Sahara Challenge : introducing Michael Richardson
Mr Michael Richardson is no stranger to The Body Shop Foundation.
Some of you may remember that he is a values champion and last years winner of the coverted ‘Anita Award’ – an internal competition for staff members who display “Roddick like” displays of charity, activism and values. If you get a chance, have a look at Michael’s blog back from India this year; he paints quite the picture and gives an interesting insight into the projects that we support and the work they have achieved with our funding.
And now he has joined the band of intrepid trekkers, walking for water across the Sahara Desert. Read on for an insight into Michael and a slight indication of how much fun this trip will be with his answers to the 10 questions we ask absolutely everyone….
Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
Is it, Answer:
A) My BMW R1200 GSA motorcycle – yes the one that Charlie Thingey and Ewan MacActor did that thing where they rode round the world.
B) My English bench-made Brogues – the most comfortable boots I have ever, ever worn.
C) My watch.
What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?
A) Early in my career here at The Body Shop, Dame Anita Roddick dialled my extension direct. I answered with something like ’4471, can I help ?’she said ‘Hi its Anita’ , I said ‘Anita ? Anita . . . There was a pause, and then the response came back ‘ . . .Roddick . . .’ I still wince when I type this. Years later I mentioned this to her – how we laughed (through gritted teeth)
B) When asked to provide a urine sample for a pre-operation check. I handed my contribution over to the nurse, she informed me they only needed about a teaspoonful – I took them a full 1 litre bottle. I was young, I was naive, what can I say ?
C) My ‘surprise’ 30th Birthday party – I don’t like surprises . . .
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
A) These questions
B) Climate change
C) Poverty
If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?
A) Chaos
B) Havoc
c) Mayhem
If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?
A) My Sahara Trek fund – need to get this going !
B) SERV (Service For Emergency Rider Volunteers – the night time motorcycle Blood Transportation Charity I belong to – www.serv.org.uk
C) RGT (Retired Greyhound Trust) in memory of my hound.
When was the last time you cried?
A) When Adelle nagged me for the millionth time to answer these questions,
or maybe it was when I saw a picture of a little fluffy kitten, and I think it had a injured paw . . . .
B) Real men don’t cry ! (I think it was a Tuesday)
C) Oh I don’t know, over something trivial, that probably didn’t warrant a boo-hoo.
Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?
A) Voicemail you have 3 new messages, please dial 121
B) I am home safe, I love you Dad XX
C) SERV Call out - Duty Night Text Alert – 2 Blood to Brighton pick up 2.30am. Thanks.
If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
A) Richard – make life easier for all the people that think I ‘look like a Richard’ (!) and try to turn my name into Richard Michaelson (usually the same people) – dear Lord, it’s not that tricky is it ?
B) Barry
C) Spartacus (no, I’m Spartacus)
What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?
A) What they do.
B) The difference they make.
C) Both of the above.
What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?
A) I can trek 100kms in 100 degrees F, without moaning.
B) I can’t walk anywhere without moaning about my feet – I do suffer with my arches . . .
C) I can walk in my sleep.
Michael will be trekking across the Sahara desert in arid conditions to walk for access to clean water for a community for the first time – if you think he’s a total star like we do (but don’t tell him), please visit his Just Giving page at : http://www.justgiving.com/Michael-Richardson3. Give whatever you can – it all adds up and all makes an enormous difference. Thank you.
