It saddens me that, in the space of just two days, I find myself writing how a single event has led to shelving of previous bias, stereotype and opinion. On Tuesday, it was Jade Goody’s efforts to raise awareness of her illness; the article being a direct response to a piece published in The Times newspaper. Today however, my attention turns to David Cameron, the conservative leader, who sadly lost his six-year old son in the early hours of this morning.

Ivan Cameron, a “brave child” who faced the tragedy of severe epilepsy, passed this morning after battling with the illness since his birth. As a life-long anti-Conservative, I was deeply moved by this, both on a personal and political level. No parent should ever have to deal with losing a child, and I can’t imagine how Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are feeling at the moment. Rightly so, they have been granted their privacy and today’s PMQs has been cancelled.

As a parent dealing with a terminally ill child, Mr. Cameron daily life was dictated by hospital appointments, home treatment and working with his son’s carers; his politics was no different. Constant dealings with the NHS led to the Conservative’s adaptation of ‘compassionate conservatism’, a move away from the ‘nasty party’ image advocated by Theresa May, the one-time party secretary. Mr. Cameron recognised the value of the NHS and the important role it plays in people lives on a daily basis.

When Mr. Cameron does come back to work, I’m sure that the memory of his beloved son will be a driving force behind his campaign; an angelic inspiration of the highest value.

Rest in Peace Ivan.

When Jade Goody emerged from her embrace with her then-fiancee Jack following his release from prison, the reality television cynic in me awoke. Over the last few years, my transition from avid big-brother viewer to hater of anything involving a sub c-list celebrity has been completed. I dislike celebrity and everything that comes with it.

That was, until last week. On a mundane motorway trip, the middle aged man in me decided to tune into Five Live’s phone-in, where it became apparent from a barrage of callers that Jade Goody had done something amazing – she had single handedly increased awareness of cervical cancer. Women of all ages were calling the show, telling the world that, thanks to the potent images of Jade in recent weeks, they had booked smear tests with their GPs. This is absolutely extraordinary. I am an avid believer that there is no greater feat than saving a life, and Mrs. Goody may have just done that a hundred times over.

The footage of Jade reacting to her chemotherapy is brutal, but necessary, as it shows the reality of the situation: hair loss, weakness and nausea. However, it’s when the camera focuses on Mrs. Goody in a tight embrace with her husband and children that we see where the real sadness of the situation lies.

Her children will lose a mother and her husband will lose a wife.

If Jade’s programs and the increasing news footage teach us anything, its that life is far too short. We’ve got to do the utmost to keep our health, and, just as importantly, our family.

I wish Jade eternal peace.

For information on smear tests please visit: http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/

Arriving at Soho gyms to begin my induction was a humbling experience. Housed in a new development within the Borough area, and only a stone’s throw away from the Great Dover Street apartments, the complex itself had a smart, almost sexy exterior; its walls a multitude of blue and white, making up the gym’s trademark logo. Continue reading “Soho Gyms Blog – Part Two”

To date, when asked about my appeal to the opposite sex and what belief I have in myself, my response has always articulated the importance of personality. This, however, is to be anticipated from a man of average proportions (admittedly, where height is concerned I fall into the upper echelons of averageness); my mother always told me that appearance didn’t matter, and, up until the age of thirteen, I believed her. Conversations with my female peers also drew the same conclusions. Then came Peter Andre’s chest, swiftly followed by David Beckham’s abs before my recent female compatriots fell for the charm of Daniel Craig – especially in that swimwear scene. A clear trend was developing in my adolescent mind. Accordingly, when Soho gyms laid down the challenge of a three-month stint in their Borough gym, I accepted. Continue reading “Soho Gyms Blog – Part One”