News & Diary page
30/04/10
My goodness May just about here already... Well lets hope its a sunny summer even though I suspect in Bank Holiday tradition it might not start that way!
My May Day will be spent at the very beautiful Tessa Sanderson's wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Kelly Holmes, Sonia Lannaman and myself, along with some very gorgeous younger ladies are bridesmaids - in red! Getting the old guard together will be fun It has been a long time since we've done that..and even longer since we've been bridesmaids I imagine! But can't wait....much love to Tess and Densign - Mr. & Mrs. White.
Work is a bit quiet as the marketing world is still sitting on its hands until after the election I suspect and maybe even the football World Cup for Olympic sportsmen and women. I have a few things in the diary and I will let you know about them more when they happen.
Meanwhile I just wanted to say hi and thanks to all of you who have written and asked about the rib and shoulder. I have to confess to being a bit lazy recently, giving my body a much needed chance to mend and recover. My May Day resolution is to get back in the gym. The rib seems a lot better, not so sore, but the shoulder still slips out occasionally. I'm being as careful with it as I can so generally it's not too bad. I've had loads of nice comments whilst out and around about skating.. And what can I say about Jason Gardiner's sacking except, not before time. Well done ITV.
Look out for a photo I did for Fabulous Magazine along with lots of other brave souls for an anti-air brushing campaign and with the talented Trevor Leighton for a Carbon footprint campaign. I'm recording some Countdown programmes this month which will be fun and have a few dates booked in to tell you about later.
So short and sweet, but have not forgotten everyone. Much love and take care for now
Sharron x
24/02/10 - MRI scan today on shoulder. I'll let you know what turns up.
The last month or two has been so hectic - but mainly in good ways! Not only has there been all things Christmas and New Year to attend to (which we always try and do in the best possible way with friends and family) but there have been numerous other jobs, commitments and events taking
place. These have included:
Lots and lots of skating in preparation for ITV's Dancing On Ice. I'm writing a regular blog for this so please go to that page for more information.
News of The World - I have just done a piece with this Sunday paper and it should be appearing this weekend. Hopefully it will represent a more accurate and sensible story than the one recently carried in the Daily Star!
Duel In The Pool - This was the swimming challenge pitting Europe against USA and I was up in Manchester with the BBC for the coverage. Although the American's came out winners overall there were some very promising swims from young Brits and and atmosphere was amazing. It can only be good for swimming and will help give swimmers at taste of the big time before the major games themselves.
Eggheads - I turned up on this popular BBC2 early evening quiz show as part of a team of Olympians. I was alongside Sir Matthew Pinsent, Roger Black, Mark Foster and Ade Adepitan. We pushed the Eggheads close but couldn't quite beat them. It was great fun though and a rare opportunity to trade general knowledge with World Quiz Champions. Maybe I should have studied my Trivial Pursuit cards more closely!
Avatar Premiere - I was lucky enough to go along to the premiere of this blockbuster in Leicester Square which was also attended by the likes of Sigourney Weaver. I took Pav, my Ice skating partner, along and really enjoyed the film. It has taken a bit a critical mauling seemingly based on what it cost to make. All I can say is it was really enjoyable and certainly work a look.
Bernard Matthews - I recently did a half day of radio interviews for this company and was delighted to do so. I have had some close involvement with them for a year or two now and have found them to be wonderful people and a terrific company. As it happens my own father was a poultry farmer so there is a bit of a connection there.
Sports Personality of the Year - This is always a great night and the 2009 show was no exception. I sat next to the lovely Becky Adlington and was really thrilled to take my son Elliott along. Regarding the result I don't think it's any secret to say no one really saw a Ryan Giggs victory when the night began, and judging by his response I'm pretty certain that included an elated but genuinely shocked Ryan himself!
Splash Awards - This is the annual awards set up for water sports by my good friend and fellow swimmer Karen Pickering. It took place at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, London and I was the very proud recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award. Hopefully that doesn't mean I'm not expected to do anything else...I reckon I've got a bit more to give yet!
BOA (British Olympic Association) Ball - This is always fun and takes place at London's Natural History Museum which is one of my favourite places.
Remembrance Sunday Lunch with Lord & Lady Apsley - This was a wonderful event in Cirencester on a very significant day. Others there included Elizabeth Hurley and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Pride of Britain - These awards are always the most humbling of all and a total pleasure and honour to attend.
British Gas Swimming for Free - British gas has been investing hugely in swimming and were in fact behind the Dual in the Pool event. I have been delighted to lend my support to them in these efforts and would encourage you to visit www.britishgasswimming.co.uk to check out how you and whole families can benefit from free swimming.
British Gas is also pushing Open Water Swimming which has been gaining in popularity since British success by the likes of Keri-Anne Payne in this event in the Beijing Olympics. The idea is to hold events around the country a bit like we do with cross country, marathon and half marathon running. You can always visit www.britishswimming.co.uk and www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming
Make A Wish - Another most wonderful cause that I'm always happy to help. This charity is dedicated to granting the wish of seriously ill children. It could be anything from visiting Disney Land to playing football with David Beckham. These can be truly magical moments for very poorly children and I urge you to visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk to find out more.
Daily Mail - I recently did a shoot for the Daily Mail but am not sure when it is appearing. I will keep you posted here if I find anything out.
Virgin Active Gym opening - Twickenham. I recently took part in the opening of this superb gym facility and the famous rugby stadium.
John Dietrich - I recently did a photoshoot with John who is a wonderful photographer. He has worked with all sorts of people from Bryan Ferry and Ozzy Osbourne to Dita Von Teese. I have done lots with him over the years and he always seems to bring the best out of me in a photographic sense. We are both delighted with what we produced in December and reckon it's easily some of the best stuff we've ever done. I will be putting up new images from this shoot each week on this site so please keep coming back! You can check out more of John's work at www.johndietrich.co.uk.
Working with top photographer John Dietrich in December '09.
A less than elegant behind the scenes moment from the John Dietrich photoshoot. How do you like the socks?!
* You can see the proper images from this session throughout this website and more will be posted soon.
Ultra-Fit Magazine - There is a feature on me in the latest issue of this terrific health and fitness magazine. You should be able to find it in most decent newsagents. www.ultrafitmagazine.com
Cornwall property - I was excited to buy a new property in Cornwall towards the end of last year and have really enjoyed working on it. Interior design is a serious hobby of mine and something I love to indulge in. The only problem has been that with work and daily skating practice over the last few months I've hardly had time to visit it. Oh well it'll be something to look forward to in the summer. It's in a beautiful area with nearby beaches and coves and is ideal for the children to enjoy for years to come I hope.
Working Lunch
Question of Sport
It has been a very busy 2009 thus far with too many things to report on. However I have just filmed another Question of Sport which I believe will be airing on Friday April 3rd. This time I was on Matt Dawson's team (on my last appearance I was on Phil Tuffnel's team and we managed to set a points record!) with cricketer and 'Strictly…' winner Mark Ramprakash. We were against Phil, Brian Moore of England rugby fame and my old mate Sir Steve Redgrave. If you want to know the result you'll have to watch!
Change of Plan!
Because of weather chaos quite a few Wright Stuff guests didn't make their slots last week so quite a bit of re-scheduling has gone on. My appearance will now be on a different date and I shall keep you posted here. The Wright Stuff I shall be appearing on Channel 5's '
The Wright Stuff'
on the morning of Tuesday Feb 10th. I've done the show before, always enjoy watching it and get on well with Matthew Wright who is a very good broadcaster. I've no idea what we'll be talking about and what subjects will come up but I'm sure it'll be fun. I hope you can tune in.
Magazine Articles
Some interesting and varied magazines will be doing articles on me over coming weeks. From Combat Magazine (the UK's top martial arts title) to Sports-IQ (a quality online publication) and Sports Insight. I'll post up publication dates when I know them.
NHS Active Initiative
I've recently been to the impressivley large, versatile and well equipped Dome Leisure Centre in Doncaster to draw attention to a great new initiative. The first of its kind scheme is funded by the NHS and is designed to introduce more people to physical activity. For one thing it now means that 120,000 Doncaster residents can go for a free swim in local leisure centres which is great news. I gave a swimming lesson to kids from two local schools - and was very impressed by the standards - and spoke to regional TV and radio stations and papers. The day seemed to go very well and I gather feedback was very postive. I wish them the very best with this scheme.
Public Speaking
I've delivered a few motivational presentations recently which I always enjoy and have been doing for a number of years. In fact I'm currently putting together a team of fabulous people who have all achieved great things in sport as well as their personal lives. The idea is to provide businesses, schools, colleges etc with a menu of high class presenters with uniquely inspiring stories. People can pick and choose whether they want one, two or three speakers and we can tailor presentaions to the requirements of the audience. A dedicated page will soon be placed on this site from where a brochure PDF can be downloaded
British Fashion Awards
What an experience that was. I went along to the event in London and was greeted by a mass of flash bulbs and demands to look this and that. Even for someone not unused to being photographed I have to confess this was a bit 'alarming'! I thought I was being daring with my reasonably short and low cut dress, black tights and boots…but compared to many I was significantly overdressed! A number of pictures of me did make it into the national media with kind comments so I think it was worth the risk! I sat at a very interesting table. There was my old swimming buddie Mark Foster, Sven's ex Nancy Dell Olio, Kristina Rihanoff and Camilla Dallerup from Strictly Come Dancing (they were lovely and Kristina's sadness at John Sergeant's departure from the show was still evident) and Tara P-T whose function I've never fully understood!
Good Food Show
Recently did a day at the NEC for Bernard Matthews at The Good Food Show. All went well and it looks like BM's message of quality home reared meat is getting through.
My Birthday!
It was my birthday on Saturday (Nov 1) and as ever it coincided with all kinds of halloween fun and games as well as early bonfire night celebrations. So the house was bedecked in plenty of spooky paraphenalia, costumes looked suitably scary and the fireworks display was spectacular. We all had a lovely weekend.
