Editor Interview - Tiffanie Darke Sunday Times Style Editor

Feature style interview with Tiffanie Darke, the editor of The Sunday Times Style magazine.

Confessional Interview : Simon Richardson MBE

The incredible and inspiring story of Paralympic Champion, Simon Richardson MBE, through all of his trials and tribulations.

 

 

 

 

 

Simon Richardson has always led his life with speed in mind. Initially his life focused solely on motorbikes, until an accident involving himself and his wife pushed him towards cycling as a way to regain his confidence.

 

Then in 2001, whilst he was out training, Simon was struck from behind by a car doing 60mph. The accident broke his back in two places and shattered his left leg. After a series of operations and having to adapt to the changes in his lifestyle, Simon pursued cycling as a way to aid his recovery.

 

In 2008 Simon Richardson represented Great Britain at the Beijing Paralympics, taking home two Gold medals, a Silver and he also broke the World Record in the Kilo. This phenomenal year was then topped off as Simon was awarded an MBE.

 

However in 2011, Simon's life took an unforeseeable turn as he was once again struck by a car whilst he was out training. But this time, the accident involved a drunk driver, who left Simon at the roadside.

 

Simon was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition. He was diagnosed with a detached lung, his back was broken in two places, and he also suffered with a broken pelvis. Doctors told him he would never ride again.

 

Three years on, Simon is still determined to get back in the saddle and is now training on a recumbent tricycle. His story has been an inspiration to cyclists through his determination and strong mental attitude.

 

Simon is now using the Twitter #SimonStrong to help raise money for the Air Ambulance service, who he values with having saved his life.

 

The interview was organised, set up and led by Nadine Forshaw.



WINOL Week 5 - Presenting and UKIP Interview

This week I took the role of presenter for WINOL, attempting to fill the very big shoes of Harry Parkhill. I was quite nervous as it has been a long time since I have presented but I was excited to take on the challenge. I was slightly disappointed as I stumbled a few times and fluffed a few words. Ian Anderson said I presented well but needed to slow down my delivery, which is something I am aware I need to work on, as I often talk as fast as a chipmunk on a caffeine high.

Chris Coneybeer was our Guest Editor this week and he said I was personable but I still came across slightly stiff and nervous, he reassured me that confidence is something that will come with time.

I also tweeted Alastair Stewart for advice on presenting, and he was nice enough to reply with some very helpful advice. This also acted as a good little promotion for WINOL via a household name.

Chris Coneybeer also gave me advice on my Diane James interview, which we promoted and showed a small clip of in the bulletin. My questions were good, but Diane, like most politicians, was well trained and often managed to avoid the point I was  focusing on. The interview would have benefited if I re-questioned her, even if it meant asking her the same thing several times, even if she never answers it, it makes it clear to the audience that this is a topic she is trying to avoid. Politicians will always say their party line and get across what they want to say, it is my job to push them further.

The Big Interview - Diane James

In a WINOL exclusive interview, UKIP’s Diane James stated that other than its stance on Europe, the party is still working on its policies regarding other issues.

Since February, MEP candidate, Tim Aker has been developing the parties policies which will be announced “as and when it suits” UKIP before the General Election in 2015.

When it comes to current issues such as energy prices and economy, Diane stated that she is happy to sit back and watch the larger parties “battle it out”.

The Waverly Councillor also expressed her disgust against the Conservatives “illegal immigrants go home” posters calling them “abhorrent”, and stated that if UKIP were successful in the General Election they would not use such tactics.

SKY News Interview

At the count of the Eastleigh By-election, I was interviewed by SKY News on the election so far.