Never Meet Your Idols

If I was ever to go on Mastermind my choice of expert subject would either be West Ham United or the Bee Gees.

I remember watching my first West Ham game in 1986 aged 10 when we won 2-0 away from home at Watford and both Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie scored. I was captivated and was very fortunate to meet them both in my 30s at a football tournament in London.

My other obsession is the Bee Gees and whilst I have never had the privilege of meeting any of them, a speaker I worked with once met Robin Gibb and kindly got the attached signed for me and it hangs on the wall in my office at home.

There is a saying that you should never meet your idols, yet I was lucky enough to meet two of them. I don’t think I will ever get to meet Sir Barry Gibb, but if I did, I fear I may find myself a little speechless.

We all admire people for different reasons and I am sure that many of you now have images of me standing in the London Stadium dressed as John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever blending my two obsessions.

Whilst meeting Messiers Cottee and McAvennie was fantastic, you don’t have to be an amazing goal scorer or hit a high note on stage to instill awe. There are a number of speakers I have worked with over the years that I also have great admiration for. These are just a few that I continue to work with today, whose stories I continue to admire and draw inspiration from;

Lisa Potts – Lisa is a former nursery nurse who in 1996 suffered severe injuries whilst protecting her nursery children from a machete attack by a man with severe paranoid schizophrenia. After suffering from PTSD, Lisa went on to set up her own charity before training to become a Public Health Nurse. An inspirational speaker and a lovely person to work with.

Simon Weston CBE – Simon was badly injured during the Falklands War suffering 46% burns to his body and since then has undergone over 70 operations. Simon has dedicated much of his life since, raising millions of pounds for charity and raising awareness of veterans in the UK and around the world. A passionate and respected speaker who often leaves the room to a standing ovation.

Alan Chambers MBE – A former marine, Alan led the first British expedition unaided to the North Pole and has since then led teams to the South Pole and led the Feet of Green expedition, raising the profile of climate issues within schools. Given an MBE by the Queen in 2000 for determination and leadership in constant adversity. Alan is a wonderful speaker.

Nicolas Hamilton – Nicolas is a British Racing Driver who currently takes part in the British Touring Car Championship. His story is quite remarkable as having been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, it was highly possible that Nicolas may not have been able to drive at all – let alone walk. However, through sheer determination, he has taught himself how to walk and has never let his disability get in his way of becoming a racing driver. A lovely man and inspirational speaker and always a pleasure to work with.

Jon White – Jon White is a former Royal Marine, who while on his final military command was on patrol in Afghanistan with his Troop, stepped on a Pressure Plate Improvised Explosive Device and lost three limbs. A fantastic speaker on leadership, Jon has also strived to not let his injuries prevent him taking on new challenges, including taking part in the Devizes to Westminster Kayak Race in April 2012 and building a family home which featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

These are all wonderful speakers and if you would like to know more about any of them or you are looking for any ideas please email us at enquries@scampspeakers.co.uk