Kush and Rosemary asked me to introduce myself and tell the story that led me from addiction to healing. 

My earlier life had nothing to do with healing.

I left home and Scotland when I was 16 to work at Butlin’s holiday camps as a Redcoat. (It’s possible I might have ‘fibbed’ and said I was 18 on the job application form).

Life at a holiday camp was non-stop crazy fun! I worked really hard and partied even harder!I was fit and healthy. Never gave any thought to my general well-being and certainly never got sick. I spent 7 years with Butlin’s working all over the UK and barely had more than a few days off at any time. I was having the time of my life. I then got work overseas entertaining in Holiday Hotels and then on Cruise Ships.  I was still working hard. But the party side was out of control.

I was smoking three packs of cigs a day, drinking every single night (and day) rarely in bed before 3am and back at work by 9am. 

  • I was working in Menorca. 
  • It was just a regular day. 
  • I had to drive to visit a Hotel on the other side of the Island.
  • I took a longer route than usual, driving on rough, scenic roads to take in some stunning views.
  • The radio was on and I was singing loudly.
  • I turned a sharp corner and lost control of the car. 
  • It was spinning round and round.
  • There was nothing I could do to regain control. And then I went through a crash barrier.
  • My car was dangling over the edge of a cliff.
  • The ground was hundreds of feet below. 
  • It was pointing downwards.
  • Hundreds of feet in the air.
  • My face was pressed against the windscreen.
  • No point opening the door, there was nothing but air outside
  • The car was creaking. I was paralysed with fear. I remember thinking how quick and easy my death would be.
  • I then thought about my Mum and how upset and angry she would be. 

SO I DECIDED NOT TO DIE.

 I got the seatbelt off and climbed to the back of the car. It was like climbing up a ladder.  I saw the car jack had come loose and I was able to grab it and smashed the back window and escaped… and this is where my journey towards being a massage therapist began. 

Watch out for Part 2 next month – Whiplash, Tears and Cigarettes

Course information here and information here