The secret millionaire: adee phelan

Published 05th Dec 2011 by rachael
The secret millionaire: adee phelan adee-phelan-the-secret-millionaire.jpg
Three hairdressers took part in the popular Channel Four programme The Secret Millionaire. We speak to the philanthropics about their experiences. 


"The Secret Millionaire is one of my favourite programmes so I was delighted to be asked to take part. I thought it would be interesting to go into an environment that was similar to where I was 10 years ago." 


"Everyone takes part for different reasons and for me it was about giving something back, as well as the feel-good factor. Someone gave me an opportunity years ago and I thought I might be able to do the same for others."


"I visited Jaywick in Essex and got involved in Open Road, a clinic which deals with drink and drug addiction; Inclusion Ventures which is a one-stop shop for young people and the St Helena Hospice for extremely ill patients and their carers for respite visits. I met a man called Byron there who really made me face my demons."


"My Dad and brother are both ill, so it was close to home and I was shocked at how it affected me. The whole experience raised some bad memories for me; over the years I have taken an obscene amount of drugs and drink and have been so depressed I ended up in hopsital." 


"I was surprised at how, going back to that kind of environment, would open up raw memories which set me on a really emotional journey. I became totally emerged in the lives and problems of the people I met - it was really unexpected."


"I spent nine days in Essex and while I knew I was self-obsessed and selfish, I didn't realise how much until I met these people. I was preoccupied with proving myself, fixated with my career and the whole fake world we all live in. The Secret Millionaire taught me not to be so selfish and that the small things can make a big difference. I learnt to tell my Dad I loved him, which I hadn't done for a long time."
 
"I regularly speak to all the people I met and have gone fishing with Byron. Hairdressing is such a generous industry and since the programme aired, the St Helena Hospice has had calls from hairdressers offering their services which is a fantastic response." 


"An hour can make such a difference to someone's life - sitting and chatting or giving them a haircut can really make their day. It's amazing how a blow-dry or set means the world to them - it doesn't cost anything, but everyone involved gets something from it." 



rachael

rachael

Published 05th Dec 2011

Have all the latest news delivered to your inbox

You must be a member to save and like images from the gallery.