Wales was more adventurous than I could ever have imagined! The sheep were everywhere I turned (and their presents were everywhere I stepped..), but you will never believe what else happened…we escaped from an armed siege on a speed boat and shook hands with a chap with loose bowels (pooooo!).

I went to support Lee (as his humble servant) in his role with The Outward Bound Trust – he is running the London Marathon for the charity next year. So yes there is more to Wales than just hills, sheep and churches.

The Outward Bound Trust Visit

We met lots of the Outward Bounders at the centre in Aberdovey and spent the whole day following different teams around watching them in some of the activities. By doing so we were able to get a real understanding of what the Outward Bound Trust is all about and how it is impacting on children and teenagers of today for the society of tomorrow. Here are some of the activities we saw:

1. Jumping from a huge telegraph pole onto a trapeze
2. Climbing mountains
3. Building boats and sailing in the Irish Sea
4. Being left in the Welsh hills and told to find their own way back
5. Jumping over a 100 foot wall
6. Jumping off a jetty into the sea during heavy storms

All of the activities are supported by trained experts so the kids are never away from help should they need it. These activities are designed to encourage team work, independence, fear fighting, respect for themselves and for others.

We saw a difference in the children and teenagers from the time that arrived to the time that they left. It really was incredible! The courses are helping encourage teenagers off the streets and into social groups and sports and more constructive activities. The courses clearly help kids find inner qualities they never thought they had and to realise their full potential. It was a real privilege to be given such an insight into the remarkable work being carried out here and has fuelled my passion to do everything I can to help the charity and support Lee in his role as a celebrity friend for the charity.

And What About Me?

During these few days I missed out on my usual tireless efforts in the gym but I did lots of steep hill walking and rambling, it was bitterly cold so I used loads of energy to keep warm and I had a bit of recovery time too. Most of all I was able to wear some new clothes from Debenhams that really showed off my new figure and I got more than I bargained for when I was mistaken for a Royal Protection Officer! More on that later………..

Here is me in my new outfit. What do you think?

Compared to what I used to look like? Great changes eh?

If you are interested, here is what I had on:

Jasper Conran Performance Grey Suit
with luxury fine performance fabric and horn buttons
Trousers £75.00
Jacket £199

Black leather Studio Jeff Banks belt £18
Black leather Jasper Conran Ricotta Apron Laced Shoes £75
Grey patterned silk tie by Rocha. John Rocha
White luxury cotton yarns double cuff shirt by Jasper Conran

HRH The Duke Of Edinburgh Officially Opened Carole Nash House

We were also delighted to be part of the royal opening of Carole Nash House at the Aberdovey centre on the final day of our trip to Wales. Carole Nash, a successful business woman, has been a huge supporter of the trust for many years and so donated £500,000 to build the new dormitories at the centre.

We spent the day in the company of HRH The Duke Of Edinburgh and distinguished supporters of the trust, were privileged to see a special demonstration of one of the new activities at the centre and heard speeches from some of the team leaders and outward bounders themselves. His Royal Highness made a fantastic speech which made everyone laugh yet conveyed the importance of the day, the charity and the continued support of some of the distinguished guests.

We had a delicious lunch, including Welsh Lamb and various canapés and hot finger food! Lee talked with Robin Gibb and other charity officials.

Mistaken for A Royal Protection Officer

It made my day when His Royal Highness’s private secretary (an absolutely charming person) rounded me up towards the end of the day and asked what the itinerary was. When I said I didn’t have one he said “aren’t you a policeman?” to which I said "No". He asked me what was in my ear and I said “a hearing aid” and he went bright red and was very apologetic! He thought I was wearing a communication ear piece worn by all the royal protection officers. He was a nice man and even more so for thinking I was fit enough and polished enough to look like a royal protection officer! … what a compliment! (thinking back 12 months I would never have passed such a role, so healthy living really is showing through).

On the train home

It was a wonderful time in Wales and we were on the train home with two senior outward bound representatives. Pouring with rain we settled to a long 6 hour journey home and reflected on our eventful time in magical hills of Wales thinking about getting back in the gym again for some hard workouts!

Till the next time!

Homme xx