The secret motivations of a pretty public Secret Millionaire - Kevin GreenI always remember my grandfather, Scott Johnson, telling me that whatever I wanted to achieve in life I would be able to. Those words before his death stuck fast in my mind, particularly after I spoke with my careers advisor in school, asking him if it was possible to become a Millionaire? His curt answer to me was "Green, don't set your sights too high so you won't be disappointed!!". I wonder where that careers advisor is now. I do hope he watches my programme.
My drive and passion for life were further heightened when faced with the tragic loss of my sister Julie, aged just 20, to the horror of Lupus. Our birthdays fell on the same day, the fast approaching 21st September, so my Secret Millionaire programme airing on 23rd September is a priceless birthday gift. Some might say a great coincidence.
These three key memories: my grandfather's words, those of my careers advisor and the loss I suffered all those years ago have all motivated me towards achieving multi-millionaire status some years later and to not waste even a second of my life. My granddad told me to never boast when I did achieve success so I kept my head down! So not sure he would approve of what I have done - or maybe he would when he understood how I was helping other people achieve their lifelong dreams and aspirations.
When I was nominated for Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire by Miranda Leslau Public Relations (www.mirandaleslau.com) I refused to accept the challenge in the first instance. I felt that my skills as a Social Entrepreneur could be contained through my ongoing association with wonderful charitable organisations such as the Make-A Wish Foundation© UK (www.make-a-wish.org.uk), with whom I am closely associated today.
As time passed by, Miranda persuaded me to reconsider, highlighting that I am 'A Light Worker' and as such, had the gift and opportunity to bring light into more people's lives by embarking on this journey. Perhaps Miranda saw something I wasn't necessarily aware of at the time. I thank Miranda for this encouragement as it is one of the most amazing events in my life - I know that Miranda (as well as many other people) is extremely proud of me and can't stop crying every time she sees me on the box.
My undercover mission as a Secret Millionaire took me to Barnstaple and the surrounding area. As I looked out to sea during time spent with the following three heartfelt Devon based organisations, in the distance I could just catch the Brecon Beacons and felt closer to home. Today, as I write this short précis from my balcony in Carmarthenshire, I look down and see my field with nine donkeys, two of whom have been born since filming and who have been named after some of the key protagonists during my journey. As I raise my gaze to the distance I can just see the tip of Barnstaple and Ilfracombe in the distance and it warms my heart not to be too far removed from my once-in-a-lifetime experiences and the people I connected with. Knowing that I will return soon to provide more hands-on support and guidance in the years to come.
I am listing below a short report on each of my chosen organisations that I gifted to with a sum totalling sixty nine thousand pounds sterling, as follows:-
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Amber - www.amberweb.orgAmber is a rehabilitation centre for youngsters, aged between 18 and 30, who have experienced misfortune in their lives. When I first set eyes on this structure it almost seemed too good to be true as I could not understand how a success rate of 84 per cent for youngsters realising their dreams could be achieved. My interaction as a volunteer gave me an overwhelming sense of comradeship and it was like one huge family atmosphere, where we all helped one another. What impressed me the most was the sense of self-worth the youngsters achieved through carrying out all of the daily tasks themselves in the day-to-day running of the Foundation: ranging from cooking and cleaning to maintenance and reciprocal coaching. On the maintenance teams a resident team leader Geoff stood out as rock of strength whom the youngsters turned to for sounding off about their life tribulations. Geoff reminded me a bit of Hagrid from Harry Potter, with his mild, understanding manner and hands like shovels that he reached out to everyone with, day and night, particularly as he lives on site.
Among the special relationships I formed with the youngsters were Sean, Jamie and Rob. I could easily relate to Sean's 'cheeky chappy' approach to life as it reminded me so much of myself. As I got to know him, a huge life story was unveiled where he had experienced horrific personal challenges. He told me his story in confidence and in great detail - filling me full of remorse on the one hand but gratification on the other, given he was willing to share such personal details with myself as a volunteer worker. Sean wants to have a career in music and IT and he told me about the sorry state of the computers within the Foundation - really old fashioned and that only a few were working, being kept going by using parts from other machines . They were having difficulty getting online for research and job-seeking and when they did manage to log on, downloads were excruciatingly slow.
Jamie, a 'mountain' of a guy, who nearly crushed my hand when he shook it, wants to be a personal trainer. His life mission has been hampered as he was using old gym equipment. While I was at Amber, fortunately a local business donated some second-hand work stations for the gym that the youngsters, under Jamie's guidance and Geoff's expertise, were refurbishing. Jamie and all the other youngsters were desperate for a treadmill and stressed that he and the others needed this piece of gym equipment to warm up on before using the weights to avoid pulled muscles. As a keen runner myself, this need for a treadmill touched my heart and the passion that Jamie showed towards his love of fitness training meant that he and Jed, another Amber member, were running (forgive the pun!) training programmes for everyone at The Amber Foundation.
Rob absolutely loves IT and, like Sean, was extremely frustrated with not having modern equipment to work with. Sean and Rob had become very close friends , both 'cheeky chappies' with hearts of gold which typifies the personalities of youngsters at Amber. Rob told me details about his troubled upbringing , some of which he said he had never shared with anyone else in his whole life. The trust he placed in me was mind blowing and I felt very grateful towards my parents for being fortunate enough to have benefitted from their guidance whilst I was growing up. I remember the anguish I caused my mum and dad at times and could have quite easily 'gone off the rails' had it not been for them. I suppose that is why I felt I related so closely to the Amber youngsters.
The gift to Amber was the easiest to decide as there was no doubt in my mind that this place was transforming so many lives on so little resources. Geoff told me that he wanted for nothing in life except to help others - apart from "...a ride on a mower would be nice" a comment Geoff made that I picked up on .
My gift funded a state-of-the-art treadmill, together with IT equipment and a ride on mower for Geoff in recognition for his special contributions to the Amber Foundation. The Manager of the Foundation, another Geoff and 'Hagrid' Geoff commented that the donations would help so many youngsters in the future, which gave me a wonderful feeling of pride and fulfilment.
On my return visit to Amber, I offered to help with the strategy-setting sessions as a consultant to the youngsters and as a role model to the 'would be' entrepreneurs. This fits so well with the teachings I carry out in my day-to-day life as a trainer and through my business, www.propertytrain.biz. As I was leaving the Amber Foundation, I was asked by Sue, the marketing manager, if I would run The Flora London Marathon in 2010 on their behalf. Of course I accepted although I may need to make use of that treadmill now to get fit!
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BPAG - Barnstaple Poverty Action GroupAs my business interest is in housing I wanted to find out what it's like at perhaps the extreme end of the homelessness chain and found a group in Barnstaple that were helping the homeless as well as additional resources. I helped out as a volunteer and met with Julie who is one of the liaison officers, working as a link or outreach person for the homeless. Julie invited me to join her as a volunteer on her daily routine of getting out and about speaking to homeless people and 'sofa surfers' (persons with no permanent address). We got up early on the first morning , met up with Abbey who is employed by the North Devon Council and visited likely spots where we might find people sleeping rough - Julie used the term 'rough sleepers '. I was shocked with what I saw: rough sleepers in makeshift tents which were basically branches bent over with a polythene sheet thrown over, nick named' benders'. Both Julie and Abbey were so compassionate towards the rough sleepers, most of who were situated outside of the town. I started asking a number of questions as to why they were there and the common answer I received sickened me as the rough sleepers replied '...we have to sleep here outside the town otherwise we fear for our safety. We will get our heads kicked in". It made me consider what a state our society has got into when a homeless person gets beaten up for no apparent reason - although others may disagree with this view. Mike and Kelly, who I met on the streets of Ilfracombe, invited me back to their tent on a hillside, way outside the town. I shared hours in their company, well into the night, as they told me exactly what it's like to be living on tiny benefit money with no self-worth as a result of people spitting at them and beating them up. Mike said that if he was lucky enough to get into secondary level rented accommodation that he would rather the landlords get paid the rent money direct. The reason for this was because he was only going to spend the money on cider if given a lump sum under the as-he- called-it '...stupid idea Government has of paying tenants directly'. Mike went on to say that every person he knows on benefits feels exactly the same way. He did not know that I am one of the largest private sector landlords in the UK and I found his comments extremely interesting. It would seem that direct payments by the Government through ' Living Allowance' is having an adverse effect on recipients in that it appears to be encouraging people to binge drink and smoke or take drugs rather than for the intended purpose: to understand how to handle money.
Julie was showing the rough sleepers how to set financial cash flows to set budgets for their money, something very close to my heart as this forms part of what I teach potential property investors . Julie commented: "You see Kevin, they are not taught how to budget and run a simple home in school". I wholeheartedly agreed with Julie. Mike and Kelly praised Julie in particular for the meal parcels and support she offered them both. Those times in Mike and Kelly's tent and their story of what an angel Julie was will stick in my mind forever. I spent hours with Julie, a very humble lady, speaking to a whole host of less fortunate people.
The next huge shock came to me when I realised how far out of town some of the rough sleepers were. Julie said that she did not have the resources to reach everyone and while Abbey was employed by the Council and was obviously doing a great service, neither Abbey or Julie could spend enough time on the ground to reach all rough sleepers in out laying areas. Julie told me of rough sleepers who do not appear on the register and are seen perhaps not to exist and die miles away from the town in a wood or similar whose bodies are never found. This was compounded by an article I came across in the North Devon Journal ( a copy of which I have kept) where a rough sleeper had died unnecessarily. I asked Julie: "If someone was to wave a magic wand what would she wish for?". Her response was immediate, she said: "I would like to train volunteer workers to go as outreach workers to help the needy - rough sleepers who are in the outlaying areas and who are too frightened to come into town to the soup kitchens for help". She quoted a figure and stated that BPAG could not get funding from usual sources for this as the project proposal had never been done in UK. This excited me, the thought of supporting Julie, a lady who works all hours in her Florence Nightingale type quest to help rough sleepers in outreach areas. I realised that if this project could get off the ground and have a proven track record, then external funding sources would be easier. I funded Julie wish for a part-time worker to help her train six volunteer workers. What a wonderful feeling it was knowing the difference that my contribution will make, with the added bonus that this would not be a one-off donation and finish. Ongoing support is more likely to take the form of a project that will be sustainable in the longer term and a model that other UK organisations can follow.
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South West Children's Hospice - Little Bridge House (website and check name, South West or SouthWest) - www.chsw.org.ukI found a Charity shop in Barnstaple town, namely South West Children's Hospice and noticed a sign in the shop window saying they were looking for volunteers. Having spoken to staff in the shop I found out that there was a Children's Hospice called Little Bridge House just outside Barnstaple. I volunteered to spend the following day helping out at Little Bridge House the following day.
When I first set eyes on the Hospice it seemed so well set up that I felt my help in funding would not be needed. Little did I know what was in store! I met with the Chaplain, yet another Geoff and helped him to prepare a room for a special needs child who was about to come and stay. Geoff explained to me how important it was to dress the room in such a way so that it makes the children feel at home. Geoff spoke in detail about the ethos of Little Bridge House and how important a facility it is for families who can share their experiences with other families who have similar highly dependent special needs children. There was something special about Geoff although I could not pinpoint what it was - it seemed angelic-like .
One of the mums, Louise, introduced me her daughter, three and a half year old Emily. I helped Louise administer Emily's lunch through a stomach tube. I began to realise through speaking with Louise how difficult it is for parents with special needs kiddies. Louise invited me to take Louise to the 'Narnia' garden with Geoff - I was intrigued as to what this was! On reaching the Narnia garden Geoff explained that special needs children, although not always able to talk or who seem 'out of it', that they often respond to touch, sound and smell. The Narnia Garden had been built by Little Bridge House as a special place where children can explore. As I wheeled little Emily around the garden and banged the tubes and touched her arm as I spoke with her, I could see her responding with little smiles ... wow what a feeling that was. I was lost in time in the Narnia garden with all its little mirrors, scented planting, noises and even water jets, it was one of those special times in my life that I thank The Secret Millionaire for.
I went home that day with a feeling of enlightenment, partly through the Little Bridge House experience but mostly with the dulcet calming tones of Geoff's voice in my mind. Obviously I wanted to find out more and asked if I could volunteer for the next day also. "Yes of course!" said Geoff with that kind, knowing look in his eyes.
Geoff took me back the next day when we went to the Star Born Room. That is where the children lay after their death. I had to swallow hard as I had not thought too much about the hospice being where children can die. On entering the Star Born Room, an amazing feeling of peace washed over me, as I read messages left by families in the remembrance book I thought of my own experience of losing my sister, Julie. As a family we never had bereavement support and I know that I had not fully come to terms with the pain of Julie's death. Geoff showed me the chapel and the prayer tree where families had placed notes to their sisters, brothers, sons and daughters that had passed away. Geoff could see my pain and spoke with me for what seemed a short time but was actually ages on my loss. The words Geoff spoke helped me come to terms with my loss. I only wish my parents had been able to seek comfort from a Geoff-copy. He told me how he runs a bereavement group for mums and dads but was limited with funding. I also asked Geoff how he coped with dealing with other peoples loss of their children. He said he found it difficult at times although did turn to 'the big man upstairs' when in need.
Geoff guided me into a very sparkly room and one of the mums, Adele, was there with her daughter, Shannon. Shannon is 12 and a half and suffering from severe Retts. On speaking with Adele unfortunately I was told that Shannon was getting worse with her illness and was given a short lifespan. Adele described to me a typical daily routine as I helped her massage Shannon's legs. Adele told me that, on average, she got two hours sleep a night because of Shannon's high needs. Adele had two other daughters with her who are perfectly able-bodied, called Amber and Taylor-May.
When Adele said the name 'Amber' I was taken aback because I had just spent lots of time at the Amber Foundation. Adele looked a little tired and explained how much Little Bridge House meant to her - as a place where she could chill out while the care staff helped with Shannon and another lady who ran the siblings group, also called Adele and who looked after Amber and Taylor May. Adele said she had met another mum called Louise through Little Bridge House and invited me to spend time with them later that day to discuss, away from the children, exactly what looking after a high dependant special-needs child was like. The one point that really impressed me was the unconditional time, effort and most importantly love that Adele showed towards Shannon. We arranged to meet up later with Louise in the Little Bridge garden where Little Bridge House takes its name from.
My next mission was to meet Adele, the sibling group leader. Adele got me involved in helping the sibling group and Amber, Taylor- May, their grandma and I made 'gloop', a very messy fun glue. The children thoroughly enjoyed making me all messy and Adele, siblings leader (are you keeping up?) explained how important it is to look after the brothers and sisters of special needs kiddies when their families visit, to give some much needed quality 'me' time to the siblings as well as the suffering children. As we played I noticed that Adele had a false arm. Me being from Wales and a bit nosey, I asked how and why she had lost her arm. Adele explained how her arm had to be amputated to save her life and as a result of being close to death she has chosen to help others and loves working as sibling group leader. She said she was limited by funds and could not carry out a lot of special activities with the sibling group as a result of her physical disability. Adele again impressed me so much with her dedication and interaction with the kiddies.
I was beginning to realise that Little Bridge House is a very special place indeed and despite my first thoughts there were areas in which I could perhaps help. Later that day, as I strolled through the beautiful grounds of Little Bridge House with Adele, Shannon's mum and Louise, Emily's mum, this feeling was further endorsed as they shared their views on Little Bridge House. When we got to the bridge I asked both mums if they had any wishes. Louise replied: "I would love to take Emily to Walt Disney World in Florida, alas it's not going to happen as we can't afford it. Adele said she had always wished for Shannon to swim with Dolphins. She felt that the opportunity had been lost because of finance and due to the fact that Shannon's condition was getting worse so there would be little time left where it would be possible for her to fly. I immediately wanted to make their wishes come true but first wanted to find out more about what its actually like to cope at home with a special needs child, away from the comforts of Little Bridge House . Adele invited me to visit her home to find out.
Now I was beginning to get torn between helping one of the mums or both or whether to donate to Little Bridge House?
Seeing first-hand how difficult it is in the home environment and how Adele did whatever it took to be sure that all of her children were having the best love and care, humbled me hugely. I'm lucky and blessed enough to have three perfectly able children that I cherish and wondered how I would cope if placed in Adele's position. To this day I don't know how she does it.
After huge deliberation and by far the most difficult decision of all, I decided on the following:-
Little Bridge House would receive funds from me to be used for the sibling and bereavement fund. Difficult enough alone as there are so many deserved areas and staff at this wonderful Hospice.
To cover the costs of sending Louise, her husband Ben and family to Walt Disney World Florida and Adele, her husband Tony, Amber and Taylor-May, also to visit Florida for Shannon to swim with dolphins, I needed to do some research into the extensive logistical requirements relating to such a trip - and boy did this trip have a long 'to-do' list. In total, this fun-filled group gift included flying both families to Florida Premium Economy with Virgin Atlantic Airways, together with passes to swim with Dolphins at Discovery Cove, hotel costs, attraction passes, insurance, etc, I have to add that Virgin Atlantic Airways were amazing supporting us with logistics and upgrades wherever possible. Thank you to them and to my team back home in Wales who were fantastic.
I am still on a high after taking part in the whole experience of Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire. One of the best attributes about becoming financially free is the ability to help others in many ways. Through my Secret Millionaire journey, I never realised I would also learn so much about myself - and the synchronicities that took place throughout my time in North Devon: the duplication of so many names, the geographical and professional link-ups - all leading me to the next stage of my 'not-so-Secret Millionaire' path.
The pain I was holding in my heart since the age of 22 after my sister passed away has gone and I have become more grounded... I have found 'ME' again.
And every day, as I look out to sea from my balcony, with the tip of Barnstaple in sight, I smile: for myself, for my Julie, for my dear old grandfather, for the poor old careers advisor and for those around me who are precious...thank you.
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