to believe that my long journey through dealing with unrelated cancers has given me a unique 'training ground' ... Well, you HAVE to focus on the POSITIVE! That is why I trained to become a GP Referral Fitness Instructor later in life. Through my own experiences, I felt able to understand and to help other people through their own difficult journey of illness. Apart from teaching remedial exercise, I also introduced the art of self-healing/ visualisation techniques/ positive thinking. I set up an exercise class for people in wheelchairs, some of whom were eventually able to join my water-based classes. I feel privileged to have shared their progression from frailty & fear to a physical, spiritual & on-going development towards wellness. It has been a wonderful reward. Being too old now to jump around in studios & exercise pools ... whilst at the same time, vigorously motivating people; I have once again re-trained ... to teach English as a foreign language. By volunteering in India, I hoped to find myself strong enough to continue helping people. Over the years ... so much has been given to me by so many people ... it is good to have the opportunity to give something back. Whilst in India, I arranged to 'sponsor' a little Muslim girl through the Deep Griha Society. She will receive schooling, clothing, food and medical support [and the amount of money I pay for all of this is so very small!]. We exchange letters from time to time, which is lovely. How wonderful to be able to offer a child a good education!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Signed up to be able able to meet up with people in both Mumbai and Pune for a chat and as a result, met some lovely ladies [with whom I remain in touch]. Time in India was greatly enhanced by these contacts.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Meeting up [and keeping in touch] with the ladies in Mumbai, Pune & Goa, India.

Interests

Have set up a walking club in my village; regular swimming at local pool; summer narrow boating; continuing with reading in connection with Humanities Degree with Classical Studies & Philosophy - to keep the mind active! Degree achieved in 2017!

• humanities
• education
• fitness
• exercise
• walking
• reading
• swimming
• teaching
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Have just seen 'Slumdog Millionaire' ... Wow! Brutally honest!
Love classical music, particularly Mozart, Bach & Chopin. Also enjoy Santana, Dire Straits & AC/DC!
Enjoy all books by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Bill Bryson, Kahlil Gibran ... recently read 'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts ... amazing!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Gave birth to a 'perfect' son, after being 'sterilized' with total body radiation treatment for cancer!

Teach, Learn, Share

Everyone has certain strengths/interests/knowledge; and I continue to look forward to exchanging these experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Libya, Liechtenstein, Oman, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, United Kingdom

• 

•