What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?
It was a freshly painted bike. Not a lot of money in the 1950s, so recycling was the name of the game. My dad bought a second hand bike and added a lick of paint. To me, it was a new bike! It was my ticket to freedom and adventure.
What smell do you find irresistible?
A campfire or wood-fired barbecue, with meat sizzling and my mouth watering in anticipation.
What is your least favourite thing about humanity?
Bullies.
What is one strong childhood memory?
At the age of 7, I was diagnosed with rheumatic fever, for the second time in my life. I was confined to bed and had to stay there, lying flat all day. To a young boy, this was unbearable. Not even allowed to go to the toilet! It came to me in bed. Amazingly, I lived to tell the tale!
What is your message?
Don't underestimate your strength and abilities. Facing and overcoming a fear is so rewarding!
