I've journeyed from the bustling streets of Rainworth to settle in the tranquil embrace of Mansfield Woodhouse, with a route that took me the length of the UK and had more detours than Apple Maps in its early days.

 

When I'm not climbing mountains (okay, big-ish hills) or navigating escape rooms like a pro (seriously, hit me up with recommendations), I'm indulging in my love affair with food or planning trips I can barely afford.

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I've had my fair share of rough patches, but thanks to the Samaritans, I'm back on solid ground. These days, I'm more about spreading kindness, championing fairness, embracing equality and laughing.

 

I wasn't always like this; younger me was a bit of a dickhead. But I'm all grown-up now.

 

I'm always trying to be a better version of myself.

There was a time when post-breakup blues hit me harder than a morning-after hangover. Thankfully, the Samaritans swooped in like emotional paramedics.

 

Now, it's my turn to offer others the same support as a Listening Volunteer. Whether I'm juggling calls on a busy evening shift or supporting the prisoners' Listener Scheme, I'm there, grateful for the chance to pay back the kindness that was once shown to me.

 

I'm also a trained Advanced Mental Health First Aider, supporting my work colleagues and people in other organisations.

 

I'm a qualified mediator, helping people resolve conflicts and find common ground with empathy and understanding. My approach focuses on open communication and collaborative solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.

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When I'm not running late, searching for lost keys, wallets, or phones, or just procrastinating until the panic kicks in (thanks, ADHD), you'll find me camping under the stars after trekking through the wilderness (well, more likely the Peak District) like a bearish version of Dora the Explorer.

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My PS5 is my gateway to virtual victory with my Fortnite squad—our skills are more comedic relief than Battle Royale champions, but it's fun and kept us connected during lockdown.

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Beyond the pixels, I'm part of the politically engaged 'Guardian-reading, tofu-eating wokerati.' I'm a woke, left-leaning, Brexit-despising 'citizen of the world.'

Sex should be celebrated as a joyous, multifaceted expression of identity. I believe that sex, with its spectrum of emotions—from burning passion to piss-yourself-laughing lols—should be embraced without shame. Casual, consensual sex is on the table (or on the sofa, beach, in the car, the club, and maybe even on the bed).

 

I'm a poly-minded, ethical non-monogamist. Although currently in a monogamish relationship.

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Learning to love our bodies, irrespective of shape, size, or age, is both exciting and scary. Love yourself; you're amazing.

I'm an advocate for sexual health and responsibility. Growing up during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the early '80s was scary, I'm grateful for PREP, but know it's not the whole answer to safer sex—and safer sex is sexy.

 

Get tested, know your status, and play responsibly. End the stigma: U=U.