Christine Bleakley

Christine Bleakley and the crew from The One Show came over to N.I. last week-end to do some filming with Christine and myself, so I thought you might like a little piece for the magazine. There will be little bits of Christine's progress and preparation on the One Show each evening from 1-5th March.

Christine Practices at Home for Sport Relief Challenge

St. Valentine's Day was rather different this year, as Christine Bleakley and myself, Janet Gray, braved the waters of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland.

Set on the Co. Down coast, the Lough is the richest in marine life in Europe, with everything from porpoises, seals, basking shark and even the odd whale visiting from time to time. The shores boast seal hauls outs and many nest sites and there's a fabulous aquarium in Portaferry at the mouth of the Lough. The waters may have many species of wildlife, but, these are very dangerous waters, with a tidal current of around 18nts, whirlpools and sunken wrecks, therefore, it is not a water ski area, but, the Council very kindly agreed to open the marina for Christine and I to practice and film, for the upcoming charity event.

Christine, presenter of The One Show on BBC1, is going to water ski across the English Channel in aid of Sport Relief. A mammoth challenge, considering she has only just learned to ski especially for the event!!!.

When Christine asked if, I would coach her and help in her preparation, I was absolutely thrilled. We are both originally Co. Down girls, so Strangford Lough was just the perfect place.

Crowds of excited spectators, friends and family turned out to cheer Christine on and lend their support, as we skied off together braving the icy waters. Christine then watched from the boat, as I skied, gauging the flow of the current beneath me, in order to give Christine as much information and useful tips as possible. Back on board, a quick chat over a hot cup of coffee and Christine was ready to brave the elements again. When our intrepid skier got back into the water, her skiing position had improved a lot and after a further twenty minutes of skiing out in the open sea, Christine's confidence had soared.

Time is short, as the challenge is set for around 10th March, weather depending, of course!!!, but, I have every faith in Christine and know, that she will give 110% on the day!!!. N.I. is very proud of our Christine and we are all behind her and will be cheering her on, every ski of the way!!!.

Go girl go!!!, you can do it!!!.

Mentality - by Joe Sillet with Karl Morris

Author Joe Sillet along with leading Mind Coach, Karl Morris, have produced a unique book called, Mentality. The book comprises interviews with sixteen famous sports personalities on their secrets of success. Each chapter has been summarised by one of Europe's leading Mind Coaches, Karl Morris and some of the proceeds from the publication will go to the charity, Special Olympics.

The famous names include:-

Ben Ainslie
John Amaechi
Geoffrey Boycott
Laura Davies
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Andrew Flintoff
Dr. Janet Gray M.B.E.
alan Hansen
Damon Hill
Georgina Hulme
David James
A. P. McCoy
Scott Quinnell
Denis Taylor
Phil (the Power) Taylor
Lee Westwood

Mentality is both an inspirational and
motivational must read!!! and is available from:-

www.mentality.tv

Last Wed, I went along to visit the children at Carnmoney Primary School, in Newtownabbey. I took along my slalom ski and some World Championship Gold medals. It was great to speak with the Key Stage 1 pupils and answer all their questions.

So far, my autobiography, Blind Ambition, has had rave reviews and been very well received. Please feel free to leave your comments on the web site, I'd love to read them.

I recently took part in another book for charity. Sixteen sports personalities all did a chapter each, with author, Joe Sillet and leading Mind Coach, Carl Morris. The book, A Winning Mind is available in all good book shops from 1st Feb, withthe some proceeds from sales going to Special Olympics.

To learn who the other 15 participants are, log on to:

www.mentality.tv

First Steps Womens Centre, in Dungannon

January was a busy month. It's great to be back into the training schedule, working in the gym and the swimming pool again. Well, I need to knuckle down and get back into routine after indulging in all the lovely Christmas goodies!!!.

Last Monday I went along to the First Steps Womens Centre, in Dungannon, where I was appointed as the centre's first Patron. It is both an honour and priviledge for me in accepting the post and I will endeavor to carry out my duties to the best of my ability. The centre does tremendous work in providing many courses for women in a wide variety of subjects and across many qualification levels, giving students encouragement and the confidence to progress. They also provide a first class child minding facility.

I was delighted to attend the fabulous Coffee Afternoon which was organised to raise much needed funds for the Haiti Appeal. It was great to meet and chat with all the girls and just after a few short hours, the centre had raised £882!!!. Very well done everyone!!!. To learn more about the centre and view the latest pics log on to:

www.southtyronewomenscentre.org