Personal History
At the age of 16 I broke my back on October 31st in 1989 and I profess that I did very little prior to my injury. My life changed for the better after my injury, it was truly one of the best things to happen to me, it just took a few years for me to understand that.
I was born in England and moved to New Zealand in 1983 with my brother Ian and parents Terry and Anne – we settled in Onehunga, Auckland. I had an average childhood and was barely noticed by anyone other than friends and family for having a wonderful smile.
After I broke my back it took me a few years to start finding myself again and sport managed to help me achieve this. A friend introduced me to wheelchair racing, and slowly this became a another life changing experience.
Since those early days, I have competed in many 2km, 3km, 5km, 10km and half-marathon events, along with marathons, ultra-marathons, numerous gorilla and other suit races and other extreme events. I have won the Colin Willis Trophy in R1 (standing) in 2012, 2014 Silver at the Mt Eden Champs in R3 (prone), 2013 at Christchurch NZCup2 Silver in R1 (standing) and Gold in R3 (prone). In Christchurch again earlier this year at the Target Shooting Nationals held in Christchurch February I was able to shoot a bronze in R3 (prone) and again won the R1 (standing) Colin Willis Trophy.
What motivates me
I strive to push boundaries, push ideas and push myself. I take it upon myself to encourage others to try harder than they thought, and do something they never thought possible. Fitness should be good for you, and fun! I enjoy being able to motivate people to achievement either in person or through someone just seeing me compete in a very hot suit.
My mission is to encourage others (with or without disabilities), to do more than you thought was possible, and communicate by motivation that ‘everyone has a gift’. I believe that by competing in events – on behalf of charities – helps people care less about the individual, and more about helping society.
Over the years I have developed a close relationship with my family, and they all encourage me to achieve my goals, which in turn enables me to encourage others.
Being a Marriage Celebrant
In 2012 I was given the pleasure of being able to officiate at weddings.
With your input, I can create a ceremony tailored to suit your personalities making your special day perfect for you. I am professional and passionate about helping assist you in creating lasting, meaningful memories on your day. This is your day to shine with a select few loved ones, friends and family supporting you.
To enable the best possible wedding ceremony for you, we will need to meet two or three times prior to your wedding day to discuss your options, needs, and legal requirements. Also getting background information from you both helps me to introduce you as individuals to the assembly, as they are part of the ceremony too.
From these meetings we look at how you both met, the love for each other and the commitment you are about to undertake, as well as formulate the ceremony structure and vows. I will be as committed to your wedding as you are.
I have a background in radio, communications and public speaking, so you can rest assured that as your celebrant I am flexible, while also versed in tact and holding the audience in anticipation. If required I can also perform MC duties or assist with your wedding arrangements.
I would feel honoured and privileged to officiate at your wedding, reflecting your hopes and dreams.
I am a Licensed Celebrant in New Zealand and live in Auckland, happy to travel within our beautiful country if requested. Service fees, times and further information are available on request. So feel free to contact me should you wish to enquire about having me perform your ceremony.