It was back to the Cancer Research fold today, after a few weeks break. Not only have I been busy, working everyday for over a fortnight, but I have had a few personal issues to sort out. It really felt good to be back with the gang, even though I did find it hard.

Let me explain...

...On Thursday I was put on beta blockers, a drug that slows your heart rate down. As a person, I have always suffered with anxiety, nothing major, but enough of an issue to see my Doctor about. On top of this, I have had some blood pressure and heart issues, culminating in a rather high heart rate of 198 beats per minute. After explaining my concerns to my GP, she suggested taking beta blockers, they not only slow your heart down but also help deal with the physical symptoms of anxiety. Well I duly followed her advice and started a course of Propranolol on Thursday; 40 mg up to three times a day, hoping to at least start dealing with the concerns I currently have.

I have been in a little bit of a daze since taking these pills and have found adjusting to them rather difficult, but understand it is important to carry on taking the medication. Today with my heart rate down to 55 beats a minute, I made my way to Cancer Research to begin a few hours work, hoping to overcome the side effects I am suffering. Being around Zerina and everyone who work there is always a tonic and I got through the day remarkably well, despite feeling lightheaded and rather unsteady at times. I have reduced the dose of Propranolol I am taking, from 40mg to 10mg, hoping to gradually increase the level administered over the next few weeks. I really am not enjoying the ghastly aftermath these tablets are causing, but am sure it will change in time.

Interestingly another volunteer was able to reassure me about beta blockers, explaining his difficulties using them himself, allowing me to breath a sigh of relief somewhat, understanding more about just how this medication works. For a time this morning I was concerned my heart was beating far too slowly, but believe this is all part of the initial stages of 'bedding in,' as my body gets used to its new regime. The advice I was given today has lifted my mood and allowed me to look forward positively, trying to focus on the bigger picture, rather than panicking about the side effects.

Being around the team at Cancer Research was a joy this Monday, lifting ones spirits at an onerous time; enjoying the company of friends, dressing up and in lighthearted mood, I was able to put my problems on the back burner. Laughter is the biggest medicine of all, better than all the beta blockers in the World, so it's the most important time of the week for me, a time that I will always cherish fondly, making money for good causes, memories for today and affording meaning where there was none; there's no better pay packet than that!

After a bout of depression yesterday and the realisation that not everyone in my life is great, today I had my faith restored in humanity. Monday is of course my day for volunteering at Cancer Research, a place I always love being. Surrounded by friends and colleagues. I once again had a busy morning restocking the electrical department, after a successful week of sales.

I also roped in a friend from The Newcome Public House where I also work, to do a spot of voluntary work, since he had a day off and between us, we got a lot done, more than usual it has to be said. There were numerous electrical items in the stock room to go through and Gary was able to help, making sure everything I was displaying was in working order. Big thanks to the big man for coming in at such short notice, disturbing his morning shop in ASDA. I even made him several cups of builders tea, something I never do...I ABSOLUTELY HATE MAKING THE STUFF!

It was also a big hello once again to Jules, a colleague I also work with at Tesco, on his return to the Monday fold. After a break of several months, he returned to his rightful place behind the till, flirting with  customers and being a welcoming beacon for the older ladies and probably men too, who come in the shop. As one customer said to me today, 'he looks just like George Clooney doesn't he?' Well, I may well beg to differ on that comment, but Jules is a wonderful bloke, who is a great addition to the Cancer Research family!

Happy Monday Y'all!

Yesterday everyone at Cancer Research said farewell to Deputy Manager Jo, who is moving on to her own shop in Gosport. Eleven of us went for dinner at Yan Woo Restaurant in North End, Portsmouth. This is a place that has been recommended to me before, so I was looking forward to trying the Chinese menu. The cost of an all you can eat meal, cooked to order, a bargain 17.95 pounds and it was worth every penny. The food was exceptional, piping hot and perfectly cooked. It normally takes a lot for me to be impressed with any dining experience, but the truth is, it was fantastic! With copious amounts of alcohol flowing and everyone in good spirits, the evening went off without a hitch!

Jo was a good Deputy Manager; her and I got on well, both of us having the same sense of humour, dressing up whenever we could, at every given opportunity and employing a lighthearted approach to our working day. Volunteering for a charity is different to the 'normal' working environment, it is a far happier atmosphere and everyone who volunteers wants to be there, enjoying making money for charity. Jo's friendly attitude and positive viewpoint was always a source of inspiration for me. Not only was she a boss and mentor, but she was also a friend and confidante. If ever I had a problem or issue, I always knew I could go straight to Jo for advice. She will be sadly missed by all of us who worked at Cancer Research in Portsmouth, the shop in Commercial Road will not be the same without her.

After a tiring weekend of work, today I was at Cancer Research, doing what I love best, raising money for good causes. The day started off well and I got on restocking the electrical department, something I do regularly on a Monday morning. As lunch time approached I popped out into the high street to buy a sandwich and carry out a few errands. Despite working hard all week, I find my time at Cancer Research relaxing and a bit of a stress reliever, but not today!

Whilst out for lunch, I popped into a high street shop to buy a book. As I browsed at the rear, I heard a commotion, shouting and screaming coming from the entrance, so I moved closer, trying to hear what was going on. I saw two young girls, no more that eighteen years old, cowering by the desk, as a man shouted abuse in their direction. He was yelling expletives, talking in a derogatory way, about the girls appearance, making it very clear what he wanted to do to them. Clearly the man was unhinged, on drugs or worse, so seeing how distressed the girls were, I walked over to try and get the man out of the shop.

By the time I got to them, one of the girls was in floods of tears, as the man smacked her hard on her back. Firmly I asked the guy to leave, at which point he turned his attention towards me, lashing out, swearing and calling me a number of different names; nothing I couldn't handle. Once again I asked him to leave and moved closer, trying to usher him out of the door. Eventually he was escorted out by staff as I stood between him and the girls and the Police were phoned.

I continued shopping and made my way back to Cancer Research, making sure the girls were OK before I went and told them to stay put until the Police arrived. In front of me I saw the man being questioned by security at the entrance to The Cascades Shopping Centre. He spotted me walking towards him and began yet another tirade of screeching. As I travelled past, he turned and spat square in my face. I asked the security guards to phone the Police and make sure they held him until they arrived. He seemed like a monster, full of hate and anger and a danger to the public.

A little later, I had a visit from an Officer at Cancer Research, who took a quick statement. He explained the man had mental health issues and should have been out in town with an escort, but managed to get away. His own Mother was also his designated carer and was also finding it difficult to keep him under control. At eighty years old she was no longer able to look after him. The Officer assured me he was going to try and get his Mum and him help, asking me whether I wanted to press charges. Well obviously he pulled at my heart strings and I said no, as long as he gets the help he needs and we left it there.

I have often seen situations where a person is being abused in public and have intervened on occasion, or found someone in authority to deal with the incident. I am amazed at how people can just walk away when someone is in trouble; as human beings we have a duty to look out for others and do what we can to help. There is so much violence on the streets today, it is up to the public to be vigilant. Police numbers are falling and the amount of money put into mental health care has been slashed, so there will inevitably be many more such occurrences in future. As an individual I have always helped others, whether through charity work, mentoring or just offering an open door, when someone is in need. I will always be there if I can, as all of us should be. If we do the right thing, the World will be a much better place!

It's been another productive day at Cancer Research, despite the number of photographs we take each Monday. This week I was using my new Huawei camera, which I have bought specifically for my blog. I have been looking to purchase a decent camera phone for a while now and this new Huawei Mate20 Pro is fantastic and comes highly recommended from a number of reputable sources. Blogging is a huge part of my life and investing in it is important to maximise my readership and ensure I move 'Roaming Brit' onto the next level, improving quality and allowing me to focus on my passion, photography. Once again I was able to capture some great shots from all the staff and volunteers at our Portsmouth branch!

My boss Zerina has asked me to include an appeal in today's entry, asking for readers to donate furniture to our store in Commercial Road. Our charity shop has decided to start selling larger items of furniture, something we have been doing for quite a number of weeks now and it has been going well....Very well! 

Like every charity shop, we rely on donations from the public. Already we have had some wonderful items through the front door. Only today I priced up a superb water colour, from a competent amateur artist and a lovely inlaid marquetry walnut box; two items that anyone would be proud to own. It's donations like these that show just how generous the general public is and we want to keep up the momentum.

If you are currently redecorating your home and have some household items you no longer want, please give Cancer Research a ring and we will happily pick them up. Living with the knowledge that your gift is helping to make cancer history is  truly awe-inspiring and benefits those suffering with cancer as well as the local community in which you live. As someone who also donates when I can, I can highly recommend it. Cancer has touched all our lives and its because of you, that we can continue to do the research necessary, to help patients up and down the country. All of us in Commercial Road look forward to taking your call!

I've had a pretty busy morning at Cancer Research today. Despite the usual selection of fun filled photographs, there were a lot of donations to go through, from munificent members of the public, who continue to do what they can to raise money for the fantastic charity. This evening I wanted to say a few words about donations and encourage readers of 'Roaming Brit' to donate generously.

All charities rely on gifts from the general public, Britain has a proud tradition of Charity shops and a great deal of money is generated from the sale of unwanted items. Cancer Research in Portsmouth is a large unit, the largest such establishment I have ever worked in and consequently has a lot of stock to categorise and catalogue. Volunteers and Managers alike have to assess and evaluate huge amounts of contributions. Eclectic in nature and in many cases unique on the high street, all are given free, in the hope they will realise some much needed capital, so Cancer Research and other institutions can continue to carry out their good work.

Today I was sorting and pricing electrical goods, others were tagging clothing and many more were sorting through general donations. Around eighty percent of donations are sold in store and a well trained and focused work force continue to get the best prices they can. I myself give when I can. When I left for Spain in 2015, I gave most of my belongings away to the British Heart Foundation and when I returned to the UK last year, I donated the rest of my personal effects to 'Easy Horse Care,' a charity I used to work for in Gran Alacant. This Spanish trust, rescues horses and donkeys across the Valencia region of Spain; many are injured or mistreated and badly in need of care. I have never just thrown saleable items in the bin, I know from previous experience, just how important a gift to a charity can be.

Everyone has a personal cause to champion, one that is close to their heart, so I would encourage all of you to give something, as often as you can. I was amazed at the generosity shown by people as I opened sacks today, valuable, freshly laundered and neatly folded clothes. We are also given items we can't sell, things that really should have been disposed of and I would also stress the importance of vetting the items you give. No volunteer wants to sort through a black dustbin liner of soiled garments. We had a few such bags today and it can be stomach churning at times. Nevertheless everyday is like Christmas when you work in a charity shop, you never know just what you will find.

My boss Zerina wanted me to thank everyone for their continued support and pass on her best wishes to all those who read my blog, following our shop in Portsmouth. Writing about my charity work is an important aspect of my life; I know many of you who read 'Roaming Brit,' are also interested in this side of me. I would like to end this entry today, by asking you all to help Cancer Research in its work by donating what you can. Equally if you have some spare time, why not pop along and have a chat with Zerina, Jo or Sam and do some volunteering yourself; you wont be disappointed!

On Monday Jules and I was asked to make up one of the many mannequin's we currently have in the shop, in order to sell them. An odd thing for customers to buy, I hear you ask, but you would be surprised at the interest shown. If you want to purchase one of the mannequins please don't hesitate to contact Zerina or Jo at the shop in Commercial Road, Portsmouth. You wont be disappointed, and should have hours of fun with your chosen model, just like I did, in a fun filled few hours, dressing 'Tania' for her public debut!

It was my first day back at Cancer Research this Monday. I have been off for a couple of weeks, while I did some extra work at Tesco, during the busy Christmas period.

It really did feel like 'going home' when I got to work today; they wonderful, benevolent folk are always welcoming and a real pleasure to be with; I enjoy Mondays all the more, for being around like minded individuals, all working for the same goals!

I had a rather busy morning myself, sorting out the debris left over from the festive season, reorganising the shop, ready for a large donation of products, due any day. Removing the last vestiges of Christmas is always rather depressing, especially so early in January, but I have never enjoyed this month and took the challenge of 'dismantling Christmas' as a chance to renew and welcome in the New Year. Of course I am looking forward to another happy and successful twelve months, working with my team mates at Cancer Research and am always delighted to play my part, no matter how small it is!

IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!

...and finally...Our Jo, my Deputy Manager at Cancer Research is raising money for 'Dry January,' if you can spare a pound or two, click on the picture above to take you to Jo's fundraising page and donate what you can...Lets help make cancer history!